Backcountry Camp 57

For North Carolina adventurers yearning to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Backcountry Camp 57 presents an exceptional opportunity. Located along the scenic Deep Creek Trail near Bryson City, this campsite offers a distinctively secluded and peaceful experience that sets it apart from more bustling front-country options. Backcountry Camp 57 is designed for those who appreciate the quiet solitude of the wilderness, the satisfaction of a rewarding hike, and the chance to create lasting memories under a canopy of stars. If you're seeking a primitive camping adventure that prioritizes privacy and natural immersion, this site in Western North Carolina might just be your ideal destination.

Backcountry Camp 57 is located along the Deep Creek Trail in Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. As a backcountry campsite within the vast Great Smoky Mountains National Park, reaching it requires a hike from a trailhead, typically the Deep Creek Trailhead. This popular starting point for many adventures in the park is well-known for its beautiful waterfalls and opportunities for tubing and fishing in Deep Creek.

The Deep Creek Trail is a significant route, extending for 16.5 miles from the Deep Creek Campground area to Newfound Gap Road. Backcountry Camp 57 is situated at the intersection with Martins Gap Trail, approximately 5.3 miles from the Deep Creek Campground / Trailhead (calculated by 2 miles to Indian Creek/Tom Branch Falls + 1 mile to Loop Trail intersection + 4.3 miles to Martins Gap Trail intersection and Camp 57). The trail to Camp 57, while generally pleasant and following the creek for much of its length, does involve some elevation changes. Hikers should be prepared for some moderate climbs, particularly beyond the initial flatter sections of Deep Creek Trail, as noted in general descriptions of the trail between Campsite #54 and #60.

For accessibility, it is absolutely essential for all visitors planning an overnight stay at Backcountry Camp 57 to obtain a mandatory backcountry permit in advance from the National Park Service. These permits help manage the number of visitors and are crucial for the preservation of the wilderness. Additionally, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked at the Deep Creek Trailhead. The remote nature of this campsite means there is no cell service, which many find to be a welcome feature, allowing for a complete "unplugged" experience and a deeper connection with the natural surroundings of the Great Smoky Mountains.

As a designated backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Camp 57 provides essential services tailored for a primitive camping experience. It’s important to note that these are not the amenities found in a developed campground; instead, they focus on safety, environmental protection, and facilitating a natural stay.

• Designated Camping Areas with Privacy: A key service is the provision of distinct, separated campsites. Reviews highlight that there are "3 separate campsites each with fire pit areas," and that "Each campsite is separated by about 30-40 yds and large downed trees." This generous spacing ensures privacy, making you "won't feel like you hiked 5 miles into the woods just to end up camping right next to someone else."

• Fire Rings: Each of the separate campsites within Camp 57 is equipped with a designated fire pit area or fire ring. Campfires are only permitted within these established rings, using dead and downed wood found on the ground within the park. Building new fire rings or cutting standing wood is strictly prohibited, contributing to the site's preservation.

• Bear Cable System: Critical for safety in bear country, Backcountry Camp 57 will have a bear cable system or food storage pole. This allows campers to hang all odorous items (food, trash, toiletries, etc.) out of reach of bears and other wildlife, a mandatory practice for all backcountry campers to protect both humans and animals.

• Natural Water Source (Requires Treatment): The site is located along the Deep Creek Trail, implying proximity to Deep Creek itself. While a review mentioned "some trouble making my way to the water source" and advising "quick map study prior to stepping off for water," a natural water source is available. All water from natural sources in the backcountry must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.

• Permit System for Regulation: The National Park Service's mandatory backcountry permit system serves as a crucial service by regulating visitor numbers, assigning specific campsites, and ensuring a managed and sustainable use of the wilderness. Obtaining this permit in advance is essential for staying at Camp 57.

Campers are expected to be fully self-sufficient, bringing all necessary gear for cooking, hygiene, and waste disposal (all trash must be packed out).

Backcountry Camp 57 is distinguished by several key features and highlights that contribute to its high regard among experienced campers, with one reviewer calling it "One of the best camp sites we stayed at during our trip." These characteristics make it a standout choice for a wilderness retreat in North Carolina.

