Permits & Reservations

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Reservations

• No advanced reservations are needed to enter Devils Tower National Monument
• The Belle Fourche River Campground inside the monument is first-come, first-served

Permits

A special park use is a short-term activity that occurs in a National Park Service area and:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large

• Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation
• Is neither initiated, sponsored, nor conducted by the National Park Service

All special park use applications are processed and reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Completion and submission of an application and application fee does not guarantee permit approval. Conditions applying to all permits include:

• Access for other park visitors must not be impeded.
• Available parking is limited, often crowded and not guaranteed.
• Depending on location and time of day, requests may be denied during periods of heavy use or limited staffing (such as the week before Memorial Day, Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July weekend, Labor Day weekend, or the first full week of August).
• Events must not impact park resources or impede a positive visitor experience for others.
• Use of decorations, music, and equipment must be specifically discussed with park staff and approved by permit.
• The permit holder is required to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, ordinances, regulations, and codes.

For further information about obtaining a Special Use Permit or determining if your activity needs a permit, please contact us.

 

Special Use Permits (Events, Weddings, Ceremonies, and More)

Special events such as weddings, ceremonies, gatherings, sporting events, scattering of ashes, and other similar activities require the approval of a permit and payment of fees before the activity can be conducted in the park.

To Apply:

• Please submit applications for special use permits at least 30 days in advance.

Fees:

• Application/Administration Fee: $100, non-refundable. You may pay by US check, cashier’s check, or money order; to pay online, email us or call [phone] x741. This must be submitted with your application or it will not be processed.
• Monitoring Fee: If the activity requires monitoring by park staff, an hourly fee will be charged. The fee will be determined based on staff availability and ranges from $25/hr - $60/hr.

Permits are not required for demonstrations, public assemblies, or distribution of printed material by 25 persons or fewer. All other First Amendment activities require the approval of a permit before the activity can be conducted in the park. Permit fees for First Amendment activities are waived.

 

Commercial Filming

Changes to Commercial Filming Permits on Park Land

On January 22, 2021, the US District Court for the District of Columbia issued a decision in Price v. Barr determining the permit and fee requirements applying to commercial filming under 54 USC 100905, 43 CFR Part 5, and 36 CFR Part 5.5 are unconstitutional. The National Park Service is currently determining how this decision will be implemented.

Following the recent court decision, the National Park Service will not be implementing or enforcing the commercial filming portions of 43 CFR Part 5 until further notice, including accepting applications, issuing permits, enforcing the terms and conditions of permits, issuing citations related to permits, or collecting cost recovery and location fees for commercial filming activities.

As regulations regarding commercial filming permits are being reassessed, those interested in commercial filming activities on land managed by the National Park Service are encouraged to contact the park directly for more information about filming in the park and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources.

Do I need a permit to film?

Currently, the National Park Service is not issuing commercial filming permits, but is in the process of evaluating how best to regulate filming activities that affect visitors and park resources. All applicable laws and regulations governing activities and public use in parks still apply, including park hours and areas open and closed to the public. Videographers, filmers, producers, directors, and other staff associated with commercial filming are reminded that rules and regulations that apply to all park visitors still apply to filming activities even if no permit is needed for their activity. Check with the park staff for more information on closures, sensitive resources, and other safety tips.

Are filmers still required to pay fees to film in parks?

As of January 22, 2021, the National Park Service is no longer collecting application or location fees, or cost recovery for filming.

Still Photography

When is a permit needed?

Price v. Barr had no impact on how the National Park Service regulates still photography, so there are no changes in how the National Park Service regulates that activity. Still photographers require a permit only when:

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
2. the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
3. a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

How do I apply for a permit?

Permit applications are available through each park's administrative office or website. Contact information for parks can be found on their websites; visit Find a Park to locate the park where you would like to photograph. You should submit a completed application along with the application fee to the park where you want to film or photograph as far in advance of your planned date as possible. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. 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 your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:

• 1–10 people - $50/day
• 11–30 people - $150/day
• Over 30 people - $250/day

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.

Drones Not Permitted

Remotely piloted aircraft (drones) are not permitted for commercial filming, and the park superintendent will not seek higher level approval for any commercial filming activities. For more on National Park Service (NPS) policy regarding drone usage, please see:

• Unmanned Aircraft in National Parks

• NPS Aviation Program

• Unmanned Aircraft - Interim Policy Memo

Additionally, the use of a helicopter for commercial filming will not be permitted. For more information, please refer to the park's No Fly Advisory.

 

Commercial Use Authorizations

If you are a business such as a road-based tour company, climbing guide service, or other commercial company doing business in the park, please visit our Do Business With Us page to learn more.