No! We are a fee-free and reservation-free site. Please check our current conditions page and our social media accounts for up-to-date information about potential severe weather closures.
During the winter, snow storms and blizzards often force road closures in the surrounding areas.
Do You Need a Permit?
Per 36 CFR §1.6, there are a number of activities that require a permit and special permission from the Superintendent. All of these involve significant potential impacts on other visitors' use and enjoyment of the monument. Or they may impact our fragile, irreplacable resources.
Inquiries about special use activity requirements and permit applications may be made by contacting:
Superintendent
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument
301 River Road
Harrison, NE 69346
telephone (308) 665-4113
Non-exclusive list of activities that require a permit:
§2.4(d) Carry or possess a weapon, trap, or net (excluding legal firearms)
§2.5(a) Specimen collection (Take plant, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals)
§2.10(a) The following camping activities:
Camping in association with a special event or public gathering for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51. Note: Camping without a permit is prohibited on federal land within the boundaries of the park.
§2.12 Audio Disturbances:
(a)(2) Operating a chain saw in developed areas
(a)(3) Operation of any type of portable motor or engine, or device powered by a portable motor or engine in non-developed areas
(a)(4) Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51.
§2.17 Aircraft & Air Delivery:
(a)(3) Delivery or retrieval of a person or object by parachute, helicopter or other airborne means
(c)(1) Removal of a downed aircraft
§2.37 Soliciting or demanding gifts, money goods or services (Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit issued under §2.50, §2.51 or §2.52)
§2.38 Explosives:
(a) Use, possess, store, transport explosives, blasting agents
(b) Use or possess fireworks
§2.50(a) Conduct a sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events
§2.51(a) Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views
§2.52(c) Sale or distribution of printer matter that is not solely commercial advertising
§2.60(b) Livestock use
§2.61(a) Residing on federal lands
§2.62 Memorialization:
(a) Erection of monuments (Requires approval from Regional Director)
(b) Scattering ashes from human cremation
§3.3 Use of a vessel
§5.1 Advertisements - (Display, posting or distribution.)
§5.2(b) Sale of intoxicants on private lands.
§5.3 Engaging in or soliciting any business (Requires a permit, contract or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations).
§5.7 Construction of buildings, facilities, trails, roads, boat docks, path, structure, etc.
§6.9(a) Operation of a solid waste disposal site
Inquiries about special use activity requirements and permit applications may be made by contacting Superintendent, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, 301 River Road, Harrison, NE 69346. (telephone (308) 668-2211, fax (308) 668-2318).
A rainbow arcs over the picnic area at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument.
NPS Photo
Updates to Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Policy
On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.
Key elements of the new law include:
In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
Occurs in areas open to the public;
Uses hand-carried equipment only;
Does not require exclusive use of a site;
Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.
Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.
For questions about filming, still photography, and audio recording at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, please contact us.
