Backcountry Campsite #70

Introduction / Overview

For North Carolinians who truly crave an immersive, unfiltered wilderness experience, Backcountry Campsite #70 near Robbinsville offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the raw, untamed beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. This is not a typical developed campground; it is described as "enormous" and "secluded," providing a vast and private sanctuary for primitive camping enthusiasts. Visitors are consistently impressed by its natural features, including an abundance of ideal tent sites, numerous campfire rings, and access to "unlimited water" from two nearby creeks, a crucial amenity for backcountry survival.

Referred to by some as "Jurassic Park" due to its "dense and varied flora and the amazing variety of beasts, both large and small," Campsite #70 offers a deeply wild environment. It beckons to seasoned adventurers, hikers, and those seeking true solitude away from the crowds. While the beauty is undeniable, this campsite demands respect for its wild nature, especially concerning wildlife, particularly bears, which are known to inhabit this area. This site is for those who are prepared to embrace self-sufficiency and exercise heightened awareness, promising an unforgettable and authentic backcountry adventure in the heart of North Carolina's most iconic mountain range.

Location and Accessibility

Backcountry Campsite #70 is located within the vast wilderness near Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA. As a designated backcountry campsite within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is not accessible by vehicle. Instead, access requires a significant hike, typically via established trails such as the Forney Creek Trail and the Jonas Creek Trail. In fact, the Jonas Creek Trail begins directly at Campsite #70 after crossing Forney Creek on a footlog from the Forney Creek Trail.

For North Carolina locals, particularly those with experience in hiking and backcountry navigation, reaching Campsite #70 involves a challenging but rewarding journey. The reviews indicate that hikers have approached it from both Forney Creek Trail and Jonas Creek Trail, signifying its connectivity within the extensive trail network of the Great Smoky Mountains. While the general address points to Robbinsville, the true accessibility lies in understanding the park's trail system and being prepared for strenuous terrain, including "treacherous creek crossings." This level of accessibility caters to the adventurous spirit of North Carolinians who seek a deeper immersion into the wilderness, promising a truly remote and unadulterated camping experience far from conventional roads and amenities.

Services Offered

• Primitive Camping: Backcountry Campsite #70 offers a primitive camping experience. This means there are no modern amenities like flush toilets, showers, or electricity. Campers must be self-sufficient and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
• Designated Tent Sites: The campsite is described as having "lots of perfect tent sites," providing clear, relatively flat areas suitable for pitching tents.
• Campfire Rings: Multiple "campfire rings" are available, allowing campers to safely build fires for warmth and cooking, provided fire restrictions are not in place and only dead and down wood is burned.
• Natural Water Access: The site benefits from "unlimited water" supplied by "two creeks," offering a natural water source for drinking and cooking (water must always be filtered or treated before consumption).
• Bear Cable System: For safety and compliance with park regulations, the campsite is equipped with "several bear cables" to hang food and other odorous items, preventing bear encounters.
• Well Maintained: Despite its primitive nature, the campsite is noted as "Well Maintained," suggesting that the area is kept clear and suitable for use.

Features / Highlights

• Enormous and Secluded Space: Campsite #70 is distinguished by its "enormous" size and highly "secluded" location, offering unparalleled privacy and ample room for groups to spread out. This is a significant highlight for those seeking true solitude in the wilderness.
• Abundant Tent Sites: The presence of "lots of perfect tent sites" ensures that campers have numerous options for comfortable and level tent placement within the expansive area.
• Direct Creek Access: Being situated between "two creeks" provides continuous access to a natural water supply, a critical feature for backcountry camping and a major convenience for hydration and cooking.
• Multiple Fire Pits: With "several fire pits" available, the campsite can accommodate multiple groups or allow for separate cooking and gathering areas.
• Bear Cables for Food Storage: The provision of "several bear cables to hang food from" is a crucial safety feature in this bear-populated area, enabling campers to properly secure their food and deter wildlife.
• "Jurassic Park" Environment: The vivid description of the area as "Jurassic Park" due to its "dense and varied flora and the amazing variety of beasts" highlights its rich biodiversity and truly wild character, appealing to nature enthusiasts.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Campers have the chance to encounter "beasts, both large and small," including deer, egrets, and most notably, bears, offering unique wildlife observation (from a safe distance).
• Challenging but Rewarding Hike: The hike to and from the campsite, described as a "long and brutal climb" with "treacherous creek crossings," is a highlight for experienced hikers seeking a rigorous and adventurous journey.
• Proximity to Major Trails: Its location at the junction of Forney Creek Trail and Jonas Creek Trail makes it a key waypoint for multi-day backpacking trips in the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Alternative Exit to Fontana Lake: The option to hike down to Fontana Lake and traverse it via canoe or swimming offers a unique and adventurous alternative for exiting the backcountry.
• Horse Access: The mention of being able to "ride to this campsite on the back of your trusty steed" suggests that this is also a designated horse camp, offering a unique highlight for equestrian campers.

Contact Information

Address: Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA (Note: This is a general area address. Access requires backcountry hiking and navigation within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.)

Phone: (865) 436-1297 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 865-436-1297 (Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For North Carolina residents who are passionate about true wilderness immersion and seeking a profound backcountry experience, Backcountry Campsite #70 near Robbinsville stands as an exceptionally suitable and challenging destination. Its primary appeal for locals lies in its unparalleled seclusion and vastness, offering a rare opportunity to disconnect from urban life and completely embrace the untamed beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, all within their home state.

The practical features of Campsite #70 cater directly to the seasoned North Carolina adventurer. With "unlimited water" from two creeks and "lots of perfect tent sites" complemented by "several fire pits," it provides essential primitive amenities that allow for a self-sufficient and comfortable stay. Crucially, the presence of "several bear cables to hang food from" addresses a significant aspect of backcountry safety in this bear-rich environment, emphasizing the park's commitment to both visitor safety and wildlife preservation. This enables experienced locals to confidently navigate the unique challenges of camping in "Jurassic Park" – an area teeming with diverse flora and fauna.

Furthermore, for those North Carolinians who relish a physical challenge, the "long and brutal climb" and "treacherous creek crossings" to reach the site, whether from Clingman's Dome or via other trails, are not deterrents but rather defining aspects of the adventure. The option to hike out to Fontana Lake and potentially canoe or swim across adds an exciting and unique dimension to the journey. Ultimately, Backcountry Campsite #70 is perfect for local hikers, equestrians, and nature enthusiasts who are prepared for rustic conditions and prioritize genuine wilderness, offering an authentic, unforgettable, and deeply rewarding outdoor experience in the heart of North Carolina’s majestic mountains.

Backcountry Campsite #70

Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA