Backcountry Campsite #82










Backcountry Campsite #82 Overview
Rating
Address Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA
Website https://smokiespermits.nps.gov/index.cfm?BCPermitTypeID=1
Hours
Backcountry Campsite #82 Location & Map
North CarolinaSwain CountyRobbinsville
Backcountry Campsite #82 About
Hey there, North Carolina wilderness seekers and outdoor adventurers! If the thought of breathtaking views and an authentic natural experience excites you, and you understand that true wilderness comes with its own unique set of considerations, then you're in the right place. While North Carolina boasts a variety of campgrounds, some of the most memorable moments are found deep within our stunning backcountry. Today, we're focusing on one such spot: Backcountry Campsite #82, located in the pristine natural beauty near Robbinsville, NC.
This isn't a conventional campground with paved roads and amenities at every turn. Backcountry Campsite #82 offers a genuine wilderness immersion, designed for those who seek to disconnect from the daily grind and fully embrace the serene landscapes of the Tar Heel State. It promises a spectacular view and an unforgettable night under the stars, away from the typical crowds. For those of us in North Carolina who yearn for raw natural beauty and are prepared for a true outdoor experience, this campsite presents a unique opportunity.
Our aim with this article is to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Backcountry Campsite #82, specifically tailored for a local North Carolina audience. We'll highlight its stunning location, the essential considerations for camping there (especially regarding wildlife), its key features, and how to prepare for a safe and rewarding trip. We understand that a backcountry adventure requires thoughtful planning and a responsible approach to nature, and we're here to help you get ready for this incredible journey in North Carolina.
Location and Accessibility
Backcountry Campsite #82 is situated near Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA. As a "backcountry campsite," it is crucial to understand that this site is not accessible by vehicle. Reaching Campsite #82 requires a hike into the wilderness, offering an immersive experience for those prepared for the journey.
Robbinsville, NC, is nestled in the heart of Western North Carolina's mountainous region, often serving as a gateway to some of the most rugged and scenic parts of the state, including areas adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Nantahala National Forest. While the campsite itself is remote, its general proximity to Robbinsville means that adventurers can access essential services and last-minute supplies in town before heading out onto the trails.
Accessibility to backcountry campsites generally involves navigating designated hiking trails. The exact trail leading to Campsite #82 is not specified in the provided information, but the nature of a backcountry site means you will be walking in. This type of camping appeals to those who enjoy the challenge of a hike and the reward of a truly secluded natural setting. For North Carolinians familiar with the state's extensive trail systems, planning the route to Campsite #82 would involve consulting detailed trail maps and local ranger station information.
Importantly, the review mentions the option to "camp across the lake in the very nice campground (much less chance of encounter)" in relation to bears. This suggests that Campsite #82 might be located on or near a body of water, possibly Lake Santeetlah, and implies that a water crossing or proximity to the lake could be part of the access or setting. For those seeking true wilderness, the journey to Campsite #82 is an integral part of the adventure, leading to a reward of "wonderful view."
Services Offered
Backcountry Campsite #82, being a wilderness campsite, provides fundamental provisions for primitive camping while emphasizing the camper's responsibility for their own safety and minimal environmental impact. Unlike developed campgrounds, you won't find traditional amenities here. Based on the customer reviews, the primary "services" and considerations at this site include:
- Designated Campsite: It is an established "camp site," indicating a recognized area for setting up tents and for concentrated use, helping to protect the surrounding wilderness.
- Bear Country Awareness: The core "service" is the critical information regarding the presence of bears. The reviews explicitly state, "Yes, there are bears in the mountains and yes they are dangerous," and emphasize that "Your safety is your responsibility" and to "Be smart, be prepared, and just expect it." This is an invaluable, albeit indirect, service of preparedness and wildlife education.
- Self-Sufficiency Expected: Campers are expected to be fully self-sufficient. This means bringing all necessary gear, food, water purification methods, and waste management supplies. The review about bears eating people here serves as a stark reminder of the need for proper food storage (e.g., bear canisters or hanging food where allowed).
- Minimal Impact Facilities: There are no traditional restrooms, showers, or trash cans. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles, packing out all waste, and properly disposing of human waste away from water sources and trails.
- Park Ranger Guidance (Not Presence): The review notes that "Park Rangers are great," suggesting that information and guidance are available from them prior to a trip, but crucially, "they will not be there during a wildlife encounter." This reinforces the self-reliance aspect.
- Alternative Camping Option Advised: The mention of a "very nice campground across the lake (much less chance of encounter)" serves as a service by suggesting a less wildlife-intensive alternative for those uncomfortable with true bear country.
Essentially, the "services" are the designated space and the crucial environmental context that demands preparedness and responsible behavior from campers.
Features / Highlights
Backcountry Campsite #82 stands out for several defining features and highlights, most notably its natural beauty and the wilderness challenge it presents.
- "Wonderful View": This is a primary highlight, indicating that the effort to reach the campsite is rewarded with spectacular scenery. For many North Carolina outdoor enthusiasts, a stunning view is the ultimate prize of a backcountry trip.
- True Wilderness Experience: Located in the backcountry near Robbinsville, this campsite offers a genuine escape from civilization, providing an immersive experience in nature without typical campground amenities.
- Designated Campsite: As an established "camp site," it provides a recognized spot for pitching tents, helping to concentrate human impact and preserve the surrounding environment.
