Back Country Camp#5

For our fellow Tennesseans who yearn for true solitude and an unadulterated connection with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of developed campgrounds, the backcountry campsites of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer an unparalleled experience. Among these hidden gems is Backcountry Camp #5. This isn't a place for RVs or casual car camping; it's a destination for dedicated backpackers and wilderness enthusiasts who embrace the challenge and reward of a primitive, Leave No Trace camping adventure. It's about disconnecting from the everyday and fully immersing yourself in the majestic landscapes that define our beloved Smoky Mountains. This article will provide essential insights for Tennessee locals considering a visit to this authentic wilderness campsite.

Backcountry Camp #5, located within the vast expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a truly primitive and immersive camping experience. These designated backcountry sites are designed for backpackers, requiring a hike in to reach them, setting them apart from frontcountry campgrounds with their car access. Specifically, Camp #5 is identified with the Rich Mountain area, often found off the Rich Mountain Trail. As with all backcountry sites in the Smokies, it's about minimalist camping: no showers, no electric hookups, just you and nature. The experience is characterized by quiet surroundings, the sounds of the forest, and the potential for wildlife sightings. It embodies the essence of wilderness camping, demanding self-reliance and adherence to strict regulations designed to protect the park's fragile ecosystem and ensure visitor safety, particularly concerning bears. This type of camping is for those who find peace in simplicity and adventure in the untamed beauty of Tennessee's iconic mountains.

Backcountry Camp #5 is situated within the vast wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its address broadly categorized as Tennessee 37882, USA. More specifically, public data indicates that Backcountry Campsite #5 is associated with Rich Mountain. It is typically found along the Rich Mountain Trail, approximately 100 yards from the intersection with the Indian Grave Gap Trail. This places it within the western side of the park, accessible from the Townsend or Cades Cove areas. The exact coordinates and detailed trail information are crucial for locating these sites accurately.

Accessibility to Backcountry Camp #5 is strictly by foot, as it is a primitive site located deep within the park's trail system. This means visitors must hike several miles to reach the campsite. The Rich Mountain Trail, which leads to Camp #5, is accessible from the Rich Mountain Road, which itself can be accessed near Cades Cove. Planning your route carefully is paramount, as trail conditions can vary, and elevation changes are common. Hikers must be prepared for varying terrain and weather. It's essential to consult detailed park maps and trail guides to understand the mileage, elevation gain, and difficulty level before embarking on your trip. Given its remote nature, there is no direct vehicular access to the campsite itself. All necessary gear, food, and water (or purification methods for natural sources) must be carried in. Remember to factor in the time needed for the hike, especially if arriving late in the day.

Services Offered (Primitive Backcountry Camping):

• Designated Campsite: Backcountry Camp #5 is a specific, marked site where camping is permitted, preventing random camping in the wilderness.
• Capacity: Campsite #5 typically has a limited capacity, often around 4 persons, though some backcountry sites can accommodate up to 8. Larger groups (over 8) usually require special permits and designated group sites.
• Bear Cables/Food Storage Systems: Essential for safe food storage, these systems are provided at backcountry campsites to hoist odorous items (food, trash, toiletries) out of reach of bears and other wildlife.
• Established Fire Rings: Fires are only permitted in designated fire rings at the campsite. Only dead and fallen wood found on the ground may be used.
• Water Source: Water is typically available from a nearby natural source (e.g., a small spring down a narrow valley from the site, or a creek), which must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before consumption.
• Tent Space: While primitive, there are usually cleared, relatively level areas suitable for pitching tents.
• Leave No Trace Principles: While not a "service," adherence to these principles is a mandatory expectation, including packing out all trash and burying human waste appropriately away from water sources.

Features / Highlights (for the backcountry experience):

• True Wilderness Immersion: Offers an authentic experience of being deep within the Great Smoky Mountains, away from developed areas and crowds.
• Seclusion and Quiet: Provides an opportunity for profound peace and solitude, with only the sounds of nature surrounding you.
• Proximity to Rich Mountain Trail: The campsite is located directly on a significant trail, offering further hiking opportunities.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Increased chances of observing native wildlife in their natural habitat (from a safe and respectful distance).
• Natural Beauty: Experience the untouched beauty of the Smoky Mountain forests, streams, and ridgelines.
• Physical Challenge and Reward: The hike-in aspect provides a rewarding physical challenge for backpackers.
• Bear Country Experience: Being in active bear habitat requires strict adherence to safety protocols, adding to the authentic wilderness feel (with the necessary precautions).
• Access to Rich Mountain Views: Depending on the specific location and surrounding foliage, the trail itself and nearby areas may offer glimpses of scenic mountain vistas.
• Sustainable Camping: Part of a system designed to protect the fragile backcountry environment, emphasizing minimal impact.

Contact Information:

Address: Tennessee 37882, USA (within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park backcountry)

Backcountry Information Office Phone: (865) 436-1297 (This is the primary number for general backcountry inquiries and is highly recommended for trip planning).

Backcountry Reservation Office Phone: (865) 436-1231 (For making reservations for specific backcountry campsites and shelters. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. Call daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time).

Website: National Park Service - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/backcountry-camping.htm) is the official resource for detailed information, regulations, and how to obtain permits and make reservations.

In conclusion, Backcountry Camp #5 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an ideal destination for Tennessee locals who are seasoned backpackers or those aspiring to a true wilderness camping adventure. It offers a profound opportunity to disconnect and immerse oneself in the stunning natural beauty of the Smokies, far from the conveniences and crowds of frontcountry campgrounds. While it demands preparation, self-reliance, and strict adherence to park regulations (especially concerning bear safety and Leave No Trace principles), the rewards are immense: unparalleled solitude, direct access to pristine hiking trails like Rich Mountain, and an intimate connection with the untouched wilderness.

For those seeking a challenging yet deeply rewarding experience, where the only sounds are those of the forest and the only light comes from the stars, Backcountry Camp #5 provides that authentic escape. It’s a chance to push your limits, find peace in the wild, and discover a different side of our beloved Tennessee mountains. Remember to plan meticulously, secure your permits and reservations well in advance, and pack responsibly to ensure a safe and unforgettable journey into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Back Country Camp#5

Tennessee 37882, USA