Thru-Hike
Camping
Camping on the Appalachian Trail
Whether you’re pitching a tent in a designated campsite or you’re dispersed camping, minimize your impacts and know the camping regulations on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.).
All overnight hikers should carry a tent or other lightweight portable shelter.
Backcountry camping is available at about 100 designated camp sites and is also allowed in the immediate vicinity of most of the 250 shelters along the Trail. Since almost all shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis, you cannot count on space. The distance between shelters and campsites varies significantly so it is important to always carry a map. Guidebooks and apps may also list overnight sites.
Designated campsites along the A.T. are usually very simple. They have relatively flat areas where you can pitch a tent or other portable shelter. In a few areas, especially in very steep terrain in New Hampshire, wooden platforms may be provided. A natural water source such as a spring or creek is usually nearby. Unlike shelter sites these sites seldom have privies; info about how to properly dispose of waste can be found here.
Dispersed camping is allowed in some areas, especially along portions of the southern third of the A.T., which means you can legally choose your own campsite. This is sometimes called “stealth camping.” However, hikers are always encouraged to use designated sites, as using these will have fewer impacts on vegetation and wildlife habitat and will keep the Trail corridor looking natural and pristine. Pitch tents on durable surfaces like rock, bare soil and grass, out of sight of the Trail and at least 200 feet (80 steps) from water. Follow special camping and campfire regulations where they exist.
Backpacking hammocks have emerged as another increasingly popular option for camping overnight in the backcountry. In theory, these can offer more flexibility in choosing a site and can be low-impact in areas where dispersed camping is allowed. However, in the more typical scenario of a designated shelter site or campsite, it may actually be harder to find a spot where suitable trees are spaced the right distance apart. Hikers using hammocks in designated overnight sites should hang their hammocks in areas already bare of vegetation. For some basic tips on hammocking, click here. For an-depth article on backpacking hammocks, click here.
Hazard Trees: Due to an increasing number extreme weather events and invasive pests that damage or kill trees, be very careful in choosing places to camp, including at or in shelters. Look up and around out to a couple of tree lengths in distance to be sure your shelter or campsite is not threatened by broken limbs known as “widowmakers” or leaning, dead, diseased, or storm-damaged trees.
Campfire Safety
For as long as there has been camping, there have been campfires — not only for warmth, lighting, and cooking, but also for group bonding, storytelling, and other social activities. However, campfires that are not built or cared for properly can cause devastating wildfires that may impact the landscape for decades. Before setting up camp, know how to build campfires responsibly:
- Keep campfires small, and burn only small pieces of wood gathered from the surrounding environment (leave the hatchets and axes at home).
- Use only existing fire rings at officially designated sites whenever possible. If an established fire ring is not available, choose areas that are already impacted and don’t have heavy vegetation that could potentially catch fire. Also be sure to clear away any dry leaves, twigs, or pine needles.
- Use camp stoves for cooking — this minimizes the chances of sparks flying into the environment.
- “Stealth camping” means leaving no impact on the environment — this means no campfires.
- Do not burn trash — this can cause permanent damage to the environment and leach chemicals into nearby water sources.
- Be aware of dry/drought conditions. If it has not rained recently, the chances for wildfires will be significantly higher. Do not build a fire during these conditions.
Keep in mind that campfires are not permitted on some parts of the Trail. Many areas along the A.T. restrict fires to designated sites only or prohibit fires altogether. A chart listing regulations for fires and camping can be found by clicking the button below.
Most campfire-based wildfires develop because the campfire was not completely extinguished. Even if there is no visible sign of burning (smoke, glowing embers, etc.), a fire may reignite if there is still heat beneath the surface.
To properly put out a campfire, follow these steps:
- Carefully ‘knock’ the fire down with a stick (or metal trowel) until only small or no flames are present.
- Mix the hot coals, underlying dirt, ash, and inorganic debris with the stick/trowel while steadily trickling water over it.
- Place hand, palm down, over the mixture without touching it to test for heat. If it’s still hot, repeat step 2 until it’s no longer hot.
- Once the mixture is no longer too hot to touch, continue to trickle water over it while carefully and methodically stirring the mixture with your hand until it’s cold to the touch.* If you encounter hot spots, douse it with water. If you used a stick to stir the mixture, make sure it’s also cold.
- Once the fire is completely out, use the remaining water to rinse your hand.
*When dealing with fire in any way, always use the highest degree of caution and care.
Though campfires can provide many benefits, they require time, effort, and knowledge to maintain. There are many other ways to meet your needs when in the outdoors:
- A good layering system of moisture-wicking and insulating materials will provide warmth and comfort as well as — if not better than — a campfire could.
- A headlamp will make moving around your campsite safe, simple, and hands free.
- A candle can provide the atmosphere and camaraderie of a fire but on a smaller scale.
- A flashlight or headlamp tucked under a clear Nalgene bottle full of water provides an awesome glowing centerpiece for any campsite.
Dispersed camping
- Set up a dispersed or “stealth” campsite only where allowed (this type of camping is prohibited in many areas along the A.T., especially those that see heavy use–see regulations below);
- Either choose an area where the ground is already completely bare from use by previous campers (an established site) or choose a site with no sign of previous use.
- Avoid places that show the beginnings of frequent use—those still have a chance to recover if left alone. Set up tents on durable surfaces, such as dead leaves or grass, well apart from each other and at least 70 paces from water.
- Avoid trampling plants and seedlings.
- Never build a new fire ring. Only use existing fire rings and keep camp fires small.
- Use a camp stove and place it on rock or ground that is already bare.
A.T. CAMP Group Registration
If you are hiking with a group (6-10 people) you’re encouraged to register your hike in the A.T. CAMP system. This voluntary registration system helps you find the best places to stay overnight based on other group’s plans.
Camping regulations on the A.T.
Camping regulations vary considerably along the A.T. A table showing regulations pertaining to camping (and fires) along the A.T. listed from north to south can be found by clicking on the button below.
Camping and Campfire regulations on the A.T.
| Maine | ||||||||
| State | Area | 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 | 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 at designated campsites only. Strongly recommended for those starting southbound from Baxter, flip-flop thru-hikers, and northbound hikers less than 100 miles. Strongly recommended for those starting southbound from Baxter, flip-flop thru-hikers, and northbound hikers who started less than 100 miles from Baxter. Camping fee = $10 – $30 |
Y/N | 1 night at Birches (for northbound hikers who have hiked 100+ miles only) | Y | (207) 723-5140 Baxter State Park
2016 Thru-hiker’s Companion |
MATC |
| ME | Maine AT Club (Katahdin to Grafton Notch) | Only allowed at fireplace/rings designated by the Maine Forest Service (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.
