Yellowstone National Park Permits
America's first national park with incredible geothermal features and wildlife.
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in Yellowstone
Yellowstone Backcountry
“1,114 miles of trail, 293 numbered campsites, and a permit that names exactly which one you sleep at on which night.”
Shoshone Lake
“Paddle up the Lewis River Channel - dragging the boat the last mile - to a lake with no road to it, no motors on it, and eighty geysers on its far shore.”
All Permits
Select a permit to learn more and set up alerts
Yellowstone Backcountry permit
Overnight backcountry camping permit for Yellowstone National Park. An early-access lottery runs in spring, then a general on-sale period opens reservations to the public, with cancellations returning to Recreation.gov.
Shoshone Lake Backcountry permit
Largest backcountry lake.
Bechler River Area permit
Waterfall country.
Other National Parks Areas
Explore more wilderness permits in the region
Grand Teton permits
4 permits
Rocky Mountain permits
5 permits
North Cascades permits
5 permits
Denali permits
4 permits
Yellowstone Permit FAQ
What permits are required for Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone National Park requires permits for various activities including Yellowstone Backcountry, Shoshone Lake, Bechler, Lamar Valley. Each permit has different requirements and booking processes.
How do I get a permit for Yellowstone National Park?
Permits for Yellowstone National Park are available through Lottery, Reservation systems. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When should I apply for Yellowstone National Park permits?
Timing varies by permit type. Lottery permits typically open months in advance, while reservation permits release on a rolling basis. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to never miss an opening.