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Jackson Hole > Grand Teton National Park > Backpacking in Grand Teton National Park

Backpacking in Grand Teton National Park

All backcountry camping requires a permit. Backcountry camping permits are issued free of charge to walk-ins on a first-come, first-served basis. Permits can be obtained at the Moose and Colter Bay visitor centers, and at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Permits involving climbing any of the peaks may be obtained only at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station.

Requests for advance reservations are accepted from January 1st to May 15th. To download reservation forms, visit our backcountry reservation page (new for 2006!). Send the request by regular mail, fax, or in person. Include your name, address, phone number, number of people, and preferred campsites and dates. Be sure to include alternatives. Requests are processed in the order received. Requests may be faxed to (307) 739-3438 or mailed to:
 

Grand Teton National Park
Backcountry Permits
PO Box 170
Moose, Wyoming 83012

A non-refundable service fee of $15 will be charged for each reservation (fee is per trip, not per person). Put credit card information directly on the fax, or mail a check made payable to the National Park Service. If no payment is received with your request, you will be billed. Only one-third of the sites are reserved in advance, leaving two-thirds available for walk-in reservations.

Some camping zones fill up early. Be prepared with an alternate plan. Download the backcountry camping brochure to review regulations and maps showing the authorized camping zones. Individual parties consist of 1 to 6 people. Groups of 7-12 people must camp in designated group sites, which are shown on the map.
 

Backcountry Regulations

• Pets, weapons, bicycles, and vehicles are not allowed on trails or in the backcountry.
• All overnight camping requires a permit.
• Carry out all your garbage.
• Prevent erosion by hiking on established trails erosion.
• Horses have the right-of-way. Step off the trail and remain quiet while horses pass.
• Observe and photograph wildlife from a safe distance. Do not approach or feed animals.
• Prevent contamination of waterways by burying feces in a hole 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from streams and lakes. Pack out used toilet paper, tampons, sanitary napkins, and diapers in sealed plastic bags. Do not bury or burn them.

For your safety

• This is bear country. Make bears aware of your presence and avoid surprising them by making loud noises like shouting or singing.
• Carry drinking water.
• Be prepared for rapid weather changes; bring rain gear and extra clothing.
• High elevation may cause breathing difficulties; pace yourself.
• Snow melts gradually, leaving valley trails by mid-June, canyon trails by late July. Be careful crossing snowfields and streams.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Solo hiking and off-trail hiking are not recommended.
• Check with a ranger for current information on trail conditions.

Avoid Crowds
During July and August trailhead parking areas fill early, especially at South Jenny Lake, String Lake, Lupine Meadows, Death Canyon, and Granite Canyon. Parking on natural vegetation results in permanent damage to plants; violators will be ticketed. In paved parking lots, parking illegally will also result in a ticket. An early start will help you avoid parking problems.