Backcountry Permits
New Hampshire Wilderness
& Backcountry Permits 2026
Reservation systems, lottery windows, permit fees, bear canister requirements, and fire permit rules for wilderness areas in New Hampshire. New Hampshire wilderness is centered in White Mountain National Forest. Backcountry camping is generally free and self-issue. The AMC hut system offers staffed accommodations on the popular Presidential Traverse. Designated wilderness areas include the Presidential Range and Sandwich Range.
USDA Forest Service (White Mountain National Forest)
2026 Permit Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Permit Fee
$0
per person
Lottery?
No
Reservations / self-issue
Self-Issue?
Yes
100% of areas
Wilderness Acres
1.0M
11 designated areas
Permit System
New Hampshire Permit & Reservation System
Details on how to obtain a wilderness permit in New Hampshire, including reservation windows, lottery systems, and walk-up availability.
Managing Agency
USDA Forest Service (White Mountain National Forest)
- Official Site
Reservation System
Self-issue (AMC Huts by reservation)
Book online →
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
Presidential Range (Mt. Washington), Franconia Ridge, Pemigewasset Wilderness, Sandwich Range Wilderness, Wild River Wilderness
Designated Areas
Permit Fees
New Hampshire Wilderness Permit Fees
Per Person Fee
$0.00
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
Not Separately Required - fire restrictions still apply; always check current fire conditions before your trip at inciweb.nwcg.gov.
Leave No Trace
LNT Certification - LNT best practice zones designated in high-use areas; camping on bare ground or rock required above treeline
New Hampshire Wilderness System
Total Designated Wilderness in New Hampshire
Total Wilderness Acres
1,000,000
Total acres of federally and state designated wilderness in New Hampshire.
Designated Areas
11
Number of separately designated wilderness areas in New Hampshire.
Important Notes
New Hampshire-Specific Wilderness Rules
No backcountry permit or fee required for WMNF wilderness areas. Dispersed camping must be 200 feet from trails, water, and roads. Camping above treeline prohibited except on bare ground or at designated sites. Mt. Washington weather is notoriously dangerous — the summit holds world records for wind. Always be prepared for rapid weather changes.
Source: USDA Forest Service (White Mountain 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.