No camping above treeline. |
N | 2 nights | N | MATC maps
A.T. Guide to Maine, p. 147. 2016 Thru-hikers’ Companion pg. 234 |
MATC |
| ME | Bigelow Preserve | No campfires except at approved Maine Forest Service campfire sites | No camping above treeline. | N | N/A | N | 2016 Thru-hikers’ Companion pg. 234 | MATC |
| ME | NPS-APPA lands, Trailwide, outside of established National Parks, National Forests, and state parks, forests and gamelands |
On NPS lands, campfires are prohibited except at the 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, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan. | N | 2 nights, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan | N | Check ATC-Area Guidebooks, Thru-hikers’ Handbook, local agency rules, ATC regional offices, ATC HQ | NPS APPA |
| ME | Other lands | No campfires except at approved Maine Forest Service sites. For example, no campfires at Speck Pond. | N | N/A | N | ATC New England Regional Office
http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/ |
AMC | |
| New Hampshire | ||||||||
| State | Area | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N |
# nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N |
For add’l info/Info sources | Club |
| NH | White Mountain NF | 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.Camping Fee = Fee required at campsites and shelters managed by AMC and RMC |
N | 14 days | Y | AMC, (603) 466-2721 | AMC |
| NH | Conn. River to Mt. Moosilauke (overlaps with some areas, below) |
No fires within 200 ft of A.T. except at shelters in fireplace/ring |
No camping within 200 ft of A.T. except at shelters |
N | N/A | N | Backcountry Camping Rules – WMNF | DOC |
| NH | NH 25 to Lyme-Dorchester Rd |
Fires prohibited except at shelters In fireplace/ring |
Where trail is surrounded by private land, camp at shelters only. Elsewhere, camp at shelters or at least 200 ft away from A.T. |
N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 166 |
DOC |
| NH | Lyme-Dorchester Rd to CT River |
Fires prohibited except at shelters In fireplace/ring |
No camping within 200 ft of A.T. except at shelters |
N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 185 |
DOC |
| NH | NH 25 (Glencliff) to Ore Hill | No fires within 200 ft of the trail, except at shelter in fireplace/ring | No camping within 200 ft of A.T. except at shelter | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 158 |
DOC |
| NH | Ore Hill to NH 25A | Fires prohibited except at shelter or designated campsite in fireplace/ring | No camping except at shelter/designated campsite | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 158 |
DOC |
| Vermont | ||||||||
| State | Area | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N |
# nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N |
For add’l info/Info sources | Club |
| VT | CT River to VT 14 | Fires prohibited except at shelters In fireplace/ring |
No camping except at shelter | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 188 |
GMC |
| VT | VT 14 to VT 12 | Fires prohibited except at shelters In fireplace/ring |
No camping except at shelter | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 196 |
GMC |
| VT | Green Mountain NF | N/A | N/A | N | 2 nights | N | Order # 2010-07: AT-LT Shelter Stay LimitsCamping Regulations |
GMC |
| VT | VT 12 to US 4 | No fires except at shelter in fieplace/ring or Gifford Woods SP |
No camping except at shelter or Gifford Woods SP camping areaCamping Fee = Gifford Woods SP tentsites $18 and up, shelters $25 and up |
N | 2 nights | Y | 802 775-5354
Appalachian Trail Guide to New |
GMC |
| VT | US 4 to VT 103 | 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 | Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 220 |
GMC |
| VT | VT 103 to Danby-Landgrove Rd. |
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, Little Rock Pond Tenting Area, and Lula Tye shelter. Camping is prohibited in the vicinity of Clarendon Gorge. From VT 140 to DanbyLandgrove Rd., dispersed camping is allowed at least 200 ft from water and 100 ft from any trail.Camping Fee = Fee at Little Rock Pond shelter and tenting area by GMC. |
N | 2 nights | Y | Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 243 |
GMC |
| VT | Danby-Landgrove Rd. to VT 11/30 |
Fires restricted to shelters and designated campsites in provided fireplace/ring |
Camping restricted to shelters, designated campsites, or 200 ft from water and 100 from any trail if not at these sites. |
N | 2 nights | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 255 |
GMC |
| VT | VT 11/30 to Stratton-Arlington (Kelley Stand) Rd. |
Fires restricted to designated sites in fireplace/ring only. Fires prohibited on Stratton Mountain and at Stratton Pond. |
No camping or fires on Stratton Mtn. No tenting at Stratton Pond Shelter but you may tent on platforms at the nearby North Shore Tenting Area. Camping elsewhere is permitted if you are more than 0.5 mi from Stratton Pond, 200 ft from water and 100 ft from any trail, or at designated shelters and campsites.Camping Fee = Fee at Stratton Pond Shelter and North Shore Tenting Area by GMC |
N | 2 nights | Y | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016, p. 193
Appalachian Trail Guide to New |
GMC |
| VT | Stratton-Arlington (Kelley Stand) Rd to VT 9 |
Fires restricted to shelters and designated campsites in provided fireplace/ring |
No camping between Maple Hill and Porcupine Lookout (public water supply). Camping elsewhere is permitted at designated shelters and campsites, or 200 ft from water and 100 ft from any trail.No camping along Hell Hollow Brook |
N | 2 nights | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 277 |
GMC |
| VT | VT 9 to Mass. 2 (North Adams) |
Fires restricted to shelters and designated campsites in provided fireplace/ring |
Camping permitted only at designated sites. No camping or swimming at Sucker Pond (public water supply). |
N | 2 nights | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 291 |
GMC |
| Massachusetts | ||||||||
| State | Area | 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 | Camping permitted only at designated sites | N | 2 nights | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to Massachusetts-Connecticut 2014 pg. 20 | AMC Berkshire |
| MA | NPS-APPA lands, Trailwide, outside of established National Parks, National Forests, and state parks, forests and gamelands |
On NPS lands, campfires are prohibited except at the 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, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan. | N | 2 nights, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan | N | Check ATC-Area Guidebooks, Thru-hikers’ Handbook, local agency rules, ATC regional offices, ATC HQ | NPS APPA |
| Connecticut | ||||||||
| State | Area | 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 | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to Massachusetts-Connecticut 2014 pg. 20
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016, p. 166 |
AMC Conn. |
| CT | NPS-APPA lands, Trailwide, outside of established National Parks, National Forests, and state parks, forests and gamelands |
On NPS lands, campfires are prohibited except at the 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, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan. | N | 2 nights, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan | N | Check ATC-Area Guidebooks, Thru-hikers’ Handbook, local agency rules, ATC regional offices, ATC HQ | NPS APPA |
| New York | ||||||||
| State | Area | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N |
# nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N |
For add’l info/Info sources | Club |
| NY | New York | Fires restricted to shelters and designated campsites in provided fireplace/ring | Camping permitted only at shelters and designated sites | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to New York-New Jersey 2011, p. 18
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016, p. 156 |
NYNJTC |
| NY | NPS-APPA lands, Trailwide, outside of established National Parks, National Forests, and state parks, forests and gamelands |
On NPS lands, campfires are prohibited except at the 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, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan. | N | 2 nights, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan | N | Check ATC-Area Guidebooks, Thru-hikers’ Handbook, local agency rules, ATC regional offices, ATC HQ | NPS APPA |
| New Jersey | ||||||||
| State | Area | 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 is limited to shelters and official campsites in New Jersey. “Camping in areas other than those designated by signs is prohibited in New Jersey.” For Delaware Water Gap, see below. No camping from 0.5 mi south of Blue Mtn Lakes Rd to 1.0 mi north of Lake Success (Crater Lake). | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to New York-New Jersey 2011, p. 18 and 198.
Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers’ Companion 2016 p. 147 |
NYNJTC |
| NJ | Delaware Water Gap NRA | Stoves only; no campfires, grills or charcoal fires. “No ground fires, nor charcoal fires of any kind permitted. Only gas stoves allowed!” |
No camping within 1/2 mile of roadway, 100 ft of water, 200 ft of another party, or from 1/2 mi south of Blue Mtn Lake Road to 1 mile north of Crater Lake. “THROUGH HIKERS ONLY may camp a minimum of 50 feet and a maximum of 100 feet from trail and must be 1/2 mile from any road.” “Max group size 10”
Camping Fee = At Mohican Outdoor Center, fee for camping charged. |
N | 1 night per campsite. 10 person limit. | Y | 570 426-2452 “Keep pets on leash.”
