Backcountry Campsite #68

For North Carolinians seeking the ultimate wilderness challenge and a truly unforgettable experience deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Campsite #68, also known as "Steeltrap," presents a formidable yet immensely rewarding opportunity. This is not a casual car camping spot; it is a rigorous backcountry destination designed for seasoned hikers and backpackers who are well-equipped and eager to test their mettle against steep terrain, technical water crossings, and the raw beauty of an ancient forest. Despite the demands, the overwhelming consensus from those who have ventured here is that the effort is "well worth the endeavor."

Bryson City, NC, serves as a vital gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering a blend of small-town charm and essential resources for outdoor adventurers. Within this iconic national park, backcountry campsites like Steeltrap provide designated, primitive locations for overnight stays, allowing hikers to immerse themselves fully in the wild. This particular campsite is accessed via a demanding trail from the renowned Clingmans Dome parking area, highlighting its remote and challenging nature. It's a place where the sounds of civilization fade, replaced by the rush of waterfalls and the rustling of leaves, fostering a profound connection with nature's grandeur.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and rigorously factual overview of Backcountry Campsite #68 (Steeltrap), drawing heavily from the vivid and detailed firsthand accounts of past visitors. We will delve into its challenging location and accessibility, outline the crucial services likely offered (or not offered), and highlight the unique features that make it such a compelling, albeit demanding, choice for adventurous local North Carolinians. It’s imperative for prospective campers to understand that a trip to Steeltrap requires significant preparation, physical conditioning, and a deep respect for Leave No Trace principles, promising an experience that will challenge, inspire, and reward in equal measure.

The essence of Backcountry Campsite #68 lies in its demanding nature, which, for the right adventurer, transforms into its greatest appeal. It is a testament to the fact that some of the most breathtaking beauty and profound experiences in North Carolina's wilderness are found at the end of the most challenging trails.

Backcountry Campsite #68, also known as "Steeltrap," is located near Bryson City, NC 28713, USA, deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Its access point is specifically from the Clingmans Dome parking area, a popular and high-elevation landmark within the park. This location immediately signals a challenging, high-altitude backcountry experience.

Accessibility to Campsite #68 is exclusively by foot, requiring a significant and demanding hike. The reviews provide critical details regarding this challenging trek:

• Trail Length: The campsite is "3.1 miles from the Clingman's Dome parking area," making the round trip 6.2 miles. This is a substantial distance for a backcountry hike, especially given the terrain.
• Extreme Steepness: Reviewers consistently highlight the trail's steepness, particularly the "first mile hiking back up gains 1000 ft." The descent to the campsite is described as "very steep" and the climb back out as a "rigorous challenge," requiring campers to "work hard to escape the wilderness."
• Wet and Overgrown Conditions: The trail is noted as "very wet and overgrown," with "dozens of seeps across the trail that make the rocks slippery." This necessitates appropriate gear like "waterproof breathable boots" and careful footing.
• Technical Water Crossings: A key challenge is "one very technical, slippery crossing over huge 60 foot boulders and rapid current," located just "0.3 mile above the upper section of campsite 68." This indicates a high level of difficulty and requires hikers to be "well equipped and well conditioned."

Despite these challenges, the location offers incredible natural features:

• Biodiversity: The "flora changes constantly and represents amazing biodiversity" along the trail, making the challenging hike visually rewarding.
• Water Sources: There are "great sources of water just past the one mile mark (going back up)" from camp, allowing for strategic water carrying. The campsite itself also has a "200 foot sliding waterfall" nearby, suggesting direct access to a natural water source (requiring purification).
• Historical Interest: The area is "littered with railroad debris," offering an "interesting" historical element to discover during the hike.

The overall accessibility points to a serious backcountry commitment. For North Carolinians, this means a rigorous but ultimately rewarding journey into one of the most wild and beautiful parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It demands careful planning, appropriate gear, and a high level of physical fitness.

Backcountry Campsite #68 (Steeltrap), being a primitive backcountry site within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a very limited and rustic set of services. Campers visiting this site must be entirely self-sufficient, prepared to carry in all necessities and adhere strictly to "Leave No Trace" principles. Modern amenities common at developed campgrounds are entirely absent.

