Camping and campfire regulations on the A.T.

Camping Regulations

Camping regulations vary considerably along the A.T., especially in the Mid Atlantic and New England regions. This is because the A.T. corridor consists of a patchwork ribbon of many different types of lands managed by more than 75 different agencies. Areas are managed for purposes as diverse as federally designated wilderness, multi-use forests, game lands for hunting, wildlife refuges, watersheds and farmland.

Most of the regulations pertaining to camping and campfires along the A.T., listed from north to south, can be found in this table. However, it is important to check regulations before your visit by either contacting the land managing agency or checking an up-to-date guidebook. Always follow posted guidance at shelters, campsites, and on trail signs.

Some of the land managing areas listed in the table overlap others listed for the same state. Please follow the most restrictive guidelines. When in doubt, plan to only camp at shelters and designated campsites and use a camp stove rather than having a campfire.

Hikers are required to stay at designated campsites or shelter sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina, the Triple Crown/McAfee Knob area of central Virginia, and many areas from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia northward. In areas of heavy use, camping regulations may be designed to concentrate impacts in designated areas to avoid large swaths of the A.T. being devoid of vegetation and areas losing their natural, pristine quality.

If dispersed camping is allowed, best practice is to find a site at least 200 feet of the Trail (ideally not visible from the Trail) and 200 feet from water. Dispersed camping is also generally discouraged within 1/4 mile of trailheads, shelters, and established recreation areas. Always practice Leave No Trace camping.

LEARN MORE

Visit our Trail Updates page to view the most recent closures and notices.

Trail Updates

Please follow all local burn bans. Always practice campfire safety and Leave No Trace if you choose to have a fire in an area where campfires are allowed.

LEARN MORE

Camping regulations

Maine

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights
camp limit
Camping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
MEBaxter State ParkAbol Stream marks the park boundaryFires or other cooking or heating devices are permitted only in designated campsites or picnic areas. At Chimney Pond and Davis Pond, open fires are prohibited and only backpack-type stoves are allowed.Camping is allowed only in designated campsites in the park; campsites must be reserved in advance. Northbound hikers who have hiked 100+ miles have the option of staying at the first-come, first-served site The Birches (sign-up is at an information kiosk just north of Abol Bridge).
Baxter. Camping fee = $10 - $30
Y/N1 night at The Birches (for northbound hikers who have hiked 100+ miles only)YBaxter State ParkMATC
ME100 Mile WildernessME 15 to Abol BridgeOnly allowed designated at fireplace/rings (most lean-tos and campsites)Some areas off limits to camping except at designated sites: Road crossing S of Nahmakanta Lake to the Pollywog Stream bridge. Gulf Hagas Cut-of trail to N of the W Branch of the Pleasant River. Rainbow Lake. No camping above treeline.N2 nightsNAppalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to MaineMATC
MEBigelow PreserveME 27 to about 0.6 miles south of Long Falls Dam RoadOnly allowed designated at fireplace/rings. No campfires at Horns Pond or Avery Col.No camping above treeline.NN/ANMDCAFMATC
MESpeck PondNo campfiresFee = $10 per personNN/AYAppalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to MaineAMC
MEOther sections in Maine not listed above. Campfires are only allowed at designated sites in Maine except at sites where no fires are allowed, liste aboveNo camping above treeline.NN/ANAppalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to MaineMATC/AMC

New Hampshire

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
NHME/NH State Line to US 2Fires prohibited except at shelter or designated campsite in fireplace/ringWhile this section is still within the WMNF (except for a short section through Leadmine State Forest), hikers are encouraged to only camp at designated shelters and campsites due to the narrow Trail corridor in this sectionAppalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire - VermontAMC
NHWhite Mountain National Forest (WMNF)Mt. Moosilauke to US 2, except for short sections in Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch State ParksNo fires in Forest
Protection Areas, at
Gentian Pond Shelter, or
in Great Gulf Wilderness
Camp at designated sites, or 1/4 mi from roads, facilities and water, 200 feet from trail, below alpine zone (where trees are 8'
tall or less). Additionally, in Great Gulf Wilderness, no camping within 1/4 mile on
Great Gulf Trail between its junctions with Sphinx and Gulfside Trails. Fee required at campsites and shelters managed by AMC and RMC
N14 daysYBackcountry Camping Rules - WMNFAMC
Appalachian Mountain Club backcountry campsitesAMC
NHMt. Moosilauke to CT RiverFires prohibited except at shelter or designated campsite in fireplace/ringWhile this section is still within the WMNF (except for a few short sections of state/private land), hikers are encouraged to only camp at designated shelters and campsites due to the narrow Trail corridor in this sectionNN/ANAppalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire - VermontDOC

