Backcountry Camping Permits

Permits are requested at the Backcountry Information Center at Grand Canyon National Park.

The Backcountry Information Center does not make reservations for river trips, mule trips, Phantom Ranch lodging, and visits to the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

Phantom Ranch Lodging
Xanterra Parks and Resorts (303) 297-2757 or (888) 297-2757
http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com

Havasupai Indian Reservation
(928) 448-2141 or (928)-448-2111
http://www.havasupaitribe.com

The Backcountry non-refundable permit fee is $10 plus $5 per person per night camped below the rim and $5 per group per night camped above the rim. Frequent hiker membership for $25 waives the initial $10 fee for each permit obtained by the trip leader for one year. Permit requests may be made with credit card, check or money order. Checks or money orders must be for the exact correct amount or the permits may not be issued. Please allow enough time for your visit. Campers may require several more days than expected due to the awesome size of the Grand Canyon area. Permit holders are required to pay Park entrance fees upon arrival. Hikers along the South Bass Trail and the Pasture Wash Trail may be charged an additonal fee for crossing the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

The earliest application date for a Backcountry Permit is 4 months before arrival. Make your reservations as early as possible. Please allow three weeks for processing. Permits will be mailed by U.S. mail, never by fax or e-mail. Walk-in Permits are available at the Grand Canyon Backcountry Information Center. Expect a one to three day or longer wait. Campers on the waiting list must be at the Center everyday at 8 A.M. to remain on the list.

The Backcountry is divided into use areas. Each Use Area has an overnight capacity based upon the size of the area, the number of suitable and available campsites, ecology, management zoning and use. Trips may be limited to a maximum of 7 days in Use Areas such as the Bright Angel Trail. More permits are available for small groups than for large groups. Therefore, you might be more successful in obtaining two permits for a group of 10 or more. However, the group might be required to camp in different areas.

All commercial organizations must obtain an Incidental Use Permit.

The Winter season is late October through mid-May. Backcountry permits is required for overnight use of the North Rim to Bright Angel Point. Winter access is allowed only for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

All Backcountry campers are asked to follow the Leave No Trace Principles.


1. Be well prepared. Know the route and area in which you are planning to hike.
2. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is prohibited.
3. Stay on main trails; do not shortcut switchbacks.
4. Pack out what you bring in. This includes used toilet paper and all trash.
5. Fires are prohibited below the rim. Do not burn toilet paper -pack it out!
6. Bury solid human waste at least 200' from water in a shallow cat hole 4-6" deep and 4-6" in diameter.
7. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200' away from creeks and potholes. Scatter strained dish water.
8. Let nature's sounds prevail. Keep loud voices and noises to a minimum.
9. Leave what you find. This is particularly important when it comes to cultural resources of any kind, including artifacts and archaeological remains. Leave them as you find them.



A backcountry camping permit is required for overnight hiking, overnight horseback riding, overnight cross-country ski trips, off river overnight hikes by river trip members, overnight camping at Rim sights outside of developed campgrounds, Winter overnight camping on the North Rim.

A backcountry camping permit is not required for day hiking, day horseback riding, overnight camping at Mather Campground, Desert View Campground, and the North Rim during the summer and Tuweep Campground, overnight stays at the dormitories and cabins at Phantom Ranch. Advanced reservations with Xanterra Parks and Resorts is required.

Backcountry campers must have their permit with them. The permit must be attached to a backpack, tent or other equipment in plain view for inspection by Park Rangers. Permits are valid only for the trip leader, number of people in the group, itinerary of areas to visit, and the dates.

The Grand Canyon Association sells maps and books about hiking.
http://www.grandcanyon.org