Backcountry Camp 60

For North Carolina adventurers seeking a truly immersive and peaceful outdoor experience, look no further than Backcountry Camp 60, nestled within the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City. This isn't your typical drive-up campground with endless amenities; instead, it offers a raw and authentic wilderness experience that allows you to truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Backcountry Camp 60 is a hidden gem for those who appreciate the tranquility of nature, the sound of a rushing creek, and the satisfaction of earning their campsite through a rewarding hike. It's an ideal destination for individuals, families, and larger groups looking to explore the natural beauty of Western North Carolina and create unforgettable memories under the stars.

Backcountry Camp 60 is located at Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. Its accessibility is one of its most remarkable features for a backcountry site. Situated just under three miles from the Deep Creek Trailhead, the hike to this campsite is considered easy with very little elevation gain, making it suitable for almost anyone, regardless of extensive backpacking experience.

The journey begins at the Deep Creek Trailhead, a popular starting point for numerous adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From there, the trail leading to Camp 60 is predominantly a flat, wide path, offering a comfortable walk through the lush forest. Only a short section near the end transitions to a more traditional trail, adding a touch of classic hiking without significant challenge. This easy accessibility means that you can enjoy the serenity of the backcountry without an arduous trek, making it perfect for families with children or those new to overnight hiking.

Deep Creek Trailhead itself is a well-known area in Bryson City, offering various activities like tubing, swimming, and fishing in Deep Creek, and access to beautiful waterfalls like Tom Branch Falls, Indian Creek Falls, and Juney Whank Falls. This proximity means that before or after your camping adventure, you can easily enjoy these popular attractions. Important to note for accessibility is the need for a parking tag for the Deep Creek parking lot, as well as a backcountry permit for overnight stays, both of which are crucial for a smooth and legal visit to this incredible part of North Carolina's wilderness. While cell service is non-existent at the campsite, this is often seen as a benefit, allowing for a true unplugged experience.

As a backcountry campsite, Backcountry Camp 60 offers a minimalist approach to services, emphasizing self-reliance and immersion in nature. Unlike front-country campgrounds, you won't find amenities like flush toilets, showers, or electrical hookups. The services provided are those essential for a primitive camping experience within a protected national park environment.

• Designated Camping Areas: The site is a large backcountry site with a 20-person capacity, featuring three or four separate, clearly defined areas for camping. These designated spots ensure minimal impact on the environment and provide a sense of order in the wilderness.

• Creek Access: A major service, though natural, is the direct and easy access to the beautiful Deep Creek. This offers opportunities for water-related activities such as fishing, wading, and simply enjoying the soothing sounds of the flowing water.

• Backcountry Permit System: The National Park Service manages a mandatory backcountry permit system. While not a direct "service" at the campsite itself, the system ensures regulated use, limits overcrowding, and contributes to the preservation of the natural environment. Obtaining this permit in advance is crucial for staying at Camp 60.

• Parking Management: Associated with the campsite is the requirement for a parking tag at the Deep Creek Trailhead. This system helps manage vehicle traffic and contributes to the maintenance of the trailhead facilities.

• Leave No Trace Principles: The expectation for campers to adhere to Leave No Trace principles can be considered a guiding "service" that helps preserve the pristine nature of the site for all visitors. This includes packing out all trash and minimizing impact on the natural surroundings.

It's important for visitors to come prepared with all necessary gear, including water filtration, cooking equipment, and proper waste disposal methods, as these are not provided at the site.

Backcountry Camp 60 stands out with several key features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for campers and hikers in North Carolina. These unique aspects contribute to its reputation as a "hidden gem" within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

• Exceptional Accessibility: One of its most celebrated features is its easy accessibility. Reviews consistently highlight the "easy hike" with "very little elevation gain," making it approachable for almost anyone. This contrasts with many other backcountry sites that require strenuous, multi-day treks.

