The Long Trail passes through private, state and federal land, thus the regulations for camping and fire building vary from one part of the Trail to the next. When in doubt about whose land you are on, please camp only in designated areas.  

There are about 70 GMC overnight sites spread no more than a moderate day's hike apart along the Long Trail System. They range from fully enclosed lodges to three-sided lean-tos and tent sites. All sites, although primitive, have a water source (purity and reliability cannot be guaranteed) and privy. Availability is first come first serve. A moderate fee is charged at overnight sites with GMC caretakers in the summer and fall.

As Leave No Trace explains: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.  Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.  Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.  In popular areas: concentrate use on existing trails and campsites. Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent. In pristine areas: disperse use to prevent the creation of unplanned campsites and trails.  Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

"...they (shelters) were a delightful haven on the trail. We spent many nights listening to the rain on the rooftop, praising the structure for its dryness."  -- Anonymous End-to-End hiker.

Information for groups here.  You can reach the GMC group outreach program here at (802) 241-8327 or groups@greenmountainclub.org

Private Land
Camping is limited to designated areas only. Fires are limited to permanent fireplaces at each site. Use of this land is permitted through the generosity of the landowners. Please do not abuse the priviledge.

State Land
Primitive camping is permitted below 2500 ft. Fires are permitted but discouraged below 2500 ft. Camping is limited to no more than 3 consecutive nights in the same area. Groups larger than 10 require a state primitive camping permit and should contact GMC group outreach program.

Federal Land
Camping between shelters is permitted along much of the Long Trail in the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) between the MA. border and Vt. 140 and between Sherburne Pass and Mt. Ellen. Small wood fires are allowed.  Large groups should contact the GMC group outreach program.

Overnight Sites with Elevation and Distance
Following is a table of all overnight sites, listed south to north along with the distance between them, hiking times, capacity, and elevation. More detailed information can be found in the Long Trail Guide, the End-to-Ender's Guide, and the waterproof Long Trail map. Always hike with guidebooks and maps!

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