Permits & Reservations

A ranger places a flower during the Remembrance Commemoration

NPS Photo

Special Use Permits

Special Park Uses

A special park use 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 National Park Service (NPS) in order to protect park resources and the public interest;
• is not prohibited by law or regulation;
• is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

Examples of activities that require a Special Use Permit at Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park include filming and/or photography, special events, First Amendment activities, and scattering of ashes.

Filming & Still Photography Permits

Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park follows National Park Service regulation and policy for filming and photography activity. For more detailed information on filming and photography on national park lands go to Filming & Still Photography Permits.

Special Event Permits

Special events include activities such as, sporting events, pageants, celebrations, public spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, festivals, and more. To receive consideration for a special event activity, there must be a meaningful association between the park area and the event, and the event contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park.

How to Apply for a Permit

To receive consideration, all requests for Special Use Permits must be made at least 30 days in advance, except for First Amendment activities that require an application be submitted at least 10 days in advance. A $50 non-refundable application fee payable online must be submitted with your application. Use the application form below for your type of permit activity and email it to [e-mail].

Special Park Use Permit Application
Filming & Still Photography Application

What fees will I have to pay?

Except for First Amendment activity permits, the following fees apply:

• $50 non-refundable permit application fee
• Cost recovery fees – Costs incurred by the park to administer, manage, and monitor permit activity will billed to the permittee. This amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of the permit.
• Commercial Filming Location Fees.
  • 1-2 people, camera & tripod only - $0
  • 1 – 10 people - $150/day
  • 11 – 30 people - $250/day
  • 31 – 49 people - $500/day
  • Over 50 people - $750/day
• Still Photography Location Fees
  • 1 – 10 people - $50/day
  • 11 – 30 people - $150/day
  • Over 30 people - $250/day

Are there other permit requirements?

Depending on the risk posed to park resources by a proposed permit activity, you may be required to obtain liability insurance in an amount commensurate with the risk. A bond may be required to ensure the payment of charges and fees, and the restoration of the permit area if necessary.

 

A ranger speaks with a school group at Fort Sumter

NPS photo/ C. Reid

Reservations

Fort Sumter

Reservations for families and other small groups are generally not required for Fort Sumter. Tickets are sold first come, first served each day at the departure locations and online through the park's authorized concessioner Fort Sumter Tours. During extremely busy periods, such as holidays and the summer season, tickets can sell out at any time. All large groups and school groups of any size should make advance reservations.

Fort Moultrie

Reservations are required for large groups and school groups due to limited parking and some facility capacity limits. Combined group reservations are limited to 2 buses and 110 people at a time. An entrance fee is required for Fort Moultrie.

To make a group reservation, please download the group reservation form and email the completed copy to [e-mail]

Some groups may be eligible for an academic fee waiver.