Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

Filming, photography, and audio recording on Isle Royale may or may not require a permit, depending on the circumstances.

Nelson Decker

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 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.

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.

 

 

Filming, Still Photography, and Recorded Audio in Non-Wilderness Areas

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals in non-wilderness areas. 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 National Park Service.
  • Example: Interviews with park staff or arranging interviews with park partners.

 

Filming, Still Photography, and Recorded Audio in Wilderness Areas

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves six or fewer individuals in wilderness areas. You may need a permit if your group is more than six individuals, or the activity:

• Occurs in areas closed to the public;
• Uses equipment or props that may impact the wilderness character;
• Requires exclusive use of a site;
• May adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
• May result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.
  • Example: Interviews with park staff or arranging interviews with park partners.

 

Fees

When a permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees as well as fees to recover the costs associated with administering the permit, including application fees.

 

Apply for a Permit

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact Isle Royale’s Special Park Use’s Coordinator for more information.

If you are planning a photography workshop as a business, you may need a commercial use authorization (CUA). Please contact Isle Royale’s Special Park Use’s Coordinator for more information.

 

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  Commercial Use Authorizations

  Commerical use authorizations are required for any for-profit groups such as camps, outfitters, or tour groups.

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  Group Camping

  Groups of 7 or more people need a group camping permit and advance reservations.

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  Special Use Permits

  Special Use Permits will be issued for filming, special events, and other activities as determined by the park.