Backpacking Permits and Lotteries Explained: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re new to backpacking you may have heard experienced backpackers talk about lottery season and obtaining backpacking permits. It’s an exciting time of year, but can be pretty confusing at times, even for an experienced backpacker/hiker. I’ve been applying for backpacking permits for years and still get confused and frustrated at times by the systems. I’m going to break down the main terms used and what you need to know about obtaining a permit or entering a lottery.

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Things to Know About Backpacking Permits and Lotteries

• The backpacking permits and lotteries are just a method used by parks and the government to help disperse backpacking permits in a fair way and reduce over crowding. Anyone can apply during the application window and then winners are randomly selected.

• Most of the time, 50-70% of backcountry backpacking permits are issued in advance (depending on the permit system). The remaining percent is offered via walk-up services at ranger stations a day or two prior, or placed online up to a week prior from the date.

• There are three main government sites used to obtain most backcountry permits: recreation.gov, blm.gov and pay.gov. There may be other sites depending on where you are planning to hike. Direct links are always available on a national park website.

• Most lotteries have a month window to apply before announcing the winners. Most of the lotteries are between February and March before winners are announced in April. Some lotteries are a set months in advance, like 6 months prior to the start date.

• There will be a non-refundable fee for all applications and often a larger fee if you win, to pay for the winning permit. This can add up fast so know the costs of all the permits you plan to apply for.

• Permits can’t be changed once booked due to poor weather or life events preventing you from going unfortunately. If you are unable to use your backpacking permits, whether you find out months prior or a few days prior, be sure to release it back into the system so someone else can use it.

• Many wilderness areas will also require a pass to be displayed in your car as well as the permit you carry on your hike. Check trailhead signs prior to going to make sure you have the proper passes.

Terms to Know About Backpacking Permits and Lotteries

• Backcountry is the term used to describe a remote rural area. It is also known as wilderness areas. Every state has major wilderness areas. In national parks, its areas usually away from lodges/campgrounds or large amounts of people. They will require backpacking to reach them. A backcountry campground will not have running water or sites like you would find at a campground. It is more primitive. Some will have vaulted toilets, but many will require digging cat holes to burry your waste.

• Advanced reservations is exactly what it says. It is where people are able to reserve campsites and permits months in advance.

• First-come, first-serve is used for campsites that don’t have reservation systems to hold a campsite. This means the first person to arrive at an open site gets that site. They can fill up quickly and can be difficult to get, which is why these types of sites are difficult to rely on.

How Lotteries Work

The lottery systems may seem confusing, but it’s an application process. You do all the steps above for your preferred reservation during the allowed application window. Once you fill out the application, pay the fee and submit, it is a waiting game to see if you won any backpacking permits.

All Lotteries will show the date they will announce the winners. Be sure to check your email in the morning for your results. You can also sign back in to your account for the results. It’s extremely important you check the results because most lotteries will require a confirmation within 72hrs. If you don’t confirm, the winning permit will be canceled and put back into the system.

Create an Account

All permit platforms will have you create an account. Having an account it important because it will keep track of all your permits booked through the site. It’s also helpful if you’re trying to reserve a drive in campsite. They have time limits on booking sites. Having your information saved will help you check out quickly and not lose out on a permit because you take too long.

Backcountry Permits

What is a backcountry permit? A backcountry permit is the term used for permits that allow you to backpack and camp in the backcountry. It is necessary for national parks and many wilderness areas around the country. When obtaining one of these permits you will need to research your trip itinerary prior to applying, which I will discuss below. Not all backcountry campsite will require a permit. Research if the trail or area you wish to go will require a permit prior to entering. National parks will require a backcountry permit and will have detailed information on their websites and links to where to reserve them.

Trip Itineraries

National Parks will always require you enter an itinerary for your trip. When applying they will usually give you the ability to make three different itineraries, so if your first one doesn’t get approved you can possibly win your second or third choice. There is also a button you can click that says you’ll take any dates available within your given window. If you’re flexible with travel times this is a great option to help you win a permit, but not a guarantee.

How to Plan an Itinerary

Planning the trip itinerary is honestly the biggest hassle and most time-consuming part of the trip, but it’s worth it. Begin by knowing where you want to go and find trail and campground maps. National parks will have really helpful maps that show the trails, campgrounds available on trails and a code to identify trailheads, as pictured above.

You will be required to state what trailhead you intend to enter from, so knowing the codes is extremely helpful. You must also included any campgrounds and the number of nights you plan to stay. Use the maps, trail reports, blogs and other sources to help plan out what campsites you want based on the distances between and ideal locations.

When entering your itinerary, use all three options to better your chances at obtaining a permit. Maybe switch the trailhead you enter from, reverse the trip or change a few campgrounds. If you’re flexible you can enter different dates as well. If you are flexible with travel you can click the box next to “any dates within window” to better your chances because it’ll open up your window to win. Below I will walk through the major steps of the permit system.

