Grand Canyon National Park Permits
Yes, every overnight stay below the rim in Grand Canyon National Park needs a backcountry permit. That includes Bright Angel, Havasupai Gardens and Cottonwood campgrounds and an overnight Rim-to-Rim trip.
NPS awards the permits through a monthly lottery on Recreation.gov that opens on the 16th, five months before your start month, and closes on the 1st, four months before it. Canceled permits can be booked up to five days ahead. PermitSnag alerts you when one opens.
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in Grand Canyon
Rim-to-Rim
“One permit, two rims: 23.5 miles that drop 5,761 feet to the Colorado River and then climb 4,380 feet back out the far side.”
Bright Angel
“The park's own words: Bright Angel Campground is by far the most requested below-rim backpacking destination in Grand Canyon National Park.”
Havasupai Gardens
“Half the descent to the river, a ranger station, cottonwood shade and a tap: Havasupai Gardens is the night that turns a brutal day hike into a trip you can actually enjoy.”
Thru-Hikes & Long Trails
Epic multi-day traverses starting from Grand Canyon
All Permits
Select a permit to learn more and set up alerts
Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim permit
The ultimate Grand Canyon experience: 21 to 23.5 miles crossing from one rim to the other through two billion years of geologic history.
Bright Angel Campground permit
Campground at the bottom of the canyon.
Havasupai Gardens Campground permit
Midway point campground.
Grand Canyon backcountry permit
Required for all overnight camping below the rim.
Cottonwood Campground permit
North Rim corridor campground.
Other National Parks Areas
Explore more wilderness permits in the region
Havasupai campground or lodge
2 permits
Glacier National Park permits
4 permits
Mt. Rainier permits
2 permits
Olympic permits
6 permits
Permit guides for Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon Permit FAQ
Which permit do I need to camp in Grand Canyon National Park?
A backcountry permit, for any overnight stay below the rim. The developed campgrounds on the North Rim and the South Rim are booked separately and need no backcountry permit.
Which Grand Canyon permit covers Rim-to-Rim or a corridor campground?
Both are backcountry permits. An overnight Rim-to-Rim trip and the Bright Angel, Havasupai Gardens and Cottonwood campgrounds each have their own page here, with the dates and fees we hold.