Camping
Camping in Mojave National Preserve is first-come, first-served everywhere except for the Black Canyon Group Campground and the Equestrian Campgrounds, which are open only to groups of 15+ people (or groups of any size that are camping with their horses). Call (760) 252-6100 to make a reservation for the group or equestrian campgrounds.
Basic Permit Information
Special use permits are required to conduct various activities. We strongly urge potential permit applicants to email us or call (760-221-4740) before sending an application.
A special park use permit is for a short-term activity that:
• provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large;
• requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the preserve to protect resources and the
public interest;
• is not prohibited by law or regulation; and
• is neither initiated, sponsored, nor conducted by Mojave National Preserve.
Most but not all permits require fees. The table below outlines permit fees.
|
Non-refundable Application Fee
|
Type of Special Park Use
|
|
$ 91.00
(includes processing costs)
|
* Group recreation with more than 7 vehicles or horses or more than 25 people; and
* Commercial vehicle(s) entry.
|
|
$ 91.00
|
* Commercial filming;
* Commercial still photography with sets, props or models; and
* Commercial audio recording where members of the public are generally not allowed that involves equipment that requires mechanical transport; that involves equipment that requires an external power source other than a battery pack; or that requires management and oversight of the permitted activity.
|
|
$ 128.00
|
Special events like sports races, entertainment, or ceremonies
|
|
$ 73.00
|
Miscellaneous special park uses, including construction.
|
|
N/A
|
* Educational groups;
* Scattering of human ashes from cremation;
* Public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades, and other public expressions of view with more than 25 persons.
|
- Additional costs include administrative processing and (possibly) monitoring. Proof of insurance and posting of a bond may also be required.
- Allow at least two weeks for group recreational activities.
All non-recreational permits require at least four weeks for review and processing. Again, we encourage potential applicants to e-mail us or call (760-221-4740) for more information before submitting an application.
Commercial Still Photography Permits
A commercial still photography permit is required for commercial still photography that includes the use of sets, props, or models.
| Amount |
Fee/Cost |
| $ 91.00 |
Application fee |
| Varies according to the request |
Administrative processing costs |
| Varies according to the request |
Monitoring costs |
| Varies according to the request |
Location Fees |
Proof of insurance and posting of a bond may be required. Contact the preserve at e-mail us for more information. Allow at least one month for commercial still photography requests.
Commercial Filming Permits
A permit is required for commercial filming in the preserve. "Commercial filming" means the film, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other recording of a moving image by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience with the intent of generating income. Examples include, but are not limited to, feature film, videography, and documentaries. Commercial filming may include the advertisement of a product or service, or the use of actors, models, sets, or props.
| Amount |
Fee/Cost |
| $91.00 |
Application fee |
| Varies according to request |
Administrative processing costs |
| Varies according to request |
Monitoring fees |
| Varies according to request |
Location fee |
Commercial Use Authorizations
All potential applicants for a commercial use authorization at Mojave National Preserve should email us before filling out an application. All applications for authorizations take at least five weeks to process.
A commercial use authorization (CUA) authorizes appropriate commercial services to Preserve visitors in limited circumstances. A CUA may be issued only for services that:
-
are determined to be an appropriate use of Mojave National Preserve;
-
will have minimal impact on park resources and values; and
-
are consistent with the purpose for which the Preserve was established, as well as all applicable management plans, park policies, and regulations.
Commercial uses include businesses that provide any or all goods, activities, services, agreements or other things offered to the general public that take place at least in part in the park, uses park resources, and are undertaken for or results in compensation, monetary gain, benefit or profit to an individual, organization, or corporation, whether or not such entity is organized for purposes recognized as non-profit under local, state or Federal law.
Commercial service providers may not require waivers of liability, but may have customers agree to a Visitor's Acknowledgement of Risk (92.30 KB PDF). All CUA holders must complete and submit annual survey reports.
CUAs have a non-refundable application fee. See the authorization application package for application fees for different approved commercial activities. Proof of insurance is required. Instructions are provided in the application form. Posting of a bond might also be required. Contact the Special Park Uses Office at e-mail us for more information.
Approved commercial activities in the preserve are:
-
road-based commercial tourism, which includes camping in certain places;
-
guided hunting for desert bighorn sheep;
-
photography workshops in certain areas; and
- guided hiking on certain trails.
Mojave National Preserve now uses the national CUA system to apply for most authorizations. To apply for a CUA for guided hunting, photography workshops, and guided hiking, visit the this site: Home - Commercial Use Authorization.
To apply for a road-based commercial tourism CUA, email us.
Cost Recovery
Costs other than the non-refundable application fee include possible administrative and monitoring fees and (for some authorizations) a management fee. All fees and costs must be paid before a permit may be issued. This cost recovery fee structures doesn't apply to road-based commercial tourism CUAs in Mojave National Preserve.
On January 1, 2023, Mojave National Preserve changed its CUA management fee structure to what is called market-price management fee. This fee reflects the value of the business opportunity for commercial activities conducted in the Preserve. It is a tiered system of fee management based on gross receipts earned from CUA-authorized business here. Below is a table that details how these fees are assessed:
| CUA Annual Gross Receipts |
CUA Management Fee |
| <$250,000 |
3% of gross receipts (minus application fee) |
| $250,000 to $500,000 |
4% of gross receipts (minus application fee) |
| >$500,000 |
5% of gross receipts (minus application fee) |
The table is best explained by example. Suppose a CUA holder earns $750,000 in gross revenue from doing business at Mojave National Preserve. Under the upcoming fee structure, the Preserve will charge the CUA holder 3 percent of gross receipts, 4 percent for the next $250,000, and 5 percent for the remaining $250,000. This hypothetical CUA holder would then have a total fee of $30,000. The application fee is then subtracted from $30,000. After subtracting the application fee from $30,000, the difference must be remitted to the Preserve before a new CUA can be issued. The combined charges for the application fee and the market-rate management fee may not exceed the limits noted in the table above. If the calculated market-rate fee is less than the application, then the National Park Service retains the application fee.
Payment Options
Permit fees and costs may be paid by electronic transaction or check.
Forms & Inquiries
Special Use Permit Application
Commercial Vehicle Special Use Permit Application
Commercial Filming and Still Photography Application
Commercial Use Authorization Application
For more information, submit your inquiry in an email.
