Commercial Use Authorizations
36 CFR Section 5.3 states, “Engaging in or soliciting any business in park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, except as specifically authorized under special regulations applicable to a park area, is prohibited.”
CUAs, a type of permit, fall under the authority of Section 418 of the National Park Service Concession Management Improvement Act of 1998 (16 U.S.C 5966 Public Law 105-81). The section authorizes the National Park Service to issue CUAs to individuals, corporations, and other entities to provide commercial services to park visitors in limited circumstances.
The authorization is issued to a qualified operator to permit the provision of appropriate commercial services to park area visitors. A qualified operator is an organization that the superintendent determines has the ability to satisfactorily provide visitor services and carry out the terms of the CUA.
The terms and conditions for each service type for Badlands National Park can be viewed on the application portal page. Authorized commercial services must:
Activities currently approved in the park:
If the activity you wish to provide is not listed, please call us at 605-279-2367 or email the Revenue and Fee Program Manager.
CUA holders who originally applied for their CUA via the online system and were authorized to operate under that CUA in CY25 will receive an email notification by end of day on January 15, 2026, notifying them that the 2025 annual CUA report is available for completion in the online system. For what length of time is a CUA issued? You can choose either a one-year or two-year periodWhat are the fees for a CUA? A $100 application fee for each service category is due with the application. This fee is non-refundable. Additionally, when you arrive at the park, your clientscan either pay the individual rate (for those age 16 and older) OR they can show or purchase a Park Pass. The park pass is valid for the pass holder "plus 3." For more information visit the National Park and Federal Lands Passes website. Why does the park charge a fee for a CUA? National Park Service Policy requires the Superintendent to charge a reasonable fee for CUAs. The park retains such fees to help pay for the cost of the CUA program, including administration, evaluations, monitoring and training.How long does it take to obtain a CUA? A minimum of thirty (30) business days is required for issuance of a CUA. Delays will occur if application materials are not submitted accurately or completely, or if authorizations needing operator signature are not returned promptly. All required documentation must be received before the CUA will be issued.What happens once I submit an application?
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Last updated: March 23, 2026