Permits & Reservations

Beach vehicle on North Core Banks.

NPS Photo

Some activities within Cape Lookout National Seashore may require permit or reservation. These include but not limited to: special events such as weddings, scattering of cremains, camping with more than 25 people, and reserving cabins.

 

 

Special Use Permits

The Special Use Permit (SUP) program authorizes activities that provide benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large, and that require written authorization and some management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest. Examples include long term parking, special events, commercial filming/still photography, weddings, scattering of ashes, group camping, First Amendment activities, and constructing a temporary duck blind. Below you will find different types of permits you may need while visiting Cape Lookout.

Off Road Vehicle Permits

Bringing your vehicle to the beach this season? Read more about the ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) permit! ORV permits must be purchased online through Recreation.gov.

Commercial Use Authorizations

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs), are a type of permit that 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 105-391). 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. Learn more.

Research Permits

A Scientific Research and Collecting Permit is required for most scientific activities pertaining to natural resources or social science studies in National Park System areas that involve fieldwork, specimen collection, and/or have the potential to disturb resources or visitors.