Backcountry Camp 63

For adventurers and nature enthusiasts across North Carolina, the allure of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is undeniable. Within this iconic landscape lies the opportunity for a truly immersive experience: backcountry camping. Far removed from the hustle and bustle of front-country campgrounds, backcountry sites offer a profound connection with nature, demanding self-reliance and a spirit of exploration. Today, we're focusing on one such specific site: Backcountry Camp 63, located along the scenic Noland Creek Trail near Bryson City.

Backcountry camping is a unique facet of the national park experience, distinct from car camping or developed campgrounds. It involves hiking or paddling into remote areas, carrying all your essentials, and embracing a more primitive style of overnighting. Backcountry Camp 63 provides just such an opportunity, allowing campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the pristine wilderness of the Smokies. Understanding the nature of such a site is crucial for North Carolinians planning their outdoor adventures, as it requires a different level of preparation and respect for the natural environment.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Backcountry Camp 63, based on available public data and general knowledge of backcountry camping within national parks like the Great Smoky Mountains. We will explore its location, what facilities it offers, and why it stands as an excellent choice for locals seeking an authentic wilderness experience. While this type of camping is not for everyone, for those prepared for a more rugged and self-sufficient journey, Backcountry Camp 63 promises unforgettable memories amidst the majestic North Carolina mountains.

Backcountry Camp 63 is located along the Noland Creek Trail, which can be accessed from Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. Bryson City is a charming gateway town nestled on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a popular starting point for many park adventures.

As a "backcountry" campsite, access to Camp 63 is not by vehicle. Instead, it requires a hike along the Noland Creek Trail. This trail is an "old road bed," meaning it is generally wide and well-defined, offering a relatively gentle grade for much of its length. Hikers typically begin their journey from a parking area located off Lakeview Drive (also known as the "Road to Nowhere"), a few miles from Bryson City. From the trailhead, hikers traverse scenic terrain alongside Noland Creek, with the soothing sounds of the rushing water as a constant companion. The journey to Camp 63 is part of the experience, offering opportunities to observe wildlife, explore remnants of old farmsteads, and immerse oneself in the lush forests of the Smokies.

The Noland Creek Trail itself offers both a southern route towards Fontana Lake and a northern route heading deeper into the mountains. Backcountry Camp 63 is located along the northern route, approximately 6.5 miles from the trailhead at the junction with Jerry Flats/Wiggins Cemetery, offering a significant trek for those seeking a true wilderness experience. Its remote location ensures a quiet and secluded camping experience, far from the sounds of civilization.

As a backcountry campsite within a national park, Backcountry Camp 63 offers primitive amenities designed to support a self-reliant camping experience while minimizing environmental impact. The services provided are foundational for wilderness camping:

• Designated Tent Area: The campsite features a "fairly flat area to pitch your tent," providing suitable ground for setting up camping shelters.
• Fire Ring: Each site typically includes "one fire ring," allowing campers to have campfires where permitted, and only burning wood that is dead and already on the ground (no cutting standing wood).
• Bear Cable System: Crucially for safety and wildlife protection in bear country, the site is equipped with "bear cables" or a "cable system" to hoist all odorous items (food, trash, toiletries, etc.) at least 100 feet from the campsite.
• Water Access (Untreated): The site is "situated right next to the creek for easy water access." However, it is vital to remember that this water is untreated and must be filtered, purified, or boiled before consumption.
• Pit Toilet/Privy (Thunderbox): While not explicitly confirmed for Camp 63, backcountry campsites typically provide a basic pit toilet or "thunderbox" for human waste disposal, requiring burial of waste at least 100 feet from water sources, campsites, or trails if a privy is not available.
• Limited Party Size: National Park regulations limit backcountry party sizes, typically to a maximum of 8 people per campsite, to preserve the wilderness character and minimize impact.
• Strict Leave No Trace Policy: While not a "service" in the traditional sense, the expectation to "pack out all food, trash, clothing, equipment or personal items" is a fundamental principle of backcountry camping here, ensuring the preservation of the natural environment.

It's important for campers to be fully self-sufficient, bringing all necessary gear, food, water treatment, and waste management supplies, as there are no facilities like restrooms, potable water spigots, or stores at backcountry sites.

