Permits & Reservations

Obtaining a Permit at Saratoga NHP

Special Use Permits (SUPs)

A Special Use Permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large and for activities that require some degree of management by the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest.

Most permit applications require a $50 non-refundable processing fee and must be received by the park at least 1 month prior to proposed activity (Only 10 days notice are required for filming related requests). Your submission of an application does not guarantee approval of a permit. Applications for First Amendment activity do not require an application fee. See below for more information on those categories.

Activities and events that require Special Use Permits include:

• The following activities related to Public Use Limits

  • Exceptions to Closures and Public Use Limits

  • Group visitation (picnics, family reunions, organized trips or tours)

  • Wedding ceremonies - not to exceed 30 participants and 10 vehicles

  • Fund raising events

• Conduct a sports event, pagaent, regatta, public spectator attraction, entertainment, ceremony, and similar events

• First Amendment activities with over 25 participants

• Filming and still photography with more than 8 participants (See below for more information)

• Sale or distribution of printed matter that is not solely commercial advertising.

• Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods, or services (pursuant to the terms and condions of a permit issued under 2.50, 2.51, or 2.52)

• Advertisements (display, posting, or distribution).

• Engaging in or soliciting any business.

• Memorialization

  • (a) Erection of monuments (requires approval from Regional Director).

  • (b) Scattering of ashes from human cremation.

 

First Amendment Activities

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are Constitutional Rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources.

First Amendment activities with over 25 participants require special use permits. The park may regulate the time, place, and manner in which they are conducted.

First Amendment activities with less than 25 participants who utilize designated areas (Visitor Center lawn and DAR Monument at Stop 2, a map is available in the Superintendent's Compendium) do not require a permit. Some examples of special events that require permits are:

• Distribution and/or sale of printed matter

• Religious services

• Public demonstrations or assemblies, etc.

• Collecting signatures for petitions
  
  
   

Filming and Still Photography

National parks conserve and protect 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 primitive cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creations of national parks. Visitors to national parks today continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography.

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234). Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming and photography in park areas:

• 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 NPS. 

• 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. 

Please contact us via email or by calling [phone] to discuss your filming project at Saratoga National Historical Park.

 

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)

• Commercial transportation/tour operators and those who own, lease, charter their vehicles to other tour operators, or rent their vehicles from such places as a rental company for commercial tour purposes

• Person(s), organization, or group that arranges for the transportation and tour services, assumes responsibility for financial risk and management, and determines who shall be transported upon what terms, conditions, or charges

• Provide guided trips or services for biking, hiking, tours, or other approved activities for the public.

• Photography or painting workshops or tours

CUA Forms

Application with instructions (form 10-550)
Word document (663 kb)

Sample Visitor Acknowledgement of Risk
Word document (80 kb)

Special Use Permit Forms

Special Use Permit Forms

In most cases, the short form for special park uses will suffice - if you have questions, please email or call [phone].

Application for Special Use Permit, short form (form 10-930s)

Word document (828 kb)

Application for Special Use Permit, long form (form 10-930)

Word document (836 kb)

Application for Commercial Filming and Still Photography Permit, short form (form 10-931)

Word document (836 kb)

Application for Commercial Filming and Still Photography Permit, long form (form 10-932)
Word document (852 kb)

Application for Demonstration and Distribution of Materials (form 10-934)
Word document (842 kb)