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You do not need a reservation or timed-entry ticket just to enter Grand Teton National Park, but you do need to pay the entrance fee. For 2026, NPS lists seven-day fees of $35 per private vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, or $20 per person entering on foot, bicycle, ski, or similar means. Overnight backpacking and every watercraft activity require permits. What to pack depends on the activity: backpackers need approved bear-resistant food storage unless the campsite has a food box, and each person boating or floating needs an approved life jacket.
Do I need a reservation to enter Grand Teton?
No. Grand Teton does not require an entrance reservation or timed-entry booking; NPS says visitors may enter at any time. Busy periods can still bring lines and crowded areas. Entrance fees are separate from reservations for lodging, campgrounds, and activities, which should be arranged independently. NPS recommends booking lodging and campgrounds early because they can fill months in advance. See the Grand Teton fees and passes page for current entry information.
How much is the Grand Teton entrance fee?
NPS lists the following standard seven-day entrance fees for 2026:
| How you enter | 2026 fee | Who or what it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Private vehicle | $35 | One private vehicle for seven days |
| Motorcycle | $30 | One motorcycle for seven days |
| On foot, bicycle, ski, or similar | $20 | Each visitor aged 16 or older for seven days |
NPS also lists an additional $100 fee for non-U.S. residents aged 16 and older, unless admitted with an Annual or America the Beautiful Pass. Confirm eligibility, exceptions, and accepted passes on the park fee page before travel. Fee operations have been cashless since May 1, 2026; check the NPS fee FAQ for current payment details.
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Which Grand Teton activities require permits?
Overnight backpacking and all watercraft use require permits. The NPS list includes motorized and non-motorized vessels, stand-up paddleboards, and windsurfing boards. Special events, including weddings and commitment ceremonies, also require permits. An entrance pass does not replace an activity permit.
Backcountry camping permits
For 2026, NPS lists a $20 flat permit fee plus $7 per person per night; park entrance fees are separate. About two-thirds of permits are available as walk-ups. From May 1 through October 31, walk-up permits are first-come, first-served and may be obtained one day before the trip begins; during that peak-season period, they cannot be issued by phone or online. Check the backcountry camping permit page for reservation release dates, permit office locations, and current hours.
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Boat permits and aquatic invasive species inspections
Every watercraft needs a Grand Teton boat permit, including human-powered craft and SUPs. Boats entering the park must stop for an aquatic invasive species inspection. Review the NPS boating page for permit and inspection information.
What should I bring for backpacking or boating?
Backpacking: approved bear-resistant food storage
Backpackers must use an Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee-approved bear-resistant food container unless food-storage boxes are provided. Keep food, garbage, toiletries, and other odorous items in bear-resistant storage when they are not in immediate use. Backcountry permit holders may check out a canister free, so buying one is optional when borrowing is available. Details are on the NPS bear-resistant food storage page.
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Boating and floating: a life jacket for each person
Each person boating or floating needs a properly sized, accessible U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Children under 13 must wear one while a vessel is underway unless they are inside an enclosed cabin. NPS warns that water is cold even in summer and there are no lifeguards anywhere in the park; swimming, boating, floating, and wading are at your own risk. Read the park safety guidance before going on the water.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When is Grand Teton open, and what should I check before going?
The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, but that does not mean every road, campground, visitor center, or service is open in every season. NPS identifies May through September as the most popular months, and operating schedules vary. Check the operating hours and seasons page, current conditions and alerts, and road status shortly before departure. Seasonal schedules, closures, and construction can affect access and facilities.
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