Permits

No permits or reservations are required to access the park, camp in campgrounds, or stay in the backcountry.

Reservations are required for Public Use Cabins.

A Land Use Permit may be required to access Port Graham Corporation-owned land along the Kenai Fjords coastline.

Special events, research, commercial activities, and certain filming & photography do require specific permits:

Special Use Permits

Many activities in the Park require a permit such as:

• Weddings
• Public Assemblies and Meetings
• Other Special Events (festivals, sporting events, etc.)

A complete list of these activities can be found in the Superintendent's compendium. The process for filming and photography requires a different form.
Note: All areas of the park are open to scattering of ashes without a permit.

To Apply:

Please complete an:
Application for Special Use Permit (NPS Form 10-930) - PDF

Submit it to the Office of Special Park Uses at least two weeks in advance of the activity, more if the activity entails significant impacts to park operations. Please remember to enclose a cashier's check, or money order for $100.00 or contact us for credit card payment, to cover non-refundable application costs. Send the completed application along with the application fee in the form of a credit card, cashier's check, money order or personal check made payable to National Park Service to:

Office of Special Park Uses
Kenai Fjords National Park
P.O. Box 1727
Seward, AK 99664

For more information: contact the Special Use Permits Coordinator by email or (907) 422-0500.

Filming & Photography

Do I need a permit for filming, photography, and/or audio recording?

• 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.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity may require a permit, please contact our Special Use Permit Coordinator by e-mail or phone: (907) 422-0500

Doing Research in the Park

A Scientific Research and Collecting Permit is required to conduct research or collect specimens on all National Park Service lands. Researchers are encouraged to contact the research coordinator early in the planning process to discuss proposed work and streamline the permitting process.

Research Permits provides more information and a downloadable application:

Doing Business in the Park

Are you interested in Commercial Use Authorizations (business permits) for activities such as commercial guiding?

Kenai Fjords National Park allows commercial activities on park lands by issuing Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) for outfitters and guides. A CUA is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park area. Commercial operators interested in obtaining a CUA should learn about the application process and requirements. The application period for a CUA is November 1 through April 30 each year.

Learn More