Basin Cove Backcountry Camping

If backpacking, I recommend the Doughton Loop as your route. To access the Flat Rock Ridge Trail from the primative camping area you must cross the bridge on Longbottom Road, once crossed you will see the trailhead on your right. The area trails are well maintained, and do not appear to have been damaged by the recent tropical storm that ravaged areas of Western North Carolina.

The water source at the Grassy Gap backcountry site is dependable. Each campsite is equipped with a bear box for food storage and a fire ring. A small footbridge spans the adjacent creek and provides access to the primitive camping area, as shown on the site map. Site 1 is the closest campsite to the footbridge.

At the time of my stay, there were no restroom facilities. In the past, a porta‑john had been located adjacent to the primitive (backcountry) campsites, but it was not present during my visit.

If backpacking, I recommend the Doughton Loop as your route. To access the Flat Rock Ridge Trail from the primative camping area you must cross the bridge on Longbottom Road, once crossed you will see the trailhead on your right. The area trails are well maintained, and do not appear to have been damaged by the recent tropical storm that ravaged areas of Western North Carolina.

The water source at the Grassy Gap backcountry site is dependable. Each campsite is equipped with a bear box for food storage and a fire ring. A small footbridge spans the adjacent creek and provides access to the primitive camping area, as shown on the site map. Site 1 is the closest campsite to the footbridge.

At the time of my stay, there were no restroom facilities. In the past, a porta‑john had been located adjacent to the primitive (backcountry) campsites, but it was not present during my visit.

We slept at campsite 1, which is closest to the stream nearby. It was very peaceful sleeping to the sound of rushing water. We filtered the stream water for drinking and had no problem. There is wild honey suckle that smells really good. The hike is also pretty much flat from the parking lot to the campsite. A very easy backpacking experience for people who don't want anything too extreme. There is a fire restriction going on currently, so we didn't get to use the fire pit (camp stove only).

We slept at campsite 1, which is closest to the stream nearby. It was very peaceful sleeping to the sound of rushing water. We filtered the stream water for drinking and had no problem. There is wild honey suckle that smells really good. The hike is also pretty much flat from the parking lot to the campsite. A very easy backpacking experience for people who don't want anything too extreme. There is a fire restriction going on currently, so we didn't get to use the fire pit (camp stove only).

The creeks are beautiful and create a lovely audible backdrop to the campground. We had the opportunity to view the blue fireflies late in the evening.