Permits & Reservations

 

Reservations

Reservations are not required to enter the parks, but an entrance fee is collected at our entrance stations, or you may buy a pass online to save time waiting in line. Reservations are required for other services, such a lodging, camping, and cave tours.

Special Use Permits

Special use permits are needed for short-term activities such as ash scattering, family reunions, church services, first-amendment demonstrations, political events, public assemblies, and weddings and other ceremonies.

 

Commercial Use Authorizations

Commercial use authorizations (CUAs) are most commonly used for businesses that would like to operate guide services in the parks.

 

Other Permits and Licenses

Certain activities require permits because they may impact the park resources or affect the experience of other visitors. Permits are a tool used by the National Park Service to ensure oversight of certain activities and, in some instances, to recoup the costs of oversight.

The activities listed below require either a permit or license:

• Fishing

  Fishing is permitted in most areas of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and on adjacent national forests. Persons 16 years of age or older are required to have a California fishing license. Get copies of park-specific regulations at any visitor center. Licenses are not always available in park markets, so bring them with you or you may get one at Hume Lake (north of the Grant Grove area). Tackle is available at most park markets.

• Caves

  For in-depth information about permits required to visit park caves (other than Crystal Cave), visit our web page about Caves/Karst Systems.