There are nearly 100 backcountry campsites in the Smokies.  Many are idyllic and have become destinations in themselves.  Others are little more than a wide place in the trail.  The NPS website for the Smokies has information about the sites in the Backcountry Permit webpage but it is barley more than a means to make a reservation.

As a way to help hikers make better decisions about where to camp, this rating system has been developed.  It is a 1 – 10 scale with a point given for each of the following criteria:

• Ready access to water
• Bear cables – generally a given but some site may not have them
• Low Impact – little evidence of overuse such as sparse vegetation and general appearance
• Leave No Trace – includes general layout and spacing of sites relative to the trail
• Privy
• Shelter
• Dry or properly draining tent sites
• Level tent sites
• Inspirational location – such as an overlook or river
• X-Factor – that certain je ne sais quoi