Old Rag Camping Beta
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Hey guys, looking for some info on camping for Old Rag in Shenandoah. Trying to get after it at first light to start climbing as early as possible, backcountry camping zones are very specific, and most campgrounds are shut down now. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated, backcountry, campsite, or truck can work, but woulf prefer backcountry if possible. Thanks in advance. |
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I think if you walk up the back way (from parking near the base White Oak falls trailhead, probably how most climbers go up), you can camp towards the beginning of where the trail diverges from the fire road. There is actually even a picnic shelter right there. |
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You are not allowed to camp below 2800' and need a backcountry permit. The Saddle Trail is probably the best bet for finding level ground to camp on. There are markers on both the Ridge and Saddle trails stating that you have reached the camping cut off point. The shelters along the trail are technically for day use only. Personally I like the level ground near the big boulders at the Saddle Trail 2800' cut off. its a good natural box-in that shields from the wind and is just off the trail enough to give privacy...also a great bouldering project if you have your pads. |
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If you go up the back side the approach is shorter (from Berry Hollow, not the more popular Weakley Hollow) assuming you are heading to crags on that side of the mountain, including the summit area. The NPS rules are actually no camping ABOVE 2800 feet, but you can stay close to the climbing and stay legal by camping down an old abandoned fire road that takes off South from the junction of the Ridge trail and the Byrd's Nest shelter. If you hammock camp there are plentiful spots, if you have a tent, you'll have to look for relatively flat spots on the topo and orienteer to them. |
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Thank you guys for your replies, this solidified much of the info I had up to this point. Looking forward to checking it out as I live within 2.5 hours, and the rock quality looks prime. Good call on the water tip. Too bad backcountry permits are issued in person or by mail, and not online. Is the Berry Hollow parking pretty good for leaving a vehicle over night? Thanks again. |
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Jeff, |