Reserved permits may be picked up after 1:00 the afternoon preceding the beginning of the hike, and will be held until 9:00 the morning of the hike. If you know you will be delayed, call the ranger station to hold your reserved permit.

First-come permits may also be obtained beginning 1:00 pm the day before the start of the trip. More openings may be available after 9:00 the morning of the trip if there are unclaimed reservations.

Permits will not be written late in the afternoon since distances to the first campground on most trails mean hiking for several hours.

General backcountry use guidelines for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks:

• Maximum party size is 15 except in Redwood Canyon where it is 10.
• Maximum number of stock is 20.
• No dogs or cats allowed on trails.
• Campfires are restricted in many areas of the parks.
• Food must be stored so that it is inaccessible to bears.
• No camping within 100 feet (33 meters) of lakes or streams.

It is the responsibility of every hiker to know, understand and practice all minimum impact regulations.

Many backcountry users plan a late evening arrival to begin hiking early the next morning. Camping in the "frontcountry" of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is permitted only in established campgrounds. Camping or sleeping in vehicles is not allowed in parking lots, pull-outs, picnic areas or trailheads. Generally, overnight use of the backcountry is not permitted within three miles (4.8 km) of the trailhead. Lodgepole is the only frontcountry campground with reservable sites. Call 800-365-2267 for reservations. Other frontcountry campgrounds in the parks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Except for holiday weekends, campsites are normally available at Grant Grove and Cedar Grove until late into the day. Other park campgrounds fill earlier. Camping is also available in surrounding Forest Service campgrounds and elsewhere outside the parks.

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