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Shenandoah National ParkSample backcountry camping permit.
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Shenandoah National Park
Backcountry Camping - Getting a Permit
 
 
A Backcountry Camping Permit is required for all backcountry camping.
 
Backcountry Camping Permit
Shenandoah National Park's Backcountry Permit

The permit can be obtained at visitor contact stations during business hours. Permits for Appalachian Trail long-distance hikers are available by self-registration on the Trail near Shenandoah National Park entry points.

If you are planning your visit well in advance (allow two full weeks), permits are also available by mail from Park Headquarters. You may download a permit application and send it to:

Shenandoah National Park
Backcountry Camping Permit
3655 U.S. Highway 211 East
Luray, VA 22835


or fill out the permit application, then call (540) 999-3500.

Provide your name, phone number, complete address, entry and exit dates of trip, number in party, description of vehicle (make, model, color and tag number), and trip itinerary, including where you will park and trail areas in which you will camp.

Remember that you should have your camp set up before dark in order to avoid damaging the park resources or injuring yourself. At the park, permits will be issued only between the hours of sunrise and one hour before sunset.

View a map of backcountry permit stations in the park...

Learn more about planning your Backcountry Camping Trip
Planning your Backcountry Camping Trip

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Lean more about Beginner Backcountry Camping trips
Beginner Backcountry Camping

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A camper assembles her campsite in Shenandoah's backcountry.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry and Wilderness camping information.
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The scarlet tanager has bright red feathers and black wings and tail during mating season. Its color changes to olive during the winter.  

Did You Know?
Most of the Shenandoah National Park’s 200 bird species are heard rather than seen, due to the dense canopy of leaves.
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Last Updated: March 26, 2008 at 17:03 EST