Upper Falls Backcountry Campground

If arriving after hours, pick up a tag from visitor center and sign in. Parking is about a mile from the visitor center. There are two trails to get to the campsite (high shoals loop). We took the trail to the left as it follows the waterfall up. There are more stairs but the views are better. The trail is relatively flat before and after the climb up the stairs. The campground has two pit toilets and a creek for water access. There is also a picnic table and fire ring at each site. About 5 sites in total. I recommend the hike to chestnut knob while visiting - views shown in pictures above.

Was a simple 1.5 mile hike in. Pre-registration required and check-in to receive vehicle tag must be done at the visitor center which opens at 8 am (gate opens at 7 am). The woman who registered me recommended taking the back path avoiding the falls because of all the stairs (following the sign to upper falls campground), but I figured I'd prefer the more scenic route past High Shoal Falls. Took it slowly but the stairs were no issue with my pack. Only short, steep sections. I ended up hiking the alternate route later during my stay and 0/10 would not recommend. It was nothing but a horribly long and steep slog uphill. The stairs are better. The campsite itself has two privies with (maybe) TP and hand sanitizer, and a bear locker. There are six sites total, mine was site 5, the furthrest from the river (~100 ft). Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. Good distance between the sites so very quiet.

Easy to Moderate difficult campground to access. You can reach via one of two ways: a) High Shoal Falls, which is largely a long stairway with rails (helpful if you're carrying a large bag), or b) the loop that goes around the falls, which is also a long rocky stairway. If you can make it to High Shoal Falls, you will have no difficulty in getting to the campground. All sites either border or are a very short walk to get water. #1 - Immediately to your left when you walk in and borders the creek. #2 - Straight back, borders creek. #3 - Straight back, borders creek. #4 - Back right, very secluded, borders creek. #5 - Back right, least secluded, doesn't border creek, near bathroom.