Filming and Photography in Parks

UPDATE 3/19/2025

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the National Park Service will manage filming, photography, and audio recording in park area.

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.
For more information, visit the National website on Filming Still Photography, and Audio Recording.

No Drone Zone

Launching, landing or operating unmanned or remote controlled aircraft in Kobuk Valley is prohibited.

Department of the Interior Secretary's Order 3379 mandates a cessation of all non-emergency unmanned aircraft. This order supercedes any existing regulations as of January 29, 2020 and will remain in effect until further notice.

Unmanned Aircraft defined: The term "unmanned aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Read more about unmanned aircraft in the national parks.

Filming in Wilderness Areas

The southern portion of Kobuk Valley National Park is Congressionally-designated as wilderness under the Wilderness Act of 1964. In addition, many lands that are not currently in designated wilderness are eligible for wilderness designation in the future (see map). These areas have additional laws and policies to preserve their wilderness character for future generations. Filming activities in wilderness areas must follow all applicable laws and regulations that govern wilderness areas in the park.

The NPS may require a permit for filming or still photography activity if the activity fails to meet one or more of the requirements that are stated in 54 U.S.C. § 100905.

For proposed filming or still photography activity in wilderness, the NPS must consider whether the activity would involve uses prohibited under Section 4(c) of the Wilderness Act or otherwise have the potential to impact wilderness character.

Examples of activities with the potential to impact wilderness character that may or may not involve a prohibited use include:

• Activities in an area with rare or sensitive plant communities or critical wildlife habitat may adversely impact the natural quality of wilderness character.
• Activities that use artificial lighting or artificial sounds may adversely impact park visitors’ sense of solitude and the presence of natural soundscapes.
• Activities involving a large crew size may create sights and sounds that adversely impact park visitors’ sense of solitude.
• Activities that use or place props or models may interfere with park visitors’ ability access and enjoy popular scenic vistas and recreational destinations.
• Activities in a location or feature that is sacred or culturally sensitive to may adversely impact the other features of value quality of wilderness character and values of great importance to indigenous peoples.

Please contact us for more information regarding filming in a Wilderness area.

Is a permit needed for Still Photography

No, provided the filming, still photography, or audio recording activity involves eight or fewer individuals and meets 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 National Park Service.

Still Photography Workshops & Tours

A commercial use authorization is required for photography workshops and tours.

What fees will I have to pay?

When a permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.

Restrictions

Drone Use: Launching, landing, or operating of drones (i.e., unmanned aircraft) from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.

How to Apply

For futher inquiries or if you believe your activity requires a permit, email the park.

For More Information

Permit Coordinator
National Park Service
PO Box 1029
Kotzebue, AK 99752
907-442-3890
Email us.

Looking for a different kind of use permit? See the options below.

• Research Permits
• Special Use Permits

  1. Other Special Use Permits - a catch-all category including but not limited to activities such as special assemblies, athletic events or races, temporary access requests, first amendment activities, groups with 12 or more participants, etc.