Backcountry Camp 59

Hello, North Carolinians! If the whisper of a mountain creek and the promise of a truly secluded escape call to your adventurous spirit, then Backcountry Camp 59, nestled deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, might just be your next favorite destination. For those of us who cherish the tranquility of the wilderness and the raw beauty of our state's natural landscapes, finding a camping spot that offers both comfort and solitude is a true gem.

This article is designed to be your comprehensive guide to Backcountry Camp 59, providing you with all the essential details to plan a memorable and responsible outdoor adventure. Unlike the more developed, front-country campgrounds, Camp 59 offers an authentic backcountry experience, requiring a bit of a hike to reach but rewarding you with unparalleled peace and direct immersion in nature. We understand that preparing for a backcountry trip requires specific knowledge, and our aim is to ensure you have a clear understanding of what awaits you.

We'll delve into its precise location along the picturesque Deep Creek Trail, how to access it, and the essential amenities you can expect. We’ll also highlight its unique features, drawing directly from the experiences of previous campers who have praised its "nice, level, secluded sites" and the enchanting sound of the creek that "will lull you to sleep." Our goal is to help you determine if Backcountry Camp 59 is the perfect setting for your next North Carolina outdoor escapade, offering a genuine retreat from the everyday hustle. So, let’s explore what makes Camp 59 a truly special place for local adventurers.

Backcountry Camp 59 is strategically located within the stunning confines of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, specifically along the popular Deep Creek Trail in Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. This placement puts it in one of North Carolina's most iconic and cherished natural areas, renowned for its lush forests, diverse wildlife, and extensive network of hiking trails. For residents of North Carolina, Bryson City acts as a convenient gateway to the western side of the national park, providing access to numerous recreational activities and serving as a key point for launching backcountry excursions.

As a designated backcountry campsite, accessibility to Camp 59 is exclusively on foot. This means hikers must be prepared for a trek, carrying all necessary gear and supplies. The Deep Creek Trail is a well-established and scenic path, known for leading to several beautiful waterfalls, including Juney Whank Falls, Tom Branch Falls, and Indian Creek Falls, which can add to the beauty of your hike. The distance and difficulty of the hike to Backcountry Camp 59 will depend on your starting point along the Deep Creek Trail. It is crucial for all campers to consult official Great Smoky Mountains National Park maps and trail guides to accurately determine the mileage, elevation changes, and estimated hiking time required to reach the campsite from their chosen trailhead. Additionally, checking current trail conditions and weather forecasts is imperative for a safe and enjoyable journey.

The remote nature of Backcountry Camp 59, requiring a hike to access, is a significant part of its appeal. It filters out casual visitors, ensuring that those who reach it are genuinely seeking a deeper connection with nature and a more profound sense of solitude away from the more crowded areas of the park. This commitment to a walk-in experience directly contributes to the preservation of the campsite's pristine environment and its tranquil atmosphere.

As a primitive backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Backcountry Camp 59 operates on the principle of self-reliance and minimal impact. Therefore, the "services" provided are foundational, focusing on preserving the natural environment and facilitating a responsible wilderness experience, rather than offering extensive amenities found at developed campgrounds.

• Three Established Campsites: A key service is the presence of "three established sites." This provides designated, pre-approved areas for tent pitching, which helps concentrate impact and protect the surrounding fragile ecosystem. These established sites imply specific locations where camping is permitted.
• Individual Fire Pits: Each of the established sites comes with "a fire pit." This is a significant amenity for a backcountry site, allowing campers to have controlled campfires (where conditions permit and regulations allow) for warmth, cooking, and ambiance, without creating new fire scars on the landscape.
• Small Benches: Each site also features a "small bench." While rudimentary, these benches offer a welcome convenience, providing a place to sit, prepare food, or simply rest after a day of hiking, without needing to bring your own camp chairs.
• Creek Access (with navigation): While noted as "a little tricky at one of the sites," the presence of creek access is a crucial service for water sourcing. Campers can access natural water from the creek, which is essential for hydration and cooking. However, it is paramount that all water obtained from the creek be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before consumption to prevent waterborne illnesses.
• Bear Hangars: The provision of "Only 4 pack hangars for the whole camp" indicates a critical service for bear safety. These hangars (or cables) allow campers to properly hang their food and scented items away from bears, adhering to park regulations and protecting both campers and wildlife. Campers should be prepared with their own bear-resistant containers or knowledge of proper hanging techniques if the existing hangars are occupied or insufficient for their group.
• Backcountry Human Waste Management: While not a facility in the traditional sense, the park requires and provides guidance on Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal, often involving digging catholes at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites. Park regulations on this should always be consulted.

Backcountry Camp 59 offers a distinct set of features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for North Carolinians seeking a particular kind of wilderness experience. Insights from real customers further illuminate its unique appeal.

