Backcountry Camp 12

For Tennessee locals seeking an authentic and immersive wilderness experience, Backcountry Camp 12 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a compelling opportunity to truly disconnect and embrace the beauty of nature. Unlike traditional campgrounds with car access, Backcountry Camp 12 is a primitive campsite located along the renowned Gregory Ridge Trail, a challenging yet rewarding path leading towards the stunning Gregory Bald. This site is not for the casual camper but is designed for experienced hikers and backpackers ready to earn their solitude amidst the majestic Smokies.

Backcountry Camp 12 provides a fundamental and unadorned camping experience. It’s about the raw beauty of the forest, the soothing sounds of a nearby creek, and the quiet satisfaction of reaching a secluded spot by foot. Visitors consistently highlight its utility as a resting point on longer treks, praising its practical features necessary for a wilderness overnight stay. If you’re a Tennessee adventurer looking to push your limits on the trail and enjoy the profound peace that only true backcountry can offer, this campsite is a gateway to an unforgettable Smoky Mountains adventure right in your own backyard.

Backcountry Camp 12 is situated along the Gregory Ridge Trail, approximately two miles from its trailhead, which is located at the end of Forge Creek Road near Townsend, TN 37882, USA. To reach the trailhead, you'll first need to navigate to Cades Cove within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From the Townsend "Y" intersection, you travel west on Laurel Creek Road towards Cades Cove. After about 7.5 miles, you'll reach the start of the one-way Cades Cove Loop Road. Continue along the Loop Road for roughly 5.5 miles until you pass the Cades Cove Visitor Center. Just beyond this point, the loop road makes a sharp left turn, but you will continue straight onto the gravel Forge Creek Road. Drive approximately 2.2 miles on Forge Creek Road until it dead-ends into a small cul-de-sac and parking area, which marks the Gregory Ridge Trailhead.

From the trailhead, Backcountry Camp 12 is accessible by hiking approximately two miles into the wilderness along the Gregory Ridge Trail. This trail is classified as strenuous due to significant elevation gains, particularly after the campsite, and is generally recommended for experienced adventurers. The initial section leading to Campsite 12 involves crossing three footbridges over Forge Creek, providing a scenic and relatively less strenuous start before the more demanding ascent begins. Parking at the trailhead can be limited, especially after 10 AM during peak seasons, so an early start is often advisable. While the journey requires physical exertion, the reward is a truly secluded and natural camping experience, far removed from the accessibility of roadside campgrounds.

Given its backcountry nature, direct vehicular access to Backcountry Camp 12 is not available; it is strictly a hike-in campsite. This ensures a level of tranquility and immersion in nature that is hard to find elsewhere. For Tennessee locals passionate about backpacking and wilderness exploration, the accessibility of the trailhead within a manageable drive makes this an ideal destination for multi-day hiking trips in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Services Offered:

• Designated primitive camping area.
• Level sites suitable for setting up tents.
• Access to a reliable water source (Forge Creek is nearby, though water treatment is essential).
• Bear cables (or a similar system) for hanging food, crucial for bear country safety.
• Fire rings are typically present, though their condition and visibility may vary.

Features / Highlights:

• Authentic wilderness camping experience within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Located on the scenic Gregory Ridge Trail, offering a true hiking and backpacking adventure.
• Proximity to Forge Creek, providing a natural water source and the soothing sound of flowing water.
• Offers a quiet resting spot for those undertaking the strenuous hike to Gregory Bald or other longer treks.
• Provides a designated, relatively flat area for setting up camp, an important feature in rugged terrain.
• Enables responsible food storage with bear cables, critical for safety in a national park known for its bear population.
• Surrounded by beautiful forest, including old-growth sections, with opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
• The journey to the campsite includes crossing charming footbridges over Forge Creek.

Contact Information:

Address: Gregory Ridge Trail, Townsend, TN 37882, USA

As a backcountry campsite, there is no direct phone number for Backcountry Camp 12 itself. All reservations, permits, and inquiries regarding backcountry camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are handled through the National Park Service's backcountry office.

For backcountry camping permits and information within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you would typically contact the park's Backcountry Information Office. While a specific phone number for this campsite doesn't exist, general park information and backcountry permitting can be obtained through the main park visitor services. You should consult the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or contact their general information line for current backcountry regulations and reservation procedures, as these are subject to change. Typically, the main Backcountry Office phone is (865) 436-1297 (between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM).

Backcountry Camp 12 is an exceptionally suitable destination for Tennessee locals, particularly those who are avid hikers and seek a genuine wilderness experience. For residents of the Volunteer State, having a world-renowned natural treasure like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in their backyard is a tremendous advantage, and this campsite allows for a deep immersion into its heart. It’s not a place for glamping or casual car camping; instead, it offers the raw, unadulterated beauty of the Appalachian wilderness, a true test of self-reliance and a profound opportunity to reconnect with nature.

The very nature of this campsite—being a hike-in, primitive site—ensures a peaceful and uncrowded environment. Locals looking to escape the hustle and bustle of popular tourist areas will find solace in the solitude and quietude offered by Backcountry Camp 12. The journey to the site, though strenuous, becomes an integral part of the adventure, allowing campers to truly earn their peaceful resting place. This challenging accessibility also means that those who make it to the campsite are generally respectful of the natural environment and committed to Leave No Trace principles, contributing to a more pristine experience for everyone.

Furthermore, for Tennessee residents who are passionate about exploring the extensive trail networks of the Smokies, Backcountry Camp 12 serves as a strategic and practical basecamp. Its location along the Gregory Ridge Trail makes it an ideal overnight stop for those undertaking the iconic hike to Gregory Bald, famous for its panoramic views and stunning flame azaleas. This allows for multi-day excursions that would otherwise be too long for a single day, opening up more expansive exploration of the park's diverse ecosystems and breathtaking vistas.

Finally, experiencing a backcountry campsite like this fosters a deeper appreciation for the natural heritage of Tennessee. It provides an opportunity to learn wilderness skills, practice responsible outdoor ethics, and gain a unique perspective on the Great Smoky Mountains. For locals, it's more than just a camping trip; it's an adventure that builds resilience, offers unparalleled natural beauty, and strengthens their connection to the remarkable landscapes right in their home state.

Backcountry Camp 12

Gregory Ridge Trail, Townsend, TN 37882, USA