Campsites will be noted in your guidebook. These usually have flat land and are located near a water source. Rarely are they near a privy. Some have tent platforms.
Campsites in heavy-use areas may require a fee, usually less than $8.
Dispersed camping is allowed in some areas along the Appalachian Trail, particularly the national forests of the Virginias and the southern Appalachians.
It is important to leave no trace, avoiding places that show signs other hikers have pitched a tent there, picking a durable place to pitch your tent that is at least 70 paces from water, and being sure not trample on plants and seedlings.
