Backcountry Camp 55

For those North Carolinians with a heart for the wilderness and a desire to escape into the profound tranquility of nature, Backcountry Camp 55 offers a unique opportunity within the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City. Unlike bustling front-country campgrounds, Backcountry Camp 55 provides an authentic primitive camping experience, inviting you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the serene beauty of the Appalachian landscape. This site is tailored for adventurers who appreciate the solitude of the backcountry and the rewards of reaching their campsite via a hike. If you're seeking a quiet, natural setting for your next overnight outdoor excursion, Backcountry Camp 55 could be your perfect secluded haven in Western North Carolina.

Backcountry Camp 55 is located along the Deep Creek Trail, specifically at Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. As a designated backcountry site within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, its accessibility involves a hike, distinguishing it from drive-up campgrounds. While specific mileage from the trailhead to Camp 55 isn't provided in the immediate reviews, it is situated further along the Deep Creek Trail past Camp 60, 59, 58, 54 and near the confluence of the Left Fork of Deep Creek and main Deep Creek. Access to this campsite typically begins from the Deep Creek Trailhead in Bryson City.

The Deep Creek Trailhead itself is a popular starting point in the park, known for its scenic trails leading to waterfalls and opportunities for tubing and fishing in Deep Creek. The initial sections of the Deep Creek Trail are often described as relatively flat and wide paths, which makes the beginning of the journey quite manageable. However, as you venture deeper into the backcountry to reach sites like Camp 55, the trail may become more traditional, though it largely follows the creek, offering a pleasant journey through the forest.

For accessibility, it is crucial for all visitors to understand that a backcountry permit is required for overnight stays at Camp 55. These permits must be obtained in advance from the National Park Service and often carry a per-person, per-night fee. Additionally, a parking tag is mandatory for any vehicle parked at the Deep Creek Trailhead. These requirements ensure that the park manages visitor impact and maintains the pristine nature of the backcountry. While there's no cell service at such remote sites, this lack of connectivity is often considered a desirable feature, enabling a true "unplugged" experience away from daily distractions, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings of the Great Smoky Mountains.

As a primitive backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Camp 55 offers very limited traditional services, focusing instead on providing a natural and undisturbed camping experience. Campers are expected to be self-sufficient and adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

• Designated Campsite: The primary service is the provision of a designated, official campsite for overnight stays. This ensures that camping impact is concentrated in specific areas, protecting the wider wilderness. The site is noted as being "a little bit off the trail," offering a sense of seclusion.

• Capacity Management via Permits: While the site "says it holds 15," a review suggests it would "maybe hold 8," indicating that while it's designated for a certain number, practical comfortable capacity might be less. The National Park Service manages capacity through its mandatory backcountry permit system, which helps prevent overcrowding and preserves the natural integrity of the site.

• Natural Water Source Access: Being located along Deep Creek Trail, the campsite likely offers access to Deep Creek itself, a vital natural water source for campers (requiring filtration or treatment). The Left Fork of Deep Creek also converges near Camp 55, further enhancing water access.

• Bear Cable System: As is standard for backcountry sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Camp 55 would be equipped with a bear cable system or food storage pole. This essential "service" allows campers to hang all odorous items (food, trash, toiletries) out of reach of bears and other wildlife, ensuring both human safety and wildlife protection.

• Fire Ring (if permitted): Designated backcountry campsites typically have a fire ring, though campers are usually permitted to burn only dead and downed wood found on the ground within the park. This facilitates safe campfire practices, if allowed at the specific site at the time of your visit.

It is crucial for visitors to carry all necessary gear, including water purification, cooking equipment, and to pack out all trash, as no refuse services are provided at backcountry sites.

Backcountry Camp 55 holds several distinct features and highlights that appeal to those seeking a genuine wilderness experience in North Carolina. While it emphasizes primitive camping, these characteristics contribute to its unique charm and suitability for a specific type of adventurer.

• Secluded Location: A key highlight is its "nice site all little bit off the trail." This slight separation from the main Deep Creek Trail offers an enhanced sense of seclusion and privacy, allowing campers to truly immerse themselves in the quiet of the forest, away from direct trail traffic.

