Permits & Reservations

Recreational Activities

You do not need to pay entrance fees, make reservations, or obtain permits from the National Park Service for any recreational activities in the park including backpacking, camping, river running, bear viewing, or visiting Dick Proenneke's cabin. However, reservations are required for staying at the two Public Use Cabins and can be obtained at Recreation.gov

Anglers and hunters must possess a valid Alaska state hunting and/or fishing license and must comply with State of Alaska sport fishing regulations and sport hunting and trapping regulations.

Backcountry Trips

Parties venturing into the backcountry can give the park their trip itinerary and other important safety information, which can assist rangers with search and rescue operations in the event an overdue party is reported. Please note: The National Park Service does not track your progress through the park. We recommend you leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or relative who can call the park if you do not return from your trip on time.

The voluntary backcountry registration form can be filed at the visitor center in Port Alsworth in-person or backcountry itineraries can be faxed to us at (907) 781-2119.

Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording Permits

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 areas.

Key elements of the new law include:

• 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 National Park Service.
• 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.

Research and Collection Permits

Lake Clark is interested in working with researchers from a wide variety of organizations. Please contact the Chief of Natural Resources to discuss your project and obtain a permit.Phone: (907) 781-2136

Doing Business in the Park

Appropriate permits are required in order for business and non-profit organizations to provide guide and other services within the boundaries of the park or preserve. This includes air taxi, bear viewing, sport fishing, big game transport, and more. Application forms, instructions, CUA fees, and stipulations by which CUA holders must operate can all be found on the Commercial Use Authorizations website for the Alaska Region. Please contact Lake Clark's Concessions Management Specialist with questions regarding the permit process.Phone: (907) 226-4622