Permits

Special Use Permits

Some activities in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore require a permit. A complete list of these activities can be found in the Superintendent's compendium. More detailed information is available for the following uses:

• Camping
• Hunting and Trapping
• Diving
• Filming and Photography

Continue on this page to learn about the application process for other uses, such as:

• Weddings
• Public Assemblies and Meetings
• Other Special Events

Apply for a Special Use Permit

Please complete the Application for Special Use Permit Short Form (NPS Form 10-930s).

Submit it to the Office of Special Park Uses at least two weeks in advance of the activity, more if the activity entails significant impacts to park operations.

$50 Non-Refundable Application Fee

Please remember to enclose a cashier's check, money order for $50, or contact the park for credit card payment (715-779-3398 ext 2) to cover the non-refundable application fee. Send the completed application along with the application fee to:

Office of Special Park Uses
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
415 Washington Ave
Bayfield, WI 54814

Application materials can also be emailed to [e-mail].

For more information, contact the Office of Special Park Uses at 715-779-9170.

 

Filming and Photography on Park Land

The National Park Service conserves and protects areas of untold beauty, grandeur and historical importance for current and future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creation of national parks. Today, visitors to national parks continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography.

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.