The National Seashore issues four types of permits:
Camping permit
North and South Beach: No Fee
Malaquite Campground: $14.00/night or $7.00 with a Golden Age/Access Pass
Bird Island Basin: $8.00/night or $4.00 with a Golden Age/Access Pass
Details:
Permits are required for camping in the park and are available at Malaquite Campground, Bird Island Basin, and at South Beach. They are available for 14-day increments throughout the park, totaling no more 28 days. After the 14-day permit has expired, campers must not camp in the park for 14 days before requesting another permit.
Commercial Use Authorization
$50.00 application fee
$200.00 annual fee
Details:
If you are interested in providing specific visitor services in the park, you are required to have a Commercial Use Authorization. Please follow the link or call the Ranger Activities Assistant's Office at 361-949-9239, Extension 333, for more information and an application.
NPS Scientific Research and Collecting Permit
No Fee
Details:
The permit application can be found at https://science.nature.nps.gov/research. This permit is required for scientific activities pertaining to natural resources or social science studies in National Park System areas that involve fieldwork, specimen collection, and/or have the potential to disturb resources or visitors.
Special Use Permit
$50 (minimum) fee for one day
Details:
A special use permit is required for all groups of over 25 people not participating in an educational program or a beach clean-up. Activities, for which a special use permit is issued, cannot interfere with the normal flow of visitor use and cannot damage park resources or facilities. The permittee is liable for any overtime incurred by the park to deal with the permittee or damage caused by the permittee. The final decision whether to issue a special use permit is left to the discretion of the park superintendent.
