Backcountry Permits
North Dakota Wilderness
& Backcountry Permits 2026
Reservation systems, lottery windows, permit fees, bear canister requirements, and fire permit rules for wilderness areas in North Dakota. North Dakota has two small federally designated wilderness areas in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit Wilderness and Elkhorn Ranch Unit). Backcountry use is low compared to western parks. Permits are free and self-issue at TRNP visitor center. The Little Missouri National Grassland offers dispersed camping.
NPS / USDA Forest Service (multiple agencies)
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
2 designated areas
Permit System
North Dakota Permit & Reservation System
Details on how to obtain a wilderness permit in North Dakota, including reservation windows, lottery systems, and walk-up availability.
Managing Agency
NPS / USDA Forest Service (multiple agencies)
— Official Site
Reservation System
Recreation.gov (Theodore Roosevelt NP backcountry)
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
Theodore Roosevelt NP Backcountry (South Unit), Little Missouri National Grassland, Sheyenne National Grassland
Designated Areas
Permit Fees
North Dakota 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
Not Separately Required — fire restrictions still apply; always check current fire conditions before your trip at inciweb.nwcg.gov.
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.
North Dakota Wilderness System
Total Designated Wilderness in North Dakota
Total Wilderness Acres
29,000
Total acres of federally and state designated wilderness in North Dakota.
Designated Areas
2
Number of separately designated wilderness areas in North Dakota.
Important Notes
North Dakota-Specific Wilderness Rules
Free backcountry permit required for TRNP overnight camping — pick up at visitor center. Bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs are common; maintain safe distances. No bears in North Dakota. The Little Missouri National Grassland (1.2 million acres) allows free dispersed camping with no permit.
Source: NPS / USDA Forest Service (multiple agencies) (www.nps.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Permit systems and quotas change frequently — always confirm current availability directly with the managing agency before your trip.