Within the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter provides free hike-in camping managed by the National Park Service. This backcountry site requires hikers to access it on foot, making it primarily suited for through-hikers and backpackers traveling the trail corridor.
The shelter includes basic toilet facilities and allows pets, addressing essential needs for multi-day hiking trips. Hikers can find additional camping near Chester Gap for vehicle-accessible alternatives in the region. Plan to carry all supplies, as no water or resupply options exist at this remote waypoint.
Description
Lies 0.2 mi uphill from Ginger Spring. Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter is the first shelter north of Shenandoah on the AT.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundTom Floyd Wayside Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail is located in Virginia
Coordinates
38.85046 N
78.16365 W
Connectivity
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T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/28/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/28/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Toilets
- Pets
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 38 min from Winchester, VA
- 1 hr 12 min from Harrisonburg, VA
- 1 hr 15 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 38 min from Charlottesville, VA
