Campgrounds and Shelters a must?

[DRLski]

Is it a must to stay at a campground or a shelter when doing a thru-hike? I would think it would be more convenient and time effective to just hike till dark, find a spot a few feet or more off the trail, and set up camp there instead of looking for a campground or shelter. Planning on doing a small thru-hike on a portion of the AT this year once it gets a little warmer and trying to learn the rules of the trail.

[SGT Rock]

I think the thing I look for the most whenever possible is water. I can put up a shelter almost anywhere I have found some water. Shelters are for hanging around other people.

[The Old Fhart]

There are sections (like MD, Baxter, etc) where you have to camp in specific areas but as long as it is legal and you practice LNT, going to dark, or even night hiking till you find a good spot, is an option. I prefer to tent and rarely use shelters. Less noise, no crowding, etc. Sometimes it is nice to camp near a shelter, if it is allowed, to socialize with other hikers. Play it by ear.

[JF2CBR]

I hardly ever use shelters unless there is a good water source or picnic table or something along those lines to further entice me to use the shelter. Inclement weather may play a part in my decision well.

[_terrapin_]

Is it a must to stay at a campground or a shelter when doing a thru-hike?

Generally, no. But there are exceptions in some places and rules in others that making camping difficult. The two areas that generally come to mind are the Smokies and the White Mountains. There are also some short sections (eg. in Pennsylvania between Darlington Shelter and Boiling Springs) where the trail corridor is extremely narrow and camping is not permitted. You'll pass many short sections (typically just a mile or two) where "No Camping" signs have been posted.

[Tinker]

Welcome. :)

Camping off the trail and out of sight is recommended and sometimes enforced. In some places it's illegal to camp anywhere except at designated sites. Anywhere outside of a government owned area may have its own rules. It's a good idea to know the rules in a given area before heading out.

[Tinker]

Welcome. :)

Camping off the trail and out of sight is recommended and sometimes enforced. In some places it's illegal to camp anywhere except at designated sites. Anywhere outside of a government owned area may have its own rules. It's a good idea to know the rules in a given area before heading out.

Hey, someone else posted the same info at the same time! Weird!:-?

[DRLski]

Anyone have a list of where camping is prohibited?

[Lone Wolf]

Smoky Mtns. and Baxter state park

[MOWGLI]

Anyone have a list of where camping is prohibited?

Some areas only allow camping in designated areas. As I recall, much of NY, NJ and CT is like that.

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.jkLXJ8MQKtH/b.789299/k.F8E4/Camping_and_Shelters.htm

[4eyedbuzzard]

Also prohibited above tree-line in the Whites.

[Tinker]

Do you mean off-trail camping along the trail? Both Mass. and Conn. have designated sites. Camping other than at these sites is discouraged. The narrow corridor is probably the reason for this. Campfires are prohibited at most designated spots in these two states as well (allowed only where clearly stated).
Things aren't like they used to be.......

[Tinker]

I type too slowly.:rolleyes:

[emerald]

Download a copy of ALDHA's Online Companion (http://www.aldha.org/comp_pdf.htm). It may not be 100% up-to-date, but it will give you a pretty good idea of what's permitted where in most cases.

[DRLski]

k, thanks all

[Kerosene]

In the summer I use a strategy of eating dinner before or next to a water source (usually at a shelter or a picnic table), then hiking for a few more hours before the sun sets. In the morning I either eat breakfast with water that I carried from dinner, or go without until I reach the next water source or a nice viewpoint for breakfast.

[maxNcathy]

I don't like camping by myself.

[Blissful]

Having maps helps you locate water sources so you can have the freedom to camp where you like (provided that camping is not prohibited). And there are some great camping spots off the trail, esp down south. We also liked the camping in Maine.

[_terrapin_]

Do you mean off-trail camping along the trail? Both Mass. and Conn. have designated sites. Camping other than at these sites is discouraged. The narrow corridor is probably the reason for this. Campfires are prohibited at most designated spots in these two states as well (allowed only where clearly stated).
Things aren't like they used to be.......

Nah, but if you avoid the campfire and behave yourself, the odds of being discovered are slim. Just sayin'.

[dessertrat]

Maryland also tells you not to camp anyplace other than designated campsites on South Mountain, which is most of the trail in Maryland.

[88BlueGT]

I believe in NJ only thruhikers are aloud to camp off site. besides that you have to stay at a campground, shelter, etc. I always camp off the trail though. I always try and stay out of sight though. Usually 100ft or so from trail.

[shelterbuilder]

In Pa., ON STATE GAME LANDS, primitive, one-night camping is permitted within 200 feet of the footpath, so long as you are 500 feet away from water sources, trailheads, road crossings, and parking lots. Much of the trail in Pa. runs across State Game Lands; these lands were purchased with money obtained from the sale of hunting licenses, taxes on guns and ammunition, etc. Pa.'s land ownership along the trail is a mixed bag: some is administered by the Game Commission, some by the Bureau of Forestry, some by State Parks, and some is owned by local municipalities. The rest is owned by NPS...and all of the regulations are different!:eek:

[Cowgirl]

I like to camp far enough off the trail that I can't be found by humans. Usually I get my water for the night and next morning and then hike a bit more before I find a hidden spot to spend the night.

[Montego]

Welcome to WhiteBlaze Cowgirl :welcome. Glad you could join us.

[Cowgirl]

Welcome to WhiteBlaze Cowgirl :welcome. Glad you could join us.
Awww....thanks Hon :)

I just won't be joining you at the shelter :D

[earlyriser26]

Shelters are good for emergencies or to take a break, but otherwise I don't use them. They are full of mice and people that snore like me. They limit movement. If you don't carry a tent you have to plan your day around a shelter. Either stopping too early or too late. They are nice markers for water sources.

[Appalachian Tater]

I don't know a better place on the trail to eat lunch on a rainy day than a shelter.