Tetons backcountry camping permit

I am planning a trip to the Tetons for September. I missed the deadline to reserve a backcountry camping permit for the Lower Saddle and will be going for a first-come/first-served permit the day before our start. I am aware we need to get in line well before the office opens at 8 AM. But how early do we need to be? 6 AM? 4 AM? Any advice would be appreciated. I know we could do it in a day but am just interested in info about getting the permits. Thanks.

Aaron

Following.

It has been years since I stood in line to get a first come-first served permit for camping in Garnet/Saddle, but I remember circa 2006/7 being able to show up at noon the day before and get something (even on weekends). I'm sure others have more relevant recent experience, but I would think by September (especially if you're talking after Labor Day), there probably isn't a ton of demand.

If you do it in a day, you'll probably sleep a ton better in the valley and you'll spare yourself carrying all your bivy gear up there. You also don't have to pay the new fee to throw your bag on a patch of scree. The saddle is a cold, windy place, especially in September. Just a few things to consider.

I show up at around 6:30 and was first person there. Other climbers show up around 6:45. This was in mid August. Camped both on the lower saddle and moraines. Moraines is much less windy and doesn't add to much time getting to the summit.

I'll second much of what's been said.

Don't stress it; just get there early.

I would recommend camping at either the platforms or the meadow over the lower saddle.

I've done it many times in a day and I've camped in the south fork (add an extra 20 minutes in the morning).

Camping out up there is incredible.