Recreation.gov NP booking

I guess it’s possible, but maybe there’s a bunch a people out there with a faster ping rate. I had a similar experience this week with backcountry permits for Grand Teton. I was logged on and ready at 08:00:00 and a lot of campsites were already gone. I was able to scrape together a 4-night backpack but it wasn’t my preferred route.

REI gets access and some local outfitters may have local access as well through a specific park vendor permit process. Keep in mind each park has a compendium that sets the rules and regulations for that park with the NPS system as a frame work. I have read about Apps on blogs that help notify openings or cancellations on short notice. The park service has tried to do everything possible to make it fair and prevent bots and the only answer is lottery set up where you gain access to certain campsites and are allowed to book a certain number of sites before the public access opens. I would suggest going to that park website you want to go to and see if that is the case for that campsite and also do a general search for tips and tricks as well. In the Smokies where Mt. LeConte is located that overnight set up is very competitive to but it you follow on Twitter you can grab a last minute cancellation.