Thomas Knob Shelter - Rhododendron Gap Camping

[WMR]

I'm reading that tenting is not allowed at Thomas Knob Shelter, but there are established campsites NB from the shelter. Are they closer to the shelter? Or closer to Rhododendron Gap? it's only a mile, but less and less daylight after the upcoming time change, trying to plan for it.

[Seatbelt]

The tentsites are just a few hundred yards from the shelter NB

[NJH]

Was up there last week. There are lots of tent sites near the shelter and lots more near Rhododendron Gap.

[misterblitz]

I hiked through there last week too, there's plenty of camp sites around Thomas Knob and Rhododendron Gap.

Also, there were plenty of sings around warning about increased bear activity so I camped every night near a bear box.

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[WMR]

Thanks. Are those bear boxes/camping areas obvious on the trail? Signage?

[wornoutboots]

Great Area & the bear boxes are closer to RG & off trail towards the Highlands "view" side of the AT. Had the BIG "problem" bear come into camp a few years ago & broke off a good 8"+ limb to get our food & it wouldn't leave so we night hiked out. We came back the next year when they installed the boxes & had no problems.

[misterblitz]

Thanks. Are those bear boxes/camping areas obvious on the trail? Signage?

Yes, the one not at a shelter had specific signage for it. They were pretty easy to find even in the dark.