Do I need a permit to backpack Glacier National Park Wilderness?

What the Glacier National Park Wilderness permit costs and covers

Fee

$10 application fee + $7/person/night

Group size limit

12 people

What the rules require

• Wilderness permit required for every backcountry overnight stay
• $10 non-refundable application fee plus $7 per person per night
• Advance reservations open in a March request period, general on-sale May 1, 2026 at 8:00 AM MT
• For trips between June 15 and September 30, 70 percent of wilderness campsites may be reserved in advance; the rest go to walk-up permits (day before or day of)
• Each wilderness campsite holds a maximum of 4 campers
• Advance reservations cover groups up to 8; 9-12 campers only through the March 1 large group lottery
• Groups of 5-8 need 2 campsites, groups of 9-12 need 3
• Glacier issues five large group (9-12 camper) advance reservations per year in total; after that lottery, large groups are walk-up only
• Camp only at your assigned designated campground each night
• Store all food and scented items on the provided bear cables or poles
• Campfires allowed only in designated sites with a fire ring, where posted

Published rules for the Glacier National Park Wilderness Permit, quoted as written.

Getting one

Dates for Glacier National Park Wilderness sell out and then come back as people cancel. PermitSnag watches Glacier National Park Wilderness Permit and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.

Common questions about the Glacier National Park Wilderness permit