The park's mission is to preserve this amazing landscape "unimpaired for future generations." Sometimes a permit system helps park staff to accomplish this.

WILDERNESS TRAVEL
Wilderness permits are required for all overnight camping outside designated campgrounds. There is an overnight camping fee of $15 per trip for permits issued by these parks. more...

Permits are not required for day hikes, except in the Mt. Whitney area. All hikers (even day hikers) to Mt. Whitney are required to obtain a permit from the Inyo National Forest. more...

FISHING
Fishing is permitted in most parts of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and on adjacent national forests. Persons 16 years of age or older are required to have a California fishing license. Get copies of park-specific regulations at any visitor center. Licenses are not always available in park markets, so bring them with you or you may get one at Hume Lake (north of the Grant Grove area). Tackle is available at most park markets.

CAVES
Anyone wishing to visit Crystal Cave must be part of a guided tour. Tour tickets are not sold at the cave entrance; they must be purchased in person at Foothills or Lodgepole visitor centers in Sequoia National Park. Allow at least 1½ hours to drive to the cave. For information about Crystal Cave tours.... For in-depth information about park caves, contact the cave specialist at 559-565-3717.

PETS
Please keep in mind when planning your trip that dogs are not permitted on park trails and must be leashed when in developed areas. Leashes must be less than 6 feet (1.8 m) long. Please don't leave pets in hot cars.

PERMITS FOR OTHER ACTIVITIES
Certain activities require permits because they may impact park resources or affect the experience of other visitors. Permits are a tool used by the National Park Service to ensure oversight of those activities and, in some instances, to recoup the costs of that oversight.

Filming Permits: Filming permits are issued for still photography, filming, and associated sound recording to ensure protection of resources, prevent significant disruption to park visitors, or when the activity involves props, models, professional crews, and casts or set dressings. Permits are required for access to areas that are normally closed to the visiting public. If you have questions about the Filming Guidelines or need assistance in completing your permit application (see links below), please call 559-565-3114 or email  the park.
Filming Guidelines
Filming Permit Application

Special Use Permits: 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:

1. provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization rather than the public at large; 
2. 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;
3. is not prohibited by law or regulation;
4. is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS; and
5. is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

Examples include: weddings and other ceremonies, group-organized bike rides, fund-raisers, public assemblies, etc. Examples of a First-Amendment Activity include: a church service, political event, or Freedom-of-Speech act.

For more information regarding Special Use Permits or to determine if your activity requires one, please call 559-565-3101 or email  the park with the subject line "Attn: Special Use Permits."

Applications for permits should be submitted well in advance, preferably 2-3 months before event, for consideration and processing.

Weddings: -Information                   -Locations
                -Applications

First Amendment Application

General SUP Application

Ash Scattering Guidelines