Special Use Permits

 

Special Use Permit applications should be submitted as soon as possible but the park prefers at least a minimum of two weeks in advance to allow time for processing. Permitted facilities are first-come, first-serve.

A special park use is a short-term activity that takes place in a park area and typically provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization, or a First Amendment cause, rather than the public at large. The National Park Service may permit a special park use providing the activity will not cause derogation of the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established. Primary consideration will be given to potential resource damage and anticipated disruption of normal public use.

Commercial business activities, research activities, and scattering cremated ashes require different permits, not a special use permit. Pavillion rental prices are not included in the Special Use Permit fee. Please return to the Permits and Reservations page to apply for a permit for these activities and view pavilion rental prices.

Types of Activities Requiring Special Use Permits:

• Weddings

• Sporting events, festivals, and many other organized gatherings and events

• Public assemblies, demonstrations, speechmaking, and distributing printed materials

• Religious ceremonies

• Pavilion Rental: To rent a pavilion visitors must obtain a permit and place a reservation. All pavilions hold a minimum of 25 people and are reserved for a full day. Groups over 25 or special events may also require a special use permit. Reservations do not include entrance fees or private restrooms. Reservations are first-come, first-serve.
  1. Johnson Beach Pavilion: $200
  2. Opal Beach Pavilions: $300
     • A cluster at the west end and E pavilion at the east end; 4 Pavilion cluster, price per cluster. Each cluster fits 25 people. Other pavilion clusters at Opal Beach are for public use only.
  3. Naval Live Oaks Pavilion: $100
     • Group Camping is also available and includes separate fees.
  4. Battery Worth Pavilion: $100
  5. Davis Bayou Pavilion: $100
     • Three separate pavilions available, 1,3, and 5. Restrooms are not included.

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• Filming, still photography, and audio recordings.

  • 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.

General Conditions Applying to All Permits:

• Access for other park visitors must not be impeded.
• Park entrance fees apply to all vehicles associated with the permitted event or activity.
• 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 (such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, or weekends).
• 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.