Permits and Processes

There are basically six kinds of land in the Sierra Nevada. Each one has a different set of regulations, and a different kind of permit process. In our lists of trails, hikes, and destinations, we’ve tried to indicate which one of these applies, and where to go to get your permit.

Private Land: Not open to the public. Generally, you cannot camp, hike or trespass on this land without the permission of the landowner. Fishing access is generally limited to the streambed at high water. But there are some private campgrounds that offer a place to sleep the night before or after a backpacking trip, if you need one.

PG&E Land: These really should be included below, under the National Forests, but they are recreation areas around reservoirs and hydroelectric facilities in the National Forests. They often offer campgrounds (usually inexpensive on the honor system, much like the National Forests) and trailheads to some great hikes. Fisherman often plan whole weeks to visit these reservoirs. You may not like your utility bill arriving in the mail, but some of these lakes and hikes are really a wonderful by-product of our hydroelectric power system.

California State Parks: Open to the public, at least as long as the state budget holds. Most California State Parks charge an entrance fee, and after you pay that fee, other services and uses are free, with the exception of camping overnight. Camping is allowed only in designated sites and in developed campgrounds—and in many parks, reservations are either recommended or required. The State Parks outsource this reservation system to a private contractor. Hiking may be specifically limited to established trails in state parks. There are only a few State Parks in California with really established backpacking destinations—most are primarily for day-hiking.

National Forests: These are managed by the US Forest Service, and over the past few years the USFS has put together a really nice set of websites to help you enjoy these lands. In general, National Forests have developed campgrounds that are open to the public, do not require (or allow) reservations, and charge relatively low fees for camping. These fees are usually collected on the honor system, but some campgrounds also have a campground host who will make sure the system is observed. The USFS also allows camping anywhere in the National Forest without a permit, for free, outside of these developed campgrounds. But you do need a campfire permit to make a fire. These permits are usually available from the National Forest information offices—conveniently located on the primary highways up to the National Forest in question. (You can also get these fire permits from any CDF station, which makes things really convenient.) But be aware that outside of developed campgrounds (and even inside some of these campgrounds) you will have to provide your own water, and follow regulations concerning human waste. Note that there are DIFFERENT regulations for Wilderness Areas, discussed below. There are wonderful trails, great fishing, and lovely lakes in the National Forests. And once you get a water filter and learn how to use it, you will really come to enjoy what these have to offer.

For any of the regions above, you may only need a campfire permit--which you can get at just about any office of any of the agencies. You can also get them at any Cal Fire CDF station, or you can go here http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Permits/ and get yours on-line!

National Parks: There are four major National Parks in the Sierra Nevada: Yosemite, King’s Canyon, Sequoia, and Lassen Volcanic in the North where the Sierra Nevada meets the Cascade Range. Entrance fees are required at all National Parks, and camping is allowed only in designated spaces in developed campgrounds. There is an additional fee required for overnight camping in these campgrounds, and the reservation system is often overloaded at key times of the year. But almost all of these parks also have some campsites that are available on a first come, first served basis. Wilderness permits are required for any overnight camping outside of these developed campgrounds. In most cases, you must be 2-4 miles from the nearest road before you can camp under your wilderness permit. There are lots of regulations and restrictions—most aimed at trying to preserve the wilderness experience for everyone. And if you have a wilderness permit for a backpacking trip, they also have designated camping areas that you can use the night before and after your backpacking trip. They are a national treasure. So are the rest of these lands. Treat them accordingly.