Backcountry Campsite #50

Welcome, fellow North Carolinians and aspiring adventurers, to a closer look at a special spot for those ready to embrace the wild side of our state: Backcountry Campsite #50. Located along the scenic Chasteen Creek Trail, deep within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Cherokee, this campsite offers a genuine primitive camping experience that’s particularly well-suited for those embarking on their first backpacking trip. If you're seeking the peace of a secluded stream-side retreat, with essential amenities for safe and enjoyable backcountry living, Campsite #50 provides an excellent entry point into the world of wilderness camping in North Carolina.

Backcountry Campsite #50 isn't a drive-up site; it requires a hike to access, truly immersing you in the natural environment of the Smokies. What makes it stand out, especially for newcomers to backpacking, is its relatively "easy hike in" from the popular Smokemont campground. This accessibility, combined with the reassuring presence of essential features like fire rings and bear cables, takes some of the logistical challenges out of primitive camping. While it's described as a "small backcountry site," it offers dedicated areas along a "small creek," providing the soothing sounds of flowing water and a beautiful natural backdrop for your stay.

Beyond its convenience and basic provisions, Campsite #50 is also noted for its proximity to excellent trout fishing opportunities in Bradley Fork. This blend of accessible primitive camping and recreational potential makes it a highly appealing choice for North Carolinians looking to combine hiking with their love for angling. The presence of multiple designated areas, some with "backpack pulley storage" (bear cables), reflects a thoughtful approach to backcountry management, prioritizing both user safety and environmental protection. For locals ready to swap city lights for starlit nights and the sounds of nature, Backcountry Campsite #50 offers a welcoming and well-equipped introduction to the rewarding experience of backpacking in our magnificent Great Smoky Mountains.

Backcountry Campsite #50 is nestled along the Chasteen Creek Trail, within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, near Cherokee, NC 28719, USA. This location places it in a prime position for hikers and backpackers looking to explore the pristine wilderness of the Smokies on the North Carolina side. Being a backcountry site, direct vehicle access is not possible; the campsite is reached exclusively by hiking along designated park trails.

The primary access point for Campsite #50 is particularly convenient, especially for those new to backpacking. The hike in is described as "easy," with the trail starting directly from the popular Smokemont campground. This provides a clear and manageable entry point for your backcountry adventure. From Smokemont, campers will typically begin on the Bradley Fork Trail, which is an old roadbed, then turn onto the Chasteen Creek Trail, where Campsite #50 is located almost immediately after the turn. This relatively straightforward approach makes it an excellent choice for first-time backpackers or those seeking a less strenuous entry into the backcountry.

The setting alongside a "small creek" (Chasteen Creek) enhances the natural appeal of the campsite, providing a tranquil atmosphere and a potential water source (which, as with all backcountry water, should be filtered or treated). Its proximity to the Bradley Fork also means easy access to renowned trout fishing opportunities. For North Carolinians, this accessible yet secluded location within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers a fantastic opportunity to experience genuine wilderness camping without venturing into overly challenging terrain for their initial backcountry excursions. It serves as a gateway to further exploration of our state's incredible mountain landscapes.

• Designated Tent Areas: The site offers "flat spots" suitable for setting up tents, providing stable and comfortable sleeping areas.
• Fire Rings: Equipped with "a couple of fire rings," allowing campers to safely build campfires for warmth, cooking, and ambiance.
• Bear Cables (Pulley Storage): Features "cables in place to hang your food" and "backpack pulley storage," which are crucial for safely storing food and scented items away from bears and other wildlife.
• Creek Access: Located directly "alongside a small creek" (Chasteen Creek), providing a natural water source (requires purification) and a serene environment.
• Multiple Camping Areas: The site reportedly has "3 areas," indicating multiple designated zones for camping, offering some separation for groups.
• Primitive Experience: Offers a true primitive camping experience, meaning no developed amenities such as flush toilets, potable water spigots, or trash receptacles. Campers must adhere strictly to Leave No Trace principles.
• Permit Required: As with all backcountry sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an advance permit and reservation are required for overnight stays.

• Beginner-Friendly Backpacking: Explicitly recommended as a "Great site for someone trying out their first backpacking trip!" due to its relatively easy hike in.
• Stream-Side Location: Positioned right along a "small creek," offering soothing sounds and a picturesque setting, ideal for relaxation.
• Excellent Trout Fishing Access: Provides "great access to the Bradley Fork which is great for Trout fishing," appealing to anglers.
• Essential Bear Safety: Equipped with "bear cables" and "backpack pulley storage" for secure food storage, a vital feature in bear country.
• Fire Rings for Campfires: Allows for traditional campfires, enhancing the camping experience.
• Flat Tent Spots: Offers comfortable and stable areas for pitching tents.
• Accessible from Smokemont: The "easy hike in and out from Smokemont" campground makes it a convenient option for many.
• Secluded Wilderness Feel: Despite its accessibility, it provides the solitude and immersion in nature characteristic of a backcountry site.

Address: Chasteen Creek Trail, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA

For specific information regarding Backcountry Campsite #50, including essential permit requirements, current trail conditions, water source updates, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park regulations, it is imperative to contact the National Park Service directly. You can typically find their general contact information and backcountry reservation details on the official NPS website for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Please note that direct phone numbers to individual backcountry campsites are not provided, as they are unstaffed wilderness locations.

For all inquiries related to backcountry camping permits and reservations within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Backcountry Information Office can be reached at (865) 436-1297. It is highly recommended to secure your permit and reservation well in advance, as backcountry sites, especially accessible ones, can fill up quickly.

For the residents of North Carolina, Backcountry Campsite #50 represents an outstanding opportunity to experience the raw beauty and tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a remarkably accessible way. Its strategic location on the Chasteen Creek Trail, with an "easy hike in and out from Smokemont," makes it an ideal starting point for those eager to venture into primitive camping for the first time. This blend of accessibility and authentic wilderness provides a perfect balance for locals looking to gain backpacking experience without committing to overly strenuous or complex routes initially.

What truly sets Campsite #50 apart for North Carolinians is its combination of essential amenities and natural allure. The presence of fire rings and, crucially, bear cables ensures that fundamental safety and comfort needs are met, allowing campers to focus on enjoying their surroundings rather than worrying about logistics. The picturesque setting "right alongside a small creek" offers the soothing sounds of nature and a beautiful backdrop for relaxation. For anglers, the "great access to the Bradley Fork which is great for Trout fishing" adds another compelling reason to visit, allowing them to combine their passion for fishing with an immersive camping experience right here in their home state.

Moreover, utilizing sites like Campsite #50 responsibly, by obtaining permits and adhering to Leave No Trace principles, contributes to the preservation of our cherished national park for future generations. This site serves as an invaluable resource for fostering a deeper connection with North Carolina's wilderness. Whether it's for a quick overnight escape, a dedicated fishing trip, or an introduction to the rewarding world of backpacking, Backcountry Campsite #50 offers a reliable, beautiful, and highly suitable experience for any North Carolinian ready to embrace the great outdoors in the majestic Great Smoky Mountains.

Backcountry Campsite #50

Chasteen Creek Trail, Cherokee, NC 28719, USA