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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.
Key elements of the new law include:
In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. 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.
Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.
No, provided the filming, still photography, or audio recording activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets 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.
If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting before you conduct your activity for more information.
You may need a permit if your group is more than eight individuals, or the activity does not meet any 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.
If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting before you conduct your activity for more information.
No. A separate permit and fee payment is not required for filming, photography, or audio recording that is associated with a permitted event, such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
You do not need a permit if the activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets 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, and other visitors; and
Will not result in additional administrative costs for the National Park Service.
If you believe that your filming or photography activity may require a permit, please contact the park you are visiting for more information.
Federal law requires the NPS to recover its administrative costs for filming and still photography activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the NPS in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of the permitted activities. The application fee must be submitted with your application.
In addition, Federal law also requires the NPS to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for filming and for still photography requires a permit. The NPS uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography:
Filming/Videography
1–2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day
1–10 people - $150/day
11–30 people - $250/day
31–49 people - $500/day
Over 50 people - $750/day
Still Photography
1–10 people - $50/day
11–30 people - $150/day
Over 30 people - $250/day
Permits issued may be subject to cost recovery charges, and you may be required to obtain insurance naming the United States as additionally insured.
You will 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.
Yes, you may request and the National Park Service may issue a permit even when one is not required.
Permit applications are available through each park's administrative office or website. You should submit a completed application along with the application fee to the park where you want to film or photograph 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.
Permit applications must be received a minimum of 6 weeks prior to the start of the project. Complex projects may take more time.
The application packet must include:
Certificate of General Liability insurance issued by an insurance company operating in the United States
Detailed production schedule and proposed locations
Detailed cast & crew list
Detailed equipment list
Please send completed applications with the non-refundable $150.00 permit application fee to:
Saguaro National Park
ATTN: Special Use Permits
3693 South Old Spanish Trail
Tucson, AZ 85730
After favorable review of your application, a Special Use Permit will be prepared and e-mailed to you for signature. Upon receipt, you will need to review, sign and return the permit to our office for final approval. After the permit is approved, we will email you an authorized copy. The approved permit must be in your possession at the time of your event. U.S. Mail is the preferred method of submitting applications. Please call (520) 733-5103 if you need to submit your application using another method.
If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a CUA. See the CUA page for more information.
