Doing Business With The Park

Commercial Use Authorizations

Starting in October 2024 for 2025 the Application Fee will increase to $350 along with a $100 management fee for a total of $450 per year. All CUA applications will be required to use the new online application system.

For the first application submitted during a CUA season, the applicant will pay a $350 application fee and $100 management fee for a total of $450 per year. For any additional services that same applicant will pay a $250 application fee and a $100 management fee for a total of $350 per year for each subsequent application submitted during the same CUA season. These standard application and management fees will be reviewed every two years and may be adjusted to ensure the NPS is collecting the full cost of receiving,processing, and managing the application, as required by federal law.

This link will give you more information on Applying for a CUA.

The following link is active now but will not have Cape Hatteras National Seashore listed until the Fall of 2024.
Please follow this link to the Online Application. Active in the Fall 2024.


What is a Commercial Use Authorization?

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) permits businesses to conduct commercial activities in the Seashore through Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs). The Seashore will only issue CUAs for activities that are

1. determined to be an appropriate use of the Seashore;
2. will have minimal impact on Seashore resources and values; and
3. are consistent with the Seashore’s purpose, management plans, policies and regulations.

A CUA is required if you provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for park visitors that:

• take place at least in part on lands managed by the National Park Service,
• use park resources, and
• result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit to you.

Jump to link:

How do I Obtain a Commercial Use Authorization?

Application Fees $250.



Which commercial activities are permitted?

Commercial Services

Service	Allowable Activities	Permitted Locations, Requirements & Limitations
Air Tours and Transportation Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, and Wright Brothers National Memorial	Pickup and drop off of passengers at First Flight Airstrip, Wright Brothers NM Pick up and drop off of passengers at Billy Mitchell Airstrip, Cape Hatteras NS, Frisco Pick up and drop off passengers at Ocracoke Airstrip, Cape Hatteras NS, Ocracoke	Permitted Locations First Flight Airstrip Wright Brothers NM Billy Mitchell Airstrip Cape Hatteras National Seashore Ocracoke Airstrip Cape Hatteras National Seashore Limitations: Aircraft operations are prohibited from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise at the Billy Mitchell and Ocracoke Aircraft maintenance and refueling are prohibited unless in emergency circumstances
Beach Equipment Services Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore	Daily set-up and take-down of beach rental equipment such as chairs, umbrellas, small tents, and coolers Associated photography services	Permitted locations: Seashore beaches that are vehicle-free areas (VFAs) including, but not limited to, beaches on Hatteras Island in front of Buxton (year-round) and the following villages between April 15 and October 14 only: Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Frisco and Hatteras Prohibited locations: Lifeguarded areas Beaches open to off-road vehicle use (ORV ramps and routes) Sound-side beaches Limitations: Operating hours: equipment set up must take place no earlier than 8 am and equipment take down must occur by 8 pm in order to support National Park Service wildlife management operations Tents/Sun shades must be secured using a weighted bucket/bags filled with sand and strapped to the tent frame. Umbrellas may be secured using a single bucket/bag filled with sand and a strap lashed through the ribs of the umbrella.
Beach Fire Services Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore	Set-up and take-down of beach fires, chairs, and canopy tents for clients in designated areas in accordance with Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beach Fire Regulations Assisting clients with obtaining a fee-free Beach Fire Permit and educating clients on Beach Fire Regulations Associated interpretive programs or demonstrations Commercial transportation of participant/s via Off-Road Vehicle/s (ORVs) on designated ORV ramps and routes Associated photography services	Permitted locations: Areas where Beach Fires are permitted in accordance with park Beach Fire Regulations and associated Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) regulations: November 16 – April 30: throughout the park unless otherwise restricted May 1 – November 15: Coquina Beach Parking Lot Villages of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco and Hatteras Ocracoke Day Use Area If using an ORV, must follow rules and regulations for ORV use within the Seashore Limitations: Holder and its clients must abide by all stipulations and regulations of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beach Fire Permit
Bicycle and Electric (E-Bikes) Services Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial	Bicycle and electric bikes tours for individuals or groups Associated photography service	Permitted locations: Park roads and in parking areas that are otherwise open for motor vehicle use by the general public. CUA holders may not use their personal annual or lifetime passes to admit clients into Wright Brothers National Memorial. Participant’s age 16 and older entering the park must pay applicable entrance fees of $10 per person. Clients may use their own annual or lifetime passes to cover this entry fee. Prohibited Locations: Bicycle riding off of park roads and parking areas to include sidewalks and trails. Limitations: Appropriate safety equipment to include, at minimum, a properly sized helmet. All bikes must be maintained, inspected, and in good working condition at all times. Bicycles must exhibit a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the rear. The CUA holder must inform customers to use the lights during periods of low visibility
Guided Fishing Services Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site	Fishing instruction for individuals and/or groups Commercial transportation of participant/s via Off-Road Vehicle/s (ORVs) on designated ORV ramps and routes Launching and use of non-motorized watercraft (kayaks, canoes, and/or stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)) Launching and use of motorized vessel (excluding personal watercraft such as Jet Skis™) via designated public boat launch sites Associated photography services	Permitted locations at Cape Hatters National Seashore: Any areas open to the public except for lifeguarded areas. If using an ORV, must follow rules and regulations for ORV use within the Seashore Permitted locations at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site: Beach area at the end of Pear Pad Road Beach area near Mann’s Harbor Bridge also known as the Freedman’s Colony area Note: the National Park Service recommends using the Mann’s Harbor Bridge location, because this location provides a larger area for parking and boat launching than in the Pear Pad Road location Limitations at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site: Operating hours: between sunrise and sunset only Parking at Pear Pad Road location – large vehicles and trailers may not park in the parking spaces and must park on the grass outside of the cul-de-sac loop on south / southwest side (the same side of the road as the houses)
Guided Horseback Tours Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore	Horseback riding and instruction Commercial transportation of participant/s via Off-Road Vehicle/s (ORVs) on designated ORV ramps and routes Associated photography services	Permitted locations for activities/services: Seashore beaches that are open to public vehicular access as designated off-road vehicle (ORV) ramps and routes – only in areas seaward of the existing dunes On village beaches from September 16 to May 14 Inside Road connecting Beach Access Ramps 44, 48 and 49. Along road shoulders or across paved routes where travel is necessary to cross to or from beach access routes. Only on the following designated public pedestrian beach access routes, also known as vehicle-free areas (VFAs), during the following time periods: October – March: Vehicle Free Area Ramp 45 to Ramp 48; Open Ponds Trail from the trailhead at Lighthouse Road in Buxton to the Frisco Woods Trail Permitted locations for staging (meeting customers and beginning activities): Bodie Island: access to ORV Ramp 2 via parking lot at Coquina Beach Day Use Area, use of up to 4 parallel parking spaces in the parallel parking area in the northwest section of