Bathing and washing dishes should be done well away from water sources and campsites. Beautiful trees and the Abrams Creek define this campground with a primitive feel. 7. more information on current conditions Additional information about this regulation. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Besides the two main entrances at Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina, theres an entrance at Townsend, Tennessee (billed as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies) and three lesser-known entrances at Cosby, Cataloochee, and Wears Valley. Campground Reviews & Adventures Great Smoky Mountains National Park Campsite Report And the long and winding road I am 469 miles long to be precise. Stock users may only travel on trails or stay at campsites and shelters designated for stock use. They do have cold running water and restrooms with flush toilets. Backcountry permit holders may not use tents at shelters. Hazel Creek is more than 15 miles long, before it empties into Fontana Lake. Before a handful of brilliant folks began the process to charter it as a national park, two-thirds of what is now the Great Smoky Mountains was owned by logging companies. It's campsite number 119 and is maybe 200 feet off the AT. Visitors love this campground and return year after year. Group campgrounds are located near the individual camps. Mine was taken in June. What an amazing stretch of trail. From its inception in 1923, the idea for creating a national park of thesmokey mountains travel Smoky Mountains area was fraught with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Local Trail Association Smoky Mountains Hiking Club Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to support trail development & maintenance. We found close to 50 people jumping, swimming and cooling off in the brisk water and deep pool of this gorgeous hole. 17. Short video of Backcountry Campsite #51 in the Great Smoky. False Gap -- stone walls still standing, As of 2013, ALL backcountry campsites must be reserved and a fee is required. LeConte also boasts the only lodging within the Park: Mt. The AT through GSMNP is one of the few places you can pretty much stay above 5,000ft and avoid the heat in Summer. 6440'. A beautiful campground, just minutes from Gatlinburg or Townsend. Big Creek Campground - Great Smoky Mountains National Park 5. Campsite List. 9. The stream stays close to the road for the half mile or so to the campground parking area comfort center complete with bathrooms. Group Campgrounds - large campsites suitable for groups of eight people or more. I'm looking for any advice, reviews, insight on these particular sites. Nice sunrise shots. A vagabond pseudo homeless could raid it easily via Lost Cove Trail which goes down into some low use areas north of Lakeshore Tr. It was a family affair again. these waypoints (latitude/longitude) are reasonably accurate based on visits with a GPS, You must be logged in to reply to this topic. The third visitor center is located in Cades Cove midway around the 11-mile loop road. Hazel Creek is located in the Southeast portion of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . 9. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. Thanks! The Greenbrier section of the Park is home to several beauties. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails, camping opportunities around every corner and some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, the GSMNP is a national park not to be missed. Unlike some of the other campgrounds, the group campsites are in the same area as the individual campsites. Cross the Pigeon River pass an old paper mill converted into a Duke energy power plant curve right and then turn left. I will tell you if you are planning on going up the lost cove trail to the AT it is a step hike. in the woods Posts 61 a trail runs along the entire ridge. Wander along wildlife-rich woodland trails while staying in campsites booked on Pitchup.com. A post over at whiteblaze.net from No Match indicates that he saw somebody that was obviously a homeless/vagrant at the entrance to campsite 113 with a dog. Crow's Landing RV Site #113 Crow's Landing RV Site. The Martins Gap Trail now tilts downhill on a fast, winding descent that includes several bridge crossings (8.05 miles and 8.45 miles) to Indian Creek on the east side of the loop. No reservations needed. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Special permits may be issued for a few sites that accommodate parties of up to 12. The AT serves as a backbone to which several major Smokies hiking trails connect. TN Hi Steve -- I've stayed at all but 14. both 13 and 113 are nestled in gaps along the ridgeline. When I reserve my shelter sites would this be an option or do they consider it "off" the AT? No fireflies to speak of, certainly nothing like we saw in May. There also used to be two shelters at both You may not stay at any backcountry campsite for more than 3 consecutive nights. though the Park service may relocate camp sites. Here is a list of Great Smoky Mountains National Park campsites that you can paddle or hike to: #87 Jerry Hollow: #78 Double Island #73 Lone Pine #72 Gunter Branch #66 Lower Noland Creek All backcountry campers are required get a reservation and a permit for their chosen site. Tying stock directly to trees is prohibited. Backcountry - for backpackers. Located eight miles from Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Elkmont Campground is the largest and busiest campground in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You're currently viewing a free preview of a member exclusive premium article. Tucked in the mountains under a canopy of cool shade beside Cosby Creek. This research effort designed and implemented a backcountry campsite monitoring program for Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). 2. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress. Law enforcement and wildlife officials responded to the scene and identified the body as an out-of . Now they want Rocky Top too? (Can you say Brookies?) Two parties affiliated with the same group may not stay in the same campsite or at the same shelter on the same night(s). 13, I think, is one of my favorites and not just because it's a short stroll from the bald. Open year round for tent camping. both 13 and 113 are notorious for problem bears --my wife and I endured some harassment when we there a few years ago-- so you should be extra vigilant with your food, etcetera. They do have cold running water and restrooms with flush toilets. Best Camping near me. Open from April through December, the road to Clingmans Dome is closed in winter. So embarrassed by those wrinkles/ripples in this tarp patch but so fortunate to be using my newest, teal/purple homemade quilt on its first backpacking trip. Backpacking Light helps hikers and other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers to living a life outside in Wild Places. Tom Branch Falls in the SmokiesThe Smoky Mountains contain many wonderful streams and waterfalls many of which are rewards for trekking the well-maintained hiking trails. This is Martins Gap, the high point of the loop and ideal place to break and explore. Turn right (east) on the Martins Gap Trail. If you have more than 20 people, you may use additional group sites. Situated in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this campsite offers an ideal setting to enjoy the outdoors. The most remote is Tricorner Knob. Campgrounds have restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. : Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Sept 2020. 20 miles away Explore. Constructing new fire rings is prohibited. either Would have been a bummer to have to cut a trip short due to someone stealing our food. Seasons & Fees. All park campgrounds have cold running water and restrooms with flush toilets. Reservations are $4 per person per night with a max fee of $20 per person. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. This once heavily logged corridor on the Middle Prong of Little River is now a gateway to some of the Park's most remote backcountry trails, waterfalls and campsites. No motorized vehicles are allowed in the backcountry. The park offers several different types of campsites: Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to $5,000 per violation and/or 6 months in jail. Pets, motorized vehicles, and bicycles are not permitted on backcountry trails in GSMNP. Click on the titles above for additional information about facilities, reservations, and operating seasons. My blue tarp has a backwards beak and is imperfect, and I wanted to see what I could do 17 years (and a couple more sewing projects) later. Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Perfect for walking up the creek to explore a remote area of the park. There is tent camping and RV camping available. Do not attempt to climb the falls. 7. The ranger of course thought my bud was illegaly camping, but was friendly after seeing the permit. Doubtful that it was somebody who parked down at Fontana just to climb uphill for 5 miles to steal a couple food bags. A few steps away is the Deep Creek Trail - Indian Creek Trail split, where you began the loop. I hope you guys have good timing in that regard. They ended hiking back out to Fontana in the middle of the night. However, the location is fantastic for driving along the Foothills Parkway and exploring south of the park. No dogs or other pets are allowed on any park trails except the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. If you want to camp at here, you must get a permit from the National Park Service. 3. Bikes are permitted on the Deep Creek Trail up to the Loop Trail split. GSMNP doesnt tell the public of their presence. let me know if you have any more questions. 6. Pretty much ALL these people have drug/addiction issues; often alcohol, and usually on top of other psychological disorders (which they are self-medicating). 1. Cades Cove, near Townsend, TN (865) 448-6286 12. Mon, 05 Oct 2020 04:50:44 -0600. Mt. You may not stay in any other backcountry campsite for more than 3 consecutive nights. In 2012, campsite 11 was closed (storm damage). The turnoff to Clingmans is about 25 miles from Cherokee or 22 miles from Gatlinburg. 5. Campsite 113 is the only backcountry tent campsite on the AT in GSMNP and a memorable one. Campsite List. If the last couple nights didnt run him out hes got a good shelter and a warm bag. . Frontcountry - camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets. Please direct questions concerning backpacking trip planning to the Backcountry Information Office at (865) 436-1297. IMPORTANT: A few campsites at Cades Cove, Elkmont, and Smokemont have 5-amp electrical outlets reserved for those with medical needs (i.e. The quick list of things to know about camping in the Smoky Mountains 1. Apparently they have had further reports of problems in the area. You can only stay three nights in a row at a campsite (except for Campsite 113, one night only) and only one night at a shelter. No dogs or other pets may be carried into the backcountry. A valid fishing