Permits & Reservations

Basic Reservations

For standard campground and pavilion reservations, please visit recreation.gov or call [phone].

Special Park Use Permits

A Special Park Use is defined as an activity that takes place in a park area and 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 Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation
• Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the Service
• Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee, or a lease.

A Special Use Permit (SUP) is required for activities that take place in the park such as weddings, sports events, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, First Amendment activities, Rights of Way, and other activities.

To apply for a Special Use Permit for one of these activities, download the general SUP Application Form – submit with a fee and follow the instructions on the second page of the document. If you are unsure of whether your activity requires a Special Use Permit, feel free to contact the Concessions Program Office at [phone] or via e-mail.

By policy, most applications for special events are accepted up to one year in advance. The park will set permit terms and conditions based on regulations, management policies, DO, and RM 53.

Commercial Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recordings

Commercial Filming

All commercial filming activities taking place within a unit of the National Park System require a permit. "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.

Non-Commercial Filming

Non-Commercial Filming may require a permit if it is necessary to manage the activity to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include (but are not limited to) the following: student filming or filming for tourism bureaus, convention, and visitor bureaus.

In most cases, a permit is not necessary for visitors engaging in casual, non-commercial filming.

Still Photography

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

• The activity uses models, sets, or props that are not a part of the location’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities.
• The activity takes place at location(s) when and/or where members of the public are generally not allowed (for example, in a closed area)
• The park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

The need to issue a still photography permit is not evaluated based on the perceived commercial or professional status of the photographer. For the purposes of 43 CFR 5.2, portrait subjects such as wedding parties and graduation photos are not considered models.

Audio Recordings

Audio recording does not require a permit unless:

1. It takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed
2. It uses equipment that requires mechanical transport
3. It uses equipment that requires an external power source other than a battery pack, or...
4. The agency would incur additional administrative costs to provide management and oversight of the permitted activity to:

   1. Avoid unacceptable impacts and impairment to resources or values, or...

   2. Minimize health or safety risks to the visiting public.

To apply for a Special Use Permit for Commercial Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recordings, download one of the applications that best details the activity you are requesting:

Download the Filming/Still Photography short form - submit with a fee and follow the instructions on page three.

Download the Filming/Still Photography long form – submit with a fee and follow the instructions on page seven.

Commercial Use Authorizations

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is required in most cases for anyone doing business within the park. This includes anyone wishing to provide commercial activities such as temporary food vending, guided horse rides, fishing trips, guided backpacking, etc. Some activities may be managed under a Concessions Contract.

Concessions Program Office

If you have questions, contact the Concessions Program Office at [phone] or via e-mail.