Backcountry Campsite #39: Your North Carolina Wilderness Escape

Backcountry Campsite #39 Introduce

Welcome, fellow North Carolina adventurers! If you’re yearning for an authentic wilderness experience, a place where the stars shine brighter and the sounds of nature lull you to sleep, then Backcountry Campsite #39 in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park might just be your next favorite escape. Tucked away in the beautiful North Carolina side of this iconic national park, this campsite offers a genuine backcountry adventure, perfect for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural world.

Imagine waking up to the gentle murmur of a stream, surrounded by towering trees, with the promise of incredible wildlife encounters just a hike away. Backcountry Campsite #39 provides this idyllic setting, offering a peaceful and spacious environment for campers of all experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or planning your first wilderness group outing, this site has something special to offer.

Location and Accessibility

Backcountry Campsite #39 is nestled in Waynesville, NC 28785, deep within the North Carolina section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Accessing this serene spot is part of the adventure itself. For those coming from the Cataloochee area, the campsite is approximately a two-mile hike. The journey involves a moderate uphill climb, which, while offering a good workout, is generally considered manageable and not overly strenuous compared to some other local trails.

One of the key trails leading to the campsite is the Pretty Hollow Gap Trail, which will guide you directly to your destination. While exploring maps, you might also notice the Palmer Creek Trail; if you’re coming from Cataloochee, Backcountry Campsite #39 is about a third of a mile past the point where Palmer Creek Trail veers off to the left over a half-log bridge. The surrounding area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, making the hike in just as rewarding as the destination itself. The stream alongside the trail is particularly scenic, offering numerous spots to pause, enjoy the views, and even dip your toes in the cool water.

The strategic location of this campsite also provides excellent opportunities for exploring the wider region. Its proximity to the Cataloochee Valley means you’re in prime territory for viewing the majestic wild elk that roam this area. Additionally, the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway is easily accessible on your way to or from the park, offering breathtaking panoramic views and a memorable drive through the mountains. For those looking to broaden their horizons, a day trip by car to the Tennessee side of the park, perhaps to the famous Cades Cove, is a highly recommended excursion that promises further wildlife viewing opportunities, including the chance to spot black bears and their cubs from a safe distance.

Services Offered

Designated backcountry camping area for tents.
Multiple established fire pits for safe campfires (check current fire restrictions).
Access to natural water sources (purification recommended).
Quiet and secluded environment for a true wilderness experience.
Proximity to various hiking trails for exploration.

Features / Highlights

Spacious Layout: Backcountry Campsite #39 is surprisingly flat and open, offering ample room for multiple tents. It can comfortably accommodate large groups while still allowing for individual privacy. Past visitors have noted that even with a dozen tents, there was plenty of space, and the area could easily hold 50 tents if needed.
Scenic Stream Access: A beautiful stream runs near the campsite and along the access trails, providing not only a picturesque backdrop but also a soothing natural soundtrack for your stay. It’s perfect for quiet reflection or simply enjoying the natural surroundings.
Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Located in a prime area for wildlife, campers have a high chance of encountering various animals. The nearby Cataloochee Valley is famous for its wild elk, and sightings of black bears (from a safe distance, of course) are also possible, particularly on day trips to areas like Cades Cove.
Stunning Night Sky: Far from the light pollution of urban areas, Backcountry Campsite #39 offers incredibly clear and beautiful starry nights, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts.
Peaceful & Quiet Environment: This campsite is celebrated for its serene atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a truly tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Hiking Opportunities: The campsite serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding backcountry trails, offering diverse options for day hikes and longer excursions.

Contact Information

Address: Waynesville, NC 28785, USA

Phone: (865) 436-1297

Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-1297

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of North Carolina, Backcountry Campsite #39 represents an unparalleled opportunity to experience the raw beauty and tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains right in their backyard. This isn't just another campground; it's a gateway to genuine wilderness adventure, easily accessible for a weekend getaway or a longer exploration.

Its spacious and peaceful environment makes it ideal for everyone from solo explorers seeking solitude to large groups looking for a communal outdoor experience. The abundant wildlife, including the majestic elk of Cataloochee and the occasional black bear sighting, offers unique educational and photographic opportunities that connect you deeply with nature. The network of hiking trails provides endless possibilities for exploration, catering to various fitness levels and interests, from gentle strolls along the stream to more challenging uphill treks.

