GRAND CANYON BACKCOUNTRY PERMITS
The Backcountry Information Center lottery vs. the separate Phantom Ranch lottery, when to apply, and the real cost — sorted out in plain English. Free, no sign-up.
Your plans
$10 permit fee + $15 × 2 hikers × 2 nights
The $10 permit fee is non-refundable. The per-person nightly charge is refundable if you cancel at least 30 days before your permit's start date.
Advance Request
Recommended for youPlan months ahead and request specific dates and campgrounds.
When to apply: Lottery applications are accepted over a 2-week window: it opens the 16th of the month and closes at 5pm MST on the 1st of the month, 4 months before your trip's start month.
- Between the 16th and the 1st (4 months before your start month), submit a backcountry permit lottery application to the Backcountry Information Center (by fax or online form, per current NPS instructions).
- List your preferred itinerary — campgrounds, dates, and group size — plus backup options, since popular corridor campgrounds (especially Bright Angel) are heavily oversubscribed.
- Wait for processing — it typically takes about 3 weeks for a decision to come back.
- If approved, pay the $10 permit fee plus $15 per person per night camped below the rim.
- If your first choice isn't available, you'll often be offered alternate dates or campgrounds — respond promptly to hold your spot.
Your odds
Bright Angel Campground, the most popular corridor site, is heavily oversubscribed for advance requests — listing backup dates and campgrounds meaningfully improves your odds. About 20% of each campground's capacity is held back for walk-up permits, so arriving flexible on dates can work even without an advance request.
The two ways to get a permit
Advance Request
Recommended for youPlan months ahead and request specific dates and campgrounds.
When to apply: Lottery applications are accepted over a 2-week window: it opens the 16th of the month and closes at 5pm MST on the 1st of the month, 4 months before your trip's start month.
- Between the 16th and the 1st (4 months before your start month), submit a backcountry permit lottery application to the Backcountry Information Center (by fax or online form, per current NPS instructions).
- List your preferred itinerary — campgrounds, dates, and group size — plus backup options, since popular corridor campgrounds (especially Bright Angel) are heavily oversubscribed.
- Wait for processing — it typically takes about 3 weeks for a decision to come back.
- If approved, pay the $10 permit fee plus $15 per person per night camped below the rim.
- If your first choice isn't available, you'll often be offered alternate dates or campgrounds — respond promptly to hold your spot.
Walk-Up Permit
Already at the park? About 20% of sites are held for walk-ups.
When to apply: Show up in person at the Backcountry Information Center (South Rim, near Mather Point) 1-2 days before you want to start.
- Go to the Backcountry Information Center on the South Rim in person — walk-up permits aren't available online or by phone.
- Ask about availability for your preferred campground and dates; rangers hold roughly 20% of each campground's capacity for walk-ups.
- Be flexible — if your first-choice campground is full, ask about alternate dates or nearby non-corridor options.
- Pay the $10 permit fee plus $15 per person per night on the spot if a site is available.
Grand Canyon Backcountry Permit FAQ
Do you need a permit to hike into the Grand Canyon?
No — day hikes below the rim (including all the way to the Colorado River and back) need no permit at all, no matter the trail. A permit is only required for overnight camping below the rim.
How much does a Grand Canyon backcountry permit cost?
A one-time $10 permit/lottery fee, plus $15 per person for each night you camp below the rim. The $10 fee is non-refundable; the per-person nightly charge is refundable if you cancel at least 30 days before your permit's start date.
How do I get a Grand Canyon backcountry permit?
Two ways: enter the lottery during its 2-week application window — the 16th through the 1st of the month, 4 months before your trip (best odds for popular campgrounds like Bright Angel) — or try for a walk-up permit in person at the Backcountry Information Center 1-2 days before your trip — about 20% of each campground's sites are held for walk-ups.
Do I need a permit to stay at Phantom Ranch?
No — Phantom Ranch is a lodge, not backcountry camping, so it doesn't need a backcountry permit. It has its own separate lottery through Grand Canyon Lodges, with entries taken 15 months ahead of your target stay month.