AT approach trail question

[Uncle Wayne]

I've never hiked the approach trail up Springer Mountain.  I have a friend who is interested in doing a two loop hike and wants to camp on the approach trail after about 3 or 4 miles the first day because of the late start he will get that day.

Does anyone know if there are some established campsites available in that distance from the park?  Thanks.

[Bearpaw]

Frosty Mountain, 4 miles from the Approach Trail trailhead, offers enough flat space to camp and a seasonal spring .2 miles off the AT.  In light of all the rain this season, I would imagine it is flowing decently right now.

[Mountain Dog]

Ditto to Bearpaw, with one clarification.  The distance up the trail is dependent on where you want to start.  If you park and start the hike at the Visitors Center you will be about 4.8 miles from Frosty Mountain camping and spring. (This is what I hiked using switchbacks behind the visitors center.  The distance will be shorter if you hike to the falls on the road , climb the stairs beside the falls, and then angle to you right at the top to find the trail again.) If you drive to where the road to the lodge crosses the approach trail and then start the hike you will be about 3.6 miles from Frosty Mountain.  The next place I remember to camp is near Black Gap shelter (2.5 miles north of Frosty mountain).   You will not want to stay in the shelter unless it has been replaced in recent years. 
I don't know what you meant about a 2 loop hike but, once upon a time I planned to camp on the side trail between the Hike Inn and the visitors center.  I walked out because I did not find suitable camping sites.  I was not looking for camping between the AT and the Hike Inn.  I do not know if there is camping along that part of the side trail.  I do not think water will be a problem but hey, you will not need to carry a lot to get you through a few miles and one night before reaching Springer water.

[Uncle Wayne]

I don't know what you meant about a 2 loop hike but, once upon a time I planned to camp on the side trail between the Hike Inn and the visitors center.  I walked out because I did not find suitable camping sites. 

I meant a 2 day loop hike.  Sorry for that.  He intends to hike up the Approach trail starting from the park, camp somewhere along the trail, the next day continue to the start of the AT, spend some time and then loop back via the Len Foote Hike Inn connector trail.

I appreciate the info both of you shared. That was exactly what he needed.