the parking lot Hatteras Island: Ramp 55 parking area - use of up to 4 parallel parking spaces in the parallel parking area in the northwest section of the parking lot; and Ramp 38 – use of up to four parking spaces Ocracoke Island: as necessary and feasible along Ramp 70 to enable access to ORV route southwest from Ramp 70 Prohibited locations: Resource closures Lifeguarded beaches Park campgrounds Picnic areas Pedestrian shoreline access areas in front of (i.e. seaward of) bird pre-nesting areas. Established roads and trails, which are not open to motor vehicles Beach dune areas Limitations: Operating hours: between sunrise and sunset only Instructor/guide to student client ratio: no more than 7 students/clients to 1 instructor/guide Maximum group size including instructors/guides: 16 Horse Waste Management: At the conclusion of each trip, the Holder must gather all horse manure deposited within the Seashore and must dispose of the manure outside of the Seashore For CUA Holders staging their horses within the Seashore: the Holder must take steps to remove/disperse any horse urine deposited on parking lots by washing the area with water (fresh or salt water) at the end of each operating day, at minimum. The Holder must use only water to remove the urine – no chemicals or cleaners are permitted. Prior to the beginning of each season, the CUA Holder is required to submit valid proof of a negative Coggins test for each equine entering the park. The Coggins test must have been performed within the last 12 months. The Coggins test is required in order to protect the park’s equine population on Ocracoke Island – the Ocracoke ponies. If using an ORV, must follow rules and regulations for ORV use within the Seashore
Guided Waterfowl Hunting Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore	Waterfowl hunting instruction for individuals and/or groups Commercial transportation of participant/s via Off-Road Vehicle/s (ORVs) on designated ORV ramps and routes Launching and use of non-motorized watercraft (kayaks and/or canoes) Launching and use of motorized vessel (excluding personal watercraft such as Jet Skis™) via designated public boat launch sites Associated photography services	Permitted locations: Non-hunting activities, including meeting customers and beginning guided hunting activities, are permitted anywhere within Cape Hatteras National Seashore that is open to the public. Hunting activities are permitted anywhere in Cape Hatteras National Seashore where waterfowl hunting is permitted in accordance with 36 CFR section 7.58 Guides must follow all rules and regulations for water fowl hunting within the Seashore as specified in 36 CFR Section 7.58. Guides shall have no permanent or seasonal blind rights within the Seashore and no special privileges other than those specified in 36 CFR Section 7.58. If using an ORV, must follow rules and regulations for ORV use within the Seashore.
Interpretive and Educational Programs Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial	Formal interpretive programs such as tours, walks, talks, or hikes including the following activities: walking tours of the beach and sound-side areas; and talks around beach fires Historical demonstrations such as fish-net mending or U.S. Life Saving Service beach apparatus drill Recreational skill demonstrations such as bird watching, sand castle building or night sky/astronomy programs Sea turtle nest demonstrations (Cape Hatteras National Seashore only) Commercial transportation of participant/s via Off-Road Vehicle/s (ORVs) on designated ORV ramps and routes Associated photography services	Permitted locations at Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Anywhere open to the public with the exception of the following: Lifeguarded areas Bodie Island Light Station area and historic grounds: April – October between 9 am and 5 pm Hatteras Island Light Station area and historic grounds: April – October between 9 am and 5 pm Permitted locations at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial: Anywhere open to the public CUA holders may not use their personal annual or lifetime passes to admit clients into Wright Brothers National Memorial. Participant’s age 16 and older entering the park must pay applicable entrance fees of $10 per person. Clients may use their own annual or lifetime passes to cover this entry fee. Limitations: Holder may not provide interpretive and educational programs in the same general location or same general time period as similar programs provided by the National Park Service As applicable, the authorization Holder must obtain a fee-free Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beach Fire Permit in order to provide beach/campfires as part of the interpretive and education programs. The Holder and its clients must abide by all stipulations and regulations of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Beach Fire Permit The authorization Holder must abide by all applicable fishing regulations, which may include requirements to obtain a state of North Carolina fishing license for activities such as seine netting and catch and release ghost crabbing. The authorization Holder is responsible for making its own determinations as to applicability of fishing regulations and obtaining any necessary permits This authorization does not authorize the Holder to take or collect plants, fish, wildlife, rocks or minerals (soil), as these activities require separate permitting Limitations for sea turtle nest demonstrations: Wildlife - sea turtle nest demonstrations may not involve any wildlife Location - demonstration nests must be located within close proximity to one another and the Hatteras Island Ocean Center to facilitate regular monitoring by the authorization Holder; authorization Holder must notify the park contact (listed at the top of this authorization) of the sites selected for nest demonstrations and include GPS coordinates of the sites Removal - the National Park Service reserves the right to remove or request removal of demonstration nests in order to protect park resources. If the National Park Service removes the demonstration nests, the park contact will notify the Holder to arrange transfer of equipment and discuss alternative locations Required signage – the authorization Holder must place signs at demonstration areas clearly identifying that the demonstration nests are for educational purposes and do not contain actual sea turtles or sea turtle eggs; signage must be easily differentiated from National Park Service nest signs, staking, fencing and marking to indicate to clients, NPS staff and the general public that these are not actual sea turtle nests Required messages – authorization Holder must educate clients about endangered species protections, including the following specific messages: Under no circumstance is a nest or turtle to be disturbed, e.g. dug into If you see any turtle activity including tracks, hatchlings or other evidence of turtle nesting, call 252-216-6892 to inform Cape Hatteras National Seashore If using an ORV, must follow rules and regulations for ORV use within the Seashore
