Program Reservations
Would you like to attend a Ranger program or tour but your schedule just won't allow it? Maybe you're entertaining company from out of town.
Palo Alto Battlefield does its best to accommodate special program and tour requests. Tour and program requests must be for groups of eight or more and must be made at least two weeks in advance. Requests are dependent upon available staffing. Call (956) 541-2785 ext. 333 or email us for more information.
Are you planning a community event or program and think Palo Alto Battlefield would be a perfect fit? Please email us.
Special Park Use Permits
Special Park Use Permits are required for activities that provide a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large. Special events also require some degree of management from the National Park Service staff in order to protect park resources and the public interest. Examples of special events that may require a permit include the scattering of ashes, sporting events, festivals, concerts, weddings, and other large gatherings such as cultural demonstrations, group picnics, or family reunions.
Filming, Still Photography, & 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.
For more information about park-specific regulations and policies, visit the Superintendent's Compendium page.
Forms
For more information about Special Use Permit forms, contact us at (956) 541-2785 ext. 225 or email us.
