Backcountry permits from the National Park Service are required for camping anywhere within the Grand Canyon, including Bright Angel, Indian Gardens and Cottonwood Campgrounds. The canyon is divided into "Use Areas" and these use areas must be specified when filling out the permit. To find the use area codes for the part of the canyon you plan on hiking, visit the Backcountry Trails and Use Areas page on the park's web site.

Backcountry Permit Request Form - NOTE: This is a printable form only. You must print the form, fill it out, and then fax/mail it directly to the park's Backcountry Information Center. You will need to know the "Use Area" codes to properly fill out the form. 

A map showing the use areas can be downloaded as a PDF file here.