Shenandoah National Park Backcountry Permits

Shenandoah National Park

Established in 1935, Shenandoah National Park in western Virginia has 198,000+ acres of backcountry, including almost 80,000 acres of designated wilderness. Each year thousands of people spend a night or more in Shenandoah’s backcountry to experience its natural beauty and unique cultural past. This is not a campground but primitive, backpack-style camping. While many visitors also seek the backcountry for isolation, the cumulative actions of everyone in these areas can harm the environment we seek to enjoy. Please follow Leave No Trace principles as well as observing park backcountry regulations.

Permit & Season Information

To protect park resources and provide the best backcountry experience, a permit is required year-round to backcountry camp in Shenandoah NP. Permits must be obtained through Recreation.gov either online or by phone. Bookings may be made on same day of permit start date. Reservations may be made up to 3 months in advance. 

Once a permit reservation is completed, the permit can then be printed and/or saved as a digital copy. Once printed, the permit is considered issued and modifications or cancellations will no longer be allowed. The permit holder must be able to produce a copy of the permit, paper or electronic copy, upon request during their trip.

Need to Know

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Additional regulations, current closure areas, weather conditions, and safety guidance can be found on the Park’s official website . Also, please visit the Additional Information sites listed on this page to help you better prepare for your amazing Shenandoah backcountry experience.  

Rules and Regulations

• A permit is required year-round to camp in the backcountry. This permit is in addition to the park entrance fee/pass .
• Permitted groups may not exceed ten individuals. If group is greater than ten, a second permit must be obtained. The two groups must camp at least 50 yards from each other and function independently of each other while camping.
• Campfires are not permitted in the backcountry except in pre-constructed fireplaces at park huts/shelters. Backpacking stoves may be used.
• Campsites must be at least:
• 10 yards from any stream or natural water source
• 20 yards from any park trail or unpaved road
• 50 yards from another camping party or posted “No Camping” sign
• 50 yards from any standing building and ruins (including stone foundations, chimneys, log walls, etc)
• 100 yards from a hut, cabin, or day-use shelter; and
• 0.25 mile from any paved road, park boundary, or park facility (i.e. campground, picnic area, visitor center, lodges, waysides, or restaurants)
• Camping is not permitted in the following special closure areas:
• Limberlost: area bounded by the Skyline Drive, Whiteoak Canyon Fire Road and the Skyland – Big Meadows Horse Trail
• Hawksbill Mountain Summit: all areas of Hawksbill Mountain above 3,200 feet elevation
• Whiteoak Canyon: area within Whiteoak canyon on either side of the Whiteoak Canyon Trail between the Skyland – Big Meadows Horse Trail (Upper Falls) and the park boundary.
• Old Rag Mountain Summit: all areas of Old Rag Mountain above 2,800 feet elevation
• Mary’s Rock Summit: The Appalachian Trail corridor and all areas of Mary’s Rock Mountain above 3,400 feet elevation
• North Marshall Mountain: all areas of North Marshall Mountain above 3,200 feet elevation
• Stony Man Mountain: all areas of Stony Man Mountain, including Little Stony Man
• Overall Run Falls: area within the Tuscarora-Overall Run Falls and Mathews Arm trail corridors and areas on the south side of the Tuscarora-Overall Run Fall trail between 1,600 and 2,300 feet elevation
• Big Meadows: the open meadow area visible from either the Skyline Drive or the Rapidan Fire Road.
• Rapidan Camp (formally Camp Hoover): the area within ½ mile from Rapidan Camp.
• Permitted camper(s) cannot stay at the same campsite for more than two consecutive nights.
• Food, garbage, and equipment used to cook/store food must be:
• Stored within an agency approved bear-proof container ; or
• Suspended in the air at least 12 feet above the ground and 6 feet from trunks (How to Hang a Bear Bag - 6 min ) 
• Carry out all trash, including food scraps (Pack In, Pack Out)
• Discardable glass containers are prohibited in the backcountry.
• Properly dispose of human waste. Defecation within 20 yards of a natural water source, trail or road is prohibited. Solid human waste must be carried out or buried at least 3 inches deep.
• Pets are allowed on trails except for the following:
• Fox Hollow Trail
• Stony Man Trail
• Limberlost Trail
• Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter
• Old Rag Ridge Trail
• Old Rag Saddle Trail
• Ridge Access Trail (Old Rag Area)
• Dark Hollow Falls Trail
• Story of the Forest Trail
• Bearfence Mountain Trail
• Frazier Discovery Trail
• Pets must be on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet. Pet waste must be removed from trails, shelters, huts or other public use areas and should be bagged and disposed of in a garbage receptacle.
• Horses and other allowed stock are only permitted to be off established horse trails for the immediate use of a valid backcountry campsite.

Fee Policy

Fees for backcountry camping:

• Backcountry Camping Permit Reservation Fee: $6 (non-refundable)
• Recreation Fee: $9 per person (refundable up to three days prior to permit start date and prior to printing the permit)
• Entrance Fee: $15 per person (foot/bicycle) OR $30 per vehicle (non-refundable)
• Annual/Lifetime Passes Holders: Entrance fee paid. Must produce physical pass upon request.

Note: 

• Entry into Shenandoah National Park, whether on foot, as a bicyclist, or in a vehicle, requires an Entrance Fee/Pass. Entrance passes can be purchased online in advance or at one of the park’s four entrance stations. They may also be purchased seasonally (March-November) at one of the park's two boundary stations (Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag).
• A maximum of 10 campers per backcountry permit. If group is larger than 10, multiple backcountry permits are required.
• Up to 15 people in a single private vehicle may use one park entrance fee/annual pass.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy:

• Permit holders MAY cancel their permit at any point prior to permit issuance/printing but cannot be modified or cancelled after final saving/printing.
• If canceled more than 3 days before permit start date, a refund of the Recreation Fee is provided; if less than 3 days before start date, no refund will be provided
• Permit Reservation Fee is non-refundable

Change Policy: 

• Permit holder MAY modify itinerary locations, group size, entry/exit locations, vehicle information, stock and pet counts, and emergency contact prior to permit issuance/printing.
• Permit holder MAY NOT modify their start date. To change start date, permit holder will need to cancel existing reservation and create a new reservation.

Contact Information

Mailing Address

3655 US Highway 211 E Luray VA 22835

Phone Number

(540)999-3500 *weekdays 8:30am - 5:00pm

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