• Three Established Sites with Fire Pits and Benches: This is a major highlight. Unlike many purely primitive backcountry spots, Camp 59 provides some basic, yet highly valuable, infrastructure. Having "three established sites," each with its own "fire pit and small bench," adds a level of comfort and convenience that enhances the wilderness experience without detracting from its raw appeal. This thoughtful provision allows campers to set up more easily and enjoy campfires responsibly.
• "Nice, Level, Secluded Sites": Customer reviews consistently praise the "nice, level, secluded sites." Level ground is crucial for comfortable sleeping, while seclusion is often the primary goal for backcountry campers. This combination ensures a comfortable and private experience, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the natural surroundings without feeling overlooked.
• Soothing Creek Sounds: A universally loved feature highlighted by reviewers is that "The creek will lull you to sleep, I love the sound of the water." The constant, gentle murmur of the Deep Creek is incredibly peaceful and creates a uniquely serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and achieving a deep sense of relaxation amidst nature.
• Direct Creek Access: Despite being "a little tricky at one of the sites," the presence of creek access is a significant highlight. It provides a convenient, albeit primitive, source of water (requiring purification) and allows for a more intimate connection with the waterway, enhancing the overall creekside camping experience.
• True Backcountry Seclusion: The fact that it requires a hike to reach inherently makes Camp 59 more secluded than drive-up campgrounds. This remoteness translates to fewer people, less noise, and a greater chance for wildlife viewing and experiencing genuine wilderness tranquility.
• Proximity to Deep Creek Trail Attractions: Being located on the Deep Creek Trail means campers have direct access to its popular attractions, including several beautiful waterfalls. This allows for excellent day hiking opportunities directly from the campsite, adding another layer of adventure to the trip.
• Limited Bear Hangars (Important Note): While only "4 pack hangars for the whole camp" is a functional highlight for bear safety, it's also a practical consideration. Campers should be prepared with alternative bear-resistant food storage methods (like bear canisters or personal bear bags) in case the existing hangars are occupied, ensuring everyone can safely secure their food.

For Backcountry Camp 59, similar to other primitive sites within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is no direct contact number or specific office dedicated solely to the campsite itself. All inquiries, permit applications, and essential information are managed through the broader channels of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park administration.

Address:Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA

General Inquiries and Permitting for Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry:To plan your trip to Backcountry Camp 59, it is absolutely essential to consult the official website of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This platform serves as the primary and most reliable source for all necessary information regarding backcountry camping.

On the official park website, you will find detailed guidance on:

• How to obtain a mandatory backcountry permit, which is required for all overnight stays in the park's backcountry areas.
• Current regulations concerning backcountry use, including fire restrictions, waste disposal (Leave No Trace principles), and group size limits.
• Critical bear safety protocols, including requirements for bear-resistant food storage and proper food handling.
• Up-to-date information on trail conditions, potential closures, and any alerts that might affect your planned hike to Camp 59.

For direct phone inquiries related to backcountry permits, conditions, or general park information, you would typically contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Backcountry Information Office or the main park information line. While phone numbers can change, the most current and accurate contact details are consistently updated on the official park website, usually found under a "Contact Us" or "Backcountry Information" section. A quick online search for "Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Office phone number" should provide the necessary contact.

Remember, securing your backcountry permit well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak seasons, is highly recommended as availability can be limited.

For North Carolina residents seeking an authentic and deeply restorative outdoor experience, Backcountry Camp 59 presents an ideal opportunity right within our beautiful home state. Its location along the scenic Deep Creek Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park makes it both accessible for a multi-day trip and sufficiently remote to offer a true escape from everyday life. This campsite is particularly well-suited for locals who value solitude, a genuine connection with nature, and a slightly more rustic camping adventure.

The confirmed features, such as "three established sites," each with "a fire pit and small bench," significantly enhance the experience, providing practical amenities that contribute to comfort without detracting from the primitive feel. This allows for easier camp setup and provides dedicated spaces for cooking and relaxing, which is a considerable advantage in a backcountry setting. These provisions make it a more inviting option for those who might be newer to backcountry camping, offering a touch of convenience that bridges the gap between raw wilderness and absolute self-sufficiency.

The recurring praise for "nice, level, secluded sites" is paramount for a comfortable night's sleep and a truly private wilderness experience. This ensures that even with three sites, a sense of personal space is maintained. Coupled with the beloved sound of the creek that "will lull you to sleep," Camp 59 promises an unparalleled sense of tranquility. For North Carolinians, this means a chance to de-stress and rejuvenate amidst the calming symphony of nature, a stark contrast to urban environments.

While creek access might be "a little tricky at one of the sites," the presence of water (to be purified) is fundamental for a backcountry trip, and the scenic beauty of being alongside a flowing creek is undeniable. The presence of bear hangars, though limited, underscores the park's commitment to safety and responsible wildlife interaction, educating campers on best practices for coexisting with the park's inhabitants.

In conclusion, Backcountry Camp 59 offers a uniquely balanced backcountry experience. It provides just enough established infrastructure to make primitive camping comfortable, while still delivering the profound solitude and natural immersion that true wilderness enthusiasts seek. For North Carolinians, it’s an invitation to explore the heart of our majestic mountains, challenge themselves responsibly, and forge unforgettable memories in a truly serene and beautiful setting.

Backcountry Camp 59

Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA