Shenandoah National Park Announces New Backcountry Trip Planning Tools; Reminds Visitors of Permit Requirements
LURAY, Va. — Officials at Shenandoah National Park (SNP) have announced a new interactive map to help campers plan a safe, enjoyable, and lawful backcountry experience.
The new map is designed to help campers determine where camping is prohibited, where they will enter and exit the backcountry, and which zone they plan to camp in each night.
As of early 2024, backcountry campers are no longer able to obtain paper permits in person, at the park.
Consisting of nearly 197,000 acres, including 80,000 acres of congressionally designated wilderness, the park encompasses parts of eight counties. Each year, millions visit the park, which includes the 105-mile Skyline Drive, 75 designated scenic overlooks, visitor centers, lodging, and restaurants. Just two hours west of Washington, D.C., the park also offers plenty of ways to enjoy an overnight stay in the great outdoors.
Park visitors planning to camp have the option of staying at one of several established, fee-based campgrounds. Five designated campgrounds offer a more rustic experience for those wishing to sleep under the stars while still being near the comforts of home. Designated campgrounds, open seasonally, offer space for RV, car, and tent camping.
According to the SNP website, Mathews Arm and Loft Mountain Campgrounds offer a mixture of reservable and first-come, first-served sites. Lewis Mountain Campground offers first-come, first-served sites only. Sites at Big Meadows Campground are by reservation only.
Those seeking more of a wilderness experience (at any time of year) have the option of backcountry camping in one of the park’s many remote areas. This type of primitive camping—especially popular in the summer and on weekends—requires a backcountry permit and basic knowledge of the seven principles of Leave No Trace. Following these principles helps visitors maximize their own safety and camping experience while minimizing impacts on nature and wildlife.
A permit to camp in the park’s backcountry has long been a requirement at SNP. Previously, campers could obtain a free permit on the spot with the assistance of a ranger at an entrance station or visitor center. Campers could also self-register at any number of the park’s backcountry kiosks, 24 hours a day.
The permits, which consisted of a carbon copy for the park and a waterproof original for campers to display, were easy to obtain but were not the most effective way for park officials to track camper locations or minimize impact in popular backcountry areas.
Self-registration, however, didn’t ensure that all required information was submitted. Portions of permits were sometimes illegible—or left blank. Visitors unfamiliar with park rules would sometimes choose sites closed to overnight camping. And with limited internet connectivity in the park, substantial time could pass between when even a fully completed permit was submitted and when it was actually recorded on a computer.
A previous Backcountry Wilderness Use Management Plan Environmental Assessment included a fee-based program for backcountry use and management. After public comment in 2021, SNP decided to move forward with an online system.
On June 6, 2023, after a virtual meeting open to all, park officials announced that—based on public input and additional research—they were in the process of implementing a change to the backcountry permitting process. An additional public comment period was open through July 6.
On December 11, SNP officials announced that beginning January 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., visitors wishing to camp overnight in the SNP backcountry would be required to purchase a permit through Recreation.gov or via phone at (877) 444-6777.
There is a $6 permit fee, plus a $9 recreation fee per person. For example, the total permit cost for a group of two campers would be $24. The new backcountry camping fee is not dependent on the number of nights. Separate park entrance fees still apply.
Once printed, permit modifications or cancellations are not allowed. During the trip, the permit holder must be able to produce a copy of the permit—either paper or electronic.
The new backcountry trip planning interactive map may be viewed HERE.
General information about backcountry camping in SNP may be viewed HERE.
Shenandoah National Park headquarters office is located in Luray, Virginia. For general information such as hiking maps, facility season and hours, park programs and more, visit Shenandoah National Park online or follow the park on Facebook at @shenandoahnps.