An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
Official websites use .gov A
.gov website belongs to an official government
organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A
lock (
) or https:// means you've safely connected to
the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official,
secure websites.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
LITTLE BIGHORN BATTLEFIELD NATIONAL MONUMENT P.O. Box 39
756 Battlefield Tour RoadCrow Agency, MT 59022
(406) 638-3217 phone
SUPERINTENDENT'S COMPENDIUM of Designations, Closures, Permit Requirements and Other Restrictions Imposed Under Discretionary Authority.
In accordance with applicable law and policy, and pursuant to the delegated authorities provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 1 (“36 CFR”), the following compendium actions regulations apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. This document is the written compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions imposed under the discretionary authority of the Superintendent, as required by 36 CFR 1.7(b). Violating any provision in this Compendium may result in criminal penalties under 36 CFR 1.3.
The compendium actions in this document apply in addition to all other laws that apply to lands and waters administered by the NPS within the boundaries of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. These include:
Regulations in 36 CFR and other CFR titles such as Title 43, which contains regulations that apply on public lands administered by the Department of the Interior. The current version of the CFR can be found at www.ecfr.gov. Click on “Title 36” and then “Chapter 1” to access 36 CFR.
Statutes codified in U.S. Code, in particular provisions in Titles 16 and 54.
This Compendium is organized by the sections in 36 CFR that give the Superintendent discretionary authority to take the compendium action. Written determinations that explain why each compendium action is necessary appear in this document in italicized print.
36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES
(a)(1) The following visiting hours and public use limits are established for all or for the listed portions of the park:
Visiting Hours:
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is open to the public at regularly scheduled intervals for visitation. Times will be posted and updated on the park's website. Please check prior to your party's arrival.
Determination: Visitation times will be determined by the superintendent annually taking in consideration of park staffing, administrative needs and protection of the Custer National Cemetery and monument from resource damage.
The park will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Determination: These closures are necessary due to the limited availability of personnel to provide for public safety, resource protection and visitor services.
Visitor access to the battlefield is restricted to the park’s tour road, Custer National Cemetery, signed designated trails and administrative buildings. All other access must be authorized by the Superintendent.
Service and administrative roads are closed to non-offical vehicles and will be so designated by signs, locked gates, and/or will be administratively controlled.
Superintendent may authorize use under permit.
Determination: Service and administrative areas closed to the public to assist with public safety and assist employees in efficient and safe work areas. Administrative areas may require specialized training or authorization by the government to access.
Walking or hiking off a designated trail or walkway is prohibited.
Determination: The Superintendent has determined that these use prohibitions and restrictions are necessary for public safety and resource protection
Camping is prohibited.
Determination: There are no developed camping areas for public use. The Superintendent has determined that these use prohibitions and restrictions are necessary for public safety and resource protection.
(a)(2) Public Use Restrictions
The Superintendent may designate areas for a specific use or activity or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity. The following restrictions and/or conditions are in effect for the specific use or activities noted:
Unmanned Aircraft (Drone(s):Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Unmanned Aircraft: A device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). The term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.
Determination: The Superintendent has determined that unmanaged or unrestricted recreational use of unmanned aircraft within Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument will conflict with, or impact, a variety of park uses, including visitor experience. Use may also lead to the disturbance, displacement or harassment of park wildlife and creation of public safety hazards.
Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Monitoring Policy Statement:
In accordance with National Park Service Law Enforcement Reference Manual 9 (RM-9), notice is hereby given that Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument uses Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security camera monitoring.
The park's use of CCTV for law enforcement and security purposes will only be to visually monitor public park areas and public activities where no constitutionally protected reasonable expectation of privacy exists. Such CCTV use—which will have adequate privacy and First Amendment safeguards—will be to help ensure public safety and security; facilitate the detection, investigation, prevention, and deterrence of terrorist attack and crime; help ensure the safety of citizens and officers; help assist in the proper allocation and deployment of law enforcement and public safety resources; and help facilitate the protection of the innocent and the apprehension and prosecution of criminals. (RM-9, 26.1)
This policy does not restrict the official use of CCTV in the government administrative areas, including administrative buildings, jail holding facilities (RM-9, 26.3.7), revenue collection sites, etc., where the government may record/monitor its facilities. For example, the government may perform unrestricted video/audio recording at revenue collection points (entrance stations, visitor center counters, etc.). This policy does not restrict the use of an Audio/Visual Recording Device (AVRD) in patrol vehicles or officer-worn recording devices used by commissioned rangers (RM-9, 26.1).
Operation of CCTV cameras, maintenance of recorded images and use of recorded images will be in accordance with NPS and Department policy and applicable laws and regulations (RM-9, 26.1-26.4). No person will be targeted or monitored merely because of race, religion, gender, sex, disability, national origin, or political affiliation or views (RM-9, 26.4.2).
Nothing in this policy statement is intended to create any rights, privileges, or benefits not otherwise recognized by law.
