Backcountry Camping in Smoky Mountains?

There's a small but very active Yahoo Smokies group that has a lot of very active hikers and campers on it and they can tell you anything you want to know about the Smokies. They know exactly where to go in the back country since that's where many of the members spend their free time.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GreatSmokyMountains/

I've been backpacking in the Smokies many, many times. Last time was the first week of July. October is a very popular time in the park, so the trails might be busy. Some campsites are by reservation only, so if you plan to stay at one of those, you better get your reservations now. I could make suggestions, but am not sure what type of hike you would like: challenging, easy, creek side, mountain view? What area of the park? Near Cherokee or Gatlinburg or other?

We hike the smokey Mountains quite often. Depends on what you consider "backcountry". There is a really nice hike near Clingmans Dome it is part of The Appalachian Trail. There is a shelter (Cold Springs shelter..i think) on the trail that a lot of people hike to and set up camp. If your wanting backcountry I am assuming you intend on hiking to the campsite. If that's not what you had in mind there is a nice campground called cades cove it is public but primitive. Not too private. Oh...and do watch for bears...familiarize yourself with what to do when coming up on a bear...very useful info. when hiking and camping there. Its beautiful...you will have a blast!

I would concentrate on what trail you want to hike not what campsite to pick. Pick up a copy of " Hiking Trails of the Smokes" and select a trail that suits your interests and ability.

going to Elkmont next week I found the rangers to be very helpful. I told them about my level of experience about my family and what we were looking for in a camp site. see the sites below:

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/ (general park information)

http://www.recreation.gov/ (reservation system for the parks that accept)

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/upload/2007%... (great Planer)

i would say

around gaitlenburg

its right by the Smokey mt national forest

i never camped there though

have fun

Sounds like fun , but i haven't done it there. but i do hike alot ,use to.I found out the best camp site is the one you pick out doing it,near water any how, Have fun.

i dont remember where i went but it was beautiful... set up camp.. went to this little local mexican rest... had some beers went back to camp, hiked around..... watch out for the bears....seriously~

I haven't myself, but many of the folks on this forum have done so extensively, and I suspect they can answer your questions.

http://www.griztrax.net/wildcountry/viewforum.php?...

yep Smokey in North Carolina

try this it give u a couple of choices

http://www.great.smoky.mountains.national-park.com...