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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry

Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry is located in the National Forests in North Carolina. The area features forested terrain with elevations that can influence temperature, typically ranging from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Lake, offering opportunities for hiking and water activities.

Description

National Park

National Forests in North Carolina

For hikers and backpackers, the Joyce Kilmer Slickrock Wilderness presents a variety of recreational hiking opportunities. There is a relatively easy two-mile long Memorial Loop Trail in the Memorial Forest, which annually greets more than 35,000 visitors, or there is a complex of hiking trails that cater to more experienced hikers, such as the 13.3 mile long Slickrock Creek Trail, considered as one of the ten toughest trails in the United States. With a 3,700 foot climb overall and 13 stream crossings, this trail is seldom completely traversed, but used in conjunction with the other trails in the Wilderness to provide excellent backpacking trips.

Other than at trailheads, camping is allowed anywhere within the Wilderness using Leave No Trace principles, but given the steepness of the topography, there are a few relatively heavily used back country camping areas. Many fishermen enter the Wilderness from the north using the Slickrock Creek Trail, Ike Branch Trail or hike down to the creek from Big Fat Gap, camping along the creek. Backpackers use the area at Naked Ground on the southern ridge, and there is an area near the Hangover that offers excellent views, but an unreliable water source. Nichols Cove area has good camping spots with abundant water, and some hikers camp near Wildcat Falls, but long sections of the various trails lack suitable spots for camping.

As a designated Wilderness, there are no trail blazes, just signs at trail junctions, so it is essential that hikers carry maps and compass, and know how to use them. It is not uncommon for very experienced hikers to get “confused” for a while in the creek area due to the multiplicity of real trails, unofficial trails, old logging trails, etc. Along the ridge, the trails are well-defined, but physically demanding.

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Location

Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry is located in North Carolina

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.454721972123686 N
83.96650661459556 W

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Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

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Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry needs a permit.

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1 Review

Reviewed Jul. 2, 2022

Large area, hard hike there

From what i saw, there seemed to be two camp sites at Harold Parrish lower camp. one had the sign and was a bit off the river and the other one was down just a little bit but visible from the first site and right at the water. i have both pictured below. The hike in is quite difficult. we boated into slickrock cove off of Calderwood lake and walked from there to the sites. which was only about 1.5 miles. so a lot easier than the whole 13.5 mile hike. Wolfcat falls is really pretty with a huge swimming hole. Lots of fun and not far at all from the Lower camp sites. if you’re thinking of kayaking or canoeing to these sites it’s impossible because of the amount of small falls so you’ll have to park your boat at the cove and leave it. No way to get it to the campsite.

Happy Camping! 🏕

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry by Claire K., July 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry by Claire K., July 2, 2022
  • Review photo of Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry by Claire K., July 2, 2022
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Harold Parrish Lower Camp - Backcountry does not have wifi.