Permits and Reservations

Apply For A Special Use

Special Park Use Permits
A Special Use Permit (SUP) is required for activities on federal park property that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large. These activities require written authorization and some degree of management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest. SUPs are granted for a specific period of time and location. Certain fees, bonding, and insurance requirements may apply.

Examples include (but are not limited to):

• special events
• organized runs
• large gatherings
• demonstrations
• commercial photography
• commercial filming
• weddings
• ceremonies
• scattering of ashes
• First Amendment activities
• rights-of-way/easements
  

Read the Superintendent's Compendium of Rules and Regulations.

Important Notice
A minimum of 4 weeks is required to review special park use permit requests. The clock begins the day the completed permit application is received with the $50 permit fee. Once management reviews the application, they will contact the permittee.

In addition to the application fee, other fees may be charged. A National Park Service employee may be assigned as an on-site monitor or an employee may spot-check activities to ensure adherence to the conditions of the permit and to rules and regulations. The permittee will be billed for all costs incurred including employee overtime.

First Amendment Activities
A special use permit is required for public assembly or the sale or distribution of printed materials in National Park Service areas when group size is greater than 25. All First Amendment activities must take place at the designated area. Contact the permit coordinator for details.

All activities are limited to daylight hours. All park regulations must be followed and no resource damage is allowed. Permits for First Amendment activities may take up to ten days to approve or deny.

Customary permit fee requirements are not applied to First Amendment activities. See below for designated First Amendment areas.

Download the appropriate form:
Special Use Permit (Short Form)
Special Use Permit (Long Form)
Special Use Permit for Commercial Filming and Still Photography (Short Form)
Special Use Permit for Commercial Filming and Still Photography (Long Form)

Return completed forms to the visitor center or mail them to Effigy Mounds NM, Special Park Uses Coordinator, 151 HWY 76, Harpers Ferry, IA 52146-7519.

 

Public demonstration area at Sny Magill parking lot.

NPS

 

Designated Public Demonstration Areas in Visitor Center Parking Lot and Behind Visitor Center.

NPS