- Bear Country Immersion: While a challenge, the presence of bears and the emphasis on preparedness ("Be smart, be prepared, and just expect it") is a unique feature that appeals to experienced wilderness adventurers who understand and respect wildlife. It offers an authentic encounter with the wild.
- "Great for Kids" (with proper preparedness): Despite being in bear country, one review surprisingly notes it's "great for kids." This suggests that with responsible adult supervision, thorough preparation, and adherence to bear safety protocols, families can also enjoy this unique backcountry setting. This highlights its potential for educational and memorable family adventures in nature.
- Secluded Environment: Backcountry sites by nature offer solitude, allowing campers to truly disconnect and enjoy the peace and quiet of the North Carolina wilderness.
These features collectively make Campsite #82 a compelling destination for those North Carolina locals seeking both beauty and a responsible wilderness challenge.
Promotions or Special Offers
As a designated backcountry campsite within a wilderness area near Robbinsville, NC, Backcountry Campsite #82 does not offer traditional promotions or special offers in the way a commercial campground or recreational business would. Wilderness campsites, especially those managed by government agencies (like the National Park Service or Forest Service), typically operate on a fixed fee, permit, or reservation system, if any cost is involved at all. Their primary purpose is conservation and providing access to natural spaces for responsible recreation, not commercial incentives.
Therefore, you will not find "seasonal discounts," "buy one night, get one free" deals, or "package offers" for Backcountry Campsite #82. Any costs associated with using such a site would typically be a minimal reservation fee, if a reservation system is in place for that specific trail segment, or simply the cost of necessary permits for the broader wilderness area. Information regarding any required fees and permits would be available through the managing authority's official website or through ranger stations, which hikers would consult as part of their comprehensive trip planning.
Instead of monetary promotions, the "offer" at Campsite #82 is the unparalleled experience itself: the "wonderful view," the profound solitude of the wilderness, and the unique challenge of camping responsibly in bear country. These are the inherent rewards for those North Carolina locals who are prepared and choose to embark on this type of authentic backcountry adventure. Any "specials" would more likely come in the form of vital updates on trail conditions, bear activity warnings, or changes in permit requirements, which are crucial for safety and planning, rather than financial incentives.
Contact Information
Given that Backcountry Campsite #82 is a wilderness campsite located near Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA, there isn't a direct "contact information" like a dedicated phone number or email specifically for the campsite itself. Backcountry campsites are typically managed as part of a larger wilderness area, national park, or national forest by a government agency.
To obtain specific information about Backcountry Campsite #82, including any required permits, current trail conditions, specific regulations (especially regarding bear safety and food storage), or safety alerts, you would need to contact the relevant managing authority for the area around Robbinsville. For this region of Western North Carolina, this would most likely involve:
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (if the campsite falls within its boundaries or an adjacent area it manages).
- The Nantahala National Forest (if it is within this forest's jurisdiction).
- Potentially the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (if the campsite is on or directly adjacent to the Appalachian Trail and managed in partnership).
You would typically find their official contact information (phone numbers for ranger stations, visitor centers, or park/forest headquarters, and official websites) through a general online search for the specific wilderness area or national park/forest in Western North Carolina near Robbinsville. These official sources will provide the most accurate and up-to-date details essential for planning a safe and responsible backcountry trip to Campsite #82. Always consult these official resources before embarking on your adventure.
Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
For North Carolina locals who are seasoned adventurers and understand the nuances of wilderness camping, Backcountry Campsite #82 near Robbinsville offers an unparalleled and highly rewarding experience. This site is not for the faint of heart or the unprepared; it's designed for those who truly embrace the wild and take personal responsibility for their safety. Its suitability for locals stems directly from its authentic wilderness character and the unique challenges it presents.
The "wonderful view" is a significant draw, promising a breathtaking reward for the effort expended to reach the site. For North Carolinians who relish earning their views and disconnecting from the urban landscape, this campsite provides precisely that opportunity. The frank acknowledgement of bears ("Yes, there are bears in the mountains and yes they are dangerous. Your safety is your responsibility. Be smart, be prepared, and just expect it.") is not a deterrent for the prepared, but rather a call to engage with nature responsibly and respectfully. This level of realism appeals to seasoned local campers who prioritize safety through knowledge and preparation.
Furthermore, the surprising "great for kids" comment, when read in context with the bear warnings, suggests that for highly prepared and responsible families, this campsite offers a unique educational and bonding experience in the wild. It underscores the importance of teaching wilderness safety from a young age, turning potential challenges into valuable lessons.
In essence, Backcountry Campsite #82 is ideal for North Carolinians who: are experienced in backcountry camping, understand and practice bear safety protocols, seek profound solitude and stunning natural beauty, and are willing to take full responsibility for their own well-being in the wilderness. It provides an authentic, challenging, and incredibly rewarding outdoor adventure, embodying the rugged spirit of North Carolina's majestic mountains. For those who find comfort in the wild, this campsite is a truly iconic spot to experience.
Customer Reviews
Its a great camp site. Yes, there are bears in the mountains and yes they are dangerous. You are responsible for your own safety while in bear country. Be smart, be prepared, and just expect it. Park Rangers are great, but they will not be there during a wildlife encounter. Your safety is your responsibility. If that is alarming to you, I would camp across the lake in the very nice campground (much less chance of encounter.)
Bears are known to eat people here. Wonderful view. As the map says “great for kids” 👍
a guy got eaten by a bear here. be cautious
Beautiful.
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