2024 permit requirements & dates for top 12 USA National Parks.

Hiking permits - you don't need a permit to day hike in the Great Smokies.

Backcountry permits - you need to obtain a ‘General Backcountry Permit’ to camp overnight, year-round (designated campsites and shelters only) via the NPS backcountry permit website.

Apply up to 30 days in advance of the first night of your planned trip.

NB: Frontcountry campground reservations are available through www.recreation.gov.

Parking tag - effective since March 2023, you are also required to pay for a parking tag for any designated parking within the boundaries of the Smokies.

Hiking permits - you don't need a permit to day hike in Yellowstone National Park.

Backcountry permits - you need to obtain a permit and advance reservation to camp overnight in the backcountry.

Permits are required year-round, however the process differs by season.

Peak season, May 15 to October 31, 2024: Permits are available via Recreation.gov, through a ‘Early Access Lottery’ (live from March 01 through 20, 2024) and a general on-sale period.

Non-peak season, November 01 to May 14, 2024: Permits available via Recreation.gov from October 06, 2024 (or in person at least 2 days prior to your trip starts date).

General on-sale: From April 26, 2024 any remaining permits for open campsites will be available to book via Recreation.gov (earliest reservation available is a minimum of 3 days from trip start date).

Hiking permits - you don't need a permit to day hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Backcountry permits - you need a Wilderness Permit to camp overnight in the backcountry (year round).

Advance Reservation window (peak season): Reservations available via Recreation.gov from Mar 01, 2024, for reservations from May 1 through October 31, 2024.

Winter camping season: For reservations outside of peak camping season above (November 1, 2023 - April 30, 2024), no advance reservations available. Walk-up only, at the Wilderness Office.

Timed entry permit system - For the 3rd year, a temporary entry permit reservation system will go live from May 26 to October 22 2024. There is one for the ‘Bear Lake Road Corridor’ and another for the ‘Rest of the park’ (excluding Bear Lake Road Corridor). , Permits available from Recreation.gov from May 01 2024.

Hiking permits - new in 2024, visit Recreation.gov for all Wilderness Permits, required for a day long activity. This includes canyoneering trips to the Left Fork (Subway), and the 16 mile (top-down) day hike of the Virgin River Narrows.

>> See below for key dates <<

Wilderness Recreation Permits - a permit is required to camp overnight in the backcountry. As of January 5, 2024, reservations will be managed via Recreation.gov. For further information, visit Zion’s NPS website.

Hiking permits - no permit is required to day hike in Grand Canyon National Park.

Backcountry permits - you need a permit for any camping in the backcountry, excluding the developed campgrounds on North Rim and South Rim.

New application process implemented in 2024: Backcountry permits now available online at Recreation.gov via a monthly lottery (applications open for a 2 week period). You can apply no sooner than 4.5 months in advance of your preferred start date.

September hiking dates example: If you want to secure a permit to hike overnight in September 2024, you can apply via the online lottery from April 16 to May 1, 2024.

** Remaining lottery spaces ** After each monthly lottery, any remaining spaces will be available for reservations.

Hiking permits - no permit is required to day hike in Grand Teton National Park.

Backcountry permits - you need a backcountry permit for all overnight hikes. Advance reservations are available for the summer season only.

Advance summer season permit reservations for hikes from May 01 to October 2024 - available via Recreation.gov from January 10 to May 15, 2024 only.

If you miss the dates above, from May 16 to December 31, 2024 you can apply in-person on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hiking permits - you don't need a permit to day hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Backcountry permits - There is no backcountry camping permitted at Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

NB: There is no camping available at the park - camping or staying overnight in a parking lot is prohibited.

Hiking permits - you don't need a permit to day hike in Acadia National Park.

Backcountry permits - there is no backcountry camping permitted at Acadia National Park. This is due to the small size of the park and to protect the fragile environment.

Vehicle reservations for Cadillac Summit Road - vehicle reservations are required from May 22 through October 27, 2024. Reservations via Recreation.gov, available to book from February 22, 2024.

Hiking permits - you don't need a permit to day hike in Olympic National Park.

Backcountry permits - you need a Wilderness Camping Permit for all overnight stays in the backcountry, year-round.

Permits available through Recreation.gov, up to 6 months in advance (on a rolling basis).

Reservations for summer season (May 15 to October 15 2023) open from April 15 2024.

Hiking permits - you don't need a permit to hike in Joshua Tree National Park.

Backcountry permits - you don't need a backcountry permit to camp overnight in Joshua Tree National Park (and surrounding area).

Campground reservations - whilst no backcountry permit is required, a few popular campsites require a reservation via Recreation.gov.

Reservations can be made up to six months in advance, or on the day.

Hiking permits - you don't need a permit to day hike in Yosemite National Park, with the exception of Half Dome (when the cables are up).

Half Dome permits - permits are available via a lottery through Recreation.gov. Permits required for all visits when the cables are up, from 24 May - 15 October, 2024.

Daily lottery opens from May 22 through October 13, 2024 (apply 2 days in advance).

Pre-season lottery opens from 01 - 31 March, 2024,

Backcountry permits - you need a Wilderness Permit to camp overnight in the backcountry. Available by lottery 24 weeks in advance through Recreation.gov.

Hiking permits - you don't require a permit to day hike in Glacier National Park.

Backcountry permits - you need a Wilderness Permit to camp in the backcountry, available via Recreation.gov.

• If you are a standard group size, (1-8 campers) looking to hike from June 15 through September 30, 2024 - the application submission date is March 15, 2024.

NB: General on-sale period is live from May 1 through September 30, 2024 - available online or in person (first come first served basis).

Vehicle reservations - new in 2024, a pilot system will go live from May 2024, for the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road and North Fork. In addition, Many Glacier will go live from July 1, 2024.