Permits & Reservations

Obtaining a Permit at Saratoga NHP

Special Use Permits (SUPs)

A Special Use Permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large and for activities that require some degree of management by the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest.

Most permit applications require a $50 non-refundable processing fee and must be received by the park at least 1 month prior to proposed activity (Only 10 days notice are required for filming related requests). Your submission of an application does not guarantee approval of a permit. Applications for non-low-impact filming and any First Amendment activity do not require an application fee. See below for more information on those categories.

Activities and events that require Special Use Permits include:

• The following activities related to Public Use Limits

  • Exceptions to Closures and Public Use Limits

  • Group visitation (picnics, family reunions, organized trips or tours)

  • Wedding ceremonies - not to exceed 30 participants and 10 vehicles

  • Fund raising events

• Conduct a sports event, pagaent, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events

• First Amendment activities with over 25 participants

• Commercial filming and still photography

• Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising.

• Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods, or services (pursuant to the terms and condions of a permit issued under 2.50, 2.51, or 2.52)

• Advertisements (display, posting, or distribution).

• Engaging in or soliciting any business.

• Memorialization

  • (a) Erection of monuments (requires approval from Regional Director).

  • (b) Scattering of ashes from human cremation.

 

   First Amendment Activities

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are Constitutional Rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources.

All First Amendment activities with over 25 participants require special use permits, and the park may regulate the time, place, and manner in which they are conducted.

First Amendment activities with less than 25 participants who utilize designated areas do not require a permit. Some examples of special events that require permits are:

• Distribution and/or sale of printed matter

• Religious services

• Public demonstrations or assemblies, etc.

• Collecting signatures for petitions

   Filming and Still Photography

National parks conserve and protect 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 primitive cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creations of national parks. Visitors to national parks today continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography.

Effective October 28, 2022, the National Park Service (NPS) has rescinded interim guidance that was in place during litigation regarding commercial filming and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial filming in parks.

When is a permit needed? 

Under federal law, all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit.  

What is considered commercial filming?

"Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props. 

Does filming by individuals or small groups that don’t use much equipment, but generates revenue require a permit?

Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews and personnel that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources.  

All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors.

Does non-commercial filming require a permit?

Non-commercial filming may require a permit if a permit is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include, but are not limited to, filming for tourism bureaus, convention and visitor bureaus, student filming, and filming for personal use and enjoyment. In most cases, a permit is not necessary for visitors engaging in casual filming for personal enjoyment. 

When would I need a permit for still photography?

In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography 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. park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity. 

A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models. 

How do I apply for a permit?

Use the appropriate permit application in the section below. For questions, email Saratoga's Special Park Uses Coordinator or call at [phone]. Applications require a non-refundable $50.00 application fee for consideration.

What fees will I have to pay for a commercial filming or photography permit?

Federal law requires the NPS to recover its administrative costs for commercial filming and still photography activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the NPS in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of the permitted activities. The application fee must be submitted with your application. 

In addition, Federal law also requires the NPS to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for commercial filming and for still photography requires a permit. The NPS uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography: 

Commercial Filming/Videography 

• 1–2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day 

• 1–10 people - $150/day 

• 11–30 people - $250/day 

• 31–49 people - $500/day 

• Over 50 people - $750/day 

Still Photography 

• 1–10 people - $50/day 

• 11–30 people - $150/day 

• Over 30 people - $250/day 

Permits issued for non-commercial filming may be subject to cost recovery charges, and you may be required to obtain insurance naming the United States as additionally insured. 

Are there other permit requirements for commercial filming or photography?

You will 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 as part of a business, you may need a commercial use authorization. See below for more information regarding commercial use authorizations. 

   Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)

• Commercial transportation/tour operators and those who own, lease, charter their vehicles to other tour operators, or rent their vehicles from such places as a rental company for commercial tour purposes

• Person(s), organization, or group that arranges for the transportation and tour services, assumes responsibility for financial risk and management, and determines who shall be transported upon what terms, conditions, or charges

• Provide guided trips or services for biking, hiking, tours, or other approved activities for the public.

• Photography or painting workshops or tours

   Special Use Permit Forms

Special Use Permit Forms

In most cases, the short form for special park uses will suffice - if you have questions, please send any question via email or call [phone].

Application for Special Use Permit, short (form 10-930s)

Word document (828 kb)

Application for Special Use Permit (form 10-930)

Word document (836 kb)

CUA Forms

Application with instructions (form 10-550)
Word document (663 kb)

Sample Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk
Word document (80 kb)