Backcountry Campsite #86

For many North Carolina locals, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park holds a special place in their hearts, a place of profound beauty, challenging trails, and cherished memories. Among its countless natural wonders, Backcountry Campsite #86, nestled on the banks of historic Hazel Creek near Robbinsville, stands as a testament to the park's enduring magic. This isn't just any campsite; it's a place that has woven itself into the fabric of generations, offering a truly immersive wilderness experience that beckons you to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the wild heart of our state. Whether you're an experienced backpacker drawn to the solitude of remote trails or someone seeking to understand the deep history embedded in our landscapes, Campsite #86 promises an unforgettable adventure.

Backcountry Campsite #86 is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the vicinity of Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA. It's important to understand that as a backcountry campsite, it is not accessible by vehicle. The journey to Campsite #86 is an integral part of the experience, requiring a significant hike or a combination of boat access and hiking. Specifically, Campsite #86 is situated along the renowned Hazel Creek, a historic and picturesque area of the park. Access to Hazel Creek and its campsites, including #86, is often via trails originating from Fontana Lake, possibly involving a ferry service across the lake to trailheads like Ollie Cove Trail or other access points that connect to the extensive Hazel Creek Trail network.

The Hazel Creek Trail itself is roughly 16 miles long and can be accessed from various connecting trails, or by boat shuttle from Fontana Village Marina. The terrain leading to Campsite #86 can vary from old roadbeds in the lower sections to more challenging single-track trails with creek crossings further upstream. This journey demands preparedness and self-sufficiency, but the reward is the unparalleled solitude and beauty of one of North Carolina's most cherished wilderness areas. It is vital for all visitors to plan their route carefully, consult official park maps, and understand that cell service is highly unlikely in this remote region.

As a designated backcountry campsite within a National Park, Backcountry Campsite #86 offers fundamental, minimalist services designed to support a Leave No Trace camping philosophy while ensuring visitor safety.

• Designated Tent Pads/Areas: While not always explicitly marked with formal pads, there are typically recognized, flattened areas suitable for pitching tents, minimizing impact on the natural ground.
• Bear Cable System: Crucially, each backcountry campsite in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including #86, provides a bear cable system or poles for hanging all odorous items (food, trash, toiletries) out of reach of bears and other wildlife. This is essential for both human safety and wildlife protection.
• Fire Rings: Fires are permitted only in established fire rings at designated campsites. Campers are allowed to burn dead and downed wood found on the ground, but cutting standing wood is prohibited. Bringing certified heat-treated firewood is also an option.
• Access to Natural Water Sources: Campers can access natural water sources, primarily Hazel Creek, for water. However, all water from natural sources must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated to be safe for consumption.
• No Trash Disposal: There are no trash receptacles provided. All trash, without exception, must be packed out by visitors, leaving the site as pristine as it was found.
• No Restroom Facilities: As a primitive backcountry site, there are no developed restrooms. Campers are required to follow strict Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal, burying it at least 100 feet from any water source, campsite, or trail.

Backcountry Campsite #86 is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's an experience rich in natural beauty and historical significance, offering unique highlights that resonate deeply with many.

• Historical Significance: The campsite is located in the Hazel Creek valley, an area rich with the history of early Appalachian communities and logging towns, including the remnants of the old town of Proctor. The nearby Proctor House, also known as the "Hazel Creek Hilton," adds a tangible connection to the past.
• Unparalleled Wilderness Seclusion: This campsite offers a truly "one of a kind" magical experience, as described by visitors, providing deep solitude away from the typical crowds found in more accessible areas of the park.
• Beautiful Creek Access: Situated on the banks of Hazel Creek, campers have constant access to the soothing sounds of the flowing water and opportunities for cooling off or enjoying the pristine environment.
• Excellent Fishing: Hazel Creek is renowned among anglers for its excellent trout fishing, making Campsite #86 a prime spot for those looking to cast a line in a beautiful, natural setting.
• Immersive Nature Experience: The remote setting allows for a deep immersion in the natural world, fostering a sense of awe and connection that is difficult to find elsewhere.
• Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night skies above Campsite #86 offer incredible opportunities for stargazing, revealing constellations and the Milky Way with stunning clarity.
• Wildlife Viewing: The backcountry location increases the chances of encountering a variety of native wildlife, from deer and wild turkeys to a diverse array of bird species.
• Backpacking and Hiking Hub: Campsite #86 serves as an excellent base for exploring the extensive network of trails in the Hazel Creek area, including the Hazel Creek Trail itself and connecting routes like Jenkins Ridge Trail and Welch Ridge Trail.

For information regarding Backcountry Campsite #86, including required permits, trail conditions, and specific regulations, it is essential to contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park directly.

Address for general park inquiries (Campsite #86 is a wilderness location, not a physical office):

Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA (This address refers to the general area of the campsite's proximity within North Carolina, not a physical office or visitor center at the campsite itself.)

For specific inquiries related to backcountry camping, including reservations and permits, visitors should contact the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Backcountry Information Office.

Phone: (865) 436-1297 (This is the dedicated number for the Backcountry Information Office for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which handles reservations and questions for all backcountry sites, including #86.)

Phone calls are generally the preferred method of contact for backcountry trip planning questions. You can also visit the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website and navigate to their backcountry camping section for detailed rules, regulations, and online permit acquisition.

For North Carolina locals, Backcountry Campsite #86 represents a profound opportunity to experience the very essence of wilderness that defines our state's mountainous regions. It's a place of deep personal connection, as evidenced by visitors who speak of growing up backpacking its trails and feeling the "creek calling" them back. This campsite is not for the faint of heart; it requires preparation and respect for nature, including packing out all trash to preserve its "beautiful area" from the "disgusting" litter left by inconsiderate individuals. However, for those willing to undertake the journey, the rewards are immeasurable: unparalleled solitude, the therapeutic sounds of Hazel Creek, superb fishing, and a chance to walk through a landscape rich in both natural beauty and human history. It's a challenging yet deeply rewarding escape that allows North Carolinians to forge lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the untamed beauty of their own backyard, passing on a legacy of outdoor adventure.

Backcountry Campsite #86

Robbinsville, NC 28771, USA