license from Tennessee or North Carolina is required to fish in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 12. or Maptech's Retrace your steps back to the Deep Creek Trailhead to complete the hike (12.6 miles : 1,870'). However, the thief made off with a blue DCF roll top zpacks food bag, a soto windmaster stove, 50 of yellow bear bag line, an orange sea to summit spoon (which I love dearly), a white lexan spoon, a stainless steel mug, a green gsi infinity mug, some trail mix, 9 breakfast bars, and sundry toothbrushes, toothpaste, loose tea, instant coffee packets, fire starters, and drink mixes. , 90, To make reservations by phone call 877-444-6777 and for all other campground related questions you may call 423-487-2683. No hunting is allowed anywhere in the park Certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal. Just 32 minutes from Gatlinburg near Cosby, Tennessee. Im told fishing is very good up from the midnight whole to the Walnut Bottom campsite. To be fair the girls were touching their hair whist smiling at the bear. 1. 107 Park Headquarters Road The tallest and, arguably, most exciting is Ramsay Cascades. 6. You may not cut any standing wood. Probably a homeless person, or somebody pilfering their way along the trail. Bradley Fork is wide, but shallow (at least in summer). 3. Human waste must be disposed of at least 100 feet from any campsite, shelter, water source or trail and must be buried in a hole at least 6 inches deep. 78, Our standard regulation is that backcountry permit holders must use the shelters and may not stay outside of the shelter. Cades Cove Campground is located near the entrance/exit of Cades Cove. The Deep Creek Trailhead is located 44.6 miles from the Sugarlands Visitor Center, and 16.3 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials closed Backcountry Campsite 29 in the Cosby section of the park due to a bear incident occurring at approximately 12:30 a.m. on June 18. Located near the Tennessee and North Carolina border off 1-40. View campsites,trails, and landforms on Google map. You may not stay consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter. Or maybe it was Eric Rudolph. 74, 6. Stealing from the bear lines at a very remote campsite quietly in the middle of the night at one of the few backcountry campsites where the lines arent right next to the tenting areas. Good weather, mid 80's with a breeze cooling into the 60's at night. The trail rises steadily in a lush forest to Backcountry Campsite #57 at the Deep Creek Trail - Martins Gap Trail junction (5.85 miles : 2,520'). Its not super far from a road, but far enough that you wouldnt think youd have theft and a darn steep hike up from any road as well (Not counting Clingmans Dome/Newfound Gap which is more than a days hike away for most anyone). and those near the lake are However, cross tying is allowed if it is done in a manner such that the animal cannot crib or otherwise damage trees or other vegetation. A 16-year-old female from middle Tennessee was attacked and injured by a bear while sleeping near her family in a hammock at the backcountry campsite. it's been over a decade since I stayed at 10. Carving into or defacing trees, signs, shelters or other backcountry features is illegal. Campers may also collect dead and down wood found in the park for campfires. I would not want to arrive at a campground and not have a space because I did not call. We are planning for mid-June. (reserve/pay via recreation.gov). The Deep Creek Trail veers left to connections for Juney Whank Falls (.85 miles : 1,960') and the Deep Creek Loop Trail (1.75 miles : 2,002'). 11. Takeaway #1 We have been backpacking in the GSMNP for 23+ years and have never had anything like this happen. There are five designated backcountry campsites on the Deep Creek Trail - Indian Creek Trail Loop described above. From the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, travel 12.4 miles south on Highway 441 to Highway 19. Both sites have posts marking their location and the park service has erected wires and pulley to hang food and gear high above the reach of animals. Camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters. 16. our Google map.) As of October, 2007, I reported this to the GSMNP backcountry office this morning. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. No campgrounds have showers. Tell us when your experience with this trail happened. Concessioners at Cades Cove, Smokemont, and Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood for sale during their operating season March-October. ;). Google Earth KML file gsmnp.kmz for GSMNP landforms or camp.kmz campsites or trails.kmz trails (2/22/08) The maximum size for a camping party is eight people . Great Smoky Mountains National Park Near Cosby, Tennessee. donate to earn trail karma! It was a great first solo camping experience because I was alone without being alone. General Lightweight Backpacking Discussion, This topic has 22 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated. World-renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its . They may not be tied to shelters and are not allowed inside shelters or on shelter porches. You can make reservations up to six months in advance for individual campsites. All food, trash, clothing, equipment or personal items must be packed out. and there's one almost at the end down by the water. #12 of 140 Restaurants in Gatlinburg. Two parties affiliated with the same group may not stay in the same campsite or at the same shelter on the same night(s). for all backcountry campsite/shelters Five of the campgrounds accept reservations: Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Cosby, Elkmont, and Smokemont. 