Permits & Reservations

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Backcountry Permits and Reservations

Backcountry Permit Reservations on Recreation.gov:

• All backcountry overnight campsites and areas become available on a seasonal basis, four months before the start of the season.
  • Spring: March 10-June 9 (opens November 10)
  • Summer: June 10 – September 9 (opens February 10)
  • Fall: September 10 – December 9 (opens May 10)
  • Winter: December 10 – March 9 (opens August 10).
• All day use permits will open 24 hours in advance for each day.

COVID-19 note: All overnight permits must be reserved online at least two days before start of trip.

Day-Use Permits

You must have a day-use permit for four-wheel-drive, motorcycle, and bicycle travel on:

• White Rim Road (Island in the Sky)
• Elephant Hill, Lavender Canyon, and Peekaboo/Horse Canyon roads (Salt Creek Area, The Needles)

Overnight Permits

You must have an overnight backcountry permit for all overnight trips into the backcountry. Permit reservations can be very competetive.

River Permits

All day and overnight trips on the rivers require a river permit.

Academic institutions may conduct flatwater and whitewater river trips under a special-use permit.

Horseback Riding, and Pack- and Stock-Use Permits

All pack- and saddle-stock use requires a permit.

Needles Campground Reservations

To make a reservation, visit Recreation.gov, or call 877-444-6777, 877-833-6777 (TDD), or [phone] (International).

Individual Sites

• You can reserve individual campsites in Loop B of the Needles campground in spring and fall.

Group Sites

• You can make a reservation for group campsites in The Needles from March 15 to November 15.

Special Use Permits

Gatherings and commercial activities in national parks often require a special use permit. Permits ensure the protection of the park's natural and cultural resources, as well as minimize conflicts between park visitors and your guests.You need a permit for:

• academic river trips

• commercial filming and photography

• First Amendment actions

• memorialization (scattering of ashes)

• special events

• weddings

Sample Acknowledgement of Risk Form
Special Use Permit holders may not require clients to sign a waiver of liability statement or form, insurance disclaimer and/or indemnification agreement. They may request or require clients to sign an acknowledgement of risk statement or form prior to participation. You can download a sample. [23k PDF]

Commercial Use

If you are a commercial outfitter or tour group leading guided trips into the park, you must obtain a Commercial Use Authorization.