Permits
A Backcountry Use Permit is required for overnight backcountry trips in Yellowstone. They are free of charge and
available at ranger stations and visitor centers. For the best information, try to get your permit from the ranger station or visitor center closest to where you begin
your trip. Permits are available in person no more than 48 hours in advance of your departure. Camping is permitted in designated sites only. All sites have group size
limits which must be followed. Some sites are "no wood fire" sites.
Albright Visitor Center
© National Park Service
During the summer season, Backcountry Use Permits are available seven days a week between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm (some stations close for lunch) at the following locations:
- Bechler Ranger Station
- Canyon Ranger Station - Visitor Center
- Grant Village Visitor Center *
- Lake Ranger Station *
- Mammoth Ranger Station - Visitor Center
- Old Faithful Ranger Station
- South Entrance Ranger Station *
- Tower Ranger Station
- West Entrance Ranger Station
In addition, Backcountry Use Permits may sometimes be obtained at the Northeast Entrance, East Entrance and Bridge Bay ranger stations. However, these stations have other responsibilities, so they may not be available at all times.
During the Spring, Fall and Winter seasons, ranger station and visitor center hours may vary. To obtain a Backcountry Use Permit during these seasons, call the park at: 307-344-7381.
A Backcountry Use Permit is required for all overnight use of the backcountry in Yellowstone.
The permit is valid only for the itinerary and dates you select. Permits are not required for day hiking; however, day users must observe all backcountry regulations. All Backcountry Use Permits must be obtained in person and not more than 48 hours in advance of the first camping date of the trip. However, backcountry campsites can be reserved more than 48 hours in advance of your trip and a Confirmation Notice will be issued or mailed. A Confirmation Notice is not a permit and must be exchanged for a permit.
Reservations for Backcountry Campsites
To reserve campsites more than 48 hours in advance of your trip, a Trip Planning Worksheet must be submitted by mail or in person. Reservations will be booked on a first come, first serve basis. A Confirmation Notice, not a permit, will be issued. The Confirmation Notice must then be converted to the actual permit not more that 48 hours in advance of the first camping date. The Reservation Fee is $ 15.00 per trip.
Post Fire Growth
© National Park Service Only a portion of backcountry campsites will be reserved in advance. Consequently, you may choose to wait until you arrive in the park to reserve your site(s) and obtain your permit.
The Backcountry Office begins booking reservations on 01 April of the current year. Requests received before 01 April, will be held until then. Requests on 01 April will be booked in random order determined by a computerized random number generator.
- Reservations will be accepted ONLY by mail, or in person. Requests must be submitted on the Trip Planning Worksheet. For a copy of the worksheet, call the Backcountry Office at: 307-344-2160 or write to the address listed above.
- Each trip reservation costs $ 15.00. The fee is $ 15.00 per reservation regardless of the number of nights or number of people in a single trip. A trip is defined as an itinerary with campsites along a trail from the entry trailhead to the exit trailhead. If the party returns to the road and travels to another entry trailhead, this constitutes a second trip. If you are requesting more than one trip, please send a separate check for each request.
- The $ 15.00 fee must accompany the reservation request. Payment can be made with cash, personal check, travelers check or money order. The fee is for making a trip reservation, so once the initial reservation has been made the fee is not refundable even if the trip is cancelled or not completed.
- A Confirmation Notice, not a permit, will be mailed or given to the camper. This Confirmation Notice must be exchanged for the actual Backcountry Use Permit.
- The Backcountry Use Permit must be obtained in person at a ranger station in the park, not more than 48 hours in advance of the first camping date.
- You must pick up your permit before 10:00 am on the day of your trip or your site(s) will be released to other campers. If you are delayed, you may confirm your reservation by phone. See the Confirmation Notice for details.
You can write or call the backcountry office at:
Backcountry Office
PO Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Phone: 307-344-2160
34F
