Special Use Permits
Special use permits authorize activities that benefit an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large; and that require written authorization and management control in order to protect the park resources and public interest. The following information applies to Fort Clatsop, Fort Clatsop Visitor Center and surrounding area and trails including the Fort to Sea Trail east of Highway 101, Middle Village/Station Camp, Dismal Nitch, Salt Works and Netul Landing.
For special use permits and filming permits for Fort Steven State Park, Ecola State Park and Fort to Sea Trail west of Highway 101 contact Oregon State Parks and Recreation.
For special use permits and filming permits for Cape Disappointment State Park and Fort Columbia State Park contact Washington State Parks and Recreation.
Activities and Events
Public spectator attractions, entertainment, and encampments may be permitted by the park when, in the determination of park staff:
- there is a meaningful association between the park area and the event; and
- the event will contribute to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area.
The National Park Service will not permit the public staging of special events that are:
Parking at Middle Village/Station Camp for Weddings at St. Mary's Church
A Special Event Permit is required to park at Middle Village/Station Camp when conducting a wedding at St. Mary's Church in McGowan, Washington.
Filming, Still Photography and Audio Recordings
The National Park Service conserves and protects areas of untold beauty, grandeur and historical importance for current and future generations. The tradition of capturing images of these special places started with explorers who traveled with paint and canvas or primitive cameras. Sharing these images helped inspire the creation of national parks. Today, visitors to national parks continue to memorialize their visits through filming and photography.
- 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.
When a Permit is Required:
If the above doesn't apply, such as filming in the fort with no other visitors, then you will need a permit.
How do I apply for a permit?
Email or call (503) 861-4421 to be sent a Special Use Permit application. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner.
What fees will I have to pay for a permit?
Federal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for filming, still photography and audio recording activities that require a permit. Cost recovery includes an application fee and any additional charges to cover the costs incurred by the National Park Service in processing your request and monitoring the permitted activities. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of the permitted activities. The application fee must be submitted with your application.
In addition, Federal law also requires the National Park Service to collect a location fee that provides a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands for filming, still photography and audio recording requires a permit. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography:
Filming
1–2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day
1–10 people - $150/day
11–30 people - $250/day
31–49 people - $500/day
Over 50 people - $750/day
Still Photography
1–10 people - $50/day
11–30 people - $150/day
Over 30 people - $250/day
What terms and conditions will the permit have?
Filming and photography permits will contain terms and conditions that are necessary to protect park resources and visitors. They will specify the location and time of the activity and the number of personnel and equipment that may be used. The permits also may require you to obtain liability insurance naming the United States as additionally insured in an amount commensurate with the risk posed to park resources by your proposed activity. You also may be required to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary.
Filming Within Fort Clatsop
Due to the limited size and capacity of Fort Clatsop, we encourage filmers to notify the park ahead of time. The rooms in the fort are 16 ft (4.9m) by 10 ft (3m) with limited light and electricity. It may be beneficial to schedule filming either before or after the hours that the site is open to the public.
Permit Applications
You must allow two weeks (excluding weekends and holidays) for the park to process your request.
A non-refundable application fee is required. Please send a personal check, cashier's check or money order payable to National Park Service or pay on site with a credit card. Additional administrative costs, cost recovery or facilities use cost may also be charged.
Permit Application for Activities/Events
Permit Application for Photography/Filming
Additional Information
For more information or questions on park facilities please contact: Special Permits at (503) 861-4421 or email
