Backcountry Camp 02

Welcome to Backcountry Camp 02, a true gem for backpackers and wilderness enthusiasts located deep within the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Tallassee, Tennessee. For Tennessee locals yearning for a genuine escape into the wild, this primitive campsite offers an authentic and immersive experience away from the bustling frontcountry areas. Designed for those who appreciate simplicity and self-reliance, Camp 02 provides essential amenities in a serene, natural setting, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful night under the stars. This article will guide you through what makes Backcountry Camp 02 a compelling choice for residents of the Volunteer State, detailing its remote location, the basic services it provides, its unique features, and why it's perfectly suited for your next wilderness adventure in the Smokies.

Backcountry Camp 02 is well-regarded as a "nice little campsite," specifically designed for smaller groups with a "capacity of 4." This intimate setting ensures a peaceful experience, allowing campers to truly connect with their surroundings without the crowds often found in more developed campgrounds. Visitors appreciate the presence of a "fire ring," providing a designated and safe spot for campfires (where allowed, adhering to park regulations for dead and down wood). A crucial amenity for backcountry camping in bear country is the inclusion of "4 hooks on the bear line," emphasizing the park's commitment to wildlife safety and responsible food storage.

The campsite's proximity to water is another significant highlight, with the "15ft wide creek" offering "distant white noise" and being "about a 50 yard walk" away. This consistent water source (which always needs to be filtered or treated) is invaluable for backpackers. Access to Camp 02 is described as "just a touch over 4 easy miles from hiker parking at Abrams Creek campground," suggesting a manageable hike for many, even with gear. Furthermore, the trail leading to it boasts "tons of water along the way," providing ample opportunities to refill. This combination of essential amenities, a tranquil setting, and reasonable accessibility makes Backcountry Camp 02 a highly desirable spot for those seeking a genuine and memorable primitive camping experience in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Backcountry Camp 02 is nestled along the Cane Creek Trail, with its general address given as Cane Creek Trail, Tallassee, TN 37878, USA. This places it deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, specifically in the Cades Cove District. For Tennessee residents, reaching the trailhead typically involves driving to the Abrams Creek Campground area, which serves as the primary access point for hikers heading to Camp 02.

The accessibility of this backcountry site is crucial for planning. As a backcountry camp, it is not accessible by vehicle; visitors must hike in. The popular starting point is the hiker parking area at Abrams Creek Campground. From there, it's approximately "just a touch over 4 easy miles" to reach Camp 02. This relatively moderate distance makes it suitable for backpackers with varying levels of experience, though carrying all necessary gear for primitive camping is essential. The Cane Creek Trail itself is described as one of the "easiest Smoky Mountain trails to hike," making the journey less strenuous than some other backcountry routes. Hikers will follow sections of the Cooper Road Trail before turning onto Cane Creek Trail. It's important to remember that all backcountry camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservation, which can be obtained through the park's backcountry office or online. This controlled access helps preserve the wilderness experience and manage usage. The journey to Camp 02, while requiring physical effort, promises stunning natural beauty and a true sense of escape.

As a primitive backcountry campsite within a National Park, Backcountry Camp 02 offers essential, minimalist services designed for self-sufficient campers:

• Designated Campsite: Camping is only permitted at designated sites like Camp 02 to minimize environmental impact and manage usage.
• Fire Ring: The site is equipped with "one fire ring," allowing for contained campfires using dead and down wood found in the park (or certified heat-treated firewood brought in), adhering to park regulations.
• Bear Cable System: A critical safety feature, the campsite provides "4 hooks on the bear line" for hanging all odorous items (food, trash, toiletries, etc.) to prevent bear encounters. This is standard and mandatory for backcountry camping in the Smokies.
• Water Source (Creek): Proximity to "Cane Creek" provides a natural water source. However, it is imperative that all water from the creek be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption.
• Capacity Limit: The site has a strict "capacity of 4" persons, ensuring a less crowded and more intimate wilderness experience.
• Permit Required: An essential service/requirement is the mandatory backcountry permit and reservation, obtained through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Office, which ensures controlled access and vital safety information.

Backcountry Camp 02 is distinguished by several key features and highlights that appeal to true wilderness lovers:

• Authentic Primitive Camping: This site offers a genuine, unplugged backpacking experience, free from modern amenities like electricity or flush toilets, allowing for a deep immersion in nature.
• Serene Creek Proximity: The presence of Cane Creek nearby provides not only a vital water source but also the soothing "distant white noise" of flowing water, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere.
• Manageable Hike In: Located "just a touch over 4 easy miles from hiker parking at Abrams Creek campground," it's accessible for many hikers, including those newer to backpacking, making it a good entry point for backcountry exploration.
• Wildlife Observation Opportunities: Being deep in the backcountry, campers have increased chances of observing local wildlife in their natural habitat (always from a safe distance and respecting park regulations).
• "Leave No Trace" Ethos: The design and regulations of such a site encourage strict adherence to "Leave No Trace" principles, promoting responsible outdoor recreation and preservation of the pristine environment.
• Gateway to Further Exploration: From Camp 02, experienced backpackers can potentially connect to other trails within the vast network of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, allowing for extended multi-day trips.
• Solitude and Quiet: Its limited capacity and remote location ensure a high degree of solitude and quiet, perfect for those seeking a true escape from noise and crowds.

For all inquiries regarding Backcountry Camp 02, including mandatory permits and reservations, please contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office:

Address: Cane Creek Trail, Tallassee, TN 37878, USA (This is the trail access area; the specific office is off-site).

Phone: (865) 436-1297 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-1297 (This is the same direct line for the Backcountry Office).

Reservations are typically made via Recreation.gov or by calling the Backcountry Information Office.

Backcountry Camp 02 is an ideal choice for locals in Tennessee who are seeking an authentic, primitive camping and backpacking experience within one of the nation's most cherished natural treasures. For Tennesseans, having this incredible wilderness literally in their backyard is a significant advantage, offering an accessible escape that feels truly remote. Its relatively moderate distance from the Abrams Creek trailhead (just over 4 miles) makes it achievable for a range of fitness levels, serving as an excellent introduction to backcountry camping for those who might be new to it, while still providing the solitude sought by experienced backpackers.

The site's primitive nature, combined with essential features like a fire ring and, crucially, a bear cable system, ensures a genuine wilderness experience that prioritizes safety and environmental responsibility. The soothing sounds of Cane Creek nearby and the abundant water sources along the trail enhance the overall sense of immersion in nature. For those who appreciate disconnecting from technology and urban noise, Camp 02 offers a profound sense of peace and quiet. It's a place where you can truly appreciate the sounds of the forest, stargaze without light pollution, and feel a deep connection to the wild heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. For any Tennessee resident ready to embrace the simplicity and beauty of true wilderness, Backcountry Camp 02 promises an unforgettable adventure and a chance to recharge in nature's purest form.

Backcountry Camp 02

Cane Creek Trail, Tallassee, TN 37878, USA