Heart Lake Trail - Yellowstone National Park — Yellowstone National Park

Permits are required year-round for all overnight stays in Yellowstone's backcountry. A backcountry permit allows the permit holder and group members to camp in a designated location. Permits are not required for day hiking.

https://www.nps.gov/maps/full.html?mapId=f926f448-9fe4-4600-b4c0-3f060737c87f

Peak Season (May 15 - November 5) - during the peak season backcountry permits are available online in advanced or in-person during the Walk-up period. Advanced reservations are available at Recreation.gov during the Early Access Lottery and General On-Sale period. Walk-up permits are available in-person at a backcountry office up to 2 days prior to start of trip. Non Peak Season (November 6- May 14) - backcountry permits for the non peak season are available online at www.recreation.gov starting October 6, or in-person no more than two days prior to your trip at the South Entrance (Mid December-Mid March). Permits may be printed or downloaded at home within 5-days of the trip start date after receiving a backcountry orientation from the backcountry office staff. Visit the Winter Backcountry Camping page for more information regarding obtaining a backcountry permit during the winter season.

Permits are required year-round for all overnight stays in Yellowstone's backcountry. A backcountry permit allows the permit holder and group members to camp in a designated location. Permits are not required for day hiking.

Early Access Lottery Application Fee: $10 non-refundable. The application fee is charged for all applications to the Early Access Lottery regardless of success.

Recreation Fee: $5 per person, per night plus a $10 reservation fee. The recreation fee and the reservation fee is charged year-round for permits secured through Recreation.gov or in-person at a backcountry office. The $10 reservation fee is charged for all permits except those acquired during the Early Access Lottery.

Reservations are encouraged but not required. Approximately three quarters of backcountry campsites are made available for advance reservation. Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance of the trip start date. Remaining campsites are available in-person at a park Backcountry Office on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be requested a maximum of two days before the trip start date. Permits are date specific, so if you dates are not set, we do not recommend making a reservation.