The cost of backcountry travel in Grand Canyon National Park will increase in July/NPS file

Later this summer the cost of camping in the backcountry of Grand Canyon National Park is going to jump 50 percent per night for each member in your group.

While the cost of a backcountry permit itself will remain steady at $10, the nightly per person or stock animal fee will move from $8 to $12 on July 1, the park announced this week. This increase does not affect camping fees at Mather, Desert View, or the North Rim campgrounds.

Grand Canyon began charging for overnight backcountry permits in 1997 and last modified backcountry fees in 2015.

All backcountry permit revenue pays actual costs for operating Grand Canyon’s permit offices and Backcountry Information Centers. This adjustment for the backcountry permit operation is designed to eliminate a funding deficit and ensure the operation will recover the actual costs incurred.  

For information about permits and overnight hiking in Grand Canyon National Park, visit the park’s website at  or contact the Backcountry Information Center by email at: e-mail us or by phone at 1-928-638-7875. Phones are answered 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday except federal holidays.