Grand Teton Camping Walk-in Permit

A walk-in permit from Jenny Lake Ranger Station for Lower/Moraine/Caves  camping  is per person or  per group(ie., three people)?

My friend will get to the ranger station early in the morning but me mid morning.

I tried to reach out to Ranger Station but just recording answers. They seem to be really busy

JShin wrote:

A walk-in permit from Jenny Lake Ranger Station for Lower/Moraine/Caves  camping  is per person or  per group(ie., three people)?

My friend will get to the ranger station early in the morning but me mid morning.

I tried to reach out to Ranger Station but just recording answers. They seems to be really busy

Only one needs to get the permit. A single permit. 

The JLCR cover this on their blog in detail here.....

Garnet Canyon Stay Limits
Parties are limited to two nights per fork of the canyon (Lower Fork, South Fork, North Fork), with a maximum stay of six nights per outing. Between June 1 and September 15, campers may stay in the backcountry of Grand Teton National Park a maximum of 10 nights.

Lower Fork Zones: Platforms, Meadows
North Fork Zones: Caves, Moraine, Lower Saddle
South Fork Zones: South Fork

Party Size
All camping in Garnet Canyon is limited to parties of 1 to 6 people.

Human Waste Disposal
All overnight campers at the Lower Saddle & Caves Camping Zones are required to take "Rest Stop" bags to pack out their human waste. Campers are also encouraged to use "Rest Stop" bags when staying elsewhere in Garnet Canyon. Bags are available for issue with a camping permit at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Semi-permanent plywood structures on the west side of the Lower Saddle help to facilitate use of the bags. Chemical polymers breaking down the solid waste allow for the bags to be deposited in any garbage can back on the valley floor. Additional information on proper use can be obtained at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. We also request that people urinate on the west side of the Lower Saddle to help maintain a clean and pristine camping area and to prevent contamination of the water source on the east side.

Food Storage
All food, garbage, toiletries, and any other odorous item that may attract bears or other wildlife MUST be stored in a bear-resistant food storage canister or box when not in immediate use, day or night. Bears, marmots, ravens, and other scavengers frequent Garnet Canyon and can cause significant damage to tents, sleeping bags, packs, and other camping equipment if food and garbage is not properly stored. Approved bear-resistant food storage canisters are required at the Moraine and South Fork Camping Zones. Canisters can be checked out with a camping permit for free at the Jenny Lake Ranger Station. Bear-resistant food storage boxes are available at the Platforms(1), Meadows(3), Caves(1), and Lower Saddle(1) Camping Zones. "

This is also covered on the GTNP website's BC camping page:

"A non-refundable service fee of $45 will be charged for each reservation (fee is per trip, not per person). One-third of the sites are reserved in advance, leaving two-thirds available for walk-in permits. Walk-in permits will be issued a $35 fee per trip.

Some camping zones fill quickly. Download the backcountry trip planner to review regulations and a map showing the authorized camping zones. Individual party reservations can consist of up to six people. Groups of 7-12 people must camp in designated group sites indicated on the brochure map. View maps of the backcountry camping zones."

Thanks a lot.

Can anyone comment on current state of the line for walk-in permits? I assume  it’s pretty nuts. Wondering what hour one needs to get in line.

tradjunkie wrote:

Can anyone comment on current state of the line for walk-in permits? I assume  it’s pretty nuts. Wondering what hour one needs to get in line.

Last week, me and my partner arrived at 5:30am.  We were second in line.  First party arrived at 5am.  By 6am, there were 5 or 6 of us in line.  By 8am, when the office opened, there were too many to count. 

bill k wrote:

Last week, me and my partner arrived at 5:30am.  We were second in line.  First party arrived at 5am.  By 6am, there were 5 or 6 of us in line.  By 8am, when the office opened, there were too many to count. 

I have yet to see a weekday that camping spots weren't available at the Moraines. Perhaps they are holding back permits.

Do you know if demand outstripped supply when you were there?

Teton Climber wrote:

I have yet to see a weekday that camping spots weren't available at the Moraines. Perhaps they are holding back permits.

Do you know if demand outstripped supply when you were there?

I don't believe so.  Lower Saddle seemed full with most of the sites taken.  Moraines only had one or two tents on both the walk in and walk out.  Didn't see any tents at the other camping areas on the way in, but saw a few on the way out.  This was from Tuesday-Thursday.  

About half of the unguided parties we spoke to were doing day trips, so it seemed. 

tradjunkie wrote:

Can anyone comment on current state of the line for walk-in permits? I assume  it’s pretty nuts. Wondering what hour one needs to get in line.

For a weekend perspective, I arrived at Jenny Lake Ranger Station at 6 am on a Friday morning a couple weeks ago and we were the 5th party in line. The earliest two parties had arrived around 4 and 4:30. All four groups in front of us were climbing the Grand. If you want to "guarantee" a spot at a more popular spot like the Moraines or Lower Saddle on a weekend, I'd suggest arriving at 5ish.

I walked in on a sat, late morning and was able to get a next day permit for the lower saddle for two people. Weekends are probably much harder. When I went in on Fri, there were none for sat except at the platforms.