Permits & Reservations

 

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In order to coordinate special park use events, it is necessary to require permits for certain activities. The Special Use Permit (SUP) program authorizes activities that provide benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large; and that require written authorization and some degree of management control to protect park resources and the public interest. These activities include, but are not limited to:

• Special events
• Public assemblies, including first amendment right activities
• Operating a public address system or other sound amplified audio devices
• Weddings
• Commercial filming/still photography
• Overnight parking
• Memorialization/scattering of ashes
• Collection of research specimens and conduction of scientific research
• Requests for events or services not offered to the general public

If you are uncertain whether your project requires a permit, please contact the Permits Office (304-535-6232) or email [e-mail] for additional information.

If you already know that your project does not require a permit, you can call the office to check the park schedule and avoid conflicts with other activities.

How to Apply

If you would like to hold a special event or activity in the park, you need to apply for a special use permit. A non-refundable application fee of $50.00 is required at the time of application. Please submit a completed application to the park a minimum of one month in advance of the event. It may take up to 30 days to process a special use permit application.

Download the Word document applications here:
Application for Special Use Permit
Application for Special Use Permit Short Form

 

Types of Permit Activities

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  Filming & Photography

  Permit information for filming and photography at Harpers Ferry NHP.

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  Overnight Parking

  Permit information for Appalachian Trail hikers or C&O Canal bikers to park overnight in Harpers Ferry NHP.

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  Weddings at Harpers Ferry NHP

  Learn more information about holding a wedding in the park.

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  Research Permits

  Learn more about the permit process and requirements for scientific research and collecting.

 

Group Reservations

All groups, both commercial and non-commercial, planning to visit Harpers Ferry National Historical Park should make reservations a minimum of three weeks before the scheduled arrival date using the group reservation line: 304-535-2904. To learn more about the group fees and reservation process, please visit the Group Fees & Reservations page.

Educational groups should also make reservations a minimum of three weeks in advance (teachers, please see our Education Reservations page for more information). Unless the group has been granted an official fee waiver, all fees apply.