Focus on the itinerary you would use
Wilderness permits often depend on entry area, route option, group size, and date. A focused scan is easier to act on than a broad search that mixes unrelated trip plans.
Wilderness permit alerts
Watch wilderness permit cancellations
Backcountry and wilderness permits can be hard to secure after popular dates fill. FirstCampsite helps you monitor supported permit areas for openings that match the trip you are ready to take.
Good for backcountry and wilderness permit backup plans
Keep route and date choices separate by scan
First scan free for new users
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 Yosemite wilderness or Grand Canyon backcountry
Cancellation alert guide
How this helps with booked-out trips
Keep backup routes separate
If more than one route would work, create separate scans for the real backup options. That keeps each alert tied to a trip decision you can make quickly.
Use alerts as a fast signal
When a matching opening appears, FirstCampsite notifies you. The permit is not held, so you still need to act quickly on Recreation.gov.
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
47
Targets requested
25
Successful scans
20
Active now
4
Common questions
Which wilderness permits can I scan?
The supported permit list shows configured areas. Support is expanding, but not every wilderness permit on Recreation.gov is available yet.
Should I make one broad wilderness scan?
Usually no. Separate scans for specific permit areas and routes are easier to understand and act on when an opening appears.