Permits & Reservations

 

When Do I Need a Special Use Permit?

Special activities such as cultural programs, political rallies, picnics, wedding ceremonies, and film and photography projects may require a Special Use Permit.

A Special Use Permit is required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group or organization rather than the public at large.These activities require some degree of management from the National Park Service if there is the potential for interference with visitor use, congestion of a highly visited area, or possible impact on park resources or operations. The park may permit a special park use providing the activity will not unduly interfere with normal park operations, cause damage to or distraction from park resources or values or present a threat to public safety or property.

Applying for a Permit

Completed applications must be mailed in hard copy form to the address found at the top of the first page of the application, along with a check or money order for the $75 fee made out to the National Park Service. There is currently no way to submit the application and fee electronically or to pay with a credit card.

Applicants will allow a minimum of two weeks from when their application is received by the park for a permit to be reviewed and issued. This time period may be extended if applications are not complete or additional information is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Special Use Permits

 

Types of Special Use Permits

Permits for Special Events

Permits and Commercial Use Authorizations for Filming/Photography

Permits for First Amendment Activities

For additional information or questions about Special Use Permits, please call [phone].

 

Commercial Use Authorizations

Congress enacted the 1998 Concessions Management Improvement Act (Public Law 105-391) to improve commercial services in the NPS. Section 418 outlines the requirement for CUAs and provides the framework for the NPS CUA program. 36 CFR 5.3 outlines the requirement for CUAs in the NPS.

Section 418 of the 1998 Act authorizes the NPS to issue CUAs to authorize a private person, corporation, or other entity to provide commercial visitor services in parks. Without a CUA, other permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, such activities otherwise are prohibited under 36 CFR § 5.3. CUAs are required if an operator provides goods or services to park visitors that: 1) take place at least in part on property managed by the NPS; 2) use park resources; and 3) are for the purpose of monetary gain or profit.

The 1998 Act authorizes the NPS to issue CUAs only for appropriate visitor services (See Section 3.4.1) and requires the NPS to:

• Collect a reasonable fee that recovers the NPS’s costs for the administration and management of the CUA, at a minimum
• Take appropriate steps to limit the liability of the United States arising from the provision of visitor services under the CUA
• Limit for-profit CUAs for services originating and provided solely within an NPS unit (in-park CUAs) to operations with annual gross receipts of no more than $25K
• Limit CUAs for services originating and terminating outside an NPS unit to incidental use of park resources
• Only issue CUAs for commercial services that will have no more than minimal impact on resources and values of the park
• Prohibit CUAs from constructing any structure, fixture, or improvement on NPS-managed lands
• Limit the CUA term to a maximum two years with no renewal rights
• Limit the number of CUAs or establish limiting conditions to ensure preservation and proper management of park resources and values

As part of a larger effort to streamline and modernize the National Park Service (NPS) commercial use authorization (CUA) program, the NPS has developed on online system designed to process CUA applications and collect required CUA reports. NPS hosted a public comment period from July 26, 2023, through September 20, 2023, to solicit comments about the online system. Thank you to all who provided comments.

NPS began using the online CUA system in 52 parks for the 2024 CUA season. That initial launch was very successful and provided NPS with the information needed to identify and implement system changes leading to an even better user experience.

NPS will initiate its online system in all parks for the 2025 CUA season. For the 2025 CUA season, the standard CUA application fee for all CUAs except road-based commercial tour CUAs will be $350 for the first application submitted by the applicant and $250 for subsequent applications from the same applicant to the same park. Application fees for road-based commercial tour CUAs will not change for the 2025 CUA season.

 

Tour Reservation Information

Private guided tours (hiking, biking, and bus tours) are available through The Encampment Store. Reservations are required for private guided tours and are also strongly recommended for Trolley Tours. Reservations may be made by calling The Encampment Store at 610-624-5010.

Commercial Tour Registration for Large Groups

Registering your commercial tour group helps the park to know when you're coming and allows the tourism office to help you plan your visit and recommend area accommodations and other local resources. The Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board is an official partner organization of Valley Forge National Historical Park.

The registration service is free, as is admission to all park facilities. Simply complete the on-line form managed by the park's tourism office partner Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board, linked below; you will receive a registration confirmation within 48 business hours. Whenever possible, please try to give at least 30 days notice of your group's arrival.

Register Here

General Road-based Commercial Tour Commercial Use Authorization Information

The NPS has a standardized road-based commercial tour commercial use authorization (CUA) requirement and fee agency-wide. The standard CUA process affects road-based commercial tour operations. Learn more here.