• Authentic Backcountry Experience: Camp 55 provides a true primitive camping opportunity. This means no crowds, no cars, and no modern amenities like flush toilets or showers, which is precisely what many seasoned backpackers and nature lovers seek for an unadulterated connection with the wild.

• Proximity to Deep Creek and its Tributaries: Being situated along the Deep Creek Trail, near the confluence of the Left Fork of Deep Creek, the campsite offers excellent access to these natural water sources. This is vital for water collection (to be filtered/treated) and offers opportunities for enjoying the creek's sounds and potential fishing.

• Manageable Hike: While a backcountry site, the Deep Creek Trail itself is known for being relatively less strenuous than some other park trails, particularly in its lower sections. This makes the journey to Camp 55 more accessible for those with moderate hiking experience.

• Opportunity for Disconnection: The lack of cell service, typical for remote backcountry sites, is a major feature for those explicitly wishing to "unplug." It enforces a digital detox, allowing for a deeper focus on nature, companionship, and self-reflection.

• Hammock Camping Potential (with consideration): While a review noted "not a lot good tree distance for hammock" for a larger number of hammocks, the presence of trees suggests that with careful planning and potentially for smaller groups, hammock camping might still be feasible, offering a comfortable alternative to tents for some.

• Designated and Permitted Site: Being an official Backcountry Camp #55 ensures that it is recognized and maintained by the National Park Service, providing a legitimate and managed primitive camping option. The permit system ensures controlled use, aiding in its preservation.

These features combine to make Backcountry Camp 55 a compelling choice for those seeking solitude, natural beauty, and a genuine backcountry adventure in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.

For those planning a trip to Backcountry Camp 55 or needing to obtain the necessary permits and information, here is the essential contact information for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which oversees all backcountry camping:

Address: Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA (This is the Deep Creek Trailhead location; the campsite itself is a hike in.)

Phone: (865) 436-1231 (This is the main phone number for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including the Backcountry Information Office. For backcountry-specific inquiries, sometimes a direct line like 865-436-1297 for the Backcountry Information Office is also available, but the main line can direct you.)

Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-1231 (Same as above)

Crucial Information for Visiting: Backcountry Camp 55 requires a mandatory backcountry permit for all overnight stays. These permits are subject to a fee (currently $8 per person, per night, with a maximum per person cost for longer trips). Permits must be obtained in advance through the National Park Service's reservation system (typically recreation.gov) or by contacting the Backcountry Office. Spaces for popular sites like those along Deep Creek can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so advance booking is highly recommended. Additionally, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked at the Deep Creek Trailhead. Always consult the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for the most current regulations, fees, and instructions on how to secure your permit and parking tag before embarking on your trip.

Backcountry Camp 55 is an outstanding choice for locals in North Carolina who are eager to embrace a true wilderness experience. Its suitability lies in providing a genuine escape from the daily grind, offering profound solitude and an immersive connection with nature that is increasingly rare to find. For those who relish primitive camping, this site delivers precisely that – no cars, no excessive noise, just the sounds of the forest and the nearby Deep Creek.

The site's slightly off-trail location ensures a heightened sense of seclusion, allowing campers to truly unwind and enjoy their surroundings without interruption. While a review mentioned that it might comfortably accommodate fewer than its stated capacity for hammocks, this simply reinforces its appeal for smaller groups or those seeking ample personal space within a beautiful natural setting. The surrounding Deep Creek area is a treasure, offering clear waters for fishing (with a license) and opportunities to simply appreciate the tranquil flow of the stream.

Crucially, for North Carolinians seeking to genuinely "unplug," the complete absence of cell service at Camp 55 is not a drawback but a significant benefit. It allows for a vital digital detox, encouraging deeper engagement with companions and the natural world. While requiring a permit and preparation typical of backcountry excursions, the reward is an unparalleled sense of peace and a memorable adventure in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For those prepared to embrace self-sufficiency and the raw beauty of the wilderness, Backcountry Camp 55 is a quintessential North Carolina backcountry destination.

Backcountry Camp 55

Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA