Best Campsites on the Appalachian Trail: A Hiker's Guide

The iconic Appalachian Trail offers breathtaking views and memorable camping experiences

Stretching nearly 2,200 miles across 14 states, the Appalachian Trail offers hikers more than just a path through America's eastern wilderness—it provides a home away from home with over 260 shelters and 125 established campsites. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a thru-hike adventure, choosing the right place to rest your head can transform your experience from merely memorable to truly magical.

The perfect campsite offers more than just flat ground for your tent. It promises stunning views, reliable water sources, and sometimes the camaraderie of fellow hikers sharing stories around a fire ring. In this guide, we've selected the absolute best campsites along the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia's southern terminus to Maine's majestic wilderness.

Best Campsites in the Southern Section (GA, NC, TN)

Plum Orchard Shelter, Georgia (Mile 14.4)

Located near the Georgia-North Carolina border, Plum Orchard Shelter offers a unique three-story lodging experience that's perfect for hikers tackling their first section of the AT. This shelter serves as the last overnight spot in Georgia for northbound hikers and provides an excellent staging area before tackling Dicks Creek Gap.

The shelter area features multiple tent sites, reliable water access, and is surrounded by beautiful rhododendron bushes that bloom spectacularly in late spring. Its strategic location makes it popular among both section hikers and thru-hikers preparing for the challenges ahead.

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC), North Carolina (Mile 137.3)

The NOC is much more than just a campsite—it's a full-fledged outdoor recreation hub where the AT crosses the Nantahala River. While technically not a traditional campsite, the NOC offers hikers comfortable cabin accommodations, restaurant options, and a gear shop for resupply needs.

What makes this location special is the opportunity to rest in comfort before tackling the challenging climbs ahead. The NOC campus provides shower facilities, laundry services, and the chance to enjoy a proper meal. For those wanting a more traditional camping experience, there are tent sites available a short distance away.

Roan Mountain, Tennessee (Mile 375.5)

Roan Mountain stands as one of the crown jewels of the southern Appalachian Trail. The entire State Park offers numerous camping options, from the Roan High Knob Shelter (the highest shelter on the entire AT at 6,285 feet) to designated tent sites throughout the area.

What makes Roan Mountain truly special is its spectacular natural beauty. In June, the mountain's famous rhododendron gardens explode with color, creating one of the most breathtaking displays on the entire trail. The high-elevation balds offer 360-degree views that stretch for miles across multiple states.

Best Campsites in the Central Section (VA, WV, MD, PA)

Quarry Gap Shelter, Pennsylvania (Mile 1,065)

Often cited as the "Ritz-Carlton" of Appalachian Trail shelters, Quarry Gap is renowned for its exceptional maintenance and charming details. Located near the trail's halfway point, this double shelter sits in a beautiful rhododendron grove and features flower gardens, decorative stonework, and even a small sitting area between the two structures.

What makes Quarry Gap truly special is the dedication of its longtime caretaker, Jim Stauch, who has transformed this shelter into a work of art. The meticulously maintained grounds, swept floors, and thoughtful touches make this a must-stay location for any AT hiker.

Catawba Mountain/McAfee Knob Area, Virginia (Mile 713)

McAfee Knob is perhaps the most photographed spot on the entire Appalachian Trail, and camping in the vicinity offers hikers the chance to catch both sunset and sunrise at this iconic location. While camping is not permitted at the Knob itself, several designated camping areas nearby provide excellent options.

The Campbell Shelter, located about 1.5 miles north of McAfee Knob, offers a three-sided shelter with tent sites and a reliable water source. For those hiking southbound, Johns Spring Shelter and Catawba Mountain Shelter provide good alternatives. Remember that this area has seen increased use in recent years, so proper camping etiquette is essential.

Harpers Ferry Area, West Virginia (Mile 1,023)

The historic town of Harpers Ferry marks the psychological halfway point of the Appalachian Trail and offers unique camping opportunities. While the town itself provides hostel accommodations and B&Bs, nearby camping options give hikers a chance to experience this historic area while maintaining their connection to the trail.

The Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA offers tent sites with amenities including showers and laundry. For a more traditional experience, the Ed Garvey Shelter, located about 6 miles north of town, provides a beautiful ridge-top camping experience with a two-level shelter and multiple tent sites.

Best Campsites in the Northern Section (NY, CT, MA, VT, NH, ME)

Upper Goose Pond Cabin, Massachusetts (Mile 1,548)

Upper Goose Pond Cabin offers one of the most unique and beloved camping experiences on the entire Appalachian Trail. This fully enclosed cabin sits on the shore of a pristine mountain lake and is maintained by caretakers during the hiking season (typically mid-May through mid-October).

What makes this location special is the combination of amenities and natural beauty. Hikers can enjoy swimming in the clear lake waters, borrow canoes to paddle to a small island, and even wake up to fresh-made pancakes prepared by the caretaker. The cabin features bunks for sleeping, but tent sites are also available for those who prefer their own space.

The Lookout, Vermont (Mile 1,718)

The Lookout is a private cabin that has been made available to Appalachian Trail hikers and offers one of the most spectacular overnight experiences on the trail. What makes this location extraordinary is its observation deck on the roof, providing 360-degree views of Vermont's Green Mountains.

The cabin itself is a simple structure with four walls and a roof—a luxury on the AT—but the real draw is the opportunity to watch sunset and sunrise from the elevated deck. There's space for tenting around the cabin, but many hikers choose to sleep on the front porch or even on the observation deck (weather permitting) for an unforgettable night under the stars.

Antlers Campsite, Maine (Mile 2,138)

Deep in Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness, Antlers Campsite offers one of the most picturesque camping experiences on the northern Appalachian Trail. Situated on the shore of Jo-Mary Lake, this campsite provides stunning views, swimming opportunities, and the chance to see wildlife including moose and loons.

The campsite features multiple tent sites, several fire rings, and direct access to the lake's shoreline. On clear nights, the lack of light pollution makes this an excellent spot for stargazing, and some lucky hikers have even reported seeing the Northern Lights from this location during late summer and fall.

Essential Tips for Camping on the Appalachian Trail

Leave No Trace Principles

The Appalachian Trail's continued existence as a wilderness experience depends on hikers following Leave No Trace (LNT) principles. These guidelines help minimize human impact on the trail environment:

1. Plan ahead and prepare for your specific section
2. Camp and travel on durable surfaces (established sites)
3. Dispose of waste properly (pack it out or use privies)
4. Leave what you find (no taking plants or artifacts)
5. Minimize campfire impacts (use established fire rings)
6. Respect wildlife (store food properly, observe from distance)
7. Be considerate of other visitors (keep noise down, share shelters)

Bear Safety and Food Storage

Bears are present throughout the Appalachian Trail, making proper food storage essential. Different sections of the trail have different requirements:

• In Georgia, bear canisters are required in the Blood Mountain Wilderness area
• In the Smokies, all shelters have cable systems for hanging food bags
• In many northern sections, bear boxes are provided at popular campsites
• Where no systems exist, use the PCT method to hang food at least 12 feet high and 6 feet from any trunk

Water Sources and Purification

While the Appalachian Trail has numerous water sources, all water should be treated before consumption. Carry at least one of these purification methods:

Recommendations for Different Experience Levels

Beginner-Friendly Campsites

If you're new to backpacking or the Appalachian Trail, these campsites offer easier access, reliable facilities, and often have nearby bail-out options if needed:

Advanced/Remote Campsites

For experienced backpackers seeking solitude and wilderness immersion, these remote campsites offer spectacular settings but require more preparation and self-sufficiency:

Embracing the Spirit of the Appalachian Trail

The best campsites on the Appalachian Trail offer more than just a place to pitch your tent—they provide windows into the soul of this iconic footpath. From Georgia's rhododendron-lined hollows to Maine's pristine lakes, each location tells a story about the land, its history, and the community of hikers who have passed through before you.

As you plan your own Appalachian adventure, remember that the true magic of these campsites comes not just from their physical beauty but from the experiences you'll have there—the fellow hikers you'll meet, the stories you'll share around flickering fires, and the moments of solitude that connect you to something larger than yourself.

The Appalachian Trail has been preserved for future generations through the dedication of countless volunteers, trail maintainers, and responsible hikers. By practicing Leave No Trace principles and respecting the regulations at each campsite, you help ensure that these special places remain pristine for those who follow in your footsteps.