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.
Visit our Trail Updates page to view the most recent closures and notices.
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.
Camping regulations
Maine
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ME | Baxter State Park | Abol Stream marks the park boundary | Fires 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/N | 1 night at The Birches (for northbound hikers who have hiked 100+ miles only) | Y | Baxter State Park | MATC |
| ME | 100 Mile Wilderness | ME 15 to Abol Bridge | Only 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. | N | 2 nights | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine | MATC |
| ME | Bigelow Preserve | ME 27 to about 0.6 miles south of Long Falls Dam Road | Only allowed designated at fireplace/rings. No campfires at Horns Pond or Avery Col. | No camping above treeline. | N | N/A | N | MDCAF | MATC |
| ME | Speck Pond | No campfires | Fee = $10 per person | N | N/A | Y | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine | AMC | |
| ME | Other sections in Maine not listed above. | Campfires are only allowed at designated sites in Maine except at sites where no fires are allowed, liste above | No camping above treeline. | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine | MATC/AMC |
New Hampshire
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NH | ME/NH State Line to US 2 | Fires prohibited except at shelter or designated campsite in fireplace/ring | While 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 section | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire - Vermont | AMC | ||||
| NH | White Mountain National Forest (WMNF) | Mt. Moosilauke to US 2, except for short sections in Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch State Parks | No 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 | N | 14 days | Y | Backcountry Camping Rules - WMNF | AMC |
| Appalachian Mountain Club backcountry campsites | AMC | ||||||||
| NH | Mt. Moosilauke to CT River | Fires prohibited except at shelter or designated campsite in fireplace/ring | While 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 section | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire - Vermont | DOC |
Vermont
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VT | Green 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 campsites | Within 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. | N | 2 nights at A.T. shelters and campsites, 14 days elsewhere on the forest. | At certain sites | GMNF | GMC |
| VT | CT River to US 4 | No 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 section | N | 2 nights | Y | Gifford Woods State Park: vtstateparks.com/gifford, 802-775-5354 | GMC | |
| VT | Killington | Cooper Lodge and Churchill Scott Shelter | No fires at Cooper Lodge or Churchill Scott shelter. Fires permitted at other shelters only in fireplace/ring. | No camping except at shelters | N | 2 nights | N | VT Forest, Parks & Recreation | GMC |
| VT | Clarendon Gorge | No campfires in the vicinity of the gorge | Camping is prohibited in the vicinity of Clarendon Gorge. | N | 2 nights | Y | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion | GMC | |
| VT | Little Rock Pond | Fires 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 | N | 3 nights | Y | Green Mountain National Forest | GMC | |
| VT | Griffith Lake & Peru Peak | Fires restricted to shelters and designated campsites in provided fireplace/ring | Camping fee = $5 | N | 2 nights | Y | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire - Vermont | GMC | |
| VT | Stratton Pond and Stratton Mountain | Fires 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 fee | N | 2 nights | Y | Green Mountain National Forest | GMC | |
| VT | VT 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. | N | 2 nights | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire - Vermont | GMC |
Massachusetts
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA | Massachusetts | Fires at designated sites (fireplace/ring) only. No fires at Sages Ravine or Laurel Ridge campsites | Camping permitted only at shelters and designated sites | No. Groups are encouraged to register on ATCamp | 2 nights | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Massachusetts-Connecticut | AMC Berkshire |
Connecticut
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT | Connecticut | No campfires allowed. | Camping permitted only at shelters and designated sites | N | 2 nights | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Massachusetts-Connecticut | AMC Conn. |