• Spacious Group Capacity: With a 20-person capacity and multiple separate camping areas, Camp 60 is ideal for large groups, families, or simply enjoying ample space even if you're the only party there, as noted by a past visitor. This allows for comfortable group camping without feeling overcrowded.

• Riverside Serenity: The direct proximity to the "beautiful Deep Creek" is a major highlight. Campers can enjoy the soothing sounds of the water, and the creek provides opportunities for fishing, wading, or simply relaxing by the water's edge. This natural amenity significantly enhances the camping experience.

• Immersive Wilderness Experience: The absence of cell service at the campsite is a deliberate highlight, offering a true chance to "unplug and enjoy the surroundings." This allows for a deeper connection with nature, away from digital distractions.

• Scenic Hike on a Wide Path: The trail leading in is mostly a "flat, wide path," providing a pleasant and less strenuous hike, unlike many challenging backcountry trails. This makes the journey to the campsite part of the enjoyable experience.

• Designated for Backcountry Camping: As a designated backcountry site (#60), it provides a sanctioned and regulated wilderness camping experience within the national park, ensuring its preservation and managed use.

• Proximity to Deep Creek Trailhead Attractions: While a backcountry site, its relatively short distance from the Deep Creek Trailhead means easy access to the popular waterfalls (Tom Branch, Indian Creek, Juney Whank) and tubing opportunities in Deep Creek, allowing for varied activities during your visit.

These features combine to make Backcountry Camp 60 a highly sought-after location for those seeking an authentic yet accessible wilderness adventure in North Carolina.

For those planning an adventure to Backcountry Camp 60 or seeking more information about permits and regulations, here is the essential contact information for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which manages this backcountry site:

Address: Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA (This is the trailhead location, for the campsite itself, specific GPS coordinates are generally provided with permits.)

Phone: (865) 436-1231 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park general information line)

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

Important Note on Permits and Reservations: Backcountry Camp 60 is a designated backcountry campsite within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Overnight stays require a backcountry permit, which incurs a fee per person, per night (currently $8 per person, per night, with a maximum of $40 per person). These permits must be obtained in advance, typically through the National Park Service's online reservation system (recreation.gov) or by calling their backcountry office. It's crucial to reserve your site and obtain your permit before heading out, as space is limited. Additionally, a parking tag is required for vehicles parked at the Deep Creek Trailhead. This can usually be purchased online or at designated locations. Always check the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website for the most current information on fees, regulations, and how to obtain permits and parking tags.

Backcountry Camp 60 is an exceptional choice for locals in North Carolina, especially those yearning for an authentic wilderness escape without an overly strenuous commitment. Its primary suitability stems from its remarkable accessibility; located just under three miles from the Deep Creek Trailhead with minimal elevation gain, it's a "very nice easy to access campsite" that opens up the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains backcountry to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts, from seasoned hikers to families new to overnight camping. This ease of access significantly lowers the barrier for entry into the rewarding world of primitive camping.

For North Carolinians looking to genuinely "unplug and enjoy the surroundings," the absence of cell service at Camp 60 is a major benefit. It provides a rare opportunity to fully disconnect from digital distractions and immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature, fostering a deeper connection with the natural world and companions. The sheer size of the site, capable of accommodating up to 20 people across multiple separate camping areas, makes it perfect for group outings, family adventures, or simply enjoying ample personal space, even if you are the sole party.

Furthermore, the campsite's direct proximity to the beautiful Deep Creek offers unique opportunities for recreation, including fishing and simply relaxing by the soothing sounds of the water. Coupled with the array of activities available at the nearby Deep Creek Trailhead—from waterfall hikes to tubing—Backcountry Camp 60 provides a comprehensive outdoor experience that combines the solitude of backcountry camping with convenient access to popular attractions. For North Carolina residents seeking an unforgettable and relatively accessible wilderness adventure that allows for genuine disconnection and immersion in the stunning natural landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains, Backcountry Camp 60 is truly a premier destination.

Backcountry Camp 60

Deep Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA