LotteryOvernightHigh Demand

Cottonwood Campground

Grand Canyon National Park

North Rim corridor campground.

“A bucket-list destination in Grand Canyon.”

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Be notified instantly when Cottonwood permits become available due to cancellations.

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Get Availability Alerts

Be notified instantly when Cottonwood permits become available.

Demand

High

7/10

Method

Lottery

Cottonwood Quick Facts

Permit RequiredYes

Booking MethodLottery

Demand LevelHigh7/10

Key Information

Permit Details

TypeOvernight

Booking MethodLottery

Demand Level7/10

LocationNPS

How to Get This Permit

Create a Recreation.gov account

If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations

Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.

Set up PermitSnag alerts

Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Apply at Recreation.gov

When to Go

Peak: Summer monthsShoulder: Spring and Fall

Conditions

Summer offers the most reliable conditions for most wilderness areas.

Crowd Level

Moderate

Advantages

+Longest days
+Warmest temperatures
+Reliable trail conditions

Challenges

!Peak demand for permits
!Book accommodations early
!Weather varies

Difficulty Assessment

Physical Demand1/5

Fitness and endurance required

Technical Skill1/5

Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills

Exposure Risk1/5

Steep dropoffs and fall potential

Navigation1/5

Route finding and trail clarity

Commitment3/5

Difficulty of bailing out mid-route

Best For

Hikers of moderate fitness willing to put in the effort.

Recommended Experience

Basic hiking experience. Start with shorter trails if new to hiking.

The Experience

Why It Matters

Cottonwood draws visitors from around the world to Grand Canyon. The permit system balances access with preservation, ensuring the experience remains worthwhile for those who make the journey.

Lottery Statistics

Competitive

estimated success rate

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Safety & Planning

🚨

Emergency Info

Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Cottonwood.

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🐻

Food Storage

Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.

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Cottonwood FAQ

How do I get a Cottonwood permit?

Cottonwood permits are obtained through a lottery system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.

When is the best time to visit Cottonwood?

Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Cottonwood permit?

This permit has a demand score of 7/10, making it highly competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.

What if I can't get a Cottonwood permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.

Photography Guide

Golden Hour

Golden hour at Cottonwood offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.

Best Light

Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.

Beat the Crowds

Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.

Classic Shots

📍Classic view of Cottonwood
📍Grand Canyon scenery
📍Trail or route documentation

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