Glacier changes reservation system for backcountry permits

Glacier National Park has changed the way it takes advanced reservations for backcountry camp sites. A little less than half of all backcountry camps in the Park were held by advanced reservation last year, said Brian McKeon, who runs the backcountry office for the Park.

The Park had a record number of permits in 2015, with about 7,500. About 3,000 were advanced reservations, he noted. In the past, the advanced reservation was done by a lottery system and people could start applying in January. The new system will offer earlier reservation submittal dates, more choices to customize itineraries, and a first-come, first-served reservation system.

McKeon noted that the old lottery system was seen as unfair by many campers, because there was no real advantage to early planning.

The new system cuts down on paperwork, but those applying for permits will have to pay a $10 nonrefundable fee in addition to the $30 advanced reservation fee.

The new online system is anticipated to go live on March 15, at 8 a.m.  Mountain Standard Time for groups of one to eight campers.  This is one month earlier than the previous system. 

A separate application for large groups, 9-12 campers, will be available online with an anticipated March 1 start date.  The park issues up to five large group reservations per year.

All advance reservation applications and processing fees will be submitted using the Pay.Gov website.  The camping fee per night has increased from $5 to $7 per night. All backcountry permit revenue is used to fund the management and staffing of the park’s backcountry permit offices and program.

The new advance reservation system will be completely online and the backcountry office will no longer accept fax, mail, or in-person advanced reservation applications. Successful applicants will still be required to pick up their permit and view a backcountry orientation video before beginning their backcountry adventure. Approximately half the backcountry campsites will still be available on a walk-in basis, up to 24 hours in advance. 

Complete application instructions will be available on the park’s website before January 1, 2016.  

Backcountry visitors are encouraged to periodically visit go.nps.gov/backcountry for updates and additional information.