Application Forms and PaymentsGeneral RequirementsThe National Park Service is responsible for conserving park resources unimpaired for the enjoyment of current and future generations. Therefore, any activities that would cause a permanent impact or detract from the values and purposes for which a park has been established cannot be allowed. Lake Mead National Recreation Area was established in October 1964 (16 U.S.C § 460n-9) "…for general purposes of public recreation, benefit and use, and in a manner that will preserve, develop, and enhance, so far as practicable, the recreation potential, and in a manner that will preserve the scenic, historic, scientific, and other important features of the area, consistently with applicable reservations and limitations relating to such area and with other authorized uses of the lands and properties within such area." Approval of any special uses of the park - unrelated to public enjoyment - may be allowed if not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation. However, the National Park Service can only allow uses that are (1) appropriate to the purpose for which the park was established, and (2) can be sustained without causing unacceptable impacts. Please keep these requirements in mind if you are considering a request for special use of Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The permit system is intended to ensure that permitted events that may be taking place on any given day will not conflict with each other or with general visitor activities. General InformationThe special park use is defined as an activity that takes place in a park area, and that:
Follow the directions found in the application form, then email or mail (email preferred) the completed form to:
Forms will only be accepted via email or U.S. mail after you have received confirmation of payment. You must allow 45 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) for the park to process your request. A Performance Guarantee is required for all sporting event permits (excluding fishing tournaments), starting January 2014. A performance bond or deposit guarantees the permittee's compliance with permit conditions, provides a mechanism for reimbursement to the park for damage to resources and/or facilities resulting from the permittee's activities and guarantees payment of the costs incurred by the park. The guarantee amount should be sufficient to cover all anticipated costs and should be in the form of a surety bond, certified or cashier’s check, bank draft, or money order. Personal checks will not be accepted. The bond, or remainder of it, is refunded once all permit provisions are met. A Temporary Event Permit is required for all special events serving food to its participants. Please download this application above and submit it no later than 30 days prior to the event. Frequently Asked Questions No. Entrance fees into the park are not waived for special events or special park uses. Fees & Reservations Page
For groups under 25, you don't need a permit, however we appreciate advanced notice so that we may inform you of our designated First Amendment areas. For groups over 25, you are required to file a permit. First Amendment permits do not have application fees. Permit applications are received and processed on a first come, first served basis.
It is important to remember that a permit is a legally binding document between the permitted applicant and the United States of America. Because of this, liability insurance is required with all special park use permits.
ContactIf you are unsure if your event will need a special park use permit, please contact the Park Use Coordinator:
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Last updated: April 28, 2023