Filming & Photography Permits

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 primitive 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.

Changes to Filming Permits on Park Land

On January 4, 2025, H.R. 6492 (EXPLORE Act) was signed into law. Section 125 of the Act changed how the NPS will manage filming and photography in park areas. All filming, still photography, and audio recording activity is treated the same under Section 125 of the EXPLORE Act. It does not matter whether the activity is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.

Contact please contact the Special Use Permit Office for the most up to date information:

Dinosaur Permit Office
970-374-2468
[e-mail]

Do I need a 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.

What about photography workshops?

If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization.

How do I apply for a permit?

1. Download either the short form or the long form depending on the amount of information you need to provide. The Short Form is more appropriate for small-scale events. The Long Form is best for uses that involve many people, pieces of equipment, and/or vehicles.

2. Complete the form with as much detail as possible. Be sure to include times, locations, equipment, and any relevant information. If necessary or convenient, feel free to attach any needed additional documentation to describe the project.

3. Pay the required application fee of $200 at Pay.gov.

   1. When making the payment be sure to check the box marked “Filming Permit Fee.”

   2. Save a copy of your payment receipt, typically in PDF form.

4. Submit your application and receipt of payment for the application fee to [e-mail].

5. Permits are processed in the order they are received. The park will respond with any further questions to clarify the project details and confirm any monitoring needs by NPS staff.

What fees will I have to pay?

When a permit is required there are three components which go into the overall cost: Application, Cost Recovery, and Location Fees.

Application Fee

$200 non-refundable

Cost Recovery Fees

Cost recovery includes any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of your permit.

Location Fees

The National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. Location fees are as follows:

Filming

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

• 6–10 people - $150/day

• 11–30 people - $250/day

• 31–49 people - $500/day

• Over 50 people - $750/day

Still Photography/Audio Recording

• 1 - 10 people $50/day

• 11 - 30 people $150/day

• Over 30 people $250/day

Location Fees and Cost Recovery fees will be calculated at the end of the filming project.

Are there other permit requirements?

You may be required to obtain liability insurance with Dinosaur National Monument listed 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. In these documents the additionally insured must be listed as: United States of America, 4545 Hwy 40, Dinosaur, CO 81610

What terms and conditions will permits have?

Permits will contain terms and conditions that are necessary to protect park resources and visitors. They will specify the location and time of the activity and the number of personnel and equipment that may be used.

Filming in the Quarry Exhibit Hall

The Quarry Exhibit Hall is home to over 1,500 dinosaur bones and is one of the most visited areas of the monument. Filming within the Quarry is a special privilege and is typically subject to additional permit conditions such as filming during times that reduce the impact on park visitors. It is strongly recommended that projects including the Quarry are scheduled in detail when applying for a permit so that NPS staff can assist with any planning.

Filming in Wilderness Areas

The National Park Service manages and protects more than 67 million acres of park lands and waters as wilderness areas. These areas have additional laws and policies to preserve their wilderness character for future generations. Filming activities in wilderness areas must follow all applicable laws and regulations that govern wilderness areas in the park, including prohibitions on structures, installations, motor vehicles, mechanical transport, motorized equipment, motorboats, or landing of aircrafts.

Except for casual filming by visitors, special use permits for filming are required for all filming activities in wilderness areas, no matter the group size or equipment used. This includes a majority of the Yampa and Green Rivers within Dinosaur.

Are rangers available to appear on film or assist with site scouting?

Although park staff may be available to appear in your film, a number of limitations apply: Any script or lists of questions must be provided in advance for review and will be subject to prior approval. Additionally, a cost recovery fee may be charged for their time if the project cannot take place during their normal duty hours.

Please feel free to include staff in your plans for scouting. This can be a time to further discuss details with those directly involved. A National Park Service representative will indicate the staging areas, scenic vistas, environmentally sensitive areas closed to still photography, etc. If you need assistance with site scouting, a ranger may be available to assist.

Are individuals entering the park to film required to pay entrance fees?

If a person enters the park for the sole purpose of filming or photography requiring a permit, then the activity is non-recreational and that person does not have to pay the entrance fee. A person who enters the park for recreation must pay the entrance fee even if they engage in filming/photography not requiring a permit once inside.

 

Use of unmanned or remote-controlled aircraft is prohibited.

Prohibited Activities

Activities having the potential to significantly impact, alter, or damage park resources are prohibited. The following are also prohibited:

• Operation of unmanned aerial devices otherwise known as “drones”

• Vehicle use off established roads and parking areas

• Use of pyrotechnics, explosives, or firearms

• Altering, damaging, or removing vegetation

• Digging, scraping, chiseling, or defacing natural or cultural features

• Use of insecticides, herbicides and pesticides

• Harassment of wildlife, or introduction of wildlife captured elsewhere

• Filming or photographing animals with artificial lighting

• Removing, disturbing, or defacing natural, historic, cultural, paleontological, or archeological features