November early access lotteryLottery
The November-start window opened June 16 and closed July 1 at 5pm MST. Trip window: 2026-11-01 → 2026-11-30.
Opens: Jun 16, 2026Apply by: Jul 1, 2026
National Park Service · AZ
Grand Canyon Backcountry
Early Access Lottery and reservations for overnight backcountry camping below the rim.
Permit requiredovernightExtreme desert canyon
Access requirement
2 ways to get a permit
December early access lotteryLottery
The December-start window closes August 1 at 5pm MST; remaining space opens to everyone September 1 at 8am MST. Trip window: 2026-12-01 → 2026-12-31.
Opens: Jul 16, 2026Apply by: Aug 1, 2026
Permit rules
QuotaBackcountry permits are required for overnight camping outside developed campgrounds.
GroupGroup size and campsite limits vary by use area and itinerary.
FeesLottery, reservation, and camping fees may apply through Recreation.gov.
TransferLottery winners use their early access period to create a reservation for available itineraries.
SafetyHeat, water availability, steep elevation change, and itinerary realism are critical safety constraints.
Where to stay
Campgrounds nearby
Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.
Trailer Village RV Park - South Rim
Not reservable online
Availability: Unavailable
MATHER CAMPGROUND
Reservable + first-come · Please Note: The $6 campsites are for campers who arrive on foot or bicycle only. Please refer to the Need to Know section for more information.
Aug 25176Aug 26205Aug 27208Aug 28190Aug 29208Aug 30223Aug 31214
Availability: Recreation.gov
North Rim Campground (AZ)
Reservable
Aug 2563Aug 2670Aug 2768Aug 2866Aug 2969Aug 3072Aug 3168
Availability: Recreation.gov
Tusayan - Montane
Reservable + first-come · COMMERCIAL TOUR GROUPS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT TUSAYAN-MONTANE CAMPGROUND Commercial operators MUST obtain a special use permit to operate on National Forest System lands, including Tusayan-Montane Campground. Due to high public demand, Kaibab National Forest will not be issuing any special use permits for Tusayan-Montane Campground until further notice. Therefore, no commercial tour groups are allowed at Tusayan-Montane Campground. All violators will be removed from the campground immediately and given a fine for violating the Code of Federal Regulations. Single Campsites accommodate two vehicles. Double Campsites accommodate 3 vehicles. Group Sites accommodate up to 15 vehicles. Additional vehicles may be accommodated depending on site. Each additional vehicle is subject to a $5/night fee.
Aug 25—Aug 26129Aug 27127Aug 28128Aug 29126Aug 30125Aug 31127
Availability: Recreation.gov