Permits and Reservations

Special Park Use Permits (SUP)

Special Park Use Permits (SUP) are for activities that take place within a national park outside typical and ordinary visitor use. National parks are great places to celebrate historic events and family milestones. The types of activities that take place in national parks are diverse, such as sporting events, pageants, celebrations, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainment, ceremonies, historical reenactments, fairs, festivals, weddings, family reunions, and picnics.

Depending on the size and complexity of the planned event, the park may require a special park use permit. If issued, the permit will include terms and conditions that protect park resources while allowing you to enjoy the park without interfering with other park visitors.

Not all activities are appropriate for a national park, our regulations outline permissible actions. Criteria for activities as well as answers to many questions about permits are available on this website, or if you still have questions, please contact the Permit Office, Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00PM Eastern Time at 937-225-7705.

Permit Applications

Permit applications must be submitted at least three weeks and up to six months, before to the proposed event. Your application must include a non-refundable payment for the costs of processing the application. Please submit your payment as a check or money order made out to the National Park Service. The payment is $45.00. Additional charges may also apply. Submitting an application does not guarantee the activity will be approved.

How do I apply for a permit?

Permit application for event or request.

Are there other permit requirements?

You may be required 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 may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.

If you are not sure your activity needs a permit, which application to use or have other questions, please contact the park at 937-225-7705.

 

First Amendment Demonstration Area

Visit the park's First Amendment Demonstration Area page for a detailed map of the free speech area, information about the use of the free speech area and whether or not groups need a permit to assemble in the designated free speech area.

 

Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.

Key elements of this new law include:

• 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 NPS.

• 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 the new law. 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 recover 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 are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.