Special Use Permits

 

Learn and Explore

A Special Use Permit (SUP) is required for activities that take place on park land or waters and provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large, and requires some degree of management from the National Park Service to protect park resources and the public interest.

The NPS uses SUPs to manage activities to:  

1. Avoid unacceptable impacts to park natural and cultural resources and park values
2. Insure the safety of participants, visitors and staff
3. Minimize conflict between user groups

Quick Links

• General SUP Restrictions and Conditions
• General SUP Application Process
• General SUP Fees and Payments
• First Amendment Activities
• Commercial Filming and Photography Permits
• Filming and Photography Application Process
• Filming and Photography Fees and Payments
• Guidelines for Amateur Radio Operators

 

Types of special events that generally require special use permits at the Cape Cod National Seashore:

• Wedding ceremonies and informal receptions
• Memorial services
• Organized beach parties or gatherings
• Charity walkathons
• Bike and running events
• Demonstrations (including First Amendment activities)
• Scientific/Research permit for specimen collection, research, and science education activities
• Sponsored group events (i.e. club sponsored astronomy nights)
• Commercial filming and photography

Locations generally available for special events:

All public access locations at the following:

• Coast Guard beach
• Nauset Light beach
• Marconi beach
• Head of the Meadow beach
• Race Point beach (Old Harbor Life Saving Station, boardwalk and bleacher areas are not available)
• Herring Cove beach
• Fort Hill (maximum participants – 50, vehicles - 5; also requires notification/permission from the Town of Eastham for traffic control)
• Nauset Lighthouse grounds (Access to the lighthouse must be requested through the Nauset Lighthouse Preservation Society)
• Three Sisters Lighthouse (maximum participants – 25)
• Marconi Station Site- Upper platform only (maximum participants – 50)

 

Other Locations

Other locations may be available upon request, please contact the Commercial Services Office.

 

Learn and Explore

Other Types of Permits

Some additional activities require permits as well, but these permits are administered separately from special use permits. For more information about obtaining authorization for these activities, please follow the links provided.

Other permits

• Scientific Research and Education Permits
• Business Permits - Commercial Activities

 

Learn and Explore

For special restrictions please see the following page regarding Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) including, but not limited to drones.

Special Restrictions

• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Restrictions

 

Oversand Driving Permits

To obtain an oversand driving permits there is a separate process. For more information use the link below.

Oversand Driving Permits Process