Cleveland National Forest PCT Overnight Permit
Cleveland National Forest · California
Overnight permit for the Pacific Crest Trail through Cleveland National Forest: the first 110 miles of the PCT, from the Campo terminus through the Lagunas. For trips under 500 miles.
Get an alert when Cleveland NF PCT opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Cleveland NF PCT were gone within 10 minutes.
Cleveland NF PCT reservation dates
- Season
- March 1 to May 31
- daily quota
- 5people
- max group size
- 2people
How to get a Cleveland NF PCT permit
As of September 2026, Cleveland NF PCT in Cleveland National Forest, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Cleveland NF PCT is a high-demand permit, rating 7/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Cleveland NF PCT permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The permit season for Cleveland NF PCT runs March 1 through May 31.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- San Diego County, CA
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Cleveland NF PCT pro tips
- Five people a day in the peak March to May window is the tightest part of this permit. If your start date is fixed, set a cancellation alert rather than hoping for a release.
- Start dates cannot be modified. Changing your start means cancelling and rebooking, and there are no refunds on cancellations.
- Planning 500 miles or more? Skip this permit entirely and apply through PCTA.org.
More on Cleveland NF PCT: Live availability activityWhen Cleveland NF PCT permits open up
When to hike Cleveland NF PCT
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
78°
52°
Wed
80°
64°
Thu
92°
67°
Fri
91°
71°
Sat
91°
72°
Sun
88°
71°
Mon
90°
71°
Cleveland NF PCT rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Cleveland NF PCT.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Cleveland NF PCT · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Cleveland NF PCT FAQ
Who needs a Cleveland National Forest PCT overnight permit?
Anyone spending a night on the PCT in the forest on a trip shorter than 500 continuous miles. Longer hikes use the PCTA long-distance permit instead, which the Forest Service links from this same booking page.
How tight is the PCT quota through Cleveland National Forest?
Five people per day from March 1 through May 31, with a maximum group size of two people per permit. Outside that window, June 1 through the end of February, a permit is still required but no limit is placed on how many are issued.
When does the Cleveland National Forest PCT permit quota open?
February 1 for the first permit date of March 1. The quota season runs through May 31, which is precisely the northbound start window, so the five daily slots go quickly.
Do children count against the PCT permit quota?
No. The Forest Service exempts children 12 and younger from the quota, and says they do not need to be included in the permit reservation.
Cleveland NF PCT trail conditions and trip reports
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Cleveland NF PCT permit
Where to stay near Cleveland NF PCT
- Cuyamaca Rancho Sp Green Valley Horse Camp (sites 1-15) campgroundCuyamaca Rancho SP
- Cuyamaca Rancho Sp Green Valley Campground (sites 22-85)Cuyamaca Rancho SP
- Cuyamaca Rancho Sp Arroyo Seco Trail CampCuyamaca Rancho SP
- All California campgrounds
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