The Enchantments permit lottery: zones, quota and how the draws work
Overnight stays in the Enchantment Permit Area are rationed through Recreation.gov: an advance lottery that the listing says is offered annually in February, and a daily lottery open from May to October. The listing does not state application dates for 2026 or 2027, so this guide gives the structure, quotas and fees it does state, read on 16 October 2026, and says where to confirm the dates.
Five zones, and a daily limit in the Core
The permit area has five zones: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and Eightmile/Caroline. The Core Enchantment Zone takes up to 16 people per day through the advance lottery and up to 8 per day through the daily lottery, a maximum of 24 people per day. For the other zones, places are allocated by group, and members can be added up to a group of eight.
Core permit holders may camp in any zone; holders of other permits must camp in their own zone. People cannot be added to a Core permit later, so the listing says to choose the group size carefully when you apply.
The advance lottery
The listing says the advance lottery is offered annually in February, and gives no dates: check Recreation.gov or call 509-548-2550 for the window. The application costs $6.00 and is non-refundable even if you do not win.
The alternate group leader must be named in the application and cannot be changed afterwards. The alternate needs a Recreation.gov account and must accept within 72 hours of the application; an alternate cannot apply for or reserve a permit in the same season. The listing allows one permit per person per zone annually, including as an alternate, and one permit per season. The permit holder must be 18 or older and carry photo ID.
The daily lottery
The daily lottery is open from May through October. To apply you must be inside the geofence area, using a location-enabled device. The listing does not show a separate daily lottery fee, and it does not publish odds for either draw.
Fees, season and rules
The recreation fee is $5.00 per person per day from May 15 to October 31. Overnight permits are required in that period; from November through May 14 permits are not required and visitors self-register at the trailhead box. The group maximum is eight, including stock, and all members must start on the reserved date and camp with the permit holder every night.
The permit must be printed and signed: an unsigned permit on a phone is not valid, and it can only be printed within 14 days of the trip start date. Permits are non-transferable. No dogs are allowed, and no campfires above 5,000 feet or within 1/2 mile of any lake. Cancelling more than 22 days before the trip refunds the fees minus the $6 application fee; there are no refunds within 21 days of the entry date, or for unfavorable weather.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Enchantments lottery in 2027?
The listing says only that the advance lottery is offered annually in February; it gives no 2027 dates. Check Recreation.gov or call 509-548-2550 for the application window.
How many people can enter the Core Enchantment Zone each day?
Up to 16 people per day through the advance lottery and up to 8 per day through the daily lottery, a maximum of 24 per day.
Do I need a permit in winter?
The listing says overnight permits are required from May 15 to October 31. From November through May 14 permits are not required, and visitors self-register at the trailhead box.
Can I get my money back if I cancel?
Trips cancelled more than 22 days before the trip are refunded minus the $6 application fee. There are no refunds within 21 days of the entry date or for unfavorable weather.
Sources
Official pages read for this guide
- Recreation.gov: Enchantment Permit Area advance lottery · read on Oct 16, 2026