Reservation8/10
Teton Crest
Premier multi-day traverse of the Teton Range with world-class alpine scenery....
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ReservationOvernightHigh Demand
Grand Teton Backcountry Permit
The park-wide overnight permit for camping anywhere in Grand Teton's backcountry, from lakeshore sites to high mountain zones.
“One permit unlocks a whole range. Sleep beneath the Grand, wake up on a lakeshore, or camp high in a mountain zone where you pick your own spot.”
Track a specific zone— not the whole wilderness
GTNP Backcountry Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodReservation
Demand LevelHigh8/10
SeasonMay 1 - October 31
Cost$20 permit fee plus $7 per person, per night
Max Group Size6 people
GTNP Backcountry Permit Facts
- As of July 2026, GTNP Backcountry in Grand Teton National Park, National Parks requires a permit issued via reservation.
- GTNP Backcountry is a high-demand permit, rating 8/10 on PermitSnag's demand index.
- The permit season for GTNP Backcountry runs May 1 through October 31.
- Cancelled GTNP Backcountry permits are re-released on the booking system; PermitSnag monitors availability and alerts watchers when dates open.
Key Information
Key Dates
SeasonMay 1 - October 31
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodReservation
Demand Level8/10
LocationNPS
Pro Tips
- •If the online window is full, walk-up permits release two-thirds of all sites the day before departure. Arrive at the visitor center early.
- •Mountain Camping Zone permits let you choose any spot inside the zone, which gives you the most flexibility for weather and views.
- •Jackson Lake and Leigh Lake lakeshore sites are paddle-in and reward an early launch before afternoon wind picks up on the water.
What to Expect
Highlights
- •Advance reservations open January 7 at 8 a.m. MST for the May 1 to October 31 season
- •Roughly one-third of sites are reservable online, up to 2 days before your start date
- •The other two-thirds are walk-up, claimed one day before departure at a visitor center
- •Lakeshore districts have designated sites with tent pads, while Mountain Camping Zones let you pick any spot inside the zone
- •Snow lingers on high passes into July and sometimes August
Best Time to Visit
Mid-July through mid-September. Passes clear of snow by late July most years and lakeshore sites open earlier in the season.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Grizzly and black bears are active across the park
- !Afternoon thunderstorms with lightning on exposed terrain
- !Snow and icy passes into late July in the mountain zones
- !Fast-changing weather and cold nights at elevation
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
4
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Peak: May 1Shoulder: Spring and Fall
Conditions
Season typically runs May 1 to October 31.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Longest days
- +Warmest temperatures
- +Reliable trail conditions
Challenges
- !Peak demand for permits
- !Book accommodations early
- !Weather varies
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand1/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill1/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk1/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation1/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.
Recommended Experience
Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.
About This Permit
Grand Teton runs one park-wide backcountry permit that covers every overnight zone, from paddle-in lakeshore sites on Jackson Lake and Leigh Lake to the high Mountain Camping Zones below the peaks. About one-third of sites open for advance reservation on Recreation.gov, and the rest are walk-up at the visitor centers the day before you leave.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Grand Teton packs more vertical drama into a small footprint than almost anywhere in the lower 48. The backcountry permit is your ticket to camp inside that skyline instead of driving out to a hotel each night.
The Feeling
At a Mountain Camping Zone site the peaks feel close enough to touch. Down at Leigh Lake the water goes glassy at dusk and the whole range flips upside down in the reflection.
Rules & Regulations
- •A backcountry permit is required for every overnight stay
- •Approved bear-resistant food canister required for all backcountry camping
- •Standard permits cover up to 6 people, and groups of 7 to 12 must book designated group sites
- •All nights on a permit must be used or the permit is voided
- •Campfires are prohibited in most zones, so check the site rules on your permit
- •Maximum stay is 2 nights per location, 3 nights at Jackson Lake sites
Gear Checklist
Required
- Approved bear canister
- Water filter or treatment
- Layers plus rain gear and warm insulation
- Map and GPS or compass
- Ice axe and traction for early-season snow on high zones
Plan Your Trip
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Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for GTNP Backcountry
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12,453 permits and 8,294 campsites secured by PermitSnag users
GTNP Backcountry FAQ
How do I get a Grand Teton backcountry permit?
About a third of sites are reservable in advance on Recreation.gov starting January 7 at 8 a.m. MST for the May to October season, up to 2 days before your trip. The rest are first come, first served as walk-up permits at a park visitor center one day before you leave.
How much does a Grand Teton backcountry permit cost?
A flat $20 permit fee plus $7 per person, per night. The nightly fee is refundable if you cancel 5 or more days before your start date. The $20 permit fee is non-refundable.
Do I need a bear canister for the Grand Teton backcountry?
Yes. An approved bear-resistant food canister is required for all backcountry camping in Grand Teton National Park. You can rent one at the park if you do not own one.
What is the group size limit for a Grand Teton backcountry permit?
A standard permit covers up to 6 people. Groups of 7 to 12 must reserve designated backcountry group sites and cannot split into smaller parties camping in the same zone.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
Questions
Trip Reports
Write ReportPhotography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at GTNP Backcountry offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of GTNP Backcountry
- 📍Grand Teton scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation
Can't Get a GTNP Backcountry Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Teton Crest Trail
Same AreaThe signature multi-day traverse of the range, booked on this same permit through the mountain camping zones.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
One set route rather than a build-your-own itinerary, and the marquee zones fill first.
Paintbrush-Cascade Loop
Same AreaA classic two to three night loop over Paintbrush Divide out of the String Lake trailhead.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Snow lingers on Paintbrush Divide into July most years.
Alaska Basin
Same AreaRemote camping on the quieter west side of the range with easier permit odds.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Farther from the Teton skyline the east-side zones are known for.
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