Scientific research projects and commercial photography and filming (including digital cinematography) require a special use permit. In some cases, a permit fee may be required.
Special Use Permit Forms - Please review the forms below and select the one suited to your activity.
Contact information and application address are listed on the forms.
Special Use Permit - Requirements
Certain types of activities require a special use permit. These include many types of organized gatherings, distribution of printed material and other public expressions of opinion, and other activities that are controlled or prohibited. See the following definitions and examples to determine if your use might be included:
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.