Non-Motorized Boat Tours Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site	Kayaking Canoeing Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) Associated photography services	Permitted locations at Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Anywhere open to the public with the exception of: Portions of Salvo Beach Access Area. The Holder may only park, stage, and launch watercraft in areas south of the public restrooms. Haulover Beach Access Area (also known as Canadian Hole) Lifeguarded beaches If using an ORV, must follow rules and regulations for ORV use within the Seashore. Permitted locations at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site: Beach area at the end of Pear Pad Road Beach area near Mann’s Harbor Bridge also known as the Freedman’s Colony area Note: the National Park Service recommends using the Mann’s Harbor Bridge location, because this location provides a larger area for parking and boat launching than in the Pear Pad Road location Limitations at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site: Operating hours: between sunrise and sunset only Parking at Pear Pad Road location – large vehicles and trailers may not park in the parking spaces and must park on the grass outside of the cul-de-sac loop on south / southwest side (the same side of the road as the houses)
Off-Road Vehicle Driving Tours Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore	Commercial transportation of participant/s via Off-Road Vehicle/s (ORVs) on designated ORV ramps and routes Associated photography services Associated services such as on-board interpretation, box lunches, and walking tours of park areas	Permitted locations: Anywhere open to the public where ORV use is allowed. Must follow rules and regulations for ORV use within the Seashore. Follow this link for information on ORV Access Areas.
Outdoor Fitness Classes Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore	Yoga Pilate's Personal Training Group or individual exercise classes similar to the options listed above Associated photography services	Permitted locations: Any areas open to the public except for lifeguarded areas.
Photography Instruction Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial	Photography instruction for individuals and/or groups Associated walking tours Commercial transportation of participant/s via Off-Road Vehicle/s (ORVs) on designated ORV ramps and routes Commercial transportation of participant/s on roads to and/or within the park	Permitted locations: Any areas open to the public. If using an ORV, must follow rules and regulations for ORV use within the Seashore. CUA holders may not use their personal annual or lifetime passes to admit clients into Wright Brothers National Memorial. Participant’s age 16 and older entering the park must pay applicable entrance fees of $10 per person. Clients may use their own annual or lifetime passes to cover this entry fee.
Road-Based Commercial Tours and Transportation Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore	Commercial transportation of participant/s on roads to and within the park Associated services such as professional photography, on-board interpretation, box lunches, and walking tours of park areas	Permitted locations: Only public roads (not Off-Road Vehicle ramps and routes) with the exception of the following areas in Cape Hatteras National Seashore: South Beach Road “old Ramp 45” Devils Shoal Road The authorization Holder and its agents (i.e. tour bus drivers) must park, load and unload passengers in designated bus parking and loading/unloading zones, where available, in order to safely manage traffic and pedestrian flow and limit impacts to other visitors For more information, please visit the National Park Service CUA Page.
Sail Boat Tours Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore	Sail boat tours Associated photography services Commercial transportation of participant/s via Off-Road Vehicle/s (ORVs) on designated ORV ramps and routes	Permitted locations: Bodie Island: All ocean and sound side areas and Oregon Inlet Boat Ramp. Hatteras Island: All sound side access areas and the Cable Crossing. All ocean side areas are open to boat launching and recovery. Ocracoke Island: Marina boat ramps and all ocean and sound side areas. Prohibited locations: Resource closures and designated swim beaches Hatteras Island: 0.5 miles either side of Cape Point Portions of Salvo Beach Access Area. The Holder may only park, stage, and launch watercraft or equipment in areas south of the public restrooms. Haulover Beach Access Area (also known as Canadian Hole) Lifeguarded beaches
Towing Service Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial	Commercial towing of inoperable vehicles Tire repair Battery service Locksmith	Permitted locations: Any areas open to the public Limitations: Operators must have spill kits and mitigate any spilled hazardous fuel and or oils
Watersport Instruction Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore	Kitesurfing Kiteboarding Surfing Windsurfing Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) Associated photography services Commercial transportation of participant/s via Off-Road Vehicle/s (ORVs) on designated ORV ramps and routes	Permitted locations: Anywhere open to the public with the exception of: Portions of Salvo Beach Access Area. The Holder may only park, stage, and launch watercraft or equipment in areas south of the public restrooms. Haulover Beach Access Area (also known as Canadian Hole) Lifeguarded beaches
Wedding Equipment Services Application Fee: $250.00 CUA will be valid for activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore	Set up and take down of equipment to support wedding ceremonies including: arches, benches, chairs, and small ceremony tables. Associated photography services	Prohibited locations: Lifeguarded areas Non-beach areas to include around Lighthouses, Wright Brothers and Fort Raleigh Resource Protection Areas (RPA's), and Closures Sound-side beaches Limitations: Must provide a reasonably-sized path (at least 12 feet wide) between the equipment and the ocean, and between the equipment and the dune line in order to provide for visitor access to the area, as well as access for emergency vehicles and National Park Service operations. Equipment must be set up and taken down within a two-hour period. CUA Holders’ clients must obtain a special event wedding permit from Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The wedding permittee (CUA client) and the CUA Holder must abide by all wedding permit conditions