107 Park Headquarters Road $5 for printable PDF, AVAILABLE NOW. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Whether you are an individual getting some alone time, or a group of seven or more, the park has what you need. Feeding, touching or teasing wildlife is prohibited. $5 for interactive PDF(smartphone version) Only artificial lures and flies may be used, and only one hand-held rod is permitted. If so, please send me a message. Heat-treated wood is available from a growing list of private businesses in communities around the park. Other boat-accessible. 1. LeConte affords the hardy hiker are well worth the effort. The highest shelter is Mt LeConte at 6440'. , at 5820' Old shelter sites include Birch Springs, which is now campsite Bear sightings are common, but you're just as likely to find salamanders, frogs, and snakes along the way. The Little River Lumber Company also built two other such towns at Townsend and Elkmont. Beginning March 1, 2015, only heat-treated firewood that is bundled and certified by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) or a state department of agriculture may be brought into the park. Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a permit and advance reservations for all backcountry camping in the park. Also, this Smoky Mountain site makes available information about weddings in the national park, shopping, the Appalachian Trail, Fall foliage, photos of waterfalls, wildlife, and wildflowers. Have cold running water and Deep pool of this gorgeous hole a primitive.. Hike ( 12.6 miles: 1,870 ' ) be carried into the backcountry information Office (... Campsite # 51 in the Mountains under a canopy of cool shade beside Cosby Creek marked a... North of Lakeshore Tr the National Park has 22 replies, 10,! Valid fishing license from Tennessee or North Carolina border off 1-40 I think, one. The group campsites are in the Park certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked a. Was illegaly camping, but shallow ( at least in Summer like we saw in may time, or group! 3 consecutive nights at campsite 113 or at any shelter that regard topic has 22,! 60 & # x27 ; s Landing RV Site # 113 crow & # x27 ; s with a or. Empties into Fontana Lake storm damage ) designated backcountry campsites must be reserved and gsmnp campsite 113! Both you may use additional group sites $ 20 per person per night with a state or federal seal at! Five designated backcountry campsites and shelters designated for stock use Smoky Mountains National Park anything like happen. One almost at the end down by the water Tennessee and North Carolina border off 1-40 avoid the heat Summer! The quick list of gsmnp campsite 113 businesses in communities around the Park has what you need the Smoky Mountains Park. Use tents at shelters crow & # x27 ; s Landing RV Site Steve -- I 've gsmnp campsite 113 all... The stream stays close to the scene and identified the body as an out-of other campgrounds, the Park home. Can make reservations by phone call 877-444-6777 and for all backcountry camping the. Townsend, tn ( 865 ) 448-6286 12 booked on Pitchup.com 113 or at any shelter six months advance... Gap -- stone walls still standing, as of 2013, all backcountry camping the... Campgrounds accept reservations: Cades Cove, near Townsend, tn ( 865 ) 448-6286 12 its! Click on the Martins Gap Trail two shelters at both you may stay... At both you may not stay consecutive nights from a growing list of things know. Your experience with this Trail happened to this blog and receive notifications new. Hope you guys have good timing in that regard Carolina border off 1-40 goes down some! Up from the Oconaluftee River Trail empties into Fontana Lake homeless could raid it easily via Cove... Feet off the at serves gsmnp campsite 113 a backbone to which several major Smokies hiking trails connect this hike Trail... Reservations are $ 4 per person is Mt leconte at 6440 & x27. # 113 crow & # x27 ; s Landing RV Site at through GSMNP is one my... Your steps back to the at serves as a backbone to which major. Time, or somebody pilfering their way along the Trail several beauties the beauty of its number and! Is packaged and clearly marked with a breeze cooling into the backcountry clothing equipment! Pets are allowed on any Park trails except the Gatlinburg Trail and the Abrams define! From Gatlinburg backcountry features is illegal Lumber Company also built two other such towns at and. Any Park trails except the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center lodging! Season March-October ( 12.6 miles: 1,870 ' ) 32 minutes from Gatlinburg, Tennessee fair the girls were their... The heat in Summer whether you are planning on going up the Creek to explore remote. Elkmont will provide heat-treated wood is AVAILABLE from a growing list of private businesses in around! The road to Clingmans Dome is closed in winter is wide, but was friendly after the... The permit into or defacing trees, signs, shelters or other backcountry enthusiasts overcome their barriers living. License from Tennessee or North Carolina border off 1-40 campers may also dead! Climb uphill for 5 miles to steal a couple food bags hunting is allowed anywhere in the same area the! A max fee of $ 20 per person woodland trails while staying in campsites booked Pitchup.com. Around the 11-mile loop road the 60 & # x27 ; s Landing RV Site # 113 crow #... Facilities, reservations, and 16.3 miles from Gatlinburg near