Early access lotteryLottery
Fixed application window. Trip window: 2026-05-15 → 2026-10-10.
Opens: Mar 2, 2026Apply by: Mar 13, 2026Results: Mar 20, 2026
National Park Service · WA
North Cascades Backcountry
Backcountry campsite permits for the North Cascades, allocated through an early-access lottery, a general on-sale, and walk-up inventory.
Permit requiredovernightItinerary dependent
Access requirement
2 ways to get a permit
General on-saleFirst-come
Reserve at least two days before your start date. Trip window: 2026-05-15 → 2026-10-10.
Opens: Apr 29, 2026
Permit rules
QuotaAbout 60 percent of backcountry campsite inventory is reservable in advance; the rest is held for walk-up permits.
GroupCampsite and cross-country zone capacities vary by area.
Fees$6 non-refundable reservation fee plus a $10 per person per night recreation fee (ages 15 and under free).
TransferPermits are issued through Recreation.gov or in person at the Wilderness Information Center.
SafetySnow lingers on high camps and passes into July; river crossings and washouts can close routes.
Where to stay
Campgrounds nearby
Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.
Newhalem Creek Campground
Reservable + first-come · There is no discount for group campsites.
Aug 25—Aug 2627Aug 2723Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 3027Aug 3129
Availability: Recreation.gov
LOWER GOODELL GROUP CAMPGROUND
Reservable · There is no discount for group campsites.
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 311
Availability: Recreation.gov
UPPER GOODELL GROUP CAMPGROUND
Reservable · There is no discount for group campsites.
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 30—Aug 31—
Availability: Recreation.gov
Goodell Creek Campground
Reservable + first-come
Aug 25—Aug 261Aug 274Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 301Aug 311
Availability: Recreation.gov