Permits & Reservations

Providing opportunities for appropriate public enjoyment is an important part of the National Park Service mission. Cowpens National Battlefield is not only a significant historical site, but also holds beautiful natural landscapes which are ideal venues for a variety of special activities. In order to coordinate special park use events, and ensure the preservation of the park's history and resources for the enjoyment of all visitors, most special events and activities held in the park require a special use permit, issued only after the National Park Service (NPS) determines, from the applicant's information, that the activities involved will not impair park values and resources. Please remember to practice the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.

 

Who needs a special use permit?

A special use permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large, that require some degree of management from the National Park Service to protect park resources and the public interest, and is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the National Park Service. These special use permits must be obtained in advance and may require payment of a fee. Fee payment must be in the form of cash, cashier’s check, personal check, or money order made out to the "National Park Service". Some examples of events that require Special Use Permits are:

• Picnic Shelter Non-refundable processing fee for reservation of shelter: $50. The shelter can accommodate up to 50 people.
• Staff Rides Require a special use permit prior to visit (please find permit application below) but are free of charge. A military staff ride is a group exercise of three distinct phases: preliminary study, field study, and integration. The staff ride is to be conducted by the military participants and not by park staff.
• Commercial filming and still photography: Learn about guidelines and requirements.
• Commercial tours: Commercial tours are allowed via a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). The term of a CUA may be implemented for a period of time not exceed 2 years. A new CUA application must be submitted upon expiration of an existing authorization; preferential right of renewal or similar provisions for renewal are not provided.
• First Amendment Activities: Political events, public assemblies, demonstrations, the distribution of literature, and other similar activities.
• Weddings and Special Events: Plan your special day in the park.
• Scientific research: Research and collection activities within Cowpens National Battlefield are managed to prevent damage to the resources, to coordinate research activities, and to assist in the application of science to the management of the park.

General Permits

Special events, first amendment activities, and any potential ground-disturbing activities in the park require the issuance of a special use permit.

To Apply

Fill out the application and mail it to:

Special Use Permits
Kings Mountain National Military Park
2625 Park Road
Blacksburg, SC 29702

or email it to [e-mail].

For more information about special use permits, call 864-936-7921 x8.

For more information about reserving the picnic shelter, call 864-461-2828 x3.