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016 p. 147. (Quotations are from signs posted at DEWA, shown in photos taken April 2012 by RangerTWB) |
NYNJTC |
| NJ | NPS-APPA lands, Trailwide, outside of established National Parks, National Forests, and state parks, forests and gamelands |
On NPS lands, campfires are prohibited except at the 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, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan. | N | 2 nights, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan | N | Check ATC-Area Guidebooks, Thru-hikers’ Handbook, local agency rules, ATC regional offices, ATC HQ | NPS APPA |
| Pennsylvania | ||||||||
| State | Area | 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 NRA | Stoves only; no campfires, grills or charcoal fires. “No ground fires, nor charcoal fires of any kind permitted. Only gas stoves allowed!” |
No camping within 1/2 mile of roadway, 100 ft of water, 200 ft of another party, or from 1/2 mi south of Blue Mtn Lake Road to 1 mile north of Crater Lake. “THROUGH HIKERS ONLY may camp a minimum of 50 feet and a maximum of 100 feet from trail and must be 1/2 mile from any road.” “Max group size 10”
Camping Fee = At Mohican Outdoor Center, fee for camping charged. |
N | 1 night per campsite. 10 person limit. | Y | 570 426-2452 “Keep pets on leash.”
Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016 p. 147. (Quotations are from signs posted at DEWA, shown in photos taken April 2012 by RangerTWB) |
WTC |
| PA | Windsor Furnace | No campfires except at shelter in fireplace/ring | No camping in Hamburg Watershed except at Windsor Furnace Shelter | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016, p. 139 | BMECC |
| PA | Miscellaneous Congregation Areas | No campfires | No camping or fires permitted at Pulpit Rock (mi 1221), the Pinnacle (mi. 1223), and Gold Spring | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016, p. 139 | BMECC |
| PA | Pennsylvania Game Lands (PGC #168, #217, #106, #110, #80, #211, #170, and near #305) | Yes, except during periods of high fire danger. “Fires must be contained and attended to at all times.” | The PA Game Commission (PGC) defines thru-hikers as “walking the Appalachian Trail from point of beginning to an exit, which is not the place of beginning.” Only thru-hikers may camp on PGC lands, and these hikers must camp within 200 ft of A.T., at least 500 ft from a stream or spring |
N | 1 night limit | N | Page 58 of Pennsylvania LMPG. Reference: 36 CFR 2.10 | N/A |
| 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 | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016, p. 133 | CVATC |
| PA | Bureau of Forestry lands (Delaware, Weiser and Michaux State Forests) | Open fires prohibited at times of high fire danger, and from March 1 to May 25 and October 1 to December 1. 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 | 1 night limit at campsites unless a permit is obtained | N | Appalachian Trail Guide to Pennsylvania 2009, p. 58 | N/A |
| PA | Caledonia State Park | Fires only in rings in Park Campgrounds or at grills in picnic areas | Camping only at Park campgrounds.
State campsites available |
N | N/A | Y | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016, p. 129 | PATC |
| PA | Pine Grove Furnace State Park | In fire ring at Park campground (1/2 mile from trail) or at grills in picnic areas. | At Park campground only (March-midDecember), 1/2 mile from trail.