Furthermore, the accessibility to major scenic routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway and the option for day trips to iconic locations like Cades Cove mean that your camping trip can be part of a broader regional adventure. Whether you’re looking to unwind under a canopy of stars, listen to the calming sounds of a flowing stream, or embark on a thrilling wildlife quest, Backcountry Campsite #39 offers all this and more. It’s a place where memories are made, where the beauty of North Carolina truly shines, and where you’ll undoubtedly find yourself wanting to return, perhaps even in a different season to experience its ever-changing charm. Highly recommended for any local eager to embrace the call of the wild!

Backcountry Campsite #39 Photos

Backcountry Campsite #39 Location

Backcountry Campsite #39

North Carolina Haywood County Waynesville

Waynesville, NC 28785, USA

Backcountry Campsite #39 Reviews

Went camping in the backcountry part of the Smoky Mountains (Pretty Hollow, Campsite #39) with friends. Ended up going during the Fall season and stayed for a weekend. Saw some beautiful scenery and loved the atmosphere it provided. We camped in the NC part, which allowed for us to experience the wild elk in the Cataloochee Valley and the Blue Ridge Parkway on the way there. During part of our stay there, we decided to take a day trip (by car) to the TN side at Cades Cove. It was definitely an experience! We were fortunate enough to be able to encounter a wild and up close view of a mama black bear and her cubs (from a safe distance of course). Did not get to experience any waterfalls this time around, as we were more interested in seeing different wildlife. Loved that our campsite provided a peace and quiet environment, a beautiful stream, hiking trails, and a beautiful starry night sky. Would love to come back in the Spring time. Highly recommend this place!! Wish we could have stayed longer.
Nov 23, 2021 · Rachel Wise
If you're coming from Cataloochie then the campsite is a two mile hike, about a third of a mile past the point where Palmer Creek Trail turns off to the left over a half-log bridge. The hike is all uphill toward the campsite, but not obnoxiously so like some other local hikes. When I was there today there were about 12 tents and each had all the room they wanted, with plenty of prime spots still open. The area would easily hold 50 tents if everyone was friendly. There are maybe four or five fire pits. It's surprisingly flat and open considering the surrounding area. The grey dotted line trail on Google Maps is Palmer Creek Trail, but Pretty Hollow Gap Trail will take you right to the campsite. Since there was no grey dotted line on Maps once Palmer Creek turned off, I thought I'd have to watch out, but I was watching for a turn and then I was suddenly right there at the campsite. The most scenic part of the hike is the stream, which is gorgeous with several places to step off the path and enjoy. This particularly seems like the perfect place for a big group camp out. There's lots of room for people to spread out.
Sep 24, 2017 · Glenn Gasner
Great campsite with a lot of room and shade. The campsite can easily hold 20-30 people I would say. Also, it's only about 2 miles in from the trailhead, and the hike is a breeze. There is a horse camp at the trail head, and this is a site that allows horses. We stayed at the top of the campsite and hung hammocks, plenty of trees for hammock camping, but plenty of flat to slightly sloping ground for tents as well. We stayed near the top of the campsite because there is a small stream that runs down the side of the campsite that makes for easy water access. We tried fishing the nearby creeks, but didn't have much look outside of about a mile hike up Palmer Creek trail. Overall a great easy access campsite with a lot of space and tree cover that I will definitely try going back to in the future!
Sep 07, 2018 · Justin Bennett
This site is HUGE with plenty of space for lots of tents and hammocks. I think the capacity is around 30, but we only saw one other couple there on a Saturday night for a total of 5 people. We just about felt like we had the place to ourselves. It is right next to a decent sized stream so water should be easily accessible there at all times of year.The hike there is relatively flat and easy at just 2 miles from the southern end of the Pretty Hollow Gap trail, but there wasn't much to see on the trail. Tons of Rhododendrons, and a few wildflowers but no spectacular views. With the larger trees, we were surprised by how open the whole area felt compared to the western side of the park.We arrived at the site pretty early and spent a couple hours chilling in the stream and gathering firewood which was plentiful since this area doesn't seem to get as many visitors as the other side of the park.We had to drive a few miles on windy narrow dirt/gravel roads to get to the trailhead so I would probably recommend something with AWD/4WD or a driver who is comfortable with that sort of road.In summary, it was a nice place, but not particularly pretty. If you just want to get outdoors and not see anyone this might be a great place though.
Jul 19, 2016 · Eric Axley
It was raining but we had a nice time. Plenty of room and near the creek.
Aug 12, 2018 · Justin Jackson