Backcountry Campsite #72

For North Carolina locals seeking an authentic and immersive wilderness experience, Backcountry Campsite #72 on the pristine waters of Fontana Lake offers an unforgettable escape. Nestled within the breathtaking embrace of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Robbinsville, this campsite is not your typical drive-up spot. It's a secluded gem, accessible primarily by paddle, promising a true disconnection from the everyday and a deep immersion into the natural beauty that defines our state.

Backcountry Campsite #72 is ideal for those who love to earn their views and appreciate the tranquility that comes with remoteness. While it requires a bit of effort to reach, the reward is immense: a small, peaceful camp on a peninsula, offering stunning lake vistas and the sounds of wildlife as your soundtrack. This campsite provides a unique opportunity to explore the vastness of Fontana Lake and the surrounding wilderness, making it a perfect destination for kayakers, canoers, and anyone seeking a minimalist, self-reliant camping adventure in the heart of Western North Carolina.

Reviewers consistently describe it as a "little slice of heaven," praising its quiet atmosphere, the constant breeze, and the incredible night sky. It's a place where you can relax by the water, go for a swim in the cool lake, or simply enjoy good times with friends, far from urban distractions. Despite its wild setting, some unexpected modern conveniences might even surprise you, making it a truly unique blend of primitive charm and subtle connectivity.

Backcountry Campsite #72 is situated on Fontana Lake, near Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA. This places it within the stunning natural landscape of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an iconic destination renowned for its beauty and vast wilderness. The campsite’s accessibility is a key characteristic that defines the experience of staying there.

The primary method of reaching Campsite #72 is by water. Most visitors launch from the Flat Branch Boat Ramp, which is located near Bryson City, NC. From this launch point, campers can embark on an approximately 3-mile paddle across Fontana Lake to reach the campsite. This hour-long paddle is an integral part of the adventure, offering scenic views and a sense of accomplishment upon arrival. It’s important to note that lake levels can fluctuate significantly, especially in the fall. One reviewer mentioned the water level being "nearly 30 feet below full pond," which can mean a "pretty muddy at the water's edge" approach and a "good walk from the camp to get solid ground" after parking kayaks. Visitors should be prepared for varying conditions at the shoreline.

Despite its remote feel, the campsite offers an unexpected feature for a backcountry location: relatively good cell phone service. One review highlighted having "3 solid bars" in camp, allowing for contact with home and even streaming. This unique blend of wilderness immersion with a touch of connectivity can be a welcome surprise for some. While the journey requires self-reliance and an understanding of paddling in a large lake environment, the reward is a secluded and beautiful setting that feels far removed from the everyday.

Backcountry Campsite #72 provides a primitive camping experience within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This means amenities are minimal, focusing on preserving the natural environment and encouraging self-sufficiency. Campers should arrive fully prepared with all necessary gear and supplies.

• Designated Campsite Area: Offers a small, designated space on a peninsula suitable for setting up tents or hammocks (one review noted room for "4 hammocks"). This helps concentrate impact and protect the surrounding wilderness.
• Bear Safety Measures: Although not explicitly detailed for this specific site, all backcountry campsites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park require strict adherence to bear safety, including proper food storage (e.g., bear-resistant containers or hanging food) to protect both campers and wildlife.
• Water Access: Located directly on Fontana Lake, providing opportunities for swimming and access to a water source (though all water must be filtered or treated before consumption).
• Existing Fire Ring (Conditional): While a fire ring may exist, reviews indicate that burn bans can be in place, prohibiting campfires and cooking fires. Stoves are generally permitted for cooking.

Backcountry Campsite #72 on Fontana Lake offers several unique features and highlights that contribute to its appeal as a secluded wilderness escape in North Carolina.

