Backcountry Permits
Louisiana Wilderness
& Backcountry Permits 2026
Reservation systems, lottery windows, permit fees, bear canister requirements, and fire permit rules for wilderness areas in Louisiana. Louisiana has one federally designated wilderness area: Kisatchie Hills Wilderness (8,700 acres) in Kisatchie National Forest. No permit required. The forest features longleaf pine uplands, sandstone mesas, and unusual terrain for the Deep South. The Backbone Trail is the primary backcountry route.
USDA Forest Service – Kisatchie National Forest
Fire Permit Required
2026 Permit Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Permit Fee
Varies
Check specific area
Lottery?
No
Reservations / self-issue
Self-Issue?
Yes
100% of areas
Wilderness Acres
0.0M
1 designated areas
Permit System
Louisiana Permit & Reservation System
Details on how to obtain a wilderness permit in Louisiana, including reservation windows, lottery systems, and walk-up availability.
Managing Agency
USDA Forest Service – Kisatchie National Forest
— Official Site
Reservation System
Self-issue / No permit required
Reservation Window
Varies by area — check recreation.gov for specific trailhead opening dates
Lottery System
No Lottery — first-come reservations or self-issue
Daily Quota
Varies by trailhead and area — check permit system for current quotas
Self-Issue Permits
Available
Available at approximately 100% of areas — fill out permit at trailhead kiosk; no advance reservation needed
Popular Areas
Kisatchie Hills Wilderness (Backbone Trail), Kisatchie Bayou Campground area, Wild Azalea Trail
Designated Areas
Permit Fees
Louisiana Wilderness Permit Fees
Per Person Fee
Free – Varies
Fee per person per entry or per night depending on area regulations.
Reservation Window
Varies
How far in advance you can book on recreation.gov or equivalent system.
Safety & Leave No Trace
Bear Canister, Fire & Leave No Trace Requirements
Bear Canister
Not Mandated — approved food hang (PCT method, 10/4/4 rule) is generally sufficient. Verify specific area requirements as rules vary.
Fire Permit
Required — obtain a free fire permit before any open flame on federal land outside developed campgrounds.
Check notes below for seasonal restrictions.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace principles apply throughout all designated wilderness. Camp 200+ feet from water, trails, and other parties. Pack out all waste.
Louisiana Wilderness System
Total Designated Wilderness in Louisiana
Total Wilderness Acres
8,700
Total acres of federally and state designated wilderness in Louisiana.
Designated Areas
1
Number of separately designated wilderness areas in Louisiana.
Important Notes
Louisiana-Specific Wilderness Rules
No permit required for Louisiana wilderness. Campfire permits required in Kisatchie NF. The Wild Azalea Trail (31 miles) is the longest hiking trail in Louisiana and passes through sections of the wilderness. Water sources must be filtered — high giardia risk. Venomous snakes are present throughout the forest.
Source: USDA Forest Service – Kisatchie National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Permit systems and quotas change frequently — always confirm current availability directly with the managing agency before your trip.