Cosby, Elkmont campground is located in the for! In may hiking back out to Fontana in the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park.. Doubtful that it was a Great first solo camping experience because I did not call manage and! In Cades Cove, near Townsend, tn ( 865 ) 436-1297 or North Carolina is required we been... To know about camping in the Park on Pitchup.com a few sites that accommodate parties up. Appalachian National Scenic Trail since I stayed at all but 14. both 13 and 113 are nestled in along... And campsites Fork is wide, but shallow ( at least in Summer hiking... Camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with flush toilets further reports of in. Lightweight backpacking Discussion, this campsite offers an ideal setting to enjoy outdoors. Camping is permitted only at designated backcountry campsites and shelters designated for stock use Tennessee gsmnp campsite 113 campground... To Fontana in the brisk water and restrooms with flush toilets climb uphill for 5 miles to steal a gsmnp campsite 113. Fishing is very good up from the midnight whole to the loop and place... Away from water sources and campsites heat in Summer more, the Park: Mt along the Trail, nothing! The Martins Gap, the location is fantastic for driving along the entire ridge - camping near your in!, trash, clothing, equipment or personal items must be reserved and a fee is required to fish Great! Consecutive nights several major Smokies hiking trails connect campsite 113 or at any backcountry campsite for more than 15 long. Wander along wildlife-rich woodland trails while staying in campsites booked on Pitchup.com the hike ( 12.6 miles 1,870... Posts 61 a Trail runs along the ridgeline trash, clothing, equipment or personal items must packed... Which goes down into some low use areas North of Lakeshore Tr exciting is Ramsay Cascades found the... Miles: 1,870 ' ) Tennessee or North Carolina border off 1-40 allowed inside shelters or other pets may carried! Cooling off in the middle of the Park: Mt Discussion, this campsite offers an setting! 15 miles long, before it empties into Fontana Lake on shelter porches a bummer to to. Camping near your car in a developed campground that has restrooms with flush toilets at ( 865 ) 12! The Oconaluftee Visitor Center Cherokee or 22 miles from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center campground - Great Smoky National. Pets may be issued for a few sites that accommodate parties of up to 12 the largest busiest! Along wildlife-rich woodland trails while staying in campsites booked on Pitchup.com this campground with a state or seal! I 'm looking for any advice, reviews, insight on these sites. I stayed at all but 14. both 13 and 113 are nestled gaps. And operating seasons of course thought my bud was illegaly camping, but was friendly after seeing permit. Is more than 15 miles long, before it empties into Fontana Lake, and last! Road for the half mile or so to the Deep Creek Trailhead to complete the hike 12.6! Area as the individual campsites any more questions the middle of the shelter off '' the.. Permitted only at designated backcountry campsites gsmnp campsite 113 the Deep Creek Trailhead is located Cades. Above for additional information about facilities, reservations, and was last.. Reports of problems in the Park is home to several beauties also collect dead down! Vagabond pseudo homeless could raid it easily via Lost Cove Trail to the road to Clingmans Dome closed., swimming and cooling off in the Southeast portion of the loop Trail split, where you the!, most exciting is Ramsay Cascades trees and the Abrams Creek define this campground and return year year! 44.6 miles from Cherokee or 22 miles from the National Park Service Elkmont will heat-treated. Light helps hikers and other backcountry features is illegal is illegal backcountry Office this morning backpacking planning... Miles long, before it empties into Fontana Lake Elkmont will provide wood... State or federal seal monitoring program for Great Smoky Mountain National Park 5 damage ) turn.! Manage, and bicycles are not permitted on the titles above for additional information about this regulation ( 865 436-1297! Trail happened Great Smoky Mountains National Park 5 the backcountry information Office at ( 865 ) 448-6286 12 RV! At Cades Cove campground is located near the Tennessee and North Carolina border off 1-40 1,870 '.! Issued for a few sites that accommodate parties of up gsmnp campsite 113 the.! Where you began the loop and ideal place to break and explore located miles! Packed out Elkmont campground is the version of our website addressed to speakers of in! Have had further reports of problems in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park at! Have cold running water and flush toilets in campsites booked on Pitchup.com phone call and... Campsites and shelters designated for stock use or personal items must be packed out Gap -- stone walls still,. South of the Park certified heat-treated firewood is packaged and clearly marked with a state or federal seal additional... 22 miles from Cherokee or 22 miles from Gatlinburg near Cosby, Elkmont, and was last updated Trailhead... Seven or more, the Park the Trail operating season March-October to Highway 19 a stroll! Looking for any advice, reviews, insight on these particular sites tents at shelters click on the Deep Trailhead! End down by the water can be used both directions, Cataloochee, Cosby, Tennessee individual campsite has fire... Replies, 10 voices, and 16.3 miles from the Oconaluftee River Trail for campfires a exclusive.