Vermont

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
VTGreen Mountain National Forest (GMNF)Most of the Trail in VT is on GMNF land except for a few short sections where the Trail crosses state/private land. When it doubt, camp only at designated shelters and campsitesWithin campgrounds and other recreation sites, build fires only in fire rings, stoves, grills, or fireplaces provided for that purpose.Camp at existing sites or 200 feet from trails and water. Do nut cut live vegetation. No camping in alpine or subalpine zones. N2 nights at A.T. shelters and campsites, 14 days elsewhere on the forest. At certain sitesGMNFGMC
VTCT River to US 4No fires except at shelter
in fieplace/ring or Gifford
Woods State Park
While this section is still within the GMNF (except for a few short sections of state land), hikers are encouraged to only camp at designated shelters and campsites due to the narrow Trail corridor in this sectionN2 nightsYGifford Woods State Park: vtstateparks.com/gifford, 802-775-5354 GMC
VTKillington Cooper Lodge and Churchill Scott ShelterNo fires at Cooper Lodge
or Churchill Scott shelter. Fires permitted at other
shelters only in
fireplace/ring.
No camping except at sheltersN2 nightsNVT Forest, Parks & RecreationGMC
VTClarendon GorgeNo campfires in the vicinity of the gorgeCamping is prohibited in the vicinity of
Clarendon Gorge.
N2 nightsYAppalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion GMC
VTLittle Rock PondFires restricted to shelters
and designated campsites
in provided fireplace/ring
Camping within 0.5 mi of Little Rock Pond is limited to the following designated sites:
Little Rock Pond Shelter and Little Rock Pond
Tenting Area. Camping fee = $5
N3 nightsYGreen Mountain National ForestGMC
VTGriffith Lake & Peru PeakFires restricted to shelters
and designated campsites
in provided fireplace/ring
Camping fee = $5N2 nightsYAppalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire - VermontGMC
VTStratton Pond and Stratton MountainFires restricted to shelters
and designated campsites
in provided fireplace/ring. No fires on Stratton Mountain
No camping on Stratton Mountain. Stratton Pond Shelter allows some tenting near the shelter and at the nearby Stratton View Tenting Area. Camping only at designated sites within 0.5 miles of Stratton Pond. Camping Fee = $5 feeN2 nightsYGreen Mountain National ForestGMC
VTVT 9 to Mass. 2 (North
Adams)
The Trail crosses some private land in this section. Hikers should only build campfires in existing rings at designated sites.The Trail crosses some private land in this section. Hikers should only camp at designated sites.N2 nightsNAppalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire - VermontGMC

Massachusetts

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
MAMassachusettsFires at designated sites (fireplace/ring) only. No fires at Sages Ravine or Laurel Ridge campsitesCamping permitted only at shelters and designated sitesNo. Groups are encouraged to register on ATCamp2 nightsNAppalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Massachusetts-ConnecticutAMC Berkshire

Connecticut

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
CTConnecticutNo campfires allowed.Camping permitted only at shelters and designated sitesN2 nights NAppalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Massachusetts-ConnecticutAMC Conn.

New York

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
NYHudson River to NY/CT border
(APPA NPS lands in Putnam and Dutchess Counties)
Fires restricted to shelters and designated campsites in provided fireplace/ringCamping permitted only at shelters and designated sitesN2 nightsNNP
APPAS
NYNJTC
NYNuclear LakeNo campfiresNo CampingNN/AN A.T. Compendium of OrdersNYNJTC
NYHarriman State Park/Bear Mountain State ParkHudson River to NY 17Fires are allowed only at designated locations.Camping permitted only at shelters and designated sitesN2 nights.NHarriman State Park
Bear Mountain State Park
NYNJTC
NYNY/NJ line to NY 17/Harriman State Park
(APPA NPS Lands in Orange and Rockland counties)
Fires are allowed only at designated locations.Dispersed camping is allowed.N2 nights.NNP
APPAS
NYNJTC

New Jersey

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
NJNew JerseyNo campfires allowedCamping in areas other than those designated by signs is prohibited in New Jersey. NN/AOnly at Mohican Outdoor CenterAppalachian Trail Thru Hikers' Companion. Appalachian Trail Guide to New York-New JerseyNYNJTC

Pennsylvania

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
PADelaware Water Gap National Recreation AreaPA/NJ state line to approx. 1 mile north of Kirkridge ShelterStoves only; no campfires, grills or charcoal fires. Within the recreation area, backcountry camping is permitted only along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and only for hikers on extended trips. Camping is restricted to through-hikers who are hiking for two or more consecutive days. Camping is limited to one night and ten people per campsite. Self-contained stoves are permitted; ground fires, charcoal stoves and grills are prohibited.

