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Point Reyes National Seashore requires visitors to obtain permits before participating in certain activities, such as backcountry camping, building beach fires, weddings or ceremonies, and special events. Left unregulated, these activities could cause harmful impacts to the park's natural and/or cultural resources or to the enjoyment of the park by other visitors.
No permits or reservations are required for day visits to Point Reyes National Seashore, such as going for a day hike, wildlife viewing, relaxing at a beach, or visiting the lighthouse. If you have general questions about visiting Point Reyes National Seashore, consult our Frequently Asked Questions page or feel free to Contact Us.
The NPS is evaluating the provisions of the recently enacted EXPLORE Act and will manage filming and photography in park areas consistent with the new law. Individuals and groups engaging in filming and photography remain subject to all other laws and regulations that protect resources and visitors in park areas. The NPS will be updating its filming and still photography website with the most current information about implementation of the EXPLORE Act.
Updated information will be coming soon. For more details, please contact the Special Park Uses office via email.
Activities that Require a Permit
Following is a list of several, but not all, activities that require a permit, and appropriate contact information.
- Research specimens collection: Visit the Pacific Coast Science and Learning Center's Research page for instructions.
- Camping: Reservations may be made online at Recreation.gov. Reservations may also be made by phone by calling toll free 877-444-6777 (TDD: 877-833-6777). Contact the Bear Valley Backcountry Camping desk at 415-464-5100 x2 x5 or by email if you have specific questions about the campgrounds or trails at Point Reyes National Seashore.
- Beach fires: Visit our Beach Fires page for permits, rules, and restrictions.
- The following activities require permits through the Special Park Uses office. Thirty (30) days is the minimum amount of time required for processing Special Use Permit applications, and additional time may be needed for more complex events. Contact the Special Park Uses office by email for more information.
- Special Events including, but not limited, to weddings, sporting events, picnics in the reservable Bear Valley Group Picnic Area, and picnics with more than 25 persons.
- Scattering of ashes.
- First Amendment activities.
- Commercial Use Authorizations.
2025 Blackout Dates
Special Use Permits will not be issued for events, including weddings and picnics of over 25 people, on the following dates in 2025:
Wednesday, January 1 – New Year's Day
Saturday, January 18
Sunday, January 19
Monday, January 20 – Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. / Inauguration Day
Saturday, February 15
Sunday, February 16
Monday, February 17 – Washington’s Birthday
Saturday, May 24
Sunday, May 25
Monday, May 26 — Memorial Day
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Friday, July 4 — Independence Day
Saturday, July 5
Sunday, July 6
Saturday, August 30
Sunday, August 31
Monday, September 1 — Labor Day
Saturday, October 11
Sunday, October 12
Monday, October 13 — Columbus Day
Saturday, November 8
Sunday, November 19
Monday, November 10
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
Thursday, November 27 — Thanksgiving Day
Friday, November 28
Saturday, November 29
Sunday, November 30
Thursday, December 25 — Christmas Day
Friday, Deceber 26
Saturday, December 27
Sunday, December 28
Thursday, January 1, 2026 — New Year’s Day
What is Required to Obtain a Special Use Permit
Standard Event Permit Conditions (144 KB PDF)
Prior to issuance of a Special Use Permit, we generally require the following:
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees: " Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
These rights are fundamental and protected in national parks. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with these rights may be reasonably regulated by National Park Service (NPS) via Special Use Permit to:
- Protect park resources and values;
- Ensure public safety.
The National Park Service (NPS) regulates the time, place, and manner of First Amendment activities under 36 CFR § 2.51, 36 CFR § 2.52. Regulations focus solely on the conduct of these activities, never on the content of the message.
What are First Amendment Activities?
Under 36 CFR § 2.51, First Amendment activities include demonstrations such as:
- Public assemblies and meetings.
- Demonstrations, including peaceful picketing, speechmaking, and marches.
- Religious activities, including prayer services and vigils.
- Any similar conduct involving the expression of views or grievances that is reasonably likely to attract a crowd or onlookers.
Under 36 CFR § 2.52, First Amendment activities also include the sale or free distribution of printed matter and message-bearing items, such as:
- Printed matter: textual materials such as books, pamphlets, magazines, and leaflets advocating political, religious, scientific, or moral beliefs.
- Other Message-Bearing Items: CDs, DVDs, flash drives, buttons, pins, bumper stickers, and clothing or accessories like hats and keychains.
Note: Printed matter & message-bearing items must not be solely for commercial advertising purposes.
Do You Need a Permit?
Small Groups of 25 or fewer: Small groups conducting demonstrations in designated First Amendment areas do not need a permit. Small groups selling or distributing printed matter or message-bearing items in designated First Amendment areas do not need a permit.
However, a permit is required if the group:
- Plans to use equipment such as tables, banners, or platforms (even within a designated First Amendment area.)
- Functions as an extension of another group already using the small-group exemption.
- Wants to reserve priority use of a designated First Amendment area.
Larger Groups of more than 25: All groups exceeding 25 people must obtain a Special Use Permit, even within designated First Amendment areas.
Note: We encourage anyone planning a First Amendment activity to contact the park in advance to discuss their plans and ensure compliance with regulations. When in doubt, fill an application out.
Where Can First Amendment Activities Be Held?
Point Reyes National Seashore provides three designated First Amendment areas to balance the exercise of constitutional rights with park preservation:
1. Areas adjacent to the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
2. Areas adjacent to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center.
3. The area near the restrooms at the Limantour main parking area.
These areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Maps of these designated areas can be viewed here.
What do I need to do to obtain a Special Use Permit?
- To apply for a Special Use Permit (First Amendment Activity), download NPS Form 10-934 and email the Special Park Uses team to begin processing your application. .
- There are no fees or costs, and no insurance required for First Amendment applications. However, Parks may collect after the event if documented damage occurs.
- The National Park Service has up to 10 calendar days to respond to a complete application; allow sufficient time for the park to process your request.
Permit Duration
- Permits are valid for a maximum of 14 consecutive days.
- Extensions of up to 14 additional days may be granted; however, each extension requires a new application.
Resources
Relevant regulations include:
- 36 CFR §2.51: Public assemblies and meetings.
- 36 CFR §2.52: Sale of printed matter.
- 36 CFR §5.1: Advertisements
- 36 CFR §5.3: Business Operations
- Management Policies 2006, Section 8.6.3: NPS obligations regarding First Amendment activities.
- A completed and signed application. Thirty (30) days is the minimum amount of time required for processing permit applications, and additional time may be needed for more complex events.
Special Use Permