Backcountry Camp 51

Hello, North Carolina wilderness adventurers! Are you seeking a truly immersive and authentic outdoor experience deep within the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? If your idea of camping involves solitude, rugged trails, and a profound connection with untouched nature, then Backcountry Camp 51 near Bryson City, NC, might be the perfect challenge and reward for your next excursion. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a primitive backcountry site designed for those who embrace the wilderness in its purest form.

Backcountry Camp 51 offers a unique opportunity to experience the Great Smoky Mountains away from the crowds, providing a level of peace and seclusion that is increasingly rare. It's a destination for experienced hikers and backpackers who are prepared for the demands of wilderness travel. Unlike developed campgrounds with numerous amenities, Backcountry Camp 51 provides a fundamental camping experience, focusing on the natural environment itself. While some might find the terrain challenging, the reward is an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and the chance to witness the park's majestic beauty in a raw, unfiltered way.

For North Carolinians who cherish our state's wild places, Backcountry Camp 51 represents a true test of skill and an immense opportunity for exploration. It's a chance to delve deep into the renowned Great Smoky Mountains National Park, experiencing its trails and landscapes from an intimate perspective that few ever achieve. This site helps to "offer more variety in hiking plans," allowing for multi-day treks and extended wilderness adventures right here in our own backyard.

Backcountry Camp 51 is located near the Deeplow Gap Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. This places it deep within the vast and protected wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is crucial to understand that "backcountry" in this context means it is not accessible by vehicle. Reaching Camp 51 requires a significant hike, typically involving several miles on designated park trails.

The nearest town, Bryson City, NC, serves as a gateway to this part of the national park. From Bryson City, hikers would typically access a trailhead (such as the Deeplow Gap Trail itself, or a connecting trail) that leads into the backcountry where Camp 51 is situated. Prospective campers must be prepared for a strenuous journey with all their gear, as there are no services or easy access once on the trail.

Accessibility to backcountry campsites within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is strictly regulated. All backcountry campers, including those at Camp 51, are required to obtain a permit and make reservations in advance through the National Park Service's online system. This ensures proper management of visitor impact and helps maintain the wilderness character of these areas. Detailed trail maps and route planning are essential before attempting to reach this site. For North Carolina locals looking for an authentic and challenging wilderness experience, understanding the required physical exertion and planning is key to a successful trip to Backcountry Camp 51.

• Designated Campsite: Backcountry Camp 51 is a designated area within the wilderness for legal overnight camping. It provides a recognized, albeit primitive, location to pitch a tent or hang a hammock.

• Access to Nature: The primary "service" is unparalleled access to the untouched wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including surrounding trails for hiking.

• Minimal Impact Site: Backcountry campsites are managed to minimize human impact, meaning visitors should expect no developed amenities beyond a cleared space. Campers are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles rigorously.

It is critically important to emphasize that Backcountry Camp 51 offers extremely limited services. There are no restrooms, potable water sources, trash cans, picnic tables, fire rings, or any form of shelter provided. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient, carrying in all necessary supplies, including water purification methods, food, and waste bags, and packing out everything they bring in. This primitive nature is intentional, preserving the wilderness experience and challenging campers to be fully prepared and responsible for their own impact.

• True Wilderness Immersion: The defining feature of Backcountry Camp 51 is its location deep within the Great Smoky Mountains, offering an authentic and profound wilderness experience away from any signs of modern civilization.

• Solitude and Seclusion: Given its backcountry nature, campers can expect a high degree of solitude and peace, providing a unique opportunity for quiet contemplation and disconnection from daily life.

• Challenging Terrain: While a potential "negative" for some, the sloped nature of the campsite and the "rocky or rooty" ground for tenting present a challenge that appeals to experienced backpackers seeking to test their skills and adaptability. As one reviewer noted, "Consider hammocking rather than tenting" due to the terrain.

• Part of Extensive Trail Network: The camp's location on or near the Deeplow Gap Trail connects it to the vast network of hiking trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, enabling multi-day treks and diverse hiking itineraries.

• Opportunities for Wildlife Viewing: Being deep in the wilderness increases the chances of observing native wildlife in their natural habitat, from deer and wild turkeys to black bears (requiring proper food storage, i.e., bear canisters or food hangs).

• Breathtaking Natural Beauty: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is globally renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and misty mountain vistas, all of which are accessible from this backcountry site.

• Sense of Accomplishment: Reaching and successfully camping at a primitive backcountry site like Camp 51 provides a significant sense of achievement for outdoor enthusiasts.

The challenging nature of the terrain, as highlighted by visitor reviews ("The campsite is on a slope and tent sites that are level, not rocky or rooty, and not under a 'widow maker' tree are almost nonexistent"), should not be underestimated. This makes it particularly suitable for prepared individuals, and reinforces the recommendation for hammock camping as a preferred alternative to traditional tenting at this specific site. However, for those prepared for such conditions, the rewards of solitude and immersive natural beauty are immense.

Address: Deeplow Gap Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA

For Backcountry Camp 51, and all backcountry campsites within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is no direct phone number for the campsite itself. All inquiries, permit applications, and reservations must be made through the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or by contacting the park's Backcountry Information Office.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office:

Phone: (865) 436-1231 (This is the general park information line; ask for backcountry office or relevant department)

Website: Visit the National Park Service website for Great Smoky Mountains National Park and search for "backcountry camping" to access the permit and reservation system, as well as detailed trail maps and regulations.

It is crucial to obtain a permit and thoroughly plan your trip, understanding all park regulations and safety guidelines for backcountry camping before attempting to access Camp 51.

For North Carolina residents who consider themselves seasoned hikers, experienced backpackers, or those truly yearning for an authentic wilderness challenge, Backcountry Camp 51 offers an unparalleled experience right in our majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This isn't a casual car camping trip; it's an opportunity to truly disconnect, test your outdoor skills, and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of one of America's most cherished national parks.

What makes Backcountry Camp 51 uniquely suitable for locals is its accessibility for North Carolinians who regularly engage in serious outdoor pursuits. It provides a means to explore the deeper, less-trafficked areas of the Smokies, fostering a profound connection with our state's incredible natural heritage. While the terrain can be challenging, as noted by fellow campers, this contributes to its appeal for those seeking a genuine backcountry adventure. The recommendation for hammocking over tenting at this particular site offers valuable local insight for a more comfortable stay.

Choosing Backcountry Camp 51 means embracing a Leave No Trace philosophy and a commitment to self-sufficiency. The reward is an unforgettable experience of solitude, natural beauty, and the quiet satisfaction of navigating and thriving in the wilderness. For North Carolinians ready to embark on a true backcountry expedition, Camp 51 promises a deeply rewarding and authentic encounter with the wild heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. Always remember to secure your permit and plan meticulously for safety and enjoyment.

Backcountry Camp 51

Deeplow Gap Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA