The Appalachian Trail Conservancy

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.

State	Area	Campfires	Camping	Camp/Shelter reserv rqrd? Y/N	# nights camp limit	Camping fee? Y/N	For add'l info/Info sources	Club
Maine
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 http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com /hiking/at.htm	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 A.T. Compendium	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/ archive/fpd/downloads/openburning.pdf	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 Backcountry Camping Rules - WMNF	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 Limits Camping 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 area Camping Fee = Gifford Woods SP tentsites $18 and up, shelters $25 and up	N	2 nights	Y	802 775-5354 Appalachian Trail Guide to New Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 206	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 Hampshire-Vermont 2012, p. 265	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 http://amcberkshire.org/at-hiking	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 A.T. Compendium	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 A.T. Compendium	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 A.T. Compendium	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 A.T. Compendium	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 http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ docs/local-management-planningguide/ 2010%20Pennsylvania%20Local %20Management%20Planning %20Guide.pdf.	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 http://www.appalachiantrail.org/ docs/local-management-planningguide/ 2010%20Pennsylvania%20Local %20Management%20Planning %20Guide.pdf.	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/ stateparks/findapark/pinegrovefurnace/ #camping	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 A.T. Compendium	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 A.T. Compendium	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 A.T. Compendium	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 www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=54	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 www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=54	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 www.blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=54	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/ grayson-highlands#cabins_camping 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 A.T. Compendium	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. Thruhikers can obtain overnight permit from bulletin board near Fontana Dam or from the USFS office in Hot Springs. Information about fee payment for thru-hikers to be announced.	Y	1 night per shelter, 3 nights per campsite	Y	(865) 436-1297 http://www.nps.gov/grsm/ planyourvisit/backcountry- camping.htm 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. Thruhikers can obtain overnight permit from bulletin board near Fontana Dam or from the USFS office in Hot Springs. Information about fee payment for thru-hikers to be announced.	Y	1 night per shelter, 3 nights per campsite	Y	(865) 436-1297 http://www.nps.gov/grsm/ planyourvisit/backcountry- camping.htm 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.

camping on the appalachian trail

dispersed camping

A.T.CAMP Group Registration

Contact Us

About Us

Explore

Support Us