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Yellowstone National Park Backcountry Permits

Wilderness Permit

Overview

Itinerary-based backcountry permit for Yellowstone National Park -- the largest permit in our system with 293 designated campsites across 1,000+ miles of trail. You build a night-by-night itinerary selecting specific campsites (alphanumeric codes like 1A1, 1B1). Permit required year-round for all overnight backcountry stays. Sites support different travel methods: backpacker, stock (horse/mule), llama, and boat (motorized/non-motorized). Max 14 nights per permit, max 3 consecutive nights at any one campsite (some sites limited to 1--2 nights). Must pick up permit in person at a backcountry office within 2 days of trip start.

Bottom Line

The early access lottery is generous -- around 73% of applicants receive a booking timeslot, and up to 2,600 participants are awarded slots. But winning only gets you a time window to book; popular corridors like Slough Creek, Bechler, Shoshone Lake, and Heart Lake during prime summer still go fast. The real advantage here is sheer scale -- with nearly 300 campsites, there are always options even if your first choice is taken. General on-sale opens April 26 and remaining inventory moves FCFS. About 25% of sites are held for walk-ups, available in person up to 2 days before. Cancellations refund the recreation fee if cancelled 3+ days out, so sites trickle back through summer. Yellowstone's backcountry rarely hits full capacity outside the marquee areas. Midweek starts, less popular drainages, and September dates are the easiest pickups. Stock trips cannot start before July 1.

Lottery and Reservations

Peak season: May 15 -- October 31. About 75% of campsites reservable in advance, 25% held for walk-ups.

Early access lottery:

Application: March 1 (8:00 AM MT) -- March 20 (11:59 PM MT), $10 non-refundable fee
No itinerary required at application -- just contact info
Results: ~March 25 via email
Winners assigned a randomized booking timeslot between April 1--24
All winners can view availability starting April 1
One reservation per person during early access
Additional reservations allowed after general on-sale

General on-sale (FCFS):

Opens April 26 on recreation.gov
Must book at least 3 days before trip start
No limit on number of reservations per person

Non-peak season (Nov 1 -- May 14):

Reservations open October 6 on recreation.gov
Email Central Backcountry Office within 5 days of start to obtain permit

Walk-up permits:

In person only at backcountry offices (Mammoth, Tower, Bridge Bay, Grant Village, South Entrance, West Yellowstone, Bechler)
Available up to 2 days before trip start, FCFS
Good option for flexible travelers -- backcountry rarely full outside popular areas

Group Size

Campsites have individual capacity limits, typically 4--12 people per site
If your group exceeds a site's limit, split into separate groups with different trip leaders and separate permits
Affiliated groups may not congregate beyond site capacity
Groups must cook, eat, and sleep separately

Fees

$10 non-refundable reservation/lottery application fee (lottery fee counts as reservation fee if you win)
$5/person/night recreation fee
Cancellation 3+ days before start: recreation fees refunded, $10 fee kept
Cancellation less than 3 days: non-refundable
Separate park entrance fee required

Key Rules