I was going to do some hiking around smokemont in GSNP, until I realized that there weren't any campsites around the trails I wanted to take so I called the rangers about it. They told me that I'm not allowed to pitch a tent outside of a shelter? i just assumed I could if I could find space but I'm not allowed.
Now. I'm planning to spend 4 days hiking around Roan Mountain and am wondering about pitching a tent again. I don't really like shelters because I enjoy privacy, and not worrying about walking around at night to take a piss. Can I expect to pitch a tent outside these shelters, or just try to find a suitable spot for a tent elsewhere? I like the company of people around the shelter, but like sleeping on my own. I'm sure I'll definitely find all this out on my thru next year, but this would help for the upcoming weekend..