Permits

Special Use Permits

Many activities in the Park 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 (festivals, etc.)

To Apply:
Please complete an:
Application for Special Use Permit (NPS Form 10-930) - Word Doc

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. Please remember to enclose a cashier's check, or money order for $50 or contact us for credit card payment, to cover non-refundable application costs. Send the completed application along with the application fee in the form of a credit card, cashier's check, money order or personal check made payable to National Park Service to:

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

For more information: contact the Chief Ranger by email or [phone] ext. 1801.

 

Filming and Photography on Park Land

• 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 NPS.

• 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 more information: contact the Chief Ranger by email or [phone] ext. 1801.