(a)(2) Designate Areas for a specific use or activity or impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity may require a permit, consistent with 54 U.S.C. 100905. Filming, still photography, and audio recording activity that occurs in closed areas, requires exclusive use of a site or area, or involves a set or staging equipment other than handheld equipment (such as a tripod, monopod, and handheld lighting equipment) requires a permit, unless the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
Filming, still photography, and audio recording that involves more than eight individuals requires a permit, unless the NPS has specifically notified an individual or group that a permit is not required, or if the activity is affiliated with an activity or event that has been allowed under a written authorization, such as a special use permit.
If a permit is required for the reasons stated above, or if the NPS otherwise determines and then notifies an individual or group that a permit is required for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity, then engaging in that activity without a permit is prohibited. Violating a term or condition of a permit issued by the NPS for a filming, still photography, or audio recording activity is prohibited, and may result in the suspension or revocation of the permit, in addition to any penalties that may apply under 36 CFR 1.3.
Federal law at 54 U.S.C. 100905 states that permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording in park areas if certain requirements are met. These requirements address various topics, including, but not limited to, group size, location, equipment, potential impacts to resources and visitors, and the likelihood that the NPS will incur related administrative costs. If any of these requirements are not met, the law allows the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the NPS, to require a permit for the subject activity. Permit requirements are imposed by the superintendent under discretionary authority provided by 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2), which allows the superintendent to impose conditions or restrictions on a use or activity, consistent with applicable legislation, to implement management responsibilities. The general regulations for permits in 36 CFR 1.6 do not apply to permits issued for filming, still photography, and audio recording, which instead are governed by the statutory provisions in 54 U.S.C. 100905. The imposition of permit requirements, on a case-by-case basis, for filming, still photography, or audio recording does not require rulemaking under 36 CFR 1.5(b). Requiring a permit with reasonable terms and conditions in accordance with statutory requirements at 54 U.S.C. 100905 is not highly controversial, will not result in a significant alteration in the public use pattern of the System unit, will not adversely affect the System unit’s natural, aesthetic, scenic or cultural values, or require a long-term or significant modification in the resource management objectives of the System unit, because the permit requirement is limited in time and scope to the specific activities authorized by the permit, which contain terms and conditions that protect the values, resources, and visitors of the System unit, and implements federal law.
36 CFR §1.6 – PERMITs
(a) When authorized by regulation set forth in this chapter, the superintendent may issue a permit to authorize an otherwise prohibited or restricted activity or impose a public use limet.
(f) – A compilation of those activities requiring a permit shall be maintained by the Superintendent and available to the public upon request.
Some filming, still photography, and audio recording (depends upon the facts and circumstances; contact the park for more information). 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) and 54 U.S.C. 100905
Criteria for approving or denying permits are established by applicable law (statutes and regulations) and policy. Permitted activities are subject to applicable terms and conditions.
§1.5 Closures and public use limits:
(d) The following activities related to Public Use Limits:
Entering a closed area.
Vehicle usage on adminstrative roads.
Use of Unmanned Aircraft.
§2.5 Reserach Specimen Collection
(a) Talking of plants, fish, wildlife, rock or minermals for specimen collection.
§2.6 Gathering of plants or plant parts by Federally recognized Indian Tribes.
§2.12 Audio Disturbances
(a)(4) Operating a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50 or §2.51.
§2.50 Special Events
(a) Sports event, pageant, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremonies and similar events.
§2.51 Demonstrations and designated availability park areas.
(b) Demonstration by groups of 26 or more persons.
§2.52 Sale printed matter and the distribution of printed matter and other message-bearing items.
(b) Sale and distribution of printed matter and other message-bearing items that are not solely commercial advertising for groups of 26 or more persons.
§2.62 Memorialization
(a) Erection of monuments, memorials, or other structure requires approval from the Director.
(b) Scattering of ashed from human cremation.
§5.1 Advertisements
Commercial notices or advertisement display, posting, or distributed.
§5.3 Business operations (engaging in or soliciting any business requires a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, or must be pursuant to special regulations.)
§5.4 Commercial passenger-carrying motor vehicles (a) The commercial transportation of passengers by motor vehicles.
§5.6 Commercial Vehicles
(c) Use of commerical vehicles on park area roads to access adjacent private or tribal lands within or adjacent to the park, to which access is otherwise not available.
§5.7 Contructing or attempting to contruct any building, structure, dock, road, trail, path, or public or private utlity upon, across, over, through, or under any park area. (Right of Way Permit).
36 CFR Part 12 National Cemeteries
12.5 (b) Burial in the National Cemetery
Custer National Cemetery is closed to burials. Only those with spaces already reservered may be buried there.
Contact Park Maintenance Office.
12.6 (b) Disinterment of Remains from National Cemetery.
Contact Park Maintenance Office.
36 CFR Part 2 - RESOURCE PROTECTION, PUBLIC USE, AND RECREATION
36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL, AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
(b) Foot travel and/or hiking is restricted to established trails.
Determination: To protect the resource, safety of the visitor, and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site and provide for the protection of archeological items present in the soil and underground in the immediate vicinity.
