Permits are now available on recreation.gov, a move intended to streamline the process and make permits more accessible. While permits remain free, a $6 fee is now required for each transaction, though not for each person — one group leader can reserve permits for up to 10 people.

There will be no changes to other permit requirements. Linville Gorge Wilderness Area has had a quote-based permit system in place since the 1970s, with permits required to camp Friday and Saturday nights May through October, and on Sunday nights during three-day holiday weekends. Fifty permits are available per night, of which 35 are reservable one month in advance and 15 are set aside for last-minute reservations three nights in advance. No permit is needed for day use, roadside camping or camping on Table Rock.

Permits for May are now open, and going forward the one-month window will open on the first day of the previous month. For example, June permits will be reservable starting at 10 a.m. May 1. Last-minute permits for the weekend of May 5 will be available online at 10 a.m. May 3.

Reserve permits at recreation.gov or by phone to 877.444.6777.