Backcountry camping permit at Yellowstone: what applies in 2026?

Exact conditions

Status

Required under the listed conditions

Applies to

specific activity

Place or corridor

All designated backcountry campsites park-wide

Effective dates

January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026

Published fee

$5

Release model

lottery

Release detail: "Lottery application period: March 1-20"; "Lottery winners receive a randomized access time between April 1-24"; general "Access begins April 26". No time of day is printed for the March 1 opening; the page notes Mountain Time. The page does not stamp these dates with a year.

Fee detail: "$5 per person, per night plus a $10 reservation fee", and a separate "$10" non-refundable lottery application fee.

Exceptions and limits

• Not required for day hiking.
• "About 75% of campsites are available for reservation, with at least 25% reserved for walk-up permits."
• Reservations must be made at least three days before the trip start.
• Peak season runs May 15 - October 31; non-peak November 1 - May 14.