Filming Permits

As of March 2025, permits and fees are no longer required for all filming, still photography or audio recording on public lands. 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.

In order to avoid permit and fee requirements at Great Basin National Park, filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

• Involves eight or fewer individuals.
• 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.
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.

If your proposed film or photographic activity will require more than eight people, or otherwise requires conditions outside of the above guidelines (entrance into non-public spaces such as Lehman Caves, the temporary closure of public facilities, etc.), a permit is required.

If a permit has already been granted for another use, an additional filming/photo/recording permit is not required. 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.

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.

When a Permit is Required

Permits are required for filming, still photography, and audio recording when the activity does not meet all of the above conditions.

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.

Great Basin National Park will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for all filming permits. Cost recovery includes a non-refundable application fee of $75 and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring your permit. This ultimate amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

Amateur and commercial photography inside Lehman Caves requires a Special Use Permit and the arrangement of an After-Hours Cave Photography tour.

Obtaining a Permit

Allow a minimum of 30 days for processing after the application is received. A $75 nonrefundable administrative fee will be billed to the applicant via email upon reciept of the completed application. A Location Fee and additional fees to cover monitoring while on site will apply. Completed applications may be mailed or emailed.

To Obtain a Permit Application:

Click here

Mail applications to:

Special Uses Coordinator
Great Basin National Park
100 Great Basin National Park
Baker, NV 89311

For the current fee schedule, or for more information, contact the park's Special Uses Coordinator by email or by phone at (775) 234-7511.