With outdoor visitation on the rise, scoring a wilderness permit or campground reservation to popular recreation sites can feel like a monumental task. As more places switch to recreation.gov, it’s important to know how to navigate the red tape to recreate outside. Here are 11 tips to help you score a coveted reservation for your next adventure.
Choosing When to Go
You’ve been thinking of your dream adventure and are ready to start taking action. Before you solidify your itinerary, here are three things to keep in mind.
Start Planning Early
If you’re hoping to access popular campgrounds or trailheads, the best advice is to start planning your trip early. Desirable locations are often fully booked out months in advance, so the sooner you start planning the better.
Flexibility is Key
It’s hardest to snag a wilderness permit or campground reservation during peak-season weekends and holidays. So, if your schedule allows, try to find mid-week or shoulder season days to increase your chances of success. It’s also worth it to do a quick Google search for any statistics on what you’re going for. Sometimes you’ll find invaluable information on its competitiveness throughout the year. For example, when applying for the Mt. Whitney lottery in 2023, I found this document which showed that July and August were by far the most competitive months. By avoiding this time of year, I successfully won overnight permits for myself and my group.
Know the Date and Time Reservations are Released
Release dates are wildly sporadic depending on the campsite or trailhead you’re interested in. While most become available six months in advance, some more popular destinations like Yosemite National Park operate on a different timetable. Many of the most popular permits and campground reservations get snatched up within minutes or seconds, so you’ll want to know exactly when they become available to maximize your odds of claiming one.
Also know that most, BUT NOT ALL, reservations go on sale at 7 AM PT/10 AM ET. To check, head to the “Seasons & Fees” tab of the campground or the “Overview” tab of the wilderness permit you’re interested in. Also, sync your clock to Coordinated Universal Time so that you can refresh the webpage at the exact right time.
While lotteries are a little less volatile, it’s still important to know when they open and close. The last thing you’ll want is to plan your adventure only to realize that the lottery isn’t accepting any more applications.
Tips for reservation day
After choosing where you want to go, the day has come for you to finally snag any needed permits or campground reservations. It can feel like a high-stakes time, so below are six tips to help make the day less stressful and maximize your chances of success.
Make Sure You’re Logged in Beforehand
Log in to your account before reservations are released to avoid wasting precious time after they become available. Remember, seconds can make the difference between success and failure. Also, you can only complete one transaction at a time, so don’t log in on multiple tabs or devices. I learned this lesson the hard way and lost out on campsites I was hoping to book!
Refresh the Page Right When Reservations are Released
Popular campground reservations and wilderness permits are snatched up in seconds! Refresh the page right when they’re released. Don’t be alarmed if they’re not available right away – sometimes I’ve had to refresh the page a couple of times before I could select anything. It also pays to practice filling out all the required information beforehand (dates, group members, etc.), so you can be as efficient as possible once the reservations become available. Finally, using a mouse and connecting to the internet via an ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi can give you the competitive edge to succeed. Once you click “book now”, you’ll have fifteen minutes to complete your transaction. Whew, you did it!
Note for wilderness permits: if you have a large group, be sure to designate alternate permit holders. That way, they’ll be able to take over the permit if you can’t go. Otherwise, if you can’t make the trip, the permits are invalid.
Wait 15 minutes and Check Again
Don’t lose hope if you didn’t initially succeed! While unlikely, check back after 15 minutes, as any incomplete orders are automatically dropped and reservations are released back to the public. You might just get lucky!
Have a Backup Plan
While not always possible, try to have a few backups if your first-choice option is unavailable. That way, you can easily pivot if your first plan falls through. It’ll save you from any additional stress and wasted time.
Manage Expectations
Sometimes luck just isn’t on your side. This is when flexibility comes into play. The more adaptable your schedule is, the more chances you’ll have to secure a permit or campsite.
If you didn’t snag a permit or campground reservation
If reservation day didn’t work out the way you had hoped, there are still options. Here are three ways you potentially bring your adventure to life.
Check for Cancellations Periodically
People will occasionally drop their reservations, so periodically check recreation.gov to see if any campsites or permits opened up. While availability is unlikely for large parties, if you’re trying to secure a spot for yourself or a small group, there is a decent possibility you’ll find something that works for you. The process can be tedious, but it’s worth the extra work for your dream adventure. In fact, this method is how I’ve gotten permits to hike both Mt. Whitney and the John Muir Trail!
Recently, recreation.gov implemented an availability alert feature, sending you an email if a campground reservation that fits your criteria frees up. Unfortunately, it’s currently limited to three alerts and not available for other types of permits. Hopefully, it will expand its capabilities soon.
Consider Walk-up Options
Many wilderness permits and campground reservations have walk-up options which are released anywhere from two weeks in advance online to the day of in-person. They are usually harder to get but are a viable option to gain entry to a campground or trailhead. Research exactly when and how they become available to the public, so you don’t miss it.
Explore a Less Competitive Permit or Campground Reservation
You’ve tried it all and still haven’t gotten the popular campground reservation or permit you hoped for. The beauty of public lands is that there are many hidden gems that you won’t find on Instagram or AllTrails. If you dig a little deeper online, purchase a guidebook, call a ranger, or contact me, you’ll find incredible adventures without as much red tape as the more popular destinations.
Also, at the bottom of each campground page, you’ll find recommended sites nearby that may not be fully booked. And if you’re willing to take a risk, first-come, first-served sites are a solid option, especially during less crowded times of the year.
For those wanting to explore the backcountry, look into alternate trailheads. You’ll still get a beautiful wilderness experience with likely fewer crowds.
With some planning and a little bit of knowledge, you’ll no longer have to worry about missed outdoor opportunities due to red tape! If you need help with reservations, trip planning, or anything else outdoor-related, then head over to my contact form and fill out the initial questionnaire. I can’t wait to help make your dream adventure come true, and for you to experience the magic of a life outdoors!
