Do I need a permit to backpack Many Glacier Backcountry?

What the Many Glacier Backcountry permit costs and covers

Fee

$10 permit fee plus $7 per person per night, May 1 to October 31. Winter permits (November 1 to April 30) are free. The lottery application fee is $10 and is non-refundable.

Group size limit

12 people

Applications open

March 15, 2026 for standard groups of 1-8; March 1, 2026 for large groups of 9-12

Applications close

11:59 pm MT on the same day - each Glacier lottery is a single-day window

Results

March 17, 2026 for standard groups; winners book March 21 to April 30

Season starts

Advance reservations cover trips from June 15

Season ends

September 30; October permits are in-person walk-up only

What the rules require

• A wilderness permit is required for all backcountry camping and must name your campgrounds and dates
• Maximum party size is 12; each campsite is limited to four people
• Maximum length of stay in the backcountry is 14 nights total during July and August
• Never leave food, garbage, or anything used to prepare, consume, store or transport food unattended - including your backpack
• All edible items, food containers empty or not, cookware clean or not, and trash must be stored in a vehicle or designated food locker, or hung, both day and night
• Approaching, viewing or engaging in any activity within 100 yards of bears or wolves is prohibited; keep 25 yards from other wildlife
• At-large camping requires an IGBC-approved bear-resistant container secured at least 100 feet from your campsite
• Campfires are prohibited at every Many Glacier wilderness campground except Many Glacier itself

Published rules for the Many Glacier Backcountry, quoted as written.

Getting one

Dates for Many Glacier Backcountry sell out and then come back as people cancel. PermitSnag watches Many Glacier Backcountry and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.

Common questions about the Many Glacier Backcountry permit