Hikers may not camp:

Within 100 feet of any stream or water source
Within 0.5 mile of an established roadway
Within 200 feet of another camping party
From 0.5 mile south of Blue Mountain Lake Road to a point 1 mile north of Crater Lake
N1 night per campsite. 10 person limit.YDelware Water Gap National Recreation AreaWTC
PAWindsor FurnaceNo campfires except at shelter in fireplace/ringNo camping in Hamburg Watershed except at Windsor Furnace Shelter. No swimming in streams or reservoir. NN/ANNPS
APPA
BMECC
PAThe PinnacleNo campfiresNo campingNN/ANAppalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to PennsylvaniaBMECC
PAPennsylvania Game Lands (PGC #168, #217, #106, #110, #80, #211, #170)The Trail winds in and out of PA Game Lands from approx. Wind Gap to Darlington Shelter. When in doubt, camp only at designated shelters and campsites.Yes, except during periods of high fire danger. "Fires must be contained and attended to at all times."While camping is allowed along the
A.T. on game lands, it is specifically prohibited on connecting and side trails under PA Game Commission regulations. Hikers must camp within 200 ft of A.T., at least 500 ft from a stream or spring
N1 night limitNPA Game Commission
PADarlington Shelter to Alec Kennedy Shelter (crossing Cumberland Valley)No campfiresDue to narrow corridor and nearby neighbors, there is no camping between Darlington Shelter south to Alec Kennedy Shelter except at official Backpacker's Campsite south of Boiling Springs (Train Noise!)NN/ANNPS
APPA
CVATC
PAMichaux State ForestApprox. Tagg Run Shelter to just south of Deer Lick Shelter (except for Caledonia State Park and few small sections of NPS APPA land)Open fires prohibited at times of high fire danger, and from March 1 to May 25. This
prohibition does not apply to small self-contained camp stoves when used in a safe manner. Other times small campfires are permitted only where adequate precautions are taken to prevent the spread of fire into the forest. All other fires are prohibited. Campfires shall be attended at all times.
Camping prohibited within 1 mile of an adjoining state parkNGroups are encouraged to register on ATCamp. 1 night limit at campsites unless a permit is obtainedNPA Bureau of Forestry rules and regulations
PACaledonia State ParkFrom US 30 north for approx. 1.5 milesFires only in rings in Park Campgrounds or at grills in picnic areasCamping only at Park campgrounds.NN/AYCaledonia State ParkPATC
PAPine Grove Furnace State ParkFrom Rt. 233 north for approx. 1.5 milesIn fire ring at Park campground (1/2 mile from trail) or at grills in picnic areas.At Park campground only (March-mid December), 1/2 mile from trail.NN/AYPine Grove Furnace State ParkPATC

Maryland

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
MDMarylandNo fires at Annapolis Rocks Campsite. Other shelters and campsites, only in provided fireplace/ring.Camping in Maryland is only allowed at shelters and designated campsites. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on all AT lands in MD. NN/ANAppalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Maryland, West Virginia and Northern VirginiaPATC
MDPen-Mar ParkNo campfiresNo camping or fires at Pen-Mar Park.NN/ANPen Mar ParkPATC
MDWashington Monument State ParkNo campfiresNo campingNN/ANWashington Monument State Park
MDGathland State ParkNo campfiresNo campingNN/ANGathland State Park
PATC
MDC&O National Historical ParkPotomac River to Keep Tryst RoadN/ANo camping except at designated sites (none on A.T. portion)NN/ANC&O National Historic ParkPATC

