Special EventsSpecial Use Permits OverviewMost special events and activities held in the park require a Special Use Permit. These permits are required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large, and for activities that require some degree of management by the National Park Service. Permits are required to ensure the activity does not interfere with the enjoyment of the park by other visitors and to protect the natural and cultural resources of the park. Activities and events that require Special Use Permits include (but are not limited to):
SUP Application ProcessFor permit information specific to each activity please click on the permit type below. FeesOnce an application is received, SUP applicants will be charged a non-refundable administrative fee of $50 via an invoice through pay.gov. National Park Entrance Fees are still requred for all permittees when entering the park except for first amendment activities. Questions?
When is a permit needed?A permit may be needed when your group includes more than 8 individuals and the activity:
What fees will I have to pay?The National Park Service will collect a non-refundable $50 application fee. A cost recovery charge and a location fee for filming, still photography, and audio recording permits will also be collected. Cost recovery includes any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. Your application should be sent without payment via email. Upon receipt of the application, we will generate an invoice on pay.gov to collect the required fees. Additional location fees will be required depending on the size of the permitted group and number of locations listed on the permit. For more information on these fees, please email us.What about photography workshops?If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. See the commercial use authorization page for more information.Application ProcessFilm/Photography permits are issued for photography, filming, and associated sound recording to ensure protection of resources, to prevent significant disruption of normal visitor uses, or when they involve props, merchandise, models, professional crews, and casts or set dressings. Permits are required for access to areas normally closed to the visiting public.Complete the Application for Photography/Filming Permit (Application) and submit it to Crater Lake National Park Permit Office at e-mail us. Application should be complete upon submission, including requested dates, times, locations, equipment lists, party sizes, and any other information that may be relevant for the NPS to review. Please submit applications with sufficient time for review and processing before the planned activity. A non-refundable $50 application fee will be invoiced via pay.gov upon receipt of your application. In compliance with the requirements of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, the applicant must submit their social security number or federal tax ID number of their business when filling out the application for permit. Sharing the ParkA filming or photography permit does not allow the permittee to restrict normal use patterns and freedom of movement of regular park visitors. Therefore, sites which attract a large number of visitors should be avoided. Film/photography permit activities may not occur simultaneously with other permitted activities or unduly conflict with scheduled public activities. Visitors will be allowed to watch filming. An National Park Service employee may be assigned as a permit monitor may for permits with more complex operations, activities which require coordination with other visitor use, for those which are perceived to have the potential to impact park resources without proper supervision and care, or as generally determined by the National Park Service. The permittee will be responsible for reimbursing the park for NPS monitoring. These costs and any additional costs will be determined and recovered at the conclusion of the permit.Restrictions and ConditionsRestrictions and conditions will be included in the permit. Additional activities including special effects, amplified sound, large sets, etc. must be approved on a case-by-case basis. Requested activities must be included with adequate detail in the permit application to allow permit staff to review for consideration based on established laws, policies, regulations and the superintendent’s compendium.The permit will specify the number of people and the exact types of equipment allowed. Activities not specified in the permit will not be allowed. Please note that the permit does not include authority to film or photograph individuals not associated with the permit. Model releases are the responsibility of the permittee. Permit activities may be restricted based on weather or seasonal conditions (fire danger, standing water after rain, nesting season, etc.). Additional closures, use limits and/or restricted activities are listed in the Superintendent's Compendium. Prohibited ActivitiesActivities having the potential to damage or significantly impact or alter park resources are prohibited, including any activities that are listed as prohibited in any applicable laws, policies, regulations and the Superintendent’s Compendium.What is Considered a Special Event?Events requiring a Special Events Permit include but are not limited to:
Restrictions and ConditionsA special use permit does not allow the permittee to restrict normal use patterns and freedom of movement of regular park visitors. Therefore, sites which attract a large number of visitors should be avoided. Permit activities may not occur simultaneously with other permitted activities or unduly conflict with scheduled public activities. Permit activities may be restricted based on weather or seasonal conditions as determined by the park. Additional closures, use and size limits and/or restricted activities are listed in the Superintendent's Compendium. Activities that may damage, significantly impact, or alter park resources are prohibited. Specific conditions for event types:Weddings:
Scattering of Ashes:
Weather and Park ClosuresPlease note that much of the park closes during the winter due to heavy snowfall, resulting in fewer available permit locations during the winter season, generally beginning in October and lasting well into the spring and even summer months. Additionally, Crater Lake National Park is currently in the process of completing several major construction projects that may impact site availability. Sites that may be impacted include Merriam Point, Cleetwood Cove, and some locations along the Southeast portion of East Rim Drive. If you have questions about available locations, please check the park’s current conditions page or Email Us for more information. Please indicate on your application your first and second choices for dates and locations. All sites are reserved on a first come, first served basis. Application ProcessSpecial Event permits are issued to ensure protection of resources, to prevent significant disruption of normal visitor uses. First Amendment activities include organized public assemblies, demonstrations, speechmaking, and distributing printed materials.There is no fee for First Amendment Applications. Designated LocationsFirst Amendment participants must stay within designated sites, avoid obstructing traffic or approaching other visitors, and legally park all vehicles. First Amendments sites are at the following locations:
Include map of first amendment locationsThe sale or distribution of non-commercial printed materials, as well as the free distribution of other items that convey a message (without requesting or requiring payment or donations), is permitted within designated First Amendment areas of the park.NOTE: Much of the park closes during the winter due to heavy snowfall and there are fewer permit locations available during the winter season. Crater Lake’s winter season can begin as early as September and continue well into May. Check current conditions page or Email Us if you are planning a first amendment activity during winter. ApplicationCrater Lake National Park SUP applications (Application) can be submitted by email HERE. |
Last updated: July 29, 2026