Special Park Use Permits

A special park use is a short-term activity that takes place in a park area and provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large. The National Park Service may permit a special park use providing the activity will not unduly interfere with normal park operations, cause derogation of the park's resources or values, or present a threat to public safety or property. Primary consideration will be given to potential resource damage and to anticipated disruption of normal public use.

Fees

There is a $150 non-refundable and non-transferable application fee charged to offset the costs of administering each permit. Payment of an initial application/administrative fee will be through pay.gov. Additional direct costs and staff time may be charged depending on the type, scale, and complexity of the event.

Colonial NHP charges per user entrance fees for all recreational users including those participating in special events and activities. Collection of the entrance fees for most permitted events is handled by the permittee, such as collecting a surcharge with registration fees (for example). Non-recreational activity permits (such as 1st Ammendment activities) do not require entrance fees.

Memorialization

Information regarding the rules for scattering ashes may be found on Page 19 of Superintendent's Compendium.

First Amendment Activities

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 to establish the location, time, number of participants, and other general conditions under which such events may occur. 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.
• Would like a guarantee of priority use of a specific location
• Requesting an area not designated as a first amendment area in the park’s compendium

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. Examples of First Amendment Activities:

• Religious services
• Political speeches
• Press conferences
• Public demonstration, picketing, assembly or rally expressing opinions and views

Types of activities not covered by the First Amendment:

• Church picnic or social gatherings
• Political fundraiser or other invitation-only political activity or event
• Solicitation of donations without a permit
• Community parades or events

First Amendment permits are issued at no cost to the permittee. Many of the activities not covered by the First Amendment can be accommodated through a Special Use Permits for which cost recovery will be charged.Specific areas are designated throughout the park. More information is available here and by contacting us.

Filming & Photography

Filming Information

Prohibited Activities

Activities that alter the landscape, involve digging or ground disturbance or unduly interfere with normal visitation patterns. Establishing temporary or permanent memorials or any sign or structure.

Weddings are not permitted.

National Park Service property is a no drone zone.

More Information

Click on the desired link for further information and printable permit application forms.

Permit Application Long
Film and Still Photography
Demonstrations and Distribution

Completed applications should be submitted at least 60 days prior to the permit start date. Applicants are encouraged to safeguard their personally identifiable information (PII) when applying.

Address:
Special Use Permitting, Colonial NHP
Protection Division
Colonial National Historical Park
P.O. Box 210
Yorktown, VA 23690

COLO_Permits@nps.gov