Do I need a permit to backpack Bright Angel Campground?
Yes. You need a permit to backpack Bright Angel Campground in Grand Canyon National Park, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served.
Lottery permit
What the Bright Angel Campground permit costs and covers
- Fee
- $10 permit/lottery application + $15 per person per night
- Group size limit
- 11 people
- Applications open
- The 16th of each month, four months before your start month
- Applications close
- 5 pm MST on the 1st of the following month
- Results
- Lottery runs late on the 2nd; the top 750 applicants get booking timeslots
- Season starts
- Year-round
- Season ends
- Year-round
What the rules require
- A backcountry permit is required and must be in your possession while below the rim
- Groups larger than eleven people may not camp in the same campground or use area
- Two nights maximum per campground per hike (four from November 15 to February 28)
- Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited; fossil-fuel backpacking stoves are allowed
- Quiet hours 8 pm to 6 am; no smoking within 100 feet of the campground
- Pack out all trash including toilet paper
- Your permit is void if another group affiliated with yours camps here the same night
- Pets are not allowed below the rim
Published rules for the Bright Angel Campground, quoted as written.
Getting one
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates go back into the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Bright Angel Campground and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.
Common questions about the Bright Angel Campground permit
Do I need a permit to backpack Bright Angel Campground?
Yes. You need a permit to backpack Bright Angel Campground in Grand Canyon National Park, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served.
How much does a Bright Angel Campground permit cost?
$10 permit/lottery application + $15 per person per night.
When can I apply for a Bright Angel Campground permit?
The application window opens The 16th of each month, four months before your start month. It closes 5 pm MST on the 1st of the following month. Results: Lottery runs late on the 2nd; the top 750 applicants get booking timeslots.
How many people can be on one Bright Angel Campground permit?
11 people.
When is the Bright Angel Campground permit season?
Season starts: Year-round. Season ends: Year-round.
What if I lose the Bright Angel Campground lottery?
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Bright Angel Campground for those cancellations and sends an alert when one appears.