Permits & Reservations

Be sure to reserve a spot at the picnic pavilion if you are planning to have a special event or large gathering. We cannot guarantee it will be available for you upon arrival unless you've made a reservation.

If you're looking to fish within the boundaries of the park, be sure you are up to date on your fishing license(s) and check in with park staff for approved fishing locations.

 

 

Permits

A permit may be required for certain activities and events at George Washington Birthplace National Monument.

 

Activities that Require a Permit

The following include, but are not limited to, activities that require a permit:

Special Use

A "special use" is an activity in the National Park Service area that is conducted by or provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large. The National Park Service may permit a special use, providing the activity will not cause degradation of the park's resources, values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established. 

Some activities that may require a Special Use Permit are listed below. If you are unsure whether an activity or event requires a Special Use Permit, please contact us.
 

Permit Needed: Special Use

Special Events

Guidance for permitting special events is found in 36 CFR § 2.50 - Special events. This regulation stipulates the following conditions for approving and denying special event requests:

(a) …There is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefor has been issued by the superintendent. A permit shall be denied if such activities would:
(1) Cause injury or damage to park resources; or
(2) Be contrary to the purposes for which the natural, historic, development and special use zones were established; or unreasonably impair the atmosphere of peace and tranquility maintained in wilderness, natural, historic, or commemorative zones.

Permit Needed: Special Use

Still Photography

When photography activities occur in national parks, they must be consistent with the protection of park resources and avoid conflict with public use, the educational nature of the park, and the enjoyment of the park by all visitors.

Who Needs a Permit?

Still photographers, including commercial or professional photography require a permit only when:

• the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed.
• 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.
• a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

For more on the required location fees, required cost recovery, and additional questions, see the NPS.gov Filming & Still Photography Permits page.

Props: What's allowed and what's not?

Props allowed with a permit include blankets, pillows, hand-held items such as musical instruments, small baskets. Permitted props also include photography equipment other than a camera and tripod. The use of equipment such as lighting, backdrops, shades, screens, etc. requires a permit.

The following props are not allowed: balloons, large decorative props, backdrops, sandbags, alcohol, ‘gender reveal’ items, candles, smoke generators, or snow machines. These items have the potential to be released into the park environment and/or impair the visitor experience and are not allowed. This list is not all-inclusive. When in doubt, contact the permit coordinator. Use of confetti and/or glitter may cause damage to resources and is not allowed on park property.

Permit Needed: Filming & Photography

Filming

Commercial Filming Permits on Park Land

Those interested in commercial filming activities on land managed by the National Park Service are encouraged to contact the park for more information about filming in the park and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources. The organizer of any other type of filming activity must provide written notice to the Superintendent at least 10 days prior to the start of the proposed activity. Based upon the information provided, the Superintendent may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a permit if necessary.

Do I need a permit to film?

The National Park Service is not distinguishing between types of filming, such as commercial, non-commercial, or news gathering. Low-impact filming activities will not require a special use permit, but non-low-impact filming activities may require a permit to address their potential impacts on park resources and visitor activities.

Low-Impact Filming

“Low-impact filming’ is defined as outdoor filming activities in areas open to the public, except areas managed as wilderness, involving five people or less and equipment that will be carried at all times, except for small tripods used to hold cameras. Those participating in low-impact filming activities do not need a permit and are not required to contact the park in advance. If low-impact filmers have questions about areas where they want to film, they should contact the park directly.

Videographers, filmers, producers, directors, news and other staff associated with filming are reminded that rules and regulations that apply to all park visitors, including park hours and closed areas, still apply to filming activities even if a permit is not required. Check with the park staff for more information on closures, sensitive resources, and other safety tips.

Non-Low-Impact Filming

Filming activities that do not meet the description of low-impact filming require at least ten days advance notice to the National Park Service by contacting the park directly in writing. The park’s superintendent will determine whether the filming activities will require a special use permit for filming. Based on the information provided, a permit may be required to:

• maintain public health and safety;

• protect environmental or scenic values;

• protect natural or cultural resources;

• allow for equitable allocation or use of facilities; or

• avoid conflict among visitor use activities.

Examples of requests that may require a permit include, but are not limited to: entering a sensitive resource area, filming in areas that require tickets to enter, or filming in visitor centers, campgrounds, or other visitor areas. The decision to require a permit rests with the park superintendent based on potential impacts to park resources or the visitor experience.

Contact the park directly if unsure whether or not a filming activity is considered low-impact or may require a permit.

Permit Needed: Filming & Photography

 

Permit Applications:

• Special Use
• Filming & Photography

Applications may be submitted by mail or email.
Mail: George Washington Birthplace National Monument.1732 Popes Creek Road, Colonial Beach, VA 22443.
Email: [e-mail]

How do I apply for a permit?

You should submit a completed application, located above, along with the application fee to the park as far in advance of your planned date as possible. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner.

What fees will I have to pay?

The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. Cost recovery includes an application fee and 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 park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

In addition, 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. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:

• 1–10 people - $50/day
• 11–30 people - $150/day
• Over 30 people - $250/day

Are there other permit requirements?

You may 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, you may need a commercial use authorization. Contact us if you have questions, if the items listed above do not fall under your category, or you need a bit more help.