Shenandoah NP – Backcountry Permit Changes & Fee
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|va
|shenandoah-national-park
|Permits
Update
12/11/2023
Starting January 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., visitors who wish to overnight in the backcountry of Shenandoah National Park must purchase a permit through Recreation.gov. This includes Appalachian Trail (A.T.) hikers in the park. The previous system of obtaining a paper permit through the park’s website or at kiosks along the Trail will be eliminated effective January 10, 2024.
The new permit system will also implement a $9 per person fee and a $6 fee per reservation. For example, a one-person permit would cost $15. A two-person permit on the same reservation would cost $24.
Permits can be obtained up to 90 days in advance of entering the park. A.T. thru-hikers will not need to indicate specific camping zones for each night. Thru-hikers will be able to choose a 14-day window during which to hike through the park.
Hikers will need to carry a printed or digital copy of their permit with them while in the park. For more information, visit the backcountry regulations page of the park’s website.
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