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Pictures or videos taken by the visiting public documenting their visit generally, do not require a permit. Photography and filming that is not categorized as general visitor use may require a permit if certain conditions are met. When in doubt, contact the permit coordinator prior to going to the park to shoot photos or video that are not casual visitor use. FilmingUnder federal law, all filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit. "Filming" means the use of electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, documentaries, advertisement of a product or service, use of actors, models, sets, or props. Federal law requires a permit for all filming, no matter the nature of the film or the type of equipment. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews that exceed 6 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources. All filming activities must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors. The only exemption is film crews under 6 who are not impacting the park, visitors, resources, or in restricted areas. Please submit any questions to the Permit Coordinator ahead of your scheduled park visit to avoid issues. Still PhotographyIn most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when:
A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models, if the image will not be used to promote or sell a product or service. Applying For a Permit
After reviewing the completed application, the park’s special use coordinator will contact the applicant to discuss additional requirements and terms of the permit. Permit FeesFederal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for filming and still photography activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring the permitted activities. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of the permitted activities. In addition, Federal law also requires the National Park Service to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for filming and for still photography requires a permit. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography. Filming
Still Photography
Permit RequirementsFilming and photography permits will contain terms and conditions that are necessary to protect park resources and visitors. They will specify the location and time of the activity and the number of personnel and equipment that may be used. The permits also may require you to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You also may be required to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary. |
Last updated: February 11, 2025