FAQ Index

FAQS - Lotteries

Lotteries on Recreation.gov

Why do some recreation opportunities need a lottery process?

Resource conditions in special places often require that visitation be limited to a number that will not damage the natural landscape or the experience. In these locations, a fair allocation process is used to ensure everyone has equal access to the opportunity. Lotteries have been the tool used by many places that are loved on a national scale. Lotteries also allow for the advanced trip planning that many of these sites require to plan a safe and enjoyable visit.

Water-Based Activities

Back Country/Hiking Activities

Other Unique Federal Activities

Water-Based Activities

Boundary Waters Wilderness Canoe Area
Dates: For 2012, the lottery will be retained for Fall Lake entry points D and 24 and Moose Lake entry points F, G and 25. The lottery applications for these five entry points can be made from December 19, 2011 to January 19, 2012. The lottery will be run on January 20th.  Reservations for remaining permits for these five entry points along all other BWCAW entry points can be made on a first-come, first-served basis starting January 25th at 9:00 am central time.  Link to application information.

Middle Fork of the Salmon River
Season of use that a lottery submission is required: May 28th—September 3. Dates to Apply: December 1—January 31, Drawing—Feb 6th. Check your rec.gov profile for success. Link to application information. Cancellation available on Recreation. Gov. Application Tip Sheets!

Snake River Hells Canyon Float Boat
Season of use that a lottery submission is required: Memorial Day -September 15. Dates to Apply: December 1—January 31, Drawing—Feb 6th. Check your rec.gov profile for success. Link to application here. Cancellation available  on Recreation. Gov. Application Tip Sheets! 

Selway
Season of use that a lottery submission is required: May 15th—July 31st. Dates to Apply: December 1—January 31, Drawing—Feb 6th. Check your rec.gov profile for success. Link to application when live. Cancellation available  on Recreation. Gov. Application Tip Sheets! 

Desolation Grey Section of the Green River
Season of use that a lottery submission is required: May 16—August 15 and are set for three private launches.  The lottery application period will be December 1—January 31.  Lottery results will be posted to applicants personal profiles in the first part of February.

Back Country Activities

Mt. Whitney
Season of use that a lottery submission is required: May 1—November 1st. Dates to Apply: February 1- March 15th. Link to application here. Application Tip Sheet!

Half Dome Pre-Season Lottery
Season of use that a lottery submission is required:  May 25 - October 8 . Dates to Apply: March 1  - March 31. Results announced on April 13. (While these are the dates , this could change based on conditions.) Link to application. Three hundred permits for each day are available through this lottery. Applicants receive an email notification of lottery results on April 13. Application Tip Sheet!

Half Dome Daily Permits
Approximately 50 permits are available each day by lottery during the hiking season. These permits will be available based on the estimated rate of under-use and cancellation of permits (the exact number may change through the summer). The daily lotteries will have an application period two days prior to the hiking date with a notification late that night. (So, to hike on Saturday, you would apply on Thursday and receive an email notification of results late on Thursday night. Results will also be available online, or by phone the next morning.) The application period will be from midnight to 1 pm Pacific time.  Link to application here.

Enchantment Hiking
Applications for the lottery will be accepted on the Recreation.gov website beginning February 22 and ending on March 13 at 11:59 p.m. (EST). The lottery application process is now a one step process. With the new process when you apply for a permit you will need to provide an entry date, an exit date, and total number of persons in your party. If you are successful in the permit lottery, you will automatically be awarded a permit and be immediately charged $5.00/person/day. Enter the lottery here.


Unique Experience Activities

National Christmas Tree Lighting
Enter the lottery to experience the annual lighting of The National Christmas Tree on the National Mall.

White House Easter Egg Roll
This annual event, with a tradition dating back hundreds of years, takes place on the south lawn of the White House.

Denali National Park Road Lottery  
The application period for the 2012 lottery is June 1 - 30, 2012. Winners of the lottery will be announced in July, 2012. The dates of the lottery will be September 14 - 17, 2012. Learn how to apply. Link to application here. Application Tip Sheet!