An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
Official websites use .gov A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A
lock (
) or https:// means you've safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
To protect bat populations from the spread of white-nose syndrome, a free cave permit is required enter the lava tube caves in the park. These can only be obtained in person at the visitor center during business hours.
A free backcountry permit is required to camp in the Craters of the Moon Wilderness or to hike in the North End of the park. They can be picked up at the visitor center during business hours.
Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording
In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
Occurs in areas open to the public;
Uses hand-carried equipment only;
Does not require exclusive use of a site;
Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.
Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under Section 125 of the EXPLORE Act (54 U.S.C. 100905). It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to cover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.
Only bonafide educational or scientific organizations visiting Craters of the Moon for educational or scientific purposes may apply for a waiver of entrance fees.
