Special Use Permits

NPS/D. Debien-Garnica

NPS/D. Debien-Garnica

General Information

The Special Use Permit (SUP) program authorizes activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the general public and is granted for specific timeframes and locations. This written authorization protects park resources and the public interest.

• Examples include fishing tournaments, weddings, large group gatherings, First Amendment activities, and other events that may not be listed here.
  • If you question if a permit is required, please contact the special park use coordinator at e-mail us or call 702-293-8931 (email preferred).

Permitting Guidance

Please allow time for applications to be processed. Applications must be submitted 45 business days (excluding weekends and holidays) before your event. Every effort will be made to accommodate the permit application sooner. As a condition of your permit, you may be required to present proof of liability insurance in an amount set by the park.

Submitting an application with the fee does not guarantee the issuance of a permit or that the date you requested will be approved. Applications are accepted up to one year in advance. You will be notified within five business days that we have received your application. Approval or denial of the application can range from days to weeks.

All permit applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Some activities may go through a full environmental and compliance review.

Fees

All permit applications require an application fee of $150, which is non-refundable even if the application is denied.

• The permit office accepts payment by credit card only and will not accept personal or business checks.

• Applications will be reviewed after confirmation of payment.

Your permit may require the payment of cost recovery charges (54 U.S.C. § 103104). The NPS may recover from the permittee all agency costs incurred in processing the application and monitoring the permitted activity if the request is approved. Applicants may be responsible for reimbursing the park for all costs incurred by the park in processing the application (even if the application is denied) and monitoring the permitted activity and subsequent site restoration if necessary.

How to Apply

Step #1: Complete applicable application form:
Commercial Filming and Still Photography
Special Park Uses

Step #2: Follow the directions found on the application.

Step #3: Email the completed form to: e-mail us

Or mail to:

Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Special Park Use Office
601 Nevada Way
Boulder City, NV 89005

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get entrance fees waived with my permit?

No. Entrance fees into the park are not waived for special events or special park uses. Fees & Reservations Page

I want to express my First Amendment rights in the park, do I need a permit?

For groups under 25, you don't need a permit, however we appreciate advanced notice so that we may inform you of our designated First Amendment areas. For groups over 25, you are required to file a permit. First Amendment permits do not have application fees. Permit applications are received and processed on a first come, first served basis.

 

Contact

 

If you are unsure if your event will need a special park use permit, please contact the Park Use Coordinator:

Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Special Park Use Office
601 Nevada Way
Boulder City, NV 89005
[phone]
e-mail