Permit questions

[Newmountaineer]

I've dayhiked San J via the tram several times and I know about getting the self-issue permit at the Long Valley Ranger station. What if I want to overnight camp at round valley? I know you can send in a request by mail (10 days in advance it says) but what about walk-in permits? Can you walk-in to the Long Valley ranger station and obtain an overnight permit (if available)? If you can obtain a walk-in overnight permit, are they seldom or often available this time of year? Thanks!

[Perry]

Usually Monday through Thursday nights you can easily get a camping permit. Maybe Sunday nights, but I would call the Idyllwild SP office to check before just showing up. Friday and Saturday nights.....popular this time of year, and they fill up. Probably you would want to mail in the request 3 weeks in advance. After Labor Day it is easier. These are just generalizations here. You could get lucky or unlucky. It's popular, but not like Whitney or Yosemite.

[Newmountaineer]

Usually Monday through Thursday nights you can easily get a camping permit. Maybe Sunday nights, but I would call the Idyllwild SP office to check before just showing up. Friday and Saturday nights.....popular this time of year, and they fill up. Probably you would want to mail in the request 3 weeks in advance. After Labor Day it is easier. These are just generalizations here. You could get lucky or unlucky. It's popular, but not like Whitney or Yosemite.

Thanks, that's exactly what I was looking for. Two more questions:

1.) Is it pretty easy to get one once the snow starts?
2.) Can you obtain one at the Long Valley Ranger Station or do you have to go the Idyllwild side?

[guest]

Hi,
Don't know much more than Perry re. overnights, but remember, the LV Ranger Sta is generally only open from after 10am wkdys, & I believe after 8am on wkends, closing around 4pm. Problem here is, if there sold-out (this generally only happens on wkends) and you've already rode up the tram, your SOL.

To verify, here's the # I have for the SP 951 659-2607.

You can go to: www. parks.ca.gov

Look on left for Find a park, go to the one for SJSP, print out a permit, mail it in w/ self-addressed (address should be listed), stamped envelope. Allow 2 10 - 2 wks.

ss

[TRumble24]

I mailed a request for an overnight permit to the Idyllwild office when I camped at Round Valley and it came very quickly and was a painless process. I'd say it's your best bet just so you are sure you've got a permit to camp before you spend your money to take the tram up.

[Newmountaineer]

I mailed a request for an overnight permit to the Idyllwild office when I camped at Round Valley and it came very quickly and was a painless process. I'd say it's your best bet just so you are sure you've got a permit to camp before you spend your money to take the tram up.

Sounds like good advice. I assume you can mail in a request for multiple weekends at once?

[TRumble24]

Sounds like good advice. I assume you can mail in a request for multiple weekends at once?

I can't say for certain but that sounds like it should be fine to me, I don't think you have to pay extra postage sending out separate requests.