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. For more information on when a permit is required and how to obtain one, download our complete Special Use Permit information sheets (general information and wedding information).

All Right-of-Way Permit (ROW) applications must be submitted through the NPS ROW Permit Application Portal. You can also use the portal to submit general ROW inquiries to the park. Visit the NPS Right-of-Way Permit page for more information on the application process.

To apply for a Special Use Permit for other activities, download the general SUP Application Form, as an MS Word document or a fillable PDF, then submit the completed and signed application to the address listed on the form. Thereafter, you will be provided with instructions on how to submit the required non-refundable application fee. 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

The National Park Service conserves and protects areas of untold beauty, grandeur and historical importance for current and future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creation of national parks. Today, visitors to national parks continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography.

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.

Key elements of the new law include:

• 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.

For more information on when a permit is required and how to obtain one, download a copy of our complete Filming, Photography, and Audio Recordings information sheet (MS Word Doc). To apply for a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit, download the application as an MS Word doc or fillable PDF, fill it out, and return it to the address on the form.

 

Q&A - Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

Still have questions about the rules for recording in the park? Have a look at the Q&A below.

Who needs a permit for filming, still photography, or audio recording in parks?

Who does not need a permit to film, take still photographs, or record audio in the park?

I have a permit for an activity. Do I need another permit to film, photograph, or record audio?

I’m a content creator, student, or with a news media organization, do I need a permit?

What fees will I have to pay for a permit?

Even though I’m not required to get a permit, can I still request one?

How do I apply for a permit?

What about photography workshops?

Can I use a drone?

 

First Amendment Activities

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. People may exercise these rights in national parks, but the National Park Service (NPS) still retains its responsibility to protect park resources and prevent conflict among park visitors. Therefore, a permit may be used to establish guidelines to regulate the time, location, number of participants, use of the facilities, and number and type of equipment used to protect park resources, but not the content of the message presented. The regulations governing First Amendment activities for most parks are found at 36 CFR 2.51, 2.52, with specific rules for demonstrations, distribution of printed matter, and use of equipment. Activities must occur in designated areas, and certain exceptions apply for small groups of 25 or fewer people.

Types of First Amendment Activities: Specific examples of activities that fall under First Amendment rules include the following:

• Distribution of literature or “printed matter”
• Public assemblies and demonstrations
• Speechmaking
• Marching and holding vigils
• Religious services

Locations: By law, the NPS has established places in parks where First Amendment activities can be accommodated. These areas are visible to the general visiting public without interfering with the public’s enjoyment of the park. While the NPS regulates aspects of the activity to protect park resources, it never regulates the content of the message.

The areas available for public assemblies and the sale and distribution of printed matter have been identified in the OZAR Superintendent's Compendium - Ozark National Scenic Riverways (U.S. National Park Service) in Section 2.51(e) and Section 2.52(e).

For more information on when a permit is required and how to obtain one, download a copy of our complete First Amendment Activities information sheet (MS Word Doc). To apply for a First Amendment Permit, download the application as an MS Word doc or fillable PDF, fill it out, and return it to the address on the form.

If you are unsure whether your activity requires a First Amendment permit, contact the Special Park Use Program Office at [phone] or via e-mail.

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.