First-Come, First-ServedOvernightModerate Demand

Crater Lake Backcountry Permit

Free permit for wilderness camping.

How to get Crater Lake Backcountry

Crater Lake issues this permit at the ranger station beside the Steel Visitor Center, free, and no earlier than the day before. NPS: "Permits must be obtained in person. They are not available over the phone, or more than 1 day in advance." There is no booking calendar, so there is no reservation to cancel and nothing for us to watch.

Official permit page

Planning another trip? See the permits we watch.

How to get Crater Lake Backcountry

Official permit page

Planning another trip? See the permits we watch.

Plan the full trip, not just the permit

Build your full itinerary start to finish

Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.

Start a plan — it's free

No permit needed to start

Crater Lake Backcountry Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes

Booking MethodFirst-Come, First-Served

Demand LevelLow4/10

CostFree

Live availability activity →

This permit is not bookable online

Official permit page →

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeOvernight

Booking MethodFirst-Come, First-Served

Demand Level4/10

LocationOR

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (5,000 ft)

Today

☁️

64°

44°

Sun

☁️

67°

49°

Mon

☁️

73°

51°

Tue

☁️

69°

45°

Wed

☁️

62°

42°

Thu

☁️

69°

42°

Fri

☁️

61°

45°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

How to Get This Permit

Create a National Park Service account

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

Book at National Park Service

Learn More

Best booking times

Plan Your Trip

🎒

Gear Checklist

Required and recommended gear for Crater Lake Backcountry

🚐

Shuttle Services

Trailhead transportation options

Browse all shuttles

🧭

Guide Services

Experienced wilderness guides

Browse all guides

Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.

Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Crater Lake Backcountry.

🐻

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Crater Lake Backcountry FAQ

How do I get a Crater Lake Backcountry permit?

Crater Lake Backcountry is not sold online. Crater Lake issues this permit at the ranger station beside the Steel Visitor Center, free, and no earlier than the day before. NPS: "Permits must be obtained in person. They are not available over the phone, or more than 1 day in advance." There is no booking calendar, so there is no reservation to cancel and nothing for us to watch. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.

When is the best time to visit Crater Lake Backcountry?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Crater Lake Backcountry permit?

This permit has a demand score of 4/10, making it relatively accessible.

What if I can't get a Crater Lake Backcountry permit?

On this permit there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set, because nothing is re-released onto a calendar we could watch. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.