Permits & Reservations

Basic Reservations

For standard campground and pavilion reservations, please visit recreation.gov or call [phone].

Special Park Use Permits

A Special Park Use is defined as an activity that takes place in a park area and that:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large
• Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation
• Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the Service
• Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

A Special Use Permit (SUP) is required for activities that take place in the park such as weddings, sports events, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, First Amendment activities, Rights of Way, and other activities.

To apply for a Special Use Permit for one of these activities, download the general SUP Application Form – submit with a fee and follow the instructions on the second page of the document. If you are unsure of whether your activity requires a Special Use Permit, feel free to contact the Concessions Program Office at [phone] or via e-mail.

By policy, most applications for special events are accepted up to one year in advance. The park will set permit terms and conditions based on regulations, management policies, DO, and RM 53.

Filming, Photography, and Audio Recordings

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
  • Occurs in areas open to the public;
  • Uses hand-carried equipment only;
  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;
  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.
• Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

Commercial Use Authorizations

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is required in most cases for anyone doing business within the park. This includes anyone wishing to provide commercial activities such as temporary food vending, guided horse rides, fishing trips, guided backpacking, etc. Some activities may be managed under a Concessions Contract.

Concessions Program Office

If you have questions, contact the Concessions Program Office at [phone] or via e-mail.