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Illustrated Joshua Tree desert with yucca trees and sandy trails

Camping permit alerts

Find camping permit cancellations faster

Some camping trips depend on a permit instead of only a campsite reservation. FirstCampsite helps you watch supported Recreation.gov permit results when dates, routes, or group details are limited.

Useful when a trip requires a permit to camp or enter
Designed for supported Recreation.gov permit results
Start the first scan free with no credit card

First scan free

Build a campsite alert

Pick a place and dates. We watch for cancellations.

Need a permit alert? Supported permit results are labeled in search. See the current permit list. Don't see your campsite or permit? .

Try a supported permit or campground target

Cancellation alert guide

How this helps with booked-out trips

Permits can be the limiting factor

For many trips, a campsite is not the only constraint. If a permit controls the route, entry date, or group, watching that permit can matter more than watching a campground.

Choose a permit you can act on

The best scan is tied to a permit result and date window you would actually reserve. If a backup permit would also work, keep it as its own scan.

Keep checking automatic

FirstCampsite watches for matching openings and alerts you, reducing the need to revisit Recreation.gov repeatedly throughout the day.

FirstCampsite activity

Results from real campsite and permit scans

Public totals are calculated from aggregate scan records and omit user identities, contact information, and private trip dates.

Total scan requests

48

Targets requested

26

Successful scans

21

Active now

4

Review the complete public performance report

Common questions

Is this different from a campground cancellation alert?

Yes. Permit scans can include permit-specific details such as route options or group rules for supported permit areas.

Where can I see supported permits?

The supported permit areas page lists currently configured permit results and links directly into scan creation.