Special Use Permits

If you are planning an event or activity that is beyond the scope of a typical visit, you may need a permit.

Special Park Use Permits

Special Use Permits authorize activities that benefit individuals, groups or organizations, rather than the public at large. Examples include: weddings, memorial services, special assemblies, and First Amendment activities.

The National Park Service may permit a special park use providing the activity will not cause derogation of park resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established. Primary consideration will be given to potential resource damage, anticipated disruption of normal public use, and previously approved permitted activities.

Filming and Still Photography Permit

• 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 filming, photography, and audio recording in National Park units, please follow this link here.

Important Notice

A minimum of 2 weeks is required to review special park use permit requests. The clock begins the day the completed permit application is received with the $40 permit fee. Once management reviews the application, they will contact the permittee.

In addition to the application fee, other fees may be charged. A National Park Service employee may be assigned as an on-site monitor or an employee may spot-check activities to ensure adherence to the conditions of the permit and to rules and regulations. The permittee will be billed for all costs incurred including employee overtime.

First Amendment Activities

A special use permit is required for public assembly or the sale or distribution of printed materials in National Park Service areas when group size is greater than 25. All First Amendment activities must take place at the designated area. Contact the permit coordinator for details.

All activities are limited to daylight hours. All park regulations must be followed and no resource damage is allowed. Permits for First Amendment activities may take up to ten days to approve or deny.

Customary permit fee requirements are not applied to First Amendment activities.

Application

For simple activities that are smaller in scale, applicants may download the short form.
If the activity is fairly complex and requires more explanation, download the long form. For more information or to receive a form by mail, contact the Special Park Uses Coordinator at [phone] ext. 213.