State campsites available |
N | N/A | Y | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016, p. 130
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ |
PATC |
| PA | NPS-APPA lands, Trailwide, outside of established National Parks, National Forests, and state parks, forests and gamelands |
On NPS lands, campfires are prohibited except at the 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, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan. | N | 2 nights, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan | N | Check ATC-Area Guidebooks, Thru-hikers’ Handbook, local agency rules, ATC regional offices, ATC HQ | NPS APPA |
| Maryland | ||||||||
| State | Area | 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. | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion 2016, p. 117 | PATC |
| MD | Pen-Mar Park | No campfires | No camping or fires at Pen-Mar Park. | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion 2016, p. 120 | PATC |
| MD | Gathland State Park | No campfires | No camping or fires at Gathland State Park | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion 2016, p. 117 | PATC |
| MD | C&O National Historical Park | N/A | No camping except at designated sites (none on A.T. portion) | N | N/A | N | N/A | PATC |
| MD | NPS-APPA lands, Trailwide, outside of established National Parks, National Forests, and state parks, forests and gamelands |
On NPS lands, campfires are prohibited except at the 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, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan. | N | 2 nights, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan | N | Check ATC-Area Guidebooks, Thru-hikers’ Handbook, local agency rules, ATC regional offices, ATC HQ | NPS APPA |
| West Virginia | ||||||||
| State | Area | 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 (1/2 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 | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion 2016, p. 109 | PATC |
| WV | NPS-APPA lands, Trailwide, outside of established National Parks, National Forests, and state parks, forests and gamelands |
On NPS lands, campfires are prohibited except at the locations specified by the state and in the applicable local management plan. |
On NPS lands, dispersed camping is allowed unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan. | N | 2 nights, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan | N | Check ATC-Area Guidebooks, Thru-hikers’ Handbook, local agency rules, ATC regional offices, ATC HQ | NPS APPA |
| Northern Virginia & Shenandoah National Park | ||||||||
| State | Area | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N |
# nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N |
For add’l info/Info sources | Club |
| VA | Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (1/2 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 | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion 2016, p. 109 | PATC |
| VA | One-half mile south of Keys Gap to the powerline 1.5 miles north of the gap (WV Rt. 9) | No campfires allowed | No camping | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion 2016, p. 109 | PATC |
| VA | Sky Meadows State Park | No fires on A.T. | No camping on A.T.; fee sites available 1.25 mi. east. | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion 2016, p. 107 | PATC |
| VA | G. Richard Thompson WMA | From February 15 to April 30 campfires are allowed only between the hours of 4:00 P.M. and midnight. They must not be left unattended | Primitive camping is permitted for up to 21 consecutive days when occupants are engaged in authorized activities. No more than 3 camping units are permitted per site.
Camping Fee = New $4 daily access fee for day users ($20 season pass) when you park in DGIF parking areas unless you have current VA fishing, hunting or boating license. Purchase by calling 1-866-721- 6911 during business hours |
N | 21 or fewer | Y | http://www.dgif.virginia .gov/hunting/ |
PATC |
| VA | National Zoological Park | N/A | No camping or fires in National Zoological Park (2.3 miles of A.T.) | N | N/A | N | N/A | PATC |
| VA | Shenandoah National Park | Fires only at shelter fireplaces/rings. | No camping or fires at “cabin” sites. Camping is allowed at “huts” (shelters) or in park-constructed campsites only. Dispersed camping is allowed at least 10 yds from water sources, 50 yds from building ruins, 50 yds from “no camping” signs, 50 yds from other parties, 1/4 mi from roads, and more than 100 yds from huts, cabins and day-use shelters.Overnight permit required (obtain at bulletin board at park boundary). |
