Backpackers planning to visit Glacier National Park in Montana for a wilderness camping trip will now have access to a new digital permit process for reserving advance permits. The park has announced the migration to a new online reservation system using Recreation.gov, starting on March 15, at 8 a.m.
Previously, park staff used Pay.gov and a unique computer application for the lengthy lottery process to issue advance reservation permits. However, due to the required maintenance, park staff are migrating away from the application and encouraging backpackers to use the new digital reservation system.
To make a reservation, backpackers must create a Recreation.gov account or log in to an existing one. The new online reservation system will only accommodate groups of 1-4 campers per permit, and park officials are encouraging backpackers to secure their reservations early due to high demand.
For groups larger than four campers, the park will retain the use of the Pay.gov site for a one-day application period on March 1, from 12:01 am MST to 11:59 pm MST. Group applications submitted to Pay.gov will be placed into a lottery, and reservations for successful applicants will be booked on Recreation.gov by park staff.
Furthermore, the park has retained 30% of wilderness campsites for walk-up permits, the day before, or the day of a desired trip start date. Permit offices are located in Polebridge, Apgar, Two Medicine, St. Mary, and Many Glacier.
The park officials urged backpackers to discuss plans with members of their party before booking a reservation and to prepare three or four different trip itineraries in case their preferred itinerary is not available.
Glacier National Park’s new online reservation system aims to improve the experience for backpackers visiting the park for a wilderness camping trip. This new system may attract more backpackers and hikers to the area, which could, in turn, increase demand for nearby accommodation options such as campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts.
The new reservation system encourages backpackers to plan their trips well in advance, which can benefit owners of campgrounds, RV parks, and glamping resorts by allowing them to better forecast their bookings and occupancy rates.
For complete details, visit Wilderness Camping Advance Reservations.
The digital permit system at Glacier NP streamlines camping bookings, perfect for spontaneous adventures. Exciting times for park-goers!
Outdoor lovers! Isn’t it cool how Glacier National Park’s new online permit system makes planning a wild adventure easier? You can still embrace spontaneity with walk-up permits. Grab your gear, and let’s conquer the stunning wilderness of Glacier National Park hassle-free!