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Cleveland National Forest PCT Overnight Permit
Overnight permit for the Pacific Crest Trail through Cleveland National Forest — the first 110 miles of the PCT, from the Campo terminus through the Lagunas. For trips under 500 miles.
“A bucket-list destination in Cleveland NF.”
Get availability alerts
Be notified instantly when Cleveland NF PCT permits become available due to cancellations.
Get availability alerts
Be notified instantly when Cleveland NF PCT permits become available due to cancellations.
Cleveland NF PCT Quick Facts
Cleveland NF PCT Permit Facts
- As of August 2026, Cleveland NF PCT in Cleveland National Forest, California requires a permit issued via reservation.
- Cleveland NF PCT is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- The permit season for Cleveland NF PCT runs March 1 through May 31.
- Cancelled Cleveland NF PCT permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Key Dates
Permit Details
Pro Tips
- •Five people a day in the peak March to May window is the tightest part of this permit. If your start date is fixed, watch for cancellations rather than hoping for a release.
- •Start dates cannot be modified. Changing your start means cancelling and rebooking, and there are no refunds on cancellations.
- •Planning 500 miles or more? Skip this permit entirely and apply through PCTA.org.
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
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
Conditions
Season typically runs March 1 to May 31.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Route finding and trail clarity
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
Cleveland NF PCT draws visitors from around the world to Cleveland NF. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.
Plan Your Trip
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Cleveland NF PCT
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttlesGuide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
Browse all guidesSome links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Cleveland NF PCT FAQ
Who needs a Cleveland National Forest PCT overnight permit?
Anyone spending a night on the PCT in the forest on a trip shorter than 500 continuous miles. Longer hikes use the PCTA long-distance permit instead, which the Forest Service links from this same booking page.
How tight is the PCT quota through Cleveland National Forest?
Five people per day from March 1 through May 31, with a maximum group size of two people per permit. Outside that window, June 1 through the end of February, a permit is still required but no limit is placed on how many are issued.
When does the Cleveland National Forest PCT permit quota open?
February 1 for the first permit date of March 1. The quota season runs through May 31, which is precisely the northbound start window, so the five daily slots go quickly.
Do children count against the PCT permit quota?
No. The Forest Service exempts children 12 and younger from the quota, and says they do not need to be included in the permit reservation.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
Questions
Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Cleveland NF PCT offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of Cleveland NF PCT
- 📍Cleveland NF scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Cleveland NF PCT trip
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