GSMNP shelter etiquette ?

[LittleRock]

Eh, I tented 100-200 yards away from the shelters every night except one when I went through GSMNP a few years ago, and no one gave me any crap about it.

[HooKooDooKu]

Eh, I tented 100-200 yards away from the shelters every night except one when I went through GSMNP a few years ago, and no one gave me any crap about it.

Park rules state:

Thru-hikers may pitch tents in the immediate area around shelters only when all shelter spaces are taken.

Just because you didn't get crap about it doesn't make it right.

[Uncle Joe]

I would hate to have to stay in the shelters. Gotta be a low point along the route for a thru. I think when there's a known outbreak like this year that rule needs to be suspended. I'm not risking illness to follow the rules. I'd have to either get off the trail or find some other alternative to keep from breaking them.