New York
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NY | Hudson River to NY/CT border (APPA NPS lands in Putnam and Dutchess Counties) | Fires restricted to shelters and designated campsites in provided fireplace/ring | Camping permitted only at shelters and designated sites | N | 2 nights | N | NP APPAS | NYNJTC | |
| NY | Nuclear Lake | No campfires | No Camping | N | N/A | N | A.T. Compendium of Orders | NYNJTC | |
| NY | Harriman State Park/Bear Mountain State Park | Hudson River to NY 17 | Fires are allowed only at designated locations. | Camping permitted only at shelters and designated sites | N | 2 nights. | N | Harriman State Park Bear Mountain State Park | NYNJTC |
| NY | NY/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. | N | 2 nights. | N | NP APPAS | NYNJTC |
New Jersey
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ | New Jersey | No campfires allowed | Camping in areas other than those designated by signs is prohibited in New Jersey. | N | N/A | Only at Mohican Outdoor Center | Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers' Companion. Appalachian Trail Guide to New York-New Jersey | NYNJTC |
Pennsylvania
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA | Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area | PA/NJ state line to approx. 1 mile north of Kirkridge Shelter | Stoves 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 | N | 1 night per campsite. 10 person limit. | Y | Delware Water Gap National Recreation Area | WTC |
| PA | Windsor Furnace | No campfires except at shelter in fireplace/ring | No camping in Hamburg Watershed except at Windsor Furnace Shelter. No swimming in streams or reservoir. | N | N/A | N | NPS APPA | BMECC | |
| PA | The Pinnacle | No campfires | No camping | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers' Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Pennsylvania | BMECC | |
| PA | Pennsylvania 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 | N | 1 night limit | N | PA Game Commission | |
| PA | Darlington Shelter to Alec Kennedy Shelter (crossing Cumberland Valley) | No campfires | Due 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!) | N | N/A | N | NPS APPA | CVATC | |
| PA | Michaux State Forest | Approx. 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 park | N | Groups are encouraged to register on ATCamp. 1 night limit at campsites unless a permit is obtained | N | PA Bureau of Forestry rules and regulations | |
| PA | Caledonia State Park | From US 30 north for approx. 1.5 miles | Fires only in rings in Park Campgrounds or at grills in picnic areas | Camping only at Park campgrounds. | N | N/A | Y | Caledonia State Park | PATC |
| PA | Pine Grove Furnace State Park | From Rt. 233 north for approx. 1.5 miles | In 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. | N | N/A | Y | Pine Grove Furnace State Park | PATC |
Maryland
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD | Maryland | No 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. | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Maryland, West Virginia and Northern Virginia | PATC | |
| MD | Pen-Mar Park | No campfires | No camping or fires at Pen-Mar Park. | N | N/A | N | Pen Mar Park | PATC | |
| MD | Washington Monument State Park | No campfires | No camping | N | N/A | N | Washington Monument State Park | ||
| MD | Gathland State Park | No campfires | No camping | N | N/A | N | Gathland State Park | PATC | |
| MD | C&O National Historical Park | Potomac River to Keep Tryst Road | N/A | No camping except at designated sites (none on A.T. portion) | N | N/A | N | C&O National Historic Park | PATC |
West Virginia
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WV | Harpers Ferry National Historical Park | 0.5 mile south of Loudoun Heights Trail to Potomac River | No campfires | No camping or fires from the Potomac River to southern park boundary on Loudoun Heights (WV/VA border) | N | N/A | N | Harpers Ferry National Historic Park | PATC |
| WV/VA | Harpers Ferry National Historic Park boundary south to 1.5 miles north of Keys Gap | 0.5 miles south of Loudoun Heights Trail to 1.5 miles north of Keys Gap | NPS lands, no campfires | NPS lands, dispersed camping is allowed | N | 2 nights | N | NPS APPA | PATC |
| WV/VA | 1.5 miles south of Keys Gap to the powerline 1.5 miles north of the gap | No campfires allowed | No camping | N | N/A | N | A.T. Compendium of Orders | PATC |
