A special park use (SPU) is defined as a short-term activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large;
• Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the Park Service in order to protect park assets and the public interest;
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation;
• Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the Park Service;
• Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the National Park Service charges a fee, or a lease.

Each request to permit a special park use or to renew authorization of an existing use will be reviewed and evaluated by the park superintendent.

Appropriate fees for cost recovery, as well as performance bond and liability insurance requirements, will be imposed, consistent with applicable statutory authorities and regulations. All costs incurred by the park service in writing the permit, monitoring, providing protection services, restoring park areas, or otherwise supporting a special park use will be reimbursed by the permittee. When appropriate, the Park Service will also include a fair charge for the use of the land or facility.

For more information:

• Standard Operating Procedures (pdf)
• Special Use Fee Schedule (pdf)
• Special Use Fee Increase (Press Release - pdf)