• Exceptional Seclusion and Privacy: The most highly praised feature of Camp 57 is its layout, which offers significant privacy. With "3 separate campsites each with fire pit areas," generously separated by "about 30-40 yds and large downed trees," campers genuinely feel isolated. This thoughtful design ensures you "won't feel like you hiked 5 miles into the woods just to end up camping right next to someone else," providing a rare and valuable sense of solitude.

• Rewarding Destination After a Hike: As one reviewer put it, "Amazing camp after a long day." The effort of the hike in is met with the reward of a truly peaceful and private setting, making the destination all the more satisfying. The journey itself along Deep Creek Trail is also a scenic experience.

• Ideal for Group or Individual Camping: The multiple, well-separated campsites make Camp 57 versatile. It can comfortably accommodate small groups within each private area, or offer enhanced solitude for solo campers or pairs when other sections are unoccupied.

• Primitive and Immersive Wilderness: This campsite offers a genuine backcountry experience. There are no modern amenities, allowing for complete immersion in nature. The lack of cell service further enhances this, providing a true opportunity to unplug and reconnect with the natural world.

• Located on Scenic Deep Creek Trail: Positioned on a renowned trail, Camp 57 benefits from the natural beauty of the Deep Creek area. This includes potential for fishing (with a license), enjoying the sounds of the creek, and relatively easy access to other attractions along the trail, like waterfalls, for day excursions.

• Managed by National Park Service: Being a designated backcountry site (#57) means it adheres to park regulations, including bear management protocols and Leave No Trace principles, contributing to a safe and sustainable camping experience.

While a user noted minor difficulty finding the water source, preparation with a map can easily overcome this. These features collectively establish Backcountry Camp 57 as a premier choice for those seeking a tranquil and private backcountry adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.

For those planning an expedition to Backcountry Camp 57 or needing to obtain essential permits and information, here is the contact information for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which manages all backcountry camping:

Address: Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA (This refers to the general area and the Deep Creek Trailhead location. For the campsite itself, precise GPS coordinates and directions are typically provided with your permit.)

Phone: (865) 436-1231 (This is the main phone number for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which can connect you to the Backcountry Information Office for permit inquiries and detailed trip planning assistance. The Backcountry Information Office is also directly reachable at (865) 436-1297 for more specific questions about backcountry regulations and sites.)

Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-1231 (Same as above, for the main park line.)

Crucial Information on Permits and Reservations: Backcountry Camp 57 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 of $40 per person). Reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 90 days in advance through the National Park Service's online reservation system (Recreation.gov). Permits are not available for purchase inside the park. It is vital to have a printed or digital copy of your permit with you during your trip. Additionally, a parking tag is required for any vehicle parked at the Deep Creek Trailhead. These tags can be purchased online or at various park visitor centers and kiosks. Always check the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website (nps.gov/grsm) for the most current information on regulations, fees, and instructions on how to secure your permit and parking tags before your trip.

Backcountry Camp 57 is an excellent choice for locals in North Carolina who are seeking a truly immersive and private wilderness experience. Its primary appeal lies in its thoughtfully designed layout, which ensures a significant degree of separation between campsites. This means you can truly escape the feeling of being "right next to someone else," a common concern in more developed campgrounds. For North Carolinians who crave genuine solitude and a deep connection with nature, this feature is invaluable.

The reward of reaching this "amazing camp after a long day" further enhances the experience, making the journey part of the adventure. It allows for a vital digital detox, free from cell service distractions, encouraging a profound reconnection with the natural world and companions. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker or a family looking for a memorable, secluded outdoor escape, the ability to find a private space makes Camp 57 exceptionally appealing.

While a small navigation challenge to the water source was noted, this is easily overcome with pre-trip map study, a testament to the primitive nature that makes this site so special. For those prepared to embrace self-sufficiency and the unparalleled beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Backcountry Camp 57 provides an ideal setting. It perfectly blends accessibility with an authentic backcountry feel, making it a highly suitable and cherished destination for residents across North Carolina seeking peace, privacy, and an unforgettable adventure in our state's majestic mountains.

Backcountry Camp 57

Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA