AT - Loft Mtn - Ivy Creek

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. An Old Rag day-use ticket is required from 3/1 to 11/30.

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 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 (see backcountry map): 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 and scented items (trash, cooking equipment, body products, etc.) 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) Properly dispose of human waste. Defecation within 20 yards of a natural water source, trail or road is prohibited. Solid waste must be carried out or buried at least 6 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.

14 nights per trip