Do I need a permit to backpack Yellowstone Backcountry?
Yes. You need a permit to backpack Yellowstone Backcountry in Yellowstone National Park, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the Yellowstone Backcountry Permit.
Lottery permit
What the Yellowstone Backcountry permit costs and covers
- Fee
- $5 per person per night plus a $10 reservation fee. The early access lottery application costs a separate, non-refundable $10; lottery winners do not pay the $10 reservation fee again.
- Applications open
- March 1, 2026
- Applications close
- March 20, 2026
- Results
- March 25, 2026 - winners get a randomized booking time between April 1 and 25
- Season starts
- Peak season May 15; general on-sale April 26
- Season ends
- October 31; non-peak season runs November 1 to May 14 with access from October 6
What the rules require
- A backcountry permit is required year-round for all overnight stays in the backcountry
- Maximum three consecutive nights at any one site; some sites are limited to one or two
- If your group exceeds a site's limit you need a second permit and must cook and sleep separately
- Secure all food and scented items by hanging them from the food poles or storing them in a bear-resistant food container. Soft-sided containers are not allowed
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it
- Bathing, soaking or swimming in water entirely of thermal origin is prohibited
- No off-trail travel in thermal areas
- A reservation is not a permit - collect the permit in person
Published rules for the Yellowstone Backcountry Permit, 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 Yellowstone Backcountry Permit and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.
Common questions about the Yellowstone Backcountry permit
Do I need a permit to backpack Yellowstone Backcountry?
Yes. You need a permit to backpack Yellowstone Backcountry in Yellowstone National Park, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the Yellowstone Backcountry Permit.
How much does a Yellowstone Backcountry permit cost?
$5 per person per night plus a $10 reservation fee. The early access lottery application costs a separate, non-refundable $10; lottery winners do not pay the $10 reservation fee again..
When can I apply for a Yellowstone Backcountry permit?
The application window opens March 1, 2026. It closes March 20, 2026. Results: March 25, 2026 - winners get a randomized booking time between April 1 and 25.
When is the Yellowstone Backcountry permit season?
Season starts: Peak season May 15; general on-sale April 26. Season ends: October 31; non-peak season runs November 1 to May 14 with access from October 6.
What if I lose the Yellowstone Backcountry lottery?
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Yellowstone Backcountry Permit for those cancellations and sends an alert when one appears.