PermitSnag vs Campflare
Campflare is free, scans fast, and covers 10,000+ campgrounds. If all you need is a campground cancellation alert, use it — it is good. PermitSnag exists for the other half of the problem: wilderness permits and lotteries, which Campflare does not cover.
Facts checked against Campflare's public site on July 5, 2026.
Feature comparison
| Feature | PermitSnag | Campflare |
|---|---|---|
| Core focus | Wilderness permits + lotteries, plus campsites | Campground availability alerts only |
| Permit lotteries | 623 permits with lottery calendar, reminders, pools, odds pages, and cancellation alerts | Not covered |
| Campground coverage | 3,900+ US campgrounds (118,000+ campsites) | 10,000+ US campgrounds |
| Pricing | Free tier with 1 alert (hourly scans). Pro $7.99/mo or $79.99/yr with about 1-minute scans, unlimited watches, SMS included. A la Carte $12 for a single permit. | Free |
| Scan speed | About every minute on Pro | As often as every 15-45 seconds on popular campgrounds |
| Alert channels | Push, SMS, email, and browser notifications | Email and text, plus an iOS app |
| Booking flow | Fast Lane deep links with your dates pre-selected | Links to the reservation site |
Choose PermitSnag if…
- You need a wilderness permit — Half Dome, Whitney, Enchantments, JMT, river permits. Campflare does not track permits or lotteries.
- You want lottery deadlines, group pools, and odds data alongside cancellation alerts.
- You want SMS and push alerts with a booking deep link when seconds matter.
Choose Campflare if…
- You only need campground alerts and want them free — Campflare is the best free option and scans very fast.
- You want the widest US campground coverage.
Try PermitSnag free
One free alert, no card required. See the lottery calendar, browse 623 permits, and set your first watch in under a minute.
Common questions
Is Campflare really free?
Yes. Campflare's campground alerts are free with no paywalls. PermitSnag also has a free tier (one alert with hourly scans); its paid plans fund permit and lottery infrastructure that Campflare does not offer.
Does Campflare track wilderness permits or lotteries?
No. Campflare covers campground availability only. For permits — lotteries, quotas, trailhead spots — you need a permit-focused tool like PermitSnag.
Can I use Campflare and PermitSnag together?
Absolutely. Plenty of people use Campflare for car-camping alerts and PermitSnag for wilderness permits and lotteries. They solve different problems.