N | N/A | N | http://www.nps.gov/ shen/planyourvisit/ campbc_regs.htm. Appalachian Trail ThruHikers’ Companion 2016, p. 97-104 |
PATC |
| Central Virginia | ||||||||
| State | Area | 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 at Humpback Rocks. From milepost 0 to 9.6, camp at least 1/4 mile from road, 100 ft from water, and 500 ft from Paul Wolfe shelter | N | 3 nights in any one location from milepost 0 to 9.6; 14 nights per year park-wide | N | Central VA Guidebook 2014 pg. 36 | ODATC |
| VA | Cedar Cliffs | No campfires allowed | No Camping at Cedar Cliffs. | N | N/A | N | Central VA Guidebook 2014 pg. 46 | ODATC |
| 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, 1/2 mile north from Reids Gap to USFS Boundary on on west side of Parkway. | N | N/A | N | Central VA Guidebook 2014 pg. 50 | ODATC |
| 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, 1/2 mile south from Reids Gap to USFS Boundary on Meadow Mtn. | N | N/A | N | Central VA Guidebook 2014 pg. 50 | TATC |
| 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, Love Gap Fire Road from Parkway to USFS boundary near Maupin Shelter | N | N/A | N | Central VA Guidebook 2014 pg. 50 | 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 | Central VA Guidebook 2014 pg. 82 | NBATC |
| VA | Pedlar Reservoir (Lynchburg Reservoir) | No campfires allowed around Reservoir. | No camping, swimming, or bathing on land around Reservoir. | N | N/A | N | Central VA Guidebook 2014 pgs. 92, 98 | NBATC |
| VA | Blue Ridge Parkway, Punchbowl Crossing to Black Horse Gap | No campfires allowed | No camping on BLRI land. This includes at Punchbowl Crossing (0.2 mi), Petites Gap (0.3 mi),Thunder Ridge Overlook area (0.7 mi), Cove Mtn summit (0.2 mi) and most of A.T. between Mills Gap and Black Horse Gap (6.4 mi) | N | N/A | N | Central VA Guidebook 2014 | NBATC |
| VA | Geo. Washington & Jefferson National Forests | Campfires are allowed only between the hours of 4:00 P.M. and midnight. They must not be left unattended | USFS strongly encourages people to follow Leave No Trace and please honor state’s burning regulations (currently not before 4 PM). | N | 3 | N | Personal communication with GW/JNF 3/6/14 | RATC et. al. |
| VA | James River to Matts Creek | No campfires or cookstoves allowed | No camping for 1 mile from James River Foot bridge to sign just before Matts Creek. | N | N/A | N | Central VA Guidebook 2014 pg. 118 | NBATC |
| VA | Apple Orchard Mtn | No campfires allowed | No camping on or near summit of Apple Orchard Mtn. | N | N/A | N | Central VA Guidebook 2014 pg. 140 | 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 | Central VA Guidebook 2014 pg 144 | NBATC |
| VA | From VA 652 for 27.7 miles A.T.-south to VA 624 | No campfires except at designated sites/fire rings | No camping except at Lambert’s Meadow and Campbell Shelters and campsites, the Pig Farm Campsite, and Catawba Mountain and Johns Spring Campsites | N | 2 | N | Central VA Guidebook 2014 pg. 190
Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club |
RATC |
| VA | VA 652 south to Daleville | No campfires | No camping from US 220 to VA 652 (2.1 miles) | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016, p. 79 | RATC |
| VA | McAfee Knob | No campfires except at designated sites/firerings | No camping or fires except at shelters or designated campsites. | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers Companion 2016, p. 80 | RATC |
| VA | Dragons Tooth | No campfires allowed | No camping at Dragons Tooth | N | N/A | N | Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016, pg. 79
Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club |
RATC |
| VA | VA 641 to US 460 | No campfires allowed | No Camping. | N | Celanese easement | N | Central VA Guidebook 2014 pg. 254 | OCVT |
| 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 | PATH |
| Southwest Virginia | ||||||||
| State | Area | 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 | PATH |
| VA | Partnership Shelter | Fires prohibited except at shelter In fireplace/ring | No camping within 1/4 mile of Partnership Shelter | N | N/A | N | USFS W.J. Cober
Southwest VA Guidebook 2015 pg. 100 |
PATH |
| VA | Grayson Highlands State Park | No campfires allowed | No tent camping in Grayson Highlands State Park except at campground. This includes area around Wise shelter
Camping Fee = $20/night for tent sites in the campground ~ 1mi from Wise, $5 shower fee w/o camping |
N | N/A | Y | (276) 579-7092
http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ GHSP M.L. Holland |
MRATC |
| VA | Elk Garden and Deep Gap and Thomas Knob | No fires at Thomas Knob Shelter | No camping as indicated by signs at road crossing or on trail. | N | N/A | N | Southwest VA Guidebook 2015 pg. 124 | MRATC |
