Map showing campground location near Almond, North Carolina

Camper submitted image from A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting less than a mile from the Nantahala Outdoor Center along the Appalachian Trail, A. Rufus Morgan Shelter is a hike-in site within Nantahala National Forest managed by the US Forest Service. The shelter's proximity to NOC is its defining feature: campers can walk up the AT to resupply, eat at the restaurant, or access river activities. Water is available on site. The shelter can fill up, so tent space on the surrounding slope is the fallback. Trash has been an issue here, likely due to the short approach drawing day visitors unfamiliar with leave-no-trace practices. This site makes the most sense for AT thru-hikers or section hikers using NOC as a resupply stop.

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Map & DirectionsA. Rufus Morgan Shelter is located in North Carolina near Almond

Public Campground

Coordinates

35.32427081 N
83.59018097 W

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Connectivity

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VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 7/20/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 7/20/26

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile
No Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 9 users
Last on 7/20/26
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 3 users
Last on 7/20/26

Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Firewood Available

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

1 hr 11 min from Asheville, NC
2 hrs 8 min from Knoxville, TN
2 hrs 15 min from Morristown, TN

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

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5 Stars

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1 Star

3.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

David P.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 28, 2020

Conveniently located.

We hiked into Rufas Morgan, northbound on the Appalation Trail, and found the shelter occupied. We set up our tents on the levalest spots we could find down hill from the shelter. Great water point at this shelter! Best thing is that NOC is only .8 miles up the AT! Easy to go get something to eat, grab a resupply, and return to camp!

Art S.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2016

A. Rufus Morgan Shelter

The best part about this Appalachian Trail shelter is that it's than a mile from N.O.C. (Nantahala Outdoor Center). The shelter was dirty and had trash all over. We ended up finding a place for our tents for a nervous night of sleep. Being so close to a major tourist area means people can take the short hike to stay without following the leave-no-trace principles.

However being close to the N.O.C. is what we wanted. We were able to quickly get to the outdoor center and get a few supplies. The restaurant had wonderful food and we took our time satisfying our hiker hunger. My hiker partner took a break and went rafting and caught up to me on the trail. Many people visit the N.O.C. for outdoor fun on the river or day hiking along the trail.

This shelter is an option if you want a free night's camping or an easy hike into the center for a fun day.