Permits & Reservations

The National Park Service issues permits only for the federal lands within the park. Contact our partners about activities needing permits or reservations at their properties.

For how to schedule field trips, visit our Education pages.

Permits

Activities in the park that benefit an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large require permits. These activities are listed in the Superintendent's Compendium of park rules and regulations. Permits are usually needed for any activity that may:

• Damage park resources,
• Disrupt or conflict with normal visitor use,
• Conflict with scheduled park events,
• Need access to areas not open to the public, or
• Happen before or after normal operating hours.

Contact us as far in advance of your proposed activity as possible to confirm if a permit is needed and how to apply.

First Amendment/Demonstrations

First Amendment activities such as public assemblies, meetings, gatherings, demonstrations, parades and other public expressions of views and opinions are managed and regulated under 36 CFR § 2.51, DO/RM-53, and the Superintendent's Compendium. Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. People may exercise these rights peacefully in national parks, but the National Park Service retains as its highest priority the protection of park visitors and resources. Therefore, the National Park Service requires a permit for most First Amendment activities in order to establish the location, time, number of participants, and other general conditions under which such events may occur. Demonstrations are allowed within park designated areas. The content of First Amendment activities is not regulated, and the opinions expressed by permittees do not necessarily reflect the vision, mission and/or policy of the National Park Service.

The following locations are designated as available for demonstrations:

• Park Headquarters – Grassy area directly in front of the building on the north side of the driveway or the grassy area between the south side of the driveway and the garden.
• Claven Lane – the mowed grassy area to the east of the parking lot.

A permit is required for First Amendment activities that meet any of the following criteria:

• Groups larger than 25 participants
• Utilizes significant equipment including generators, platforms, tents, etc.

A group of 25 people or less is not required to obtain a First Amendment Permit if they do not meet the criteria above, but they are encouraged to get one as a permit will prevent another group from reserving the area.

Filming & Photography

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.

The park may need to provide management and oversight to:

• Avoid impairment or incompatible use of the resources and values of the park; or
• Limit resource damage; or
• Minimize health or safety risks to the visiting public.

Contact us first to confirm that a permit is not required.

Special Uses

Special park uses include, but are not limited to, weddings, large demonstrations, or similar events. The National Park Service may permit a special use if the activity will derogate the park's resources or values, visitor experiences, or the purpose for which the park was established.

Please complete the Special Use Permit Application to apply for a permit. Submit the application as far in advance of your planned date as possible. If you have questions while completing any of these forms please contact us.

Scientific Research

Conducting research, collecting specimens, or doing a scientific experiment in Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park requires a free research permit. Visit the NPS Research Permit & Reporting System for the park's rules for research and how to apply for a permit.

Reservations

Reservations are not needed to visit any National Park Service properties or facilities at Cedar Creek & Belle Grove NHP.