Based on the detailed reviews, the following "services" and features are available:

• Designated Campsite Areas: The camp has "two sections separated by .3 mile," providing distinct areas for camping. Within these sections, there are "level campsites," ensuring relatively flat ground for pitching tents after a demanding hike. The reviewer also notes "Plenty of room for up to 3-4 tents" at the site they used, implying generous space.
• Fire Pit Areas: Both sections of the campsite have "fire pit areas," allowing for contained campfires (when regulations permit and fire danger is low). This is a valuable amenity for cooking, warmth, and ambiance in a primitive setting. Campers should only use dead and downed wood found on the ground.
• Anti-Bear Food Hanging Rigs: A crucial safety service, both sections have "anti-bear food hanging rigs." This means designated poles or cables are provided for campers to safely hang their food and scented items away from bears, a vital requirement in bear country. This eliminates the need for campers to bring their own hanging ropes or canisters (though canisters are still a good option if preferred).
• Access to Natural Water Sources: Reviewers mention "great sources of water just past the one mile mark (going back up)" from camp, and the campsite itself features a "200 foot sliding waterfall." This indicates multiple natural water sources are available nearby. However, this water is untreated and must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption. There are no spigots or potable water pumps.

What is explicitly not offered or should not be expected at Backcountry Campsite #68:

• No Potable (Treated) Water.
• No Developed Restrooms or Showers: Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal, burying it in a cathole at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.
• No Picnic Tables or Other Furniture: Campers must bring all their own seating and cooking surfaces.
• No Electricity or Wi-Fi: The camp is completely off-grid.
• No Trash Receptacles: All trash must be packed out by the camper.
• No On-Site Staff: There are no park rangers or campground hosts stationed directly at the backcountry site.

The services at Steeltrap are tailored for experienced backpackers, providing essential safety features (bear rigs, fire pits) while demanding full self-reliance for all other needs.

Backcountry Campsite #68 (Steeltrap) offers an array of compelling features and highlights that, despite its demanding nature, make it an incredibly sought-after destination for the right type of North Carolina adventurer:

• Exceptional Seclusion and Privacy: With two separate sections, the upper boasting a "gorgeous setting amidst lush foliage," and ample space, the campsite provides deep immersion in the wilderness. This makes it ideal for those truly seeking solitude away from crowds, a rare and valuable commodity.
• Proximity to a Sliding Waterfall: The presence of a "200 foot sliding waterfall" at the upper area of the campsite is a breathtaking natural highlight. This offers both a scenic backdrop and a natural water source (requiring purification), enhancing the beauty and functionality of the camp.
• Anti-Bear Food Hanging Rigs: This crucial safety feature at both sections of the camp provides peace of mind and convenience for campers in bear country. It means visitors don't have to carry extra equipment for hanging food or spend time setting up their own, making bear-safe food storage much easier.
• Rich Biodiversity and Flora: The hike to and from the campsite is described as having "amazing biodiversity" and constantly changing "flora," turning the challenging trek into a visually stunning journey through diverse ecosystems. This offers a constant sensory reward for nature lovers.
• Historical Railroad Debris: The unique presence of "railroad debris" scattered in the area adds an interesting historical dimension to the wilderness experience, offering a glimpse into the region's past and providing unexpected points of interest during exploration.
• Rigorous Challenge and Reward: For well-conditioned and equipped hikers, the "very steep, and treacherous with rocks and water crossings" trail is a significant highlight. The effort involved makes the beauty and solitude of the campsite feel truly earned and creates a profound sense of accomplishment upon completion. It's a true test of backcountry skills.
• Reliable Water Sources: The mention of "great sources of water just past the one mile mark" (on the way out) and the on-site waterfall provide reliable natural water access, a critical feature for any backcountry camp (always remember to purify).

These features collectively create an unparalleled wilderness experience, attracting those who are not deterred by difficulty but are instead drawn to the profound beauty and challenging nature of the Great Smoky Mountains.

As Backcountry Campsite #68 (Steeltrap) is a designated primitive campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a federal entity managed by the National Park Service (NPS), it does not offer "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense, such as discounts, loyalty programs, or seasonal sales. The pricing for backcountry permits is standard and set by the NPS.