Step One:

This first photo shows the dates information. Select all days you are available to hike. If you only have two days, put those two days, or if you have a week, do the entire week. If you can go anytime over the summer, feel free to put a few months. Most will allow you to pick 2-5 varying trip itineraries. Use al of them f you can to better your chances, even if it’s just a day difference. Change the dates you go, the campsite locations or trailhead entry points to options you can do and improve the odds of obtaining a permit.

Step two:

Next, you will be required to share the trailhead(s) you want to enter from, the number of nights you will need and the start date. You will do this for all itineraries you enter. Remember to do as many as you can and change out small things like the start date or trailhead you enter from. Knowing and using the maps for the area will help you navigate this part.

Step Three:

The next step will be selecting any changes you are willing to make to the itineraries you put in. Maybe you’re okay with a different campsite or start date. If you are extremely flexible you may have a better chance. I’ve selected the “last resort” box numerous times with no luck. It’s okay if you can’t make any changes to your itineraries and hopefully you’ll get lucky and be able to win one! If you don’t win a permit when they announce the winners, don’t fret just yet. The remaining permits are saved for walk-up permits, which I’ll share about below.

Group Size

You will be required to share your group size when you apply for the permits. You will not be able to change the number. If you are hoping to go with a group but aren’t sure on the number, put in the max amount you believe will go since you can’t add them later. As the trip approaches, try and find others that can fill the spot of anyone that can’t go. More importantly though, always communicate and get commitment prior to booking from group members. If your party isn’t the number it said it would be then someone else is missing out on the opportunity of a no-show.

Car Camping and Trailer Reservations

All National Parks, many state parks, BLM land and wilderness areas have car and trailer campsites. Many sites are only by reservation, some do a percentage of advanced reservations and some are for walk up only.

You’ll want to research campsites over 6 months in advance. Many release a select few by the day an exact amount ahead of time, like 6 months to the day, 4 months to the day or even one month to the day. If you’re wanting to camp July 7-9th and they release 6 months in advance, that means on the morning of January 7th you’ll need to be logged into your account and on the site prior to 7am PST. At 7am PST those few campsites will be released.

Once they are booked, which happens often within the first minute of release, the only option left is a walk-up site. Relying on a walk-up site is fine, but also not reliable. There is no guarantee you will get a site without a reservation.

Walk-Up Permits

If you are unable to obtain a permit or you missed the application window for some reason, you still have a chance to get a permit. There is always a small amount saved for last minute reservations. Sometimes they are released back online and other items they are available at a ranger station a day or two prior to the hike. I’m order to obtain one research what day and time they are released. If they are released back online plan to be logged into your account prior to the release time. They will be gone in minutes.

If the permit is a true walk up, like at a national park, learn what locations have the walk-up permits available and what time they open. You will need to physically be at the building to obtain one. Know if it’s a busy season and a popular park the line could form well before the station opens. Also, be flexible on where you want to go. You first pick might be gone, but maybe you can snag a permit for another area.

Self-Issue Permits Explained

If you’re researching an area and notice it says you need a self issue wilderness permit that means it’s free at the trailhead. The trailhead will have a sign with information on the area and then a box. Inside the box will be a piece of paper and hopefully usable pens. Always have a pen in your car just in case it’s empty.

You will have to fill out information like the trailhead you’re starting from, number of nights, any animals with you and potential campsites. This helps the forest service manage the trails better by knowing how many people are traveling them and to where. It’s also a great safety measure should you need help. They can use the information you give to help find you.

Part of the permit paper will go into a slot in the trailhead box. The other piece will be attached to the outside of your pack. This is so a ranger can easily verify you have one. There is nothing prior that needs to be done for these permits or fees associated with them.

Reminders

• Knowledge is key. Take time to research the area you’re trying to apply for. Know the distance between campsites, best time of year to go and anything that could impact your trip. Read blogs and government website on the area extensively. Reading reviews from others on how the permit system works can be helpful in learning any tips to help it go smoothly. Most blogs will have links to the page where you book to take some of the guessing out.

• Be patient. It’s frustrating going after the same backpacking permits year after year and not winning. But keep going for it if you have the means, eventually you will snag one!

• When entering the backcountry always practice leave no trace. Minimize your impact by disposing of human waste properly and carry out all garbage. Limit campsite impacts by finding an existing campsite rather than placing a tent over vegetation. Never feed wildlife and properly store your food supply and items with a scent.

• You can learn more about backpacking gear through my “Backpacking Gear” guide or learn about backpacking itself through my “Backpacking for Beginners” guide.

Although the backpacking permits systems can be confusing even for someone using it regularly, knowing the basics of how it works and how to find information on it makes it easier. I always read blogs on the area, national park or state websites explaining the system and study maps to help me make the most of any permit trip. It can feel time-consuming, but being well prepared and knowing an area before you go is important. Whatever backpacking permits you end up applying for I wish you luck and hope you’re able to snag some. And if you don’t, there’s always next year!

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