Permits & Reservations

Reservations

School groups or tour groups are recommended to make reservations in advance.

Permits

You may need a special use permit for certain types of activities which might impact other park visitors or the commemorative significance of the site.

Commercial Filming

Those interested in commercial filming activities on land managed Washita Battlefield NHS are encouraged to contact the park directly for more information about filming in the park and to discuss how to minimize potential impacts to visitors and sensitive park resources. [phone]

Do I need a permit to film?

Under federal law, all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park Service requires 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. 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.

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

Still Photography

When is a permit needed?

In most cases, still photography does not require a permit. A permit is required for still photography only when:

1. the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or

2. the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or

3. park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

A “model” means a person or object that serves as the subject for still photography for the purpose of promoting the sale or use of a product or service. Models include, but are not limited to, individuals, animals, or inanimate objects, such as vehicles, boats, articles of clothing, and food and beverage products. Portrait subjects, such as wedding parties and high school graduates, are not considered models.

How do I apply for a permit?

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.

Special Use Permit Appplications
Application for Special Use Permit
Application for Special Use Permit Commercial Filming Still Photography

What fees will I have to pay?

Washita Battlefield NHS may collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. Cost recovery may also include an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by Washita Battlefield NHS in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of your permit. Contact the park for more information.

Are there other permit requirements?

You may 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.