Permits

 

Special Use Permits

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 that require written authorization and management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest. Examples include: weddings, memorial services, special assemblies, First Amendment activities, or collecting of resource materials. Each of these activities requires a special use permit that must be acquired in advance. At least one month's notice and application for Special Use Permits is required. Fees for monitoring, administrative costs, and restoration may apply.

View the Special Use Permit Cost Recovery Fee Schedule.

If you are not familiar with Fort Smith NHS, a pre-visit is encouraged. The location where the event is to take place needs to be determined before the day of the event. There may be special restrictions in the area that could limit access.

Application for Special Use Permit (short form)

Weddings

The designated wedding location at Fort Smith is the historic Belle Point. Located on a hill and overlooking the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers, Belle Point is also the location of the first Fort Smith established in 1817. This scenic and beautiful overlook provides the perfect backdrop for small, informal weddings.

All weddings, regardless of size, require an approved wedding permit issued by the National Park Service. Weddings are allowed in the park under the terms and conditions listed on the park's Standard Operating Procedure and Permit.

Please use the short form Special Use Permit application.

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. The necessity of a permit to conduct First Amendment activities is determined by the group size.

A small group is defined as "25 people or less." A small group is not required to obtain a First Amendment Permit if they are located within a park designated First Amendment site and have no more than leaflets, booklets and/or hand-held signs. A permit is required for any small group that:

a. wants to hold a demonstration or distribute and/or sell printed matter somewhere outside a designated First Amendment area.

b. wants to use equipment (i.e., tables, banners, platforms, etc.) even if it is within a designated area.

c. is merely an extension of another group already availing itself of the 25 person maximum.

d. wants to guarantee they will have priority for the use of a location, including the designated First Amendment areas.

A large group is defined as more than "25 people" and is required to obtain a First Amendment Permit even if they are utilizing a park designated First Amendment site.
Some examples of special events that fall under First Amendment Rules:

• distribution and/or sale of printed matter

• religious services

• public demonstrations or assemblies, etc.

There are no permit fees associated with First Amendment permits. Please contact the park at 479 783-3961 for more information about Designated First Amendment sites or the application process.

Application for a First Amendment Permit.

 

Locations marked with red stars are the designated First Amendment activity locations.

On the map above, locations marked with red stars are the designated First Amendment activity locations.

• The Frisco Station parking lot (top right) is designated for groups of more than 25 persons which are required to obtain a permit.
• The Former Officers' Quarters (center) is designated for groups of 25 people or less which are, in most cases, not required to obtain a permit.

 

Filming & Still Photography

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park areas.

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming or still photography activities by groups of eight persons or fewer, provided that the following conditions are met:

• 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 National Park Service.

Permits are issued on an individual basis for filming and photography activities that do not meet the above conditions. The park requires at least 10 days advance notice in writing. The superintendent will determine whether the filming activities will require a special use permit for filming based on the information provided.

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.

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.

Performance Bond and Liability Insurance

Performance bond and liability insurance requirements must be met, and all costs incurred by the National Park Service in writing the permit, monitoring, providing protection services, or otherwise supporting filming or photography activities will be reimbursed by the permittee as a condition of the permit.

Contact the park at [phone] if unsure whether or not a filming activity may require a permit.

Application for Still Photography Permit (short form)

Application for Still Photography Permit (long form)

Additional information can be found at National Park Service - Filming & Still Photography Permits

Special Use Permit Cost Recovery Fee Schedule

These forms may be printed out, completed, and mailed/emailed/faxed to the park. Please note that the application review process will not begin until the application fee is received.

Mail to:

Fort Smith National Historic Site
ATTN: Park Special Use Coordinator
301 Parker Avenue
Fort Smith, AR 72901

Email to:

Park Special Use Permit Coordinator

Fax to:

Attn: Park Special Use Permit Coordinator [phone]