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Backcountry Camping Fees and Reservation System
Shenandoah National Park » Backcountry Camping Fees and Reservation System » Document List
Shenandoah National Park is seeking feedback on proposed modifications to the backcountry camping permit system. The proposed new system will allow the Park to track and understand backcountry use in a way that better protects park resources and provides an improved visitor experience. Reservations will be made online or by phone through recreation.gov, which will allow users to plan their trip in advance with current information. The proposed fee structure will be a $6 reservation fee, plus a $9 recreation fee per person. All other backcountry camping requirements will remain the same, including a limit of 14 nights per permit and a group limit of ten individuals. Paper permits will no longer be available at park self-registration stations. A full list of current backcountry camping regulations can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/backcountry-regulations.htm
The implementation of a new backcountry camping permit system would modernize the process with online camping information and help protect the natural and cultural resources of the park. It will also provide an up-to-date, centralized repository of nightly backcountry campers. This will aid in the park's awareness of camper numbers and locations, which will help increase visitor safety. The fees collected will provide financial support for management of Shenandoah's backcountry.
Details of this system were planned and developed by an interdisciplinary team at the park through 2022. Initial public input was collected between August 16 and September 16, 2021.
To learn more about the proposed backcountry camping permit system, there will be a virtual public presentation on Tuesday, June 6th starting at 7:00pm. For a link to the meeting, click on "Meeting Notices" in the menu to the left. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session. No comments or input will be officially accepted at this meeting. You are invited to provide feedback on the Backcountry Camping Permit System electronically by clicking on "Open for Comment" on the menu to the left and leaving comments on this website or sending comments by regular mail. The public comment period closes on July 6th.
Chief of Natural and Cultural Resources
540-999-3500 x3491
The implementation of a new backcountry camping permit system would modernize the process with online camping information and help protect the natural and cultural resources of the park. It will also provide an up-to-date, centralized repository of nightly backcountry campers. This will aid in the park's awareness of camper numbers and locations, which will help increase visitor safety. The fees collected will provide financial support for management of Shenandoah's backcountry.
Details of this system were planned and developed by an interdisciplinary team at the park through 2022. Initial public input was collected between August 16 and September 16, 2021.
To learn more about the proposed backcountry camping permit system, there will be a virtual public presentation on Tuesday, June 6th starting at 7:00pm. For a link to the meeting, click on "Meeting Notices" in the menu to the left. The presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session. No comments or input will be officially accepted at this meeting. You are invited to provide feedback on the Backcountry Camping Permit System electronically by clicking on "Open for Comment" on the menu to the left and leaving comments on this website or sending comments by regular mail. The public comment period closes on July 6th.
Contact Information
Jim SchaberlChief of Natural and Cultural Resources
540-999-3500 x3491