Permits & Reservations

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Battlefield Tour Reservations

Interested in booking a battlefield tour with a Park Ranger? As long as the group consists of 12 individuals, reserve your tour by filling out the Group Reservation Form and emailing it to [e-mail]. If you have questions with regard to battlefield tours please speak to a ranger at 301-662-3515.

Interested in a Staff Ride? For information about the basic framework of a staff ride consult "The Staff Ride" by Dr. William Glenn Robertson, published by the US Army's Center for Military History.

 

Special Use Permits and Fees

In order to coordinate special park use events, it is necessary to require permits for certain activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, special events, public assembly, and meetings. To protect the resources and preserve the purpose of the park, permits are necessary for commercial photography, memorialization of human ashes, collecting of research specimens, sale or distribution of printed material, and for events or services not offered to the general public. Permit applications can be downloaded through the links below.

Special Use Permit Application
Special Use Permit Short Form Application

Thank you for your interest in Monocacy National Battlefield. If you have questions, please contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator at 301-331-1147 or send an e-mail with "Special Use Permit" in the subject line.

A non-refundable application fee of $75.00 is required. Payment will be arranged using an on-line government payment system.


Other costs may be incurred by the National Park Service due to a permitted event, including- charges for monitoring the event, traffic and parking control, and other associated costs. A Special Use Permit will include an estimate of these costs and the permittee will be billed for these services after the event. Permit holders must supply all equipment required for their event.

A First Amendment exception allows for small groups of 25 persons or fewer to demonstrate, or sell or distribute printed matter within the park's designated areas without a permit.

 

Map of Monocacy National Battlefield 1st Amendment Areas

NPS

 

Commercial Filming Regulations and Fees

Changes to Commercial Filming Permits on Park Land

On January 22, 2021, the US District Court for the District of Columbia issued a decision in Price v. Barr determining the permit and fee requirements applying to commercial filming under 54 USC 100905, 43 CFR Part 5, and 36 CFR Part 5 are unconstitutional. The National Park Service is currently determining how this decision will be implemented.

Following the recent court decision, the National Park Service will not be implementing or enforcing the commercial filming portions of 43 CFR Part 5 until further notice, including accepting applications, issuing permits, enforcing the terms and conditions of permits, issuing citations related to permits, or collecting cost recovery and location fees for commercial filming activities.

As regulations regarding commercial filming permits are being reassessed, those interested in commercial filming activities on land managed by the National Park Service are encouraged to contact the park directly for more information about filming in the park and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources.

Do I need a permit to film?

Under the interim guidance, the National Park Service is not distinguishing between types of filming, such as commercial, non-commercial, or news gathering. Low-impact filming activities will not require a special use permit, but non-low-impact filming activities may require a permit to address their potential impacts on park resources and visitor activities.

Low-Impact Filming

“Low-impact filming’ is defined as outdoor filming activities in areas open to the public, except areas managed as wilderness, involving five people or less and equipment that will be carried at all times, except for small tripods used to hold cameras. Those participating in low-impact filming activities do not need a permit and are not required to contact the park in advance. If low-impact filmers have questions about areas where they want to film, they should contact the park directly.

Videographers, filmers, producers, directors, news and other staff associated with filming are reminded that rules and regulations that apply to all park visitors, including park hours and closed areas, still apply to filming activities even if a permit is not required. Check with the park staff for more information on closures, sensitive resources, and other safety tips.

Non-Low-Impact Filming

Filming activities that do not meet the description of low-impact filming require at least ten days advance notice to the National Park Service by contacting the park directly in writing. The park’s superintendent will determine whether the filming activities will require a special use permit for filming. Based on the information provided, a permit may be required to:

• maintain public health and safety;

• protect environmental or scenic values;

• protect natural or cultural resources;

• allow for equitable allocation or use of facilities; or

• avoid conflict among visitor use activities.

Examples of requests that may require a permit include, but are not limited to: entering a sensitive resource area, filming in areas that require tickets to enter, or filming in visitor centers, campgrounds, or other visitor areas. The decision to require a permit rests with the park superintendent based on potential impacts to park resources or the visitor experience.

Contact the park directly if unsure whether or not a filming activity is considered low-impact or may require a permit.

Are filmers still required to pay fees to film in parks?

As of January 22, 2021, the National Park Service is no longer collecting application or location fees, or cost recovery for filming.

Still Photography

When is a permit needed?

Price v. Barr had no impact on how the National Park Service regulates still photography, so there are no changes in how the National Park Service regulates that activity. Still photographers require a permit only when:

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
2. the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
3. a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

How do I apply for a permit?

Complete either the long or the short form filming permit. If you have questions, please contact the Special Use Permit Coordinator at 301-331-1147 or send an e-mail with "Special Use Permit" in the subject line.

Filming Permit Application Long-Form
Filiming Permit Application Short-Form

What fees will I have to pay?

A non-refundable application fee of $75.00 is required. Payment will be arranged using an on-line government payment system.

Other costs may be incurred by the National Park Service due to a permitted event, including- charges for monitoring the event, traffic and parking control, and other associated costs. A Special Use Permit will include an estimate of these costs and the permittee will be billed for these services after the event. Permit holders must supply all equipment required for their event.

Are there other permit requirements?

You may be required to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. See the commercial use authorization page for more information.