Reservation6/10
Rancho del Oso
Walk-in campsites at the coast when available....
View Rancho del Oso Walk-In Sites permit details and availability
ReservationDay UseModerate Demand
Big Basin Day-Use Access
Day-use access reservation required. Trail camps currently closed.
“Experience Big Basin Day in Big Basin.”
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when Big Basin Day permits become available due to cancellations.
Join 2,000+ permit hunters using PermitSnag
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when Big Basin Day permits become available.
Big Basin Day Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelModerate6/10
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeDay Use
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level6/10
LocationCA SP
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment2/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Big Basin Day in Big Basin offers a wilderness experience protected by the permit system. Quotas help maintain trail conditions and ensure visitors can enjoy the natural setting without overcrowding.
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Big Basin Day.
Want to access emergency info offline?Get the app →
🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
Want to check food storage requirements?Get the app →
Big Basin Day FAQ
How do I get a Big Basin Day permit?
Big Basin Day permits are obtained through a reservation system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Big Basin Day?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Big Basin Day permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Big Basin Day permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Big Basin Day is most photogenic during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset when the light is warm and soft.
Best Light
Morning light is typically best, with clearer air and softer shadows. Afternoon can bring haze in summer.
Beat the Crowds
Arrive before 7am for the best chance at crowd-free photos. The hour after sunrise is magical.
Classic Shots
- 📍The iconic view of Big Basin Day
- 📍Trail perspective shots
- 📍Detail shots of unique features
- 📍Big Basin landscape