Northern Virginia & Shenandoah National Park
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WV/VA | Harpers Ferry National Historical Park | 0.5 mile south of Loudoun Heights Trail to Potomac River | No campfires | No camping or fires from the Potomac River to Loudoun Heights (WV/VA border) | N | N/A | N | Harpers Ferry National Historic Park | PATC |
| WV/VA | Harpers Ferry National Historic Park boundary south to 1.5 miles north of Keys Gap | 0.5 miles south of Loudoun Heights Trail to 1.5 miles north of Keys Gap | NPS lands, no campfires | NPS lands, dispersed camping is allowed | N | 2 nights | N | NPS APPA | PATC |
| WV/VA | 1.5 miles south of Keys Gap to the powerline 1.5 miles north of the gap | No campfires allowed | No camping | N | N/A | N | A.T. Compendium of Orders | PATC | |
| VA | Sky Meadows State Park | No fires on A.T. | No camping on A.T.; fee sites available 1.25 mi. east. $15 per person. | N | N/A | N | Sky Meadows State Park | PATC | |
| VA | G. Richard Thompson WMA | Approx. 0.5 mile south of Manassas Gap Shelter to Whiseky Hollow Shelter; just north of Whiskey Hollow to North Ridge Trail | N/A | Camping only allowed with written authorization. | N | 14 nights or fewer with written authorization | Y | Camping on WMAs | PATC |
| VA | Shenandoah National Park (SNP) boundary to Manassas Gap Shelter | No campfires | Camping only at designated shelters and campsites | N | 2 nights | N | NPS APPA | PATC | |
| VA | Shenandoah National Park (SNP) | Self registration kiosks 0.8 mile north of Rockfish Gap to 0.7 mile south of Tom Floyd Wayside | Fires 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). | N | N/A | N | Shenandoah National Park Backcountry Regulations | PATC |
Central Virginia
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VA | Blue 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 below | N | 3 nights in any one location from milepost 0 (Rockfish Gap) to 9.6 (Dripping Rock Parking Area); 14 nights per year park-wide | N | Blue Ridge Parkway - NPS | ODATC | |
| VA | Humpback Rocks | No campfires allowed | Camping 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/A | N/A | N/A | Blue Ridge Parkway - NPS | ODATC | |
| VA | Cedar Cliffs | No campfires allowed | No camping | N | N/A | N | See area signs, Thru Hiker's Companion, Appalachian Trail Maps for Central VA | ODATC | |
| VA | George 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 campsites | Campfires 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. | N | 3 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. | N | George Washington & Jefferson National Forests | RATC et. al. |
| VA | Reids Gap | No campfires | No camping within 1/2 mile of Reids Gap/VA-664 in both directions | N | N/A | N | Blue Ridge Parkway - NPS | ODATC | |
| VA | Love Gap Fire Road | No campfires | No Camping on the NPS lands accessed via the Love Gap Fire Road, from the BLue Ridge Parkway to USFS boundary near Maupin Shelter | N | N/A | N | Blue Ridge Parkway - NPS | TATC | |
| VA | Cold Mountain (Cole Mountain) | No campfires allowed in open area | No camping in open area between signs (0.8 mi) | N | N/A | N | See area signs, Thru Hiker's Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Central VA | NBATC | |
| VA | Pedlar Reservoir (Lynchburg Reservoir) | No campfires allowed around Reservoir. | No camping, swimming, or bathing on land around Reservoir. | N | N/A | N | Pedlar Reservoir Rules & Regulations | NBATC | |
| VA | Blue Ridge Parkway, Punchbowl Crossing to Black Horse Gap | No campfires allowed | No 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. | N | N/A | N | Blue Ridge Parkway website | NBATC | |
| VA | James River to Matts Creek | No campfires or cookstoves allowed | N | N/A | N | George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Forest Order | NBATC | ||
| VA | Apple Orchard Mtn | No trespassing around radar and buildings | N | N/A | N | See signs at site | NBATC | ||
| VA | Jennings Creek Road | No fires within 300 feet of road | No camping or fires within 300 feet of road | N | N/A | N | Thru Hiker's Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Central VA | NBATC | |
| VA | VA-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. | N | 2 | N | A.T. Compendium of Orders | RATC | |
| VA | VA 641 to US 460 | No campfires allowed | No Camping. | N | N/A | N | George Washington & Jefferson National Forests | OCVT |
Southern Virginia
