Permits & Reservations

Reservations

Caving:

No reservations are needed to visit the dozens of self-guided caves found on Cave Loop and elsewhere in the park. Have fun exploring on your own, but be sure to visit the caving page

Camping:

We only accept reservations for our group campsite which requires a minimum of 15 people. Reservations for the group campsite can be made up to three months in advance, reserve by calling visitors center. The rest of the campgrounds is a first come, first served campground. For additional information please visit our campground page.

IMPORTANT PLANNING NOTE:

Due to our remote and small operation, Lava Beds is not able to accept debit or credit cards for entrance and campground fees at this time. Please bring cash or checks for your visit.


 

Permits

Within Lava Beds National Monument you can find many places that can be ideal for a variety of special activities. Most special events and activities held within the park require a Special Use Permit. These permits are issued and approved only after National Park Service staff determines that the activity will not impair park values, resources, and visitor enjoyment.

The goal of the park in issuing a permit is to maintain public health and safety, protect environmental or scenic values, protect natural or cultural resources, allow for equitable allocation and use of facilities, or avoid conflict among visitor use activities.

 

Permit Application Procedures


Please visit the links below to determine what kind of permit you might need or you can contact the Park Special Uses Coordinator by emailing LABE_permits@nps.gov or call 530-667-8111 for more information.

Once the park has received your complete application, staff will review and process your request. Permits may be denied if your activity would:

  • cause injury or damage to park resources;

  • be contrary to the purposes for which the park was established;

  • unreasonably interfere with park programs or activities;

  • create an unsafe or unhealthful environment for visitors or employees; or

  • result in significant conflict with other existing users.

Your request will be evaluated on the basis of the information in your application. During the process of reviewing and evaluating a permit application, if it is determined that substantial park staffing resources will be required for the permitted activity, the Park Special Park Uses Coordinator will contact the applicant about additional permit costs. Therefore, you are encouraged to attach, maps, diagrams, script pages, vehicle and equipment lists, call sheet, itineraries, shot list, etc. with your application to assist park staff in evaluating your request.

If your application is approved, you will be sent a draft permit to review and sign. Return the signed draft permit to the park for the superintendent’s signature, along with any additional requirements, such as proof of liability insurance. A permit signed by the superintendent will be returned to you. You must have this copy with you during your permitted activity.

 
  • Clip art images of a runner, a cyclist, a ticket stub and an audience watching a speaker
    Special Event Permits

    A Special Use Permit is required for activities such as filming, workshops, runs, cycling events and more.

  • Clip art of a person sitting on a bench looking through a camera on a tri-pod
    Still Photography Permits

    A permit is required for still photography. To learn more click the icon above.

  • clip art image of person standing behind a video camera on a stand.
    Film Permits

    To learn more about when or if a film permit is required please click the link above for more information

 


Scientific Research and Collecting Permit

Scientific or Research Permits are separate from Special Use Permits and are required before conducting any research within the park. This permit is required for most scientific activities pertaining to natural resources or social science studies in National Park System areas that involve fieldwork, specimen collection, and/or have the potential to disturb resources or visitors. When permits are required for scientific activities pertaining solely to cultural resources, including archeology, ethnography, history, cultural museum objects, cultural landscapes, and historic and prehistoric structures, other permit procedures apply. You can apply for a Scientific Research and Collecting Permit online through the National Park Service Research Permit and Reporting System. For more information about research at Lava Beds please contact the Chief of Integrated Resources Management at 530-667-8103.

 
 

Last updated: March 1, 2021

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 1240
Tulelake, CA 96134

Phone:

530 667-8113

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