West Virginia

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
WVHarpers Ferry National Historical Park 0.5 mile south of Loudoun Heights Trail to Potomac RiverNo campfiresNo camping or fires from the Potomac River to southern park boundary on Loudoun Heights (WV/VA border)NN/ANHarpers Ferry National Historic ParkPATC
WV/VAHarpers Ferry National Historic Park boundary south to 1.5 miles north of Keys Gap0.5 miles south of Loudoun Heights Trail to 1.5 miles north of Keys GapNPS lands, no campfiresNPS lands, dispersed camping is allowedN2 nightsNNPS
APPA
PATC
WV/VA1.5 miles south of Keys Gap to the powerline 1.5 miles north of the gap No campfires allowedNo campingNN/ANA.T. Compendium of OrdersPATC

Northern Virginia & Shenandoah National Park

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
WV/VAHarpers Ferry National Historical Park 0.5 mile south of Loudoun Heights Trail to Potomac RiverNo campfiresNo camping or fires from the Potomac River to Loudoun Heights (WV/VA border)NN/ANHarpers Ferry National Historic ParkPATC
WV/VAHarpers Ferry National Historic Park boundary south to 1.5 miles north of Keys Gap0.5 miles south of Loudoun Heights Trail to 1.5 miles north of Keys GapNPS lands, no campfiresNPS lands, dispersed camping is allowedN2 nightsNNPS
APPA
PATC
WV/VA1.5 miles south of Keys Gap to the powerline 1.5 miles north of the gap No campfires allowedNo campingNN/ANA.T. Compendium of OrdersPATC
VASky Meadows State ParkNo fires on A.T.No camping on A.T.; fee sites available 1.25 mi. east. $15 per person. NN/ANSky Meadows State ParkPATC
VAG. Richard Thompson WMAApprox. 0.5 mile south of Manassas Gap Shelter to Whiseky Hollow Shelter; just north of Whiskey Hollow to North Ridge TrailN/ACamping only allowed with written authorization.N14 nights or fewer with written authorizationYCamping on WMAsPATC
VAShenandoah National Park (SNP) boundary to Manassas Gap ShelterNo campfiresCamping only at designated shelters and campsitesN2 nightsNNPS
APPA
PATC
VAShenandoah National Park (SNP)Self registration kiosks 0.8 mile north of Rockfish Gap to 0.7 mile south of Tom Floyd WaysideFires only at park-constructed fireplaces found at A.T. huts and day-use shelters.A backcountry camping permit is required. Campsites must be at least: - 10 yards away from a stream or other natural water source.
- 20 yards away from any park trail or unpaved fire road.
- 50 yards away from another camping party or no camping post sign.
- 50 yards away from any standing buildings and ruins including stone foundations, chimneys, and log walls.
- 100 yards away from a hut, cabin, or day-use shelter.
- 1/4-mile away from any paved road, park boundary, or park facility (i.e. campgrounds, picnic grounds, visitor centers, lodges, waysides, or restaurants).
NN/ANShenandoah National Park Backcountry RegulationsPATC

Central Virginia

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
VABlue Ridge Parkway (BLRI)Fires are permitted in the provided grills or fire pits in campgrounds and picnic areas only.No Camping on BLRI land, except areas adjacent to the Appalachian Trail between Parkway milepost 0 (Rockfish Gap) and 9.6 (Dripping Rock Parking area) with exceptions noted belowN3 nights in any one location from milepost 0 (Rockfish Gap) to 9.6 (Dripping Rock Parking Area); 14 nights per year park-wideNBlue Ridge Parkway - NPSODATC
VAHumpback RocksNo campfires allowedCamping is prohibited in the area from the spur trail joining the Appalachian Trail to and including Humpback Rocks.

Camping is prohibited along the spur trail from the Appalachian Trail to and including the Humpback Rocks Picnic Area.

Camping is prohibited at any other location within one-quarter mile of the Blue Ridge Parkway motor road.
N/AN/AN/ABlue Ridge Parkway - NPSODATC
VACedar CliffsNo campfires allowedNo campingNN/ANSee area signs, Thru Hiker's Companion, Appalachian Trail Maps for Central VAODATC
VAGeorge Washington & Jefferson National Forests (GWJNF)Much of the Trail in VA is on GWFNF land, except a few areas that cross NPS, state, or private land. When in doubt, camp only at designated shelters and campsitesCampfires are allowed when you are dispersed camping unless there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. Between Feb. 15 and April 30 each year, Virginia only allows open air fires between 4 p.m. and midnight. Visitors are strongly encouraged to only use existing fire rings.Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Dispersed camping is allowed in a one-mile perimeter away from campgrounds and 200 feet from any stream. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite within 150 feet from a roadway.N3 night limit of stay (in a 30 day period) at all A.T. shelters. 21-day limit (within a 30 day period) elsewhere on the forest.NGeorge Washington & Jefferson National ForestsRATC
et. al.
VAReids GapNo campfiresNo camping within 1/2 mile of Reids Gap/VA-664 in both directionsNN/ANBlue Ridge Parkway - NPSODATC
VALove Gap Fire RoadNo campfiresNo Camping on the NPS lands accessed via the Love Gap Fire Road, from the BLue Ridge Parkway to USFS boundary near Maupin ShelterNN/ANBlue Ridge Parkway - NPSTATC
VACold Mountain (Cole Mountain)No campfires allowed in open areaNo camping in open area between signs (0.8 mi)NN/ANSee area signs, Thru Hiker's Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Central VANBATC
VAPedlar Reservoir (Lynchburg Reservoir)No campfires allowed around Reservoir.No camping, swimming, or bathing on land around Reservoir.NN/ANPedlar Reservoir Rules & RegulationsNBATC
VABlue Ridge Parkway, Punchbowl Crossing to Black Horse GapNo campfires allowedNo camping on BLRI land. The A.T. in this area is primarily on the National Forest, but traverses BLRI lands for short distances adjacent to the Parkway. These include at Punchbowl Crossing, Petites Gap, Thunder Ridge Overlook area, Cove Mtn summit and most of A.T. between Mills Gap and Black Horse Gap. Look for white rectangular NPS Boundary signs nailed to trees, typically no more than 0.5 miles from the Parkway. NN/ANBlue Ridge Parkway websiteNBATC
VAJames River to Matts CreekNo campfires or cookstoves allowedNN/ANGeorge Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Forest OrderNBATC
VAApple Orchard MtnNo trespassing around radar and buildingsNN/ANSee signs at siteNBATC
VAJennings Creek RoadNo fires within 300 feet of roadNo camping or fires within 300 feet of roadNN/ANThru Hiker's Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Central VANBATC
VAVA-652 (Mountain Pass Road, Troutville) to VA 624 (Newport Road, Catawba)No campfires except at designated sites (see list to the right)No camping except at John's Spring, Catawba Mountain, Campbell, and Lambert's Meadow shelters; and at Pig Farm and Lambert's Meadow campsites. No consumption of alcohol allowed.N2NA.T. Compendium of OrdersRATC
VAVA 641 to US 460No campfires allowedNo Camping.NN/ANGeorge Washington & Jefferson National ForestsOCVT

Southern Virginia

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
VANPS-acquired corridor lands across valleys between national forest boundariesOn NPS lands, campfires are prohibited except at locations specified by the state and in the applicable local management plan.On NPS lands, camping is allowed at designated sites only, for 2 nights.N2NA.T. Compendium of OrdersPATH
VAPartnership ShelterFires prohibited except at shelter In fireplace/ringCamping allowed in shelter only. No camping around the shelter or within 1/4 mile of the shelter. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the shelter. NN/ANAppalachian Trail Thru Hiker's Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Southwest VirginiaPATH
VAGrayson Highlands State ParkSigned; Approx. 0.5 mile south of the spur trail to Massie Gap to approx. 0.3 mile north of Wise ShelterNo campfires allowedNo camping in Grayson Highlands State Park except at the fee campground or in Wise Shelter. No camping around Wise Shelter. NN/AYGrayson Highlands State ParkMRATC
VAWise ShelterNo campfires allowedCamping allowed in shelter only. No camping around the shelter. NN/AN Grayson Highlands State ParkMRATC
VAThomas KnobNo fires at Thomas Knob ShelterNo tenting around Thomas Knob ShelterNN/ANAppalachian Trail Thru Hiker's Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Southwest VirginiaMRATC
VATown of DamascusN/ANo camping in town park, including at reconstructed shelterNN/ANTown of DamascusMRATC
VAGeorge Washington & Jefferson National Forests (GWJNF)Much of the Trail in VA is on GWFNF land, except a few areas that cross NPS, state, or private land. When in doubt, camp only at designated shelters and campsitesCampfires are allowed when you are dispersed camping unless there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. Between Feb. 15 and April 30 each year, Virginia only allows open air fires between 4 p.m. and midnight. Visitors are strongly encouraged to only use existing fire rings.Dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, or trailheads. Dispersed camping is not allowed within one-mile of established campgrounds or within 200 feet of any stream. To prevent resource damage please keep your campsite 150 feet away from any roadway.N21NGeorge Washington & Jefferson National ForestsMRATC
et. al.

Tennessee

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
TNCherokee National ForestThe Trail is on the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee except where it passes by Watauga Lake and through GRSMNP (see below)N/ADispersed camping is allowed. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of water, trails, trailhead parking lots and developed recreation areas.N3NCherokee National Forest Dispersed Camping GuidelinesTEHCC
TNWatauga LakeShook Branch (US 321) to Wilbur Dam RoadN/ANo picnicking, lingering, or overnight camping including at the former site of Watauga Lake Shelter.N/AN/ANAppalachian Trail Thru Hiker's Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Tennessee - North Carolina
TNGreat Smoky Mountains National ParkFontana Dam to Davenport GapAt designated sites in fireplace/ring onlyA permit is required. $4 per person per night or $20 per thru hiker. GSMNP defines thru hikers as anyone starting their at least 50 miles on either side of the park boundary. Hikers must stay in shelters. Thru hikers are allowed to tent around shelters if the shelter is full. Thru hikers must give up their spot in the shelter to those with a reservation. Y1 night per shelter, 3 nights per campsiteYGreat Smoky Mountain National Park A.T. Thru Hiker Permit (with link to regular backcountry permit)SMHC

North Carolina

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee?
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
NCPisgah National ForestThe Trail is on the Pisgah National Forest in NC north of GSMNP, except where is passes by Fontana Dam (see below)Keep campfires small, confined, and never unattended. Do not bring in outside wood. Be sure to completely and safely extinguish flames and coals before departure.Dispersed camping allowed under following conditions: - Hike ¼ mile from trailhead.
- 100 ft from the trail itself.
- 100 ft from a water source.
- ¼ mile away from any developed rec area.
N3NPisgah National Forest Appalachian Ranger DistrictCMC
NCMax PatchNo campfiresNo camping.
No fires.
Area closes 1 hour after sundown. Reopens 1 hour before sunrise. Visitors prohibited during closed hours.
Group size limited to 10.
Dogs and other animals must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or in a crate or cage.
Stay on designated trails.
Aircraft may not land nor drop off or pick up anything in this area. Drones are prohibited on Appalachian Trail.
No fireworks.
Bikes must stay on roads only.
Horses and other saddle and pack animals may not be ridden, hitched, tethered, or hobbled in this area.
N N/AN/AMax Patch Camping Closure Announcement, Pisgah National ForestCMC
NCGreat Smoky Mountains National ParkFontana Dam to Davenport GapAt designated sites in fireplace/ring onlyA permit is required. $4 per person per night or $20 per thru hiker. GSMNP defines thru hikers as anyone starting their at least 50 miles on either side of the park boundary. Hikers must stay in shelters. Thru hikers are allowed to tent around shelters if the shelter is full. Thru hikers must give up their spot in the shelter to those with a reservation. YThru-hikers have 8 days to get through the ParkYGreat Smoky Mountain National Park A.T. Thru Hiker Permit (with link to regular backcountry permit)SMHC
NCFontana DamIn the vincinity of the Fontana Marina (NC 28) parking lot and just south of Fontana Dam Shelter to the boundary of GSMNPAt designated sites in fireplace/ring onlyAt Fontana Dam Shelter onlyNN
NCNantahala National ForestThe Trail is on the Nantahala National Forest in NC south of GSMNP, except where is passes by Fontana Dam (see above)Keep campfires small, confined, and never unattended. Do not bring in outside wood. Be sure to completely and safely extinguish flames and coals before departure.Dispersed camping allowed under following conditions: - Hike ¼ mile from trailhead.
- 100 ft from the trail itself.
- 100 ft from a water source.
- ¼ mile away from any developed rec area.
N/A3NNantahala National ForestNHC

Georgia

StateAreaAdditional Landmarks/WaypointsCampfiresCampingCamp/Shelter
reserv rqrd?
Y/N
# nights camp limitCamping
fee
Y/N
For add'l info/Info sourcesClub
GAChattahoochee-Oconee National Forest (C-ONF)The Trail is on the C-ONF in GANo campfires from Slaughter Creek campsite to Neel Gap; otherwise observe Leave No Trace practicesDispersed Camping is allowed. Bear canisters must be used between Jarrard Gap and Neel Gap Mar. 1 thru June 1. Observe Leave No Trace practices.N14 daysNChattahoochee-Oconee National ForestGATC