• Paddle-In Seclusion: The primary access by paddling 3 miles from Flat Branch Boat Ramp creates a natural barrier, ensuring a more secluded and peaceful experience away from crowded, drive-up campgrounds.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: Situated on a peninsula on Fontana Lake, the campsite offers gorgeous views of the expansive lake and the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. Reviewers describe it as a "little slice of heaven."
• Wildlife Encounters: Being deep in the backcountry, there are ample opportunities for wildlife observation. A reviewer noted seeing "a large bear print" and hearing "a lot of coyotes howling at night," indicating a vibrant natural ecosystem.
• Unexpected Cell Service: Surprisingly, for a backcountry site, one reviewer found "3 solid bars" of cellphone service in camp, allowing for communication and even streaming, which can be a unique blend of wild and connected.
• Ample Hammock Space: The small peninsula offers enough room to comfortably set up multiple hammocks, catering to those who prefer hammock camping over tents.
• Cool Water for Swimming: The lake's water is described as "cool," providing a refreshing option for swimming during warmer temperatures, even when day temperatures are high.
• Gorgeous Night Sky: With minimal light pollution, the night sky at Campsite #72 is "gorgeous," offering incredible opportunities for stargazing.
• Constant Breeze: A reviewer noted a "pretty constant breeze blowing through camp," which can provide significant relief during warm days and contribute to a pleasant atmosphere.
• Driftwood Availability: While not explicitly mentioned for this specific site, backcountry sites on Fontana Lake often have driftwood available for fires (when burn bans are not in effect).

Backcountry Campsite #72 is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As a primitive backcountry site, it does not have a direct phone number or on-site staff. Reservations and permits for all backcountry campsites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are handled through the park's official system.

Address: Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA (This is a general area for the remote campsite within the national park, not a physical office or building.)

For information on reservations, required permits, current trail and campsite conditions, bear safety guidelines, and any burn bans or closures affecting backcountry areas, you should contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park directly.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters:
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Phone: (865) 436-1200 (This is the main park information line and can direct you to the appropriate department for backcountry camping inquiries.)

It is crucial to visit the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website or call their main office well in advance of your trip. This will ensure you have the most up-to-date information on regulations, weather, lake levels, and any alerts that might affect your visit to Backcountry Campsite #72. Permits are mandatory for all backcountry stays.

For North Carolina residents, Backcountry Campsite #72 on Fontana Lake offers a truly unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of their home state. This unique paddle-in campsite is exceptionally suitable for locals seeking a genuine escape from the everyday, a challenge that rewards with stunning natural beauty, and a deep connection with the Great Smoky Mountains.

Its primary appeal lies in its remoteness and the effort required to reach it. The 3-mile paddle from Flat Branch Boat Ramp ensures that only those genuinely committed to a wilderness experience will make the journey. This natural filter results in a more serene and private camping environment, free from the crowds and noise often found at more accessible campgrounds. For North Carolinians craving solitude and an authentic backcountry adventure, the quiet peace of Campsite #72 on its small peninsula is an invaluable commodity.

Furthermore, the campsite provides a rich sensory experience that resonates deeply with outdoor enthusiasts. The "gorgeous night sky," the "constant breeze," and the sounds of "coyotes howling at night" paint a vivid picture of true immersion in nature. The unexpected bonus of "3 solid bars" of cell service, while perhaps counter-intuitive for a backcountry site, offers a practical safety net and the surprising ability to share moments or stay briefly connected, a unique blend that might appeal to some.

The opportunities for recreation are abundant and intrinsically North Carolinian. Paddling on Fontana Lake, swimming in its cool waters, and fishing for what the lake offers are quintessential mountain activities. The presence of wildlife, including bear prints, reminds visitors of the wildness of the landscape, fostering respect and connection with the local ecosystem. For those who prioritize raw natural beauty, a physical challenge, and a chance to truly disconnect (even with optional connectivity), Backcountry Campsite #72 is a "little slice of heaven" that encapsulates the very best of North Carolina's wilderness, making it an ideal local escape.

Backcountry Campsite #72

Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA