Backcountry Campsite #66

For North Carolina's most intrepid adventurers and those who truly seek to go "off the beaten path," Backcountry Campsite #66 on the Noland Creek Trail near Bryson City, NC, presents an unparalleled wilderness challenge and reward. This is not your average campground; it's a secluded gem for experienced backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts who are ready to embrace the wild, often requiring creative access to reach its pristine location within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park region. It's the kind of place many people don't even know about, promising an authentic and undisturbed encounter with nature.

Backcountry Campsite #66 is designed for those who thrive on self-sufficiency and the quiet grandeur of untouched landscapes. Imagine a campsite where the sounds of the forest and creek are your only companions, and the beauty of the natural environment is your primary entertainment. While its accessibility can be challenging, particularly during summer months when boat access might be necessary due to high water levels, this very challenge contributes to its unique appeal and the profound sense of accomplishment felt by those who reach it. It’s a place where you truly earn your solitude and the breathtaking views that accompany it.

Our commitment to preserving such precious wilderness areas means that visitors to Campsite #66 are expected to uphold the highest standards of Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that this "awesome" spot remains pristine for future generations. For locals in North Carolina seeking a genuinely rugged and rewarding outdoor experience, far from the crowds, Backcountry Campsite #66 offers a powerful invitation to explore the deeper, wilder heart of their state's magnificent natural heritage.

Backcountry Campsite #66 is located along the Noland Creek Trail in Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. This places it deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an area celebrated for its vast, undeveloped wilderness and stunning natural beauty. The reference to "Colton creek" and "Fontana lake" indicates its position within a network of waterways that are subject to fluctuating water levels, particularly in relation to Fontana Lake. This geographical setting defines the adventurous nature of accessing the campsite.

The accessibility of Backcountry Campsite #66 is notably challenging and varies with the seasons. It's described as being "off the beaten path," with "not even a big sign but a vacant parking area with a small wooden sign just down from parking area...leading into the woods..." indicating a more subtle, less-developed trailhead. Crucially, during "summer months, it is only accessible by boat, unless you’re ok with walking through waist high water." This highlights the significant role of Fontana Lake's water levels in determining access methods. For North Carolinians planning a trip, this means being prepared for either a potentially wet hike or arranging boat access across Fontana Lake. Once there, the terrain at the campsite itself is noted as having a "significant slope with only a couple of small semi-level spots for tents," requiring campers to be adaptable and resourceful. Despite these challenges, its remote nature ensures a truly secluded experience, making the journey part of the adventure for those seeking profound wilderness immersion.

As a primitive backcountry campsite within a national park, Backcountry Campsite #66 offers very basic services, emphasizing self-reliance and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. There are no developed facilities or modern conveniences. The provisions are solely those that facilitate a safe and environmentally responsible wilderness stay.

• Designated Campsite Area: While the terrain is sloped, there are "only a couple of small semi-level spots for tents," indicating designated areas where camping is permitted to minimize environmental impact.
• Access to Natural Water Source: Being near "Colton Creek" (implied by the review mentioning it), and in a watershed connected to Fontana Lake, suggests natural water sources are nearby. Campers must always filter, boil, or chemically treat all water from natural sources before consumption.
• No Developed Facilities: Visitors should expect no restrooms, running water, electricity, trash receptacles, or other modern amenities. Campers must be prepared for digging catholes for human waste following Leave No Trace guidelines, and packing out all trash.
• Emphasis on Self-Sufficiency: This site requires campers to bring all necessary gear, food, and knowledge for wilderness survival and responsible camping.
• Remote and Secluded: The lack of a major sign and challenging access ensures a high degree of privacy and solitude, making it ideal for those seeking to escape crowds.

Backcountry Campsite #66 offers a unique set of features and highlights that appeal specifically to those seeking a true wilderness adventure in North Carolina.

• Extreme Seclusion: Described as "off the beaten path" and a place "most people don't even know about," this campsite provides an unparalleled level of privacy and solitude, ideal for escaping crowds.
• Unique Access Challenge: The varying accessibility based on Fontana Lake's water levels (requiring boat access or wading through "waist high water" in summer) adds an adventurous element, ensuring that those who reach it truly earn the experience.
• Pristine Natural Environment: Being deep within the Great Smoky Mountains, near "Colton Creek," the campsite offers stunning, untouched natural beauty, free from commercial development. The sight of "what you will find" when "Fontana lake is gone" suggests a raw, awesome landscape.
• Authentic Backcountry Experience: This site caters to experienced backpackers who appreciate a truly primitive setting, relying on their skills and gear for survival.
• Rewarding Sense of Accomplishment: The effort required to reach and camp at Site #66 contributes to a strong feeling of achievement and a deeper connection with the wilderness.
• Minimal Impact Camping: The natural challenges and lack of developed amenities encourage strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles, preserving the site's beauty.
• Raw Beauty of a Drained Lakebed: The intriguing mention of "When Fontana lake is gone, this is what you will find. Awesome!" hints at the dramatic landscape changes due to water levels, offering a unique visual experience.

As a primitive backcountry campsite managed within a national park (Great Smoky Mountains National Park) or a similar federal land agency, Backcountry Campsite #66 does not offer commercial "promotions or special offers" in the traditional sense. Its pricing, if any, would be a nominal permit fee set by the managing agency to support wilderness conservation and management.

The true "promotion" for Backcountry Campsite #66 lies in its unique value proposition: the opportunity for an authentic, challenging, and profoundly secluded wilderness experience in one of North Carolina's most iconic natural areas. The "special offer" is the rare chance to witness raw, untouched landscapes, often accessible only to those willing to embark on a true adventure, all at a minimal cost compared to commercial recreational alternatives. Prospective campers should always consult the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or the relevant managing federal land agency for the most current information regarding permit requirements, fees, regulations (including water levels, bear safety, and Leave No Trace principles), and any necessary reservations. The unparalleled solitude and rugged beauty are its most compelling incentives.

For Backcountry Campsite #66, being a primitive wilderness site, there is no direct phone number or staffed office at the campsite location itself. The address provided, Noland Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA, indicates its broad geographical location within the vast wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding permits, regulations, trail conditions, or to plan your trip to Backcountry Campsite #66, you should always refer to the official resources of the managing authority, which is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Relevant contact information and resources would typically include:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information: Visit their official website for comprehensive details on backcountry permits, reservation systems (if applicable), safety guidelines, and current alerts, especially concerning water levels and trail accessibility. This is the primary source for planning.
• Park Headquarters or Visitor Centers: While not directly managing individual campsites, park visitor centers can provide general park information, maps, and guidance on backcountry policies. You can find general contact numbers and operating hours for these facilities on the National Park Service website for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Always plan thoroughly, inform someone of your itinerary, and be prepared for challenging conditions, especially given the variable water levels and sloped terrain, when heading to a remote site like Backcountry Campsite #66.

Backcountry Campsite #66 is exceptionally suitable for locals in North Carolina who are seasoned outdoor adventurers and genuinely seek to push beyond the typical camping experience. Its designation as a truly "off the beaten path" location means it offers an unparalleled level of solitude and immersion in the untouched wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains. For residents who thrive on challenges, the variable access (requiring either a hike through potentially waist-high water or boat access depending on Fontana Lake's levels) becomes part of the rewarding adventure, leading to a profound sense of accomplishment.

While the terrain is noted for its slope, the very nature of this primitive site fosters adaptability and resilience, qualities often sought by dedicated backpackers. The opportunity to witness the dramatic landscape exposed when "Fontana lake is gone" near "Colton Creek" offers a unique and "awesome" perspective on North Carolina's natural cycles. For North Carolinians who prioritize raw natural beauty, a deep connection with the wild, and a camping experience that truly tests their outdoor skills, Backcountry Campsite #66 provides an unmissable opportunity to explore the untamed heart of their home state, far from the crowds and distractions of modern life.