| VA | Damascus | N/A | No camping in town park, including at reconstructed shelter | N | N/A | N | N/A | MRATC |
| VA | NPS-APPA lands, Trailwide, outside of established National Parks, National Forests, and state parks, forests and gamelands |
On NPS lands, campfires are prohibited except at the 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, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan. | N | 2 nights, unless the local Trail club states otherwise in its local management plan | N | Check ATC-Area Guidebooks, Thru-hikers’ Handbook, local agency rules, ATC regional offices, ATC HQ | NPS APPA |
| Tennessee | ||||||||
| State | Area | 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 | N/A | N/A | N | 3 | N | http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ cherokee/recarea/?recid=34868 |
TEHCC |
| TN | Great Smoky Mtns NP | At designated sites in fireplace/ring only | A permit must be obtained at http://smokiespermits.nps.gov/ or in person at the park’s Backcountry Office (at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg) or over the phone; with permits issued by fax, mail or email. Hikers staying overnight in the backcountry are required to have a printed copy of the permit. Tent camping is not allowed at shelters except for thru-hikers who find shelter full. Pets are not permitted on park trails. Maximum party size is 8 for camping. NPS defines the thru hikers as “starting 50 miles outside the park and continuing on 50 miles on the other side of the park” (in effect, more than 170 miles) in the GSMNP. Hammocks may not be used except at campsites.Birch Spring Campsite only by calling (865) 436-1231 Available for A.T. shelters (865) 436- 1231, 38-days in advance of anticipated arrival; on-line reservations required Camping Fee = $4 fee per night; $20 for thru-hikers. |
Y | 1 night per shelter, 3 nights per campsite | Y | (865) 436-1297
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/ Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016 pg. 29 TN-NC Guide 2016 pg. 27 |
SMHC |
| North Carolina | ||||||||
| State | Area | Campfires | Camping | Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N |
# nights camp limit | Camping fee? Y/N |
For add’l info/Info sources | Club |
| NC | NC National Forests | N/A | N/A | N | 3 | N | N/A | CMC |
| NC | Great Smoky Mtns NP | At designated sites in fireplace/ring only | A permit must be obtained at http://smokiespermits.nps.gov/ or in person at the park’s Backcountry Office (at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg) or over the phone; with permits issued by fax, mail or email. Hikers staying overnight in the backcountry are required to have a printed copy of the permit. Tent camping is not allowed at shelters except for thru-hikers who find shelter full. Pets are not permitted on park trails. Maximum party size is 8 for camping. NPS defines the thru hikers as “starting 50 miles outside the park and continuing on 50 miles on the other side of the park” (in effect, more than 170 miles) in the GSMNP. Hammocks may not be used except at campsites.Birch Spring Campsite only by calling (865) 436-1231 Available for A.T. shelters (865) 436- 1231, 38-days in advance of anticipated arrival; on-line reservations required Camping Fee = $4 fee per night; $20 for thru-hikers. |
Y | 1 night per shelter, 3 nights per campsite | Y | (865) 436-1297
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/ Appalachian Trail Thru-Hikers’ Companion 2016 pg. 29 TN-NC Guide 2016 pg. 27 |
SMHC |
| NC | NC National Forests | N/A | N/A | N | 3 | N | N/A | CMC |
| Georgia | ||||||||
| State | Area | 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 | No campfires from Slaughter Gap to Neel’s Gap; otherwise observe Leave No Trace practices | Bear canisters must be used between Jarrard Gap and Neel’s Gap Mar. 1 thru June 1. Observe Leave No Trace practices | N | 3 | N | http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ conf/recarea/?recid=62815 |
GATC |
Due to heavy use, hikers are required to stay at designated campsites or shelter sites in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina and most of the northern half of the Trail. Visitor use is concentrated to avoid large swaths of the A.T. being stripped of vegetation and losing its natural, pristine quality.
Camping regulations on the A.T. are complicated because the Trail consists of a patchwork ribbon of many different types of lands managed by more than 75 different agencies. Some areas are managed as federally designated wilderness, some as multi-use forests, some as game lands for hunting, some as wildlife refuges, some as watersheds and others as farmland.