Backcountry Camp 63, situated along the Noland Creek Trail, offers several key features that make it a compelling destination for experienced campers and those seeking an authentic wilderness experience in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina:

• True Wilderness Immersion: As a backcountry site, its primary highlight is the deep immersion in nature. Campers are far from vehicular noise and crowds, allowing for a profound connection with the forest environment.
• Peaceful and Quiet Setting: The remote location ensures a "quiet life" and a tranquil atmosphere. The primary sounds are those of nature, such as the rushing Noland Creek, making it an ideal escape for solitude.
• Proximity to Noland Creek: Being "situated right next to the creek" offers not only easy access to water (for filtering) but also a soothing natural soundtrack and picturesque views of the stream.
• Relatively Flat Tent Area: The presence of a "fairly flat area to pitch your tent" provides a comfortable and practical spot for setting up camp, which is a valuable feature in rugged terrain.
• Hammock Camping Friendly: "Plenty of trees for hammock camping" highlights its versatility, appealing to campers who prefer hammocks over traditional tents.
• Bear Protection Measures: The provision of "bear cables" at the campsite is a critical safety feature, allowing campers to properly store food and odorous items away from wildlife, adhering to park regulations.
• Scenic Trail Access: The journey to Camp 63 along the Noland Creek Trail is a highlight in itself. This "easy to moderate" trail follows an "old road bed," making for a pleasant hike through lush forests, with historical remnants of old farmsteads visible along the way.
• Opportunity for Wildlife Viewing: Being deep within the national park, campers have a higher chance of observing native wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Secluded Experience: Backcountry Camp 63 offers a sense of seclusion, providing a more private and intimate camping experience compared to busier frontcountry campgrounds.

These features combine to offer a rigorous yet rewarding camping experience for those prepared for the demands of the backcountry.

As a backcountry campsite within a national park, Backcountry Camp 63 does not have a direct phone number for the campsite itself. Reservations and inquiries about backcountry camping within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are typically handled through the park's central backcountry office or online reservation system. However, for general inquiries related to the park and backcountry camping, you can use the following:

Address: Backcountry Camp 63 is located along Noland Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA. (Note: This is a wilderness location, not a physical office or visitor center.)

For permit reservations, regulations, and detailed information about backcountry camping in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors should generally refer to the official National Park Service website or contact the park's Backcountry Information Office. While a specific phone number for the office isn't provided in your prompt, the park's general information lines or reservation portals are the best resources.

For emergency situations within the park, always dial 911.

For North Carolinians seeking a truly authentic and challenging outdoor experience, Backcountry Camp 63 on the Noland Creek Trail within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity. This campsite is particularly suitable for locals who possess a spirit of adventure, appreciate deep wilderness immersion, and are committed to Leave No Trace principles.

Its suitability for locals lies in its ability to provide a complete escape from urban life. Unlike crowded frontcountry campgrounds, Camp 63 demands a hike-in, immediately filtering out those not prepared for a more rugged experience. This results in a truly "quiet and relaxing" atmosphere where the sounds of nature prevail, a perfect antidote to city noise and stress. For North Carolinians who cherish solitude and the opportunity to truly disconnect, this remote setting is a significant draw.

Furthermore, the inherent challenges of backcountry camping, such as the need for self-sufficiency, navigation skills, and proper bear safety, provide a rewarding experience for seasoned local outdoor enthusiasts. The "fairly flat area to pitch your tent" and "plenty of trees for hammock camping" are practical advantages for those carrying their gear, while the mandatory "bear cables" reflect the park's commitment to safety and responsible wildlife management—a crucial consideration for any experienced camper in the region.

Finally, the Noland Creek Trail itself offers more than just a path to the campsite. Its gentle grade, historical remnants, and picturesque creek views transform the journey into an integral part of the adventure. For North Carolinians who live within reach of Bryson City, Backcountry Camp 63 provides an accessible yet profoundly wild escape into one of the state's most cherished natural treasures. It's not just a place to sleep; it's an opportunity to test one's skills, reconnect with the raw beauty of the Smokies, and create lasting memories in a truly pristine environment.

Backcountry Camp 63

Noland Creek Trail, Bryson City, NC 28713, USA