Camping at Spivey Gap

[barf_jay]

I am going to be hiking from Sam's Gap to Erwin, Tn. here in a couple of weeks and looking for feedback on camping at Spivey Gap? Looking at hiker's guide, it shows camping and water, but sparse details on where and if safe. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If there are other suitable camping sites along this section, please let me know.

[Gambit McCrae]

I would carry water up from south side of Big bald and camp on the top. No water up there but amazing view.

I am not a road side camper if I can help it. I have had bad experiences as most others have. If good weather, Tent on Big Bald-The below print is standing on Big Bald and has a 360 deg view
IMG_2853.jpg

[SteelCut]

There is water and a camping spot at Spivey's Gap right before you get to the road. It will be obvious. But it appears to be very well used since it is close to the road. My preference is to not camp at or close to road crossings. You could camp here if you wish but I have no info on safety.

However, an alternative is to continue south on the AT across the road at Spiveys Gap and you will go uphill for a bit and crossing a good stream several times. It's a bit steep here if IIRC, Fill up with water here and go about another 0.25 mile or so past the last stream crossing and you will come to a good campsite on your left at a spot where the trail turns right. All in all you might have to go less than a mile to get to this spot but you are off the road and it should be safer and quieter.

[SteelCut]

Also, when I last did this section we did it in two days during August of last year. We opt'ed to camp at Whistling Gap. It was a nice spot to camp but the spring was bone dry. Luckily we had carried a bit of extra water from the water source at Big Bald shelter.

Given the drier conditions this year that water source will probably be dry again this year. But it will also be an option for you if you don't want to want to continue to Spivey's Gap or the camping that I mentioned previously. Just make sure you carry enough water in from the water source at the Big Bald shelter.

[Gambit McCrae]

I did Devil Fork Gap to Spivey Gap in a day August 14'. Nice little section-I parked this January at Spivey and hiked to Indian Grave Gap as an overnighter wrapping up the TN sections.

[barf_jay]

Ok thanks everyone. I was looking at the Whistling Gap option as my second choice. Means I have a longer 2nd day hike into Erwin, but sounds like the better option.