 

How do I obtain a Commercial Use Authorization?

Before conducting commercial activities in the Seashore, businesses or individuals must submit a CUA application, receive approval from the Seashore superintendent, and have a copy of the CUA present at all times while conducting business in the Seashore. Businesses and individuals may not conduct commercial activities in the Seashore without a valid CUA or in a manner inconsistent with the terms of the CUA.

Application Instructions:

1. Download the CUA Application.
2. Complete and sign the CUA Application (electronically or in writing)
3. Submit the completed form via e-mail to [e-mail] along with:
   • Proof of Commercial general liability insurance certificate showing the "United States of America" as Additional Insured (Certificate Example)
   • Auto liability insurance certificate
4. We will then send you an Electronic Bill to pay your $250 application fee electronically through Pay.gov so that you can pay online via credit card, debit card or check. Do not send a paper check or cash via mail.
5. Complete and submit Annual Report Form—Due by January 19th following the operating year.

Application Review Process:

• The Seashore requires at least 2 weeks to process a completed CUA application
• Applications are reviewed in the order they are received
• Applicants may receive follow-up emails or phone calls with requests for additional information
• Applicants will receive approval, denial or requests for modifications to the proposed commercial activities no later 4 weeks after receipt of the completed application and application fee

For what time period are Commercial Use Authorizations Valid?
The Seashore issues CUAs on a one-year basis and they are valid from the date of issue until December 31 of the same calendar year. For example, if an application is received on February 1, 2024, and the CUA is issued on March 1, 2024, the CUA will be valid from March 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024. As another example, if a CUA is issued on September 1, it will be valid from September 1 until December 31 of the same year.

If I operate an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) as part of my commercial activities in the Seashore, do I need a separate ORVpermit?

If driving on the beach is part of the commercial activities authorized under your CUA, you are entitled to annual ORV permit decal for each vehicle you operate to support your CUA activities. Please contact the Commercial Services office via email or phone for instructions to obtain your free ORV permit(s). The ORV activities / beach driving must be associated with your CUA activities in order to obtain a decal/s. For example, transporting customers in ORV areas or transporting equipment used in CUA activities to ORV areas. All ORV decals issued under a CUA expire on December 31st of the year they are issued. Please follow this link to watch the Required ORV Video as part of the ORV permit process.

For questions regarding Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) and doing business in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, e-mail [e-mail] or call 252-475-9034 8:00 am – 4:30 PM Monday – Friday, Eastern Standard Time, excluding federal holidays.