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.

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.