Early access lotteryLottery
Fixed application window. Trip window: 2026-05-15 → 2026-10-31.
Opens: Mar 1, 2026Apply by: Mar 20, 2026Results: Mar 25, 2026
National Park Service · WY
Yellowstone Backcountry
Backcountry campsite reservations for Yellowstone overnight trips, with an early-access lottery ahead of the general on-sale.
Permit requiredovernightItinerary dependent
Access requirement
2 ways to get a permit
General on-saleFirst-come
Reserve at least three days before your start date; walk-up permits cover the rest. Trip window: 2026-05-15 → 2026-10-31.
67 daysApply by · Oct 31, 2026
Opens: Apr 26, 2026Apply by: Oct 31, 2026
Permit rules
QuotaAbout 75 percent of backcountry campsites are reservable in advance; at least 25 percent are held for walk-up permits.
GroupCampsite capacities vary; group sites accommodate larger parties.
Fees$10 early-access lottery application; $5 per person per night plus a $10 reservation fee.
TransferPermit holder rules are enforced by the park; permits are issued in person or remotely before the trip.
SafetyBear country food storage rules apply; river fords and snow can change itinerary feasibility.
Where to stay
Campgrounds nearby
Official campground records near this destination. Availability is labeled with the source actually checked.
Lewis Lake Campground
Reservable · Nightly fee cost: $20.00 Interagency Access and Senior Pass holders receive a 50% discount.
Aug 25—Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 281Aug 29—Aug 3019Aug 3125
Availability: Recreation.gov
Headwaters Campground at Flagg Ranch
Reservable + first-come · Water Hookup Fee: The Utility fee is imposed on all lodging and camping products to defer the higher cost of providing water and sewer in the remote locations in which we operate. The amount of this fee is determined by taking the difference in the cost of providing these services less the comparable cost of similar services in local areas. This fee is reviewed annually and approved by the National Park Service.
Aug 257Aug 2612Aug 277Aug 2811Aug 297Aug 3023Aug 3127
Availability: Recreation.gov
Cave Falls Campground
Not reservable online
Availability: Unavailable
Lizard Creek Campground
Reservable · All payments are made through recreation.gov. No onsite payments accepted.
Aug 253Aug 26—Aug 27—Aug 28—Aug 29—Aug 3014Aug 318
Availability: Recreation.gov