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VA | NPS-acquired corridor lands across valleys between national forest boundaries | On 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. | N | 2 | N | A.T. Compendium of Orders | PATH | |
| VA | Partnership Shelter | Fires prohibited except at shelter In fireplace/ring | Camping allowed in shelter only. No camping around the shelter or within 1/4 mile of the shelter. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in the shelter. | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker's Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Southwest Virginia | PATH | |
| VA | Grayson Highlands State Park | Signed; Approx. 0.5 mile south of the spur trail to Massie Gap to approx. 0.3 mile north of Wise Shelter | No campfires allowed | No camping in Grayson Highlands State Park except at the fee campground or in Wise Shelter. No camping around Wise Shelter. | N | N/A | Y | Grayson Highlands State Park | MRATC |
| VA | Wise Shelter | No campfires allowed | Camping allowed in shelter only. No camping around the shelter. | N | N/A | N | Grayson Highlands State Park | MRATC | |
| VA | Thomas Knob | No fires at Thomas Knob Shelter | No tenting around Thomas Knob Shelter | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker's Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Southwest Virginia | MRATC | |
| VA | Town of Damascus | N/A | No camping in town park, including at reconstructed shelter | N | N/A | N | Town of Damascus | MRATC | |
| VA | George 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 campsites | Campfires 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. | N | 21 | N | George Washington & Jefferson National Forests | MRATC et. al. |
Tennessee
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TN | Cherokee National Forest | The Trail is on the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee except where it passes by Watauga Lake and through GRSMNP (see below) | N/A | Dispersed camping is allowed. Camping is not allowed within 100 feet of water, trails, trailhead parking lots and developed recreation areas. | N | 3 | N | Cherokee National Forest Dispersed Camping Guidelines | TEHCC |
| TN | Watauga Lake | Shook Branch (US 321) to Wilbur Dam Road | N/A | No picnicking, lingering, or overnight camping including at the former site of Watauga Lake Shelter. | N/A | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru Hiker's Companion, Appalachian Trail Guide to Tennessee - North Carolina | |
| TN | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap | At designated sites in fireplace/ring only | A 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. | Y | 1 night per shelter, 3 nights per campsite | Y | Great Smoky Mountain National Park A.T. Thru Hiker Permit (with link to regular backcountry permit) | SMHC |
North Carolina
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NC | Pisgah National Forest | The 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. | N | 3 | N | Pisgah National Forest Appalachian Ranger District | CMC |
| NC | Max Patch | No campfires | No 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/A | N/A | Max Patch Camping Closure Announcement, Pisgah National Forest | CMC | |
| NC | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap | At designated sites in fireplace/ring only | A 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. | Y | Thru-hikers have 8 days to get through the Park | Y | Great Smoky Mountain National Park A.T. Thru Hiker Permit (with link to regular backcountry permit) | SMHC |
| NC | Fontana Dam | In the vincinity of the Fontana Marina (NC 28) parking lot and just south of Fontana Dam Shelter to the boundary of GSMNP | At designated sites in fireplace/ring only | At Fontana Dam Shelter only | N | N | |||
| NC | Nantahala National Forest | The 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/A | 3 | N | Nantahala National Forest | NHC |
Georgia
| State | Area | Additional Landmarks/Waypoints | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N | # nights camp limit | Camping fee Y/N | For add'l info/Info sources | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GA | Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest (C-ONF) | The Trail is on the C-ONF in GA | No campfires from Slaughter Creek campsite to Neel Gap; otherwise observe Leave No Trace practices | Dispersed Camping is allowed. Bear canisters must be used between Jarrard Gap and Neel Gap Mar. 1 thru June 1. Observe Leave No Trace practices. | N | 14 days | N | Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest | GATC |