Any costs associated with staying at Backcountry Campsite #68 involve:

• Backcountry Permit Fee: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires permits for all backcountry overnight stays. There is a fee of $8 per person, per night, with a maximum of $40 per person per permit (for up to 8 days/7 nights). This fee is standard and not subject to typical promotional discounts.
• Parking Tag: As of March 1, 2023, a parking tag is required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes anywhere within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. These tags cost $5 daily, $15 weekly, or $40 annually. This is a necessary cost for accessing the Clingmans Dome trailhead, which leads to Camp 68.

While there are no specific promotions for Backcountry Campsite #68, North Carolinians who possess certain federal passes may qualify for benefits applicable to other federal recreation sites. For example, America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series (including Annual, Senior, Access, Military Passes) generally provide discounts on entrance fees at some parks, but the backcountry permit fees in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are usually flat and apply per person or per group. It is essential to confirm the current permit requirements and fees directly with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or through the official Recreation.gov website.

Therefore, for North Carolina locals, the "special offer" of Backcountry Campsite #68 is its inherent value as an incredibly secluded, challenging, and rewarding primitive campsite within a world-renowned national park, accessed through a straightforward permit system. The value is in the unparalleled wilderness experience itself, not in monetary discounts.

As Backcountry Campsite #68 (Steeltrap) is a remote, primitive campsite located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it does not have its own direct phone number or dedicated contact office. All inquiries and permit reservations for backcountry camping in the park are centrally managed by the National Park Service.

Campsite Address (General Area):
Bryson City, NC 28713, USA (accessed via Clingmans Dome parking area)

For detailed information, permit requirements, current trail conditions (which are crucial for this challenging site), water source updates, and to make reservations for Backcountry Campsite #68, North Carolina residents should contact or utilize the official resources for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park General Information Line: (865) 436-1200
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office: (865) 436-1297 (This is the most relevant contact for specific questions about backcountry campsites, permits, regulations, and conditions, especially for a site as demanding as #68.)
• Official Online Reservation System: All backcountry permits for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are reserved through Recreation.gov. This is the primary and highly recommended method for securing your spot at Backcountry Campsite #68.
• Park Headquarters Address (for official correspondence, not a direct camp contact):
  107 Park Headquarters Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
• Visitor Centers (Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee/Bryson City): These centers can provide in-person assistance, maps, and up-to-date information upon arrival. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is located at 1194 Newfound Gap Highway, Cherokee, NC 28719.

It is emphatically advised for any North Carolina local planning a trip to Backcountry Campsite #68 to thoroughly research the park's backcountry regulations, review detailed topographic maps, assess their physical conditioning, and make reservations well in advance. Given the demanding nature of the hike and water crossings, being fully prepared is paramount for a safe and successful wilderness experience.

For North Carolinians who possess an adventurous spirit, a high level of physical conditioning, and a profound appreciation for the raw, untamed beauty of the Appalachian wilderness, Backcountry Campsite #68 (Steeltrap) near Bryson City offers an exceptionally suitable and immensely rewarding experience. This site is not for the casual camper; it is a true test of backcountry skills and a gateway to some of the most breathtaking and secluded natural wonders within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Its primary suitability lies in the unique combination of challenging accessibility and the immense natural payoff. While the hike is undeniably "very steep, and treacherous with rocks and water crossings," the reward is a "breathtakingly beautiful trip" through constantly changing "amazing biodiversity." For local hikers seeking to push their limits and earn their solitude, the difficulty is part of the allure, culminating in a campsite that is "well worth the effort." This provides a deep sense of accomplishment that car camping simply cannot replicate.

Furthermore, the campsite itself offers essential features for a primitive but comfortable stay, including level tent sites, designated fire pits, and, crucially, "anti-bear food hanging rigs." These amenities, combined with reliable natural water sources (requiring purification), allow for a focused and responsible wilderness experience. The historical "railroad debris" scattered about also adds a fascinating, unexpected layer of discovery, connecting modern adventurers to the past.

Backcountry Campsite #68 is ideal for those who truly wish to disconnect from modern distractions and immerse themselves fully in nature. It's a place where the sounds of civilization are replaced by the rush of a "200 foot sliding waterfall" and the quiet rustle of the forest. For North Carolinians ready to equip themselves properly, condition their bodies, and embrace the challenge, Steeltrap promises an unforgettable, deeply personal encounter with the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains—a testament to the fact that the most incredible experiences often lie just beyond the most demanding paths.