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Why I Will Rarely Choose to Sleep In a Shelter
Where Do Backpackers Sleep On the AT?
There are several types of sleeping sites in the AT, including about 260 shelters and 125 designated campsites. There are also non-designated campsites, referred to as dispersed campsites. What are the pros and cons of each?
What Is a Shelter?
Shelters are usually three-sided, wooden boxes lean-tos, comfortably accommodating six to twelve people. A few are enclosed huts. All have a healthy mouse population. A few have resident snakes which eat the mice!
Most have a broom standing in a back corner, often unused. I once arrived at a shelter late in the day where two men were already in their sleeping bags. Despite the presence of a broom, neither used it to sweep out a pile of vomit. After a brief conversation, I steered clear and promptly set up my tent.
Staying in shelters offer greater opportunities to spend time with others. Shelters also have amenities such as a nearby water source. Except in the south, most have a privy. Many have fire rings and/or picnic tables.
Below is a photo of a shelter on the Wonderland Trail in Washington State, where I hiked in 2022. Privies and nearby water sources are available. No open fires are permitted on the WT.
What Is a Designated Campsite?
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy encourages backpackers sleeping in tents to camp at designated campsites to minimize the impact on the natural habitat. Designated campsites, like shelters, generally have a nearby water source and may have a fire ring. However, they don’t usually have a privy.
Below is a photo of my Zpacks Duplex at a designated campsite on the Wonderland Trail.
What Is Dispersed Camping?
In some areas of the AT, dispersed camping is permitted. With dispersed camping, also referred to as stealth camping, hikers may choose where to camp, as long as the spot is a distance from the trail and water sources. The distance varies, but is typically 200 feet. In addition, dispersed camping may be prohibited above treeline or specific elevations because of the impact on the fragile environment. Similarly, campfires are prohibited at dispersed campsites because they would impact the area.
Why I Choose To Sleep In a Tent
I am a very light sleeper. I have difficulty falling asleep in a shelter and often wake up when someone snores or stirs. I also dislike the sounds of mice running on the floor, in the walls, or overhead, and the buzzing of insects in my ears. Although a shelter provides protection from the elements, rain may blow into the opening of a lean-to and pound loudly on its roof. Wind and cold air may also penetrate.
Granted, setting up and taking down a tent (or a hammock for that matter) takes time and is a nuisance in the rain, but I usually don’t mind. I enjoy privacy. I find sleeping in a tent to be warmer than a shelter. In addition, tenting at a dispersed campsite offers greater flexibility to stop at a secluded or scenic spot or when I am simply tired.
In three weeks I will be on the trail. Let’s see where I end up sleeping!
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Comments 16
Hi, I want to wish you all the best during your upcoming thru hike. I’m also a Vermonter and have thru hiked the AT, section hiked the CDT and LASHed the PCT. I would recommend staying flexible about deciding where to set up. It’s really difficult to set up a tent in the rain – particularly moderate to heavy rain – and stay dry. You’re probably aware that parts of the southern Appalachians get double the rainfall of the northeast. Cold drenching rain is common in GA and NC in the spring. And yes, there are mice and people snoring in shelters and also occasional disgusting people and their leavings. My experience was that those things were sometimes annoying, but seldom a serious problem. I respect your decision to tent out. But there may be times when staying in a shelter makes more sense.
Hi Tim,
Thanks for your thoughtful response. Nice to hear from a Vermonter! I section hiked the entire AT and the LT twice. I have also backpacked elsewhere. I agree that it is no fun and difficult to set up and tear down a tent in the rain. In rereading my AT journals, I was surprised that I slept in shelters as often as I did. I did end my post with “Let’s see.” And I meant it!
Here’s wishing a fellow Vermonter the best of everything that a thru hike can bestow! I’m rooting for you.
Thanks Tim!
Great post! I agree with what you have written and fully expect to spend most, if not all,
my nights in my tent. I like group activities and such but not in a hut.
I always like reading or hearing other trailbeaters stories. I am from Pennsylvania and have thru and sectioned hiked the AT. To me it’s all about preferences and situations. Since I hike solo there are times when I welcome a run in with a fellow human. However, sometimes I just want the solace of just me, myself, and I to meditate and reflect on my trek. It’s funny how most people seem to be either Pro-shelter or Pro-tent. I kind of go with the flow and see where my journey takes me. Thanks for the article and happy &safe travels to you.
Thanks James. Best part of thru hiking is being open to whatever opportunities arise.
Thanks Sparks.
Thanks Sparks!
I choose not to sleep in shelters, not because of the mice, snakes, etc. , but because I snore. Loudly. If I have to I will sleep in a shelter but I have to apologize beforehand and after for my behavior. For those who have tolerated me in the past and those who will tolerate me in the future I again apologize and will continue to avoid sleeping in shelters.
Very considerate!
Must say. I certainly agree w/ you. Thanks for your post and now following.
Thanks Jhony!
Wishing you a wounderful and excting adventure. HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY. You are still older than me!!! Safe Travels cousin.
Love Doug and Ande.
P.S. Looking foreward to hearing about you adventures.
Hi Cuz,
Thanks so much! For my birthday, I was fortunate to come to a road crossing where trail magic was provided by three people who live in Atlanta. They set up chairs and provided food and beverages. I ate grapes, popcorn, ice cream sandwich, watermelon, Oreos, and doritos! Better than my lunch of peanut butter and snack bar. Fueled me up and over the next mountain. Up the trail, a hiker gave me a Snickers. I will post again in a few days. Probably dipped below freezing last night. Not conducive to long writing. HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!❤️
I grew up hiking and canoeing the Adirondacks, then years later the North Georgia mountains on overnight treks, and years later SW New Mexico, and enjoying tent camping which is better in my experiences. Overall my experiences were spread out over many years without any thru hikes but short overnight travel in many areas that satisfied my desire to get out.