Determination:Night vision devices are not artificial lights; however, infrared lighting/laser beams are considered artificial light and are included in this prohibition.
36 CFR §2.11 – PICNICKING
Picnicking is prohibited in Custer National Cemetery.
Cooking of food is prohibited.
36 CFR §2.12 – AUDIO DISTURBANCES
(a)(l) Diesel trucks and buses, when parked in areas adjacent to the cemetery or visitor center, must stop engines to prevent interference with interpretive programs and the contemplative setting of the National Cemetery.
36 CFR §2.13 – FIRES
(a)(l) All cooking fires and campfires are prohibited.
During periods of high fire danger, the Superintendent may close a portion or all of the of the park at their discretion.
Exception: These prohibitions do not apply to authorized activities within the residential area established by the park housing plan. (At employee quarters in designated barbeque-style grills or portable stoves.)
Determination: During extreme fire danger or by order of the superintendent, fires of any type may not be allowed
36 CFR §2.15 – PETS
(a)(1) Pets are prohibited in Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Custer National Cemetery, except in personal vehicles.
Service animals are not subject to the park’s pet policies and, when accompanying an individual with a disability, they are allowed wherever visitors are allowed (NPS Memorandum 19-02 – Use of Service Animals by Visitors with Disabilities).
Determination: This determination is made to ensure the preservation of cultural resources, protect wildlife habitats, and maintain the safety and experience of visitors to the monument.
NPS employees assigned to housing in which pets are permitted must meet conditions that protect park resources and government property. These conditions are identified in the park’s Housing Management Plan.
36 CFR §2.19 – WINTER ACTIVITIS
(a) Skiing, snowshoeing, and walking on the park road is permitted from the gate at the Visitor Center to the Reno-Benteen Site when the road is closed to motor vehicles due to snow conditions.
36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING
Smoking, electronic cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) is prohibited within all buildings, within 25 feet of all building entrance's and in all other areas, except within 25 feet of an established ash receptacle.
36 CFR §2.23 – RECREATION FEES
(a) Recreation fees, in accordance with Title 36 CFR part 71, are established for the following entrance fee areas, and/or for the use of the following specialized sites, facilities, equipment or services, or for participation in the following group activity, recreation events or specialized recreation uses:
Current fee schedule is posted on the park website and at entrance gate.
(b) All individuals wishing to honor those buried in the Custer National Cemetery will have free access to visit the cemetery.
Determination: Recreation fees, in accordance with Title 36 CFR part 71
36 CFR § 2.35 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
(a)(3)(i) The consumption of alcoholic beverages within the park boundary is prohibited.
Determination:In accordance to 2.35 (a)(3)(i)(A) the use is inappropriate considering the historic nature of the Little Bighorn Battlefield NM and Custer National Cemetery.
Exception: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited within all government buildings, to exclude government residences within the Park Housing Management Plan
36 CFR § 2.51 – Demonstration and designated available park areas & 36 CFR § 2.52(b) Sale of and the distribution of printed matter and other message bearing items
(c)(2) The following location has been designated as available for demonstration and the sale or distribution of printed matter:
Due to current and expected 2025 to 2026 construction the 1st amendment area will be established temporarily prior to use.
Grassy area on west side of entrance station is temporarily established as site. (Appendix A)
Determination: The location for §2.51 and § 2.52 was identified to protect the resources, ensure safety of the visitors and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site. (Appendix A) See permit requirements under 36 C.F.R. §1.6 Permits.
In addition to events conducted for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, the following dates are designated as dates of special historic significance to the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument and Custer National Cemetery. Events conducted in commemoration of those dates are permitted:
Battle Anniversary, June 24-26th
12.10 Floral and Commemorative Tributes
The placing of wreaths and floral items is subject to the following restrictions:
Coins and other metal objects are not permitted to be placed on headstones or monuments; these objects can cause staining of the stone surfaces.
Fresh cut flowers, artificial flowers and potted plants shall be permitted on graves.
Flowers (fresh, artificial and/or potted) shall be removed from graves and disposed of by cemetery personnel when they become withered, faded, or otherwise unsightly. All floral items which conflict with normal grounds maintenance may be removed.
Floral items and other types of decorations shall not be secured or attached to the headstone or commemorative monument.
Permanent in-ground containers, plantings, statues, vigil lights, balloon displays, breakable objects of any kind, and similar commemorative items are not permitted on graves at any time in the National Cemetery. These and other hazardous objects shall be removed by cemetery personnel whenever found on a grave.
Red square outlines area for designated for public assembly.
NPS
APPENDIX A
Designated Area for Public Assembly
Determination: Little Bighorn Battlefield NM has multiple construction projects underway and identified this location as the only suitable site for 36 CFR §2.51 Demonstrations & 36 CFR § 2.52(b) Printed Matter
Upon completion of construction projects, the Superintendent will reassess location(s) and identify site(s) that protect the resources, ensure safety of the visitors and maintain the integrity and purpose of the site
Last updated: January 8, 2026
Park footer
Contact Info
Mailing Address:
Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
P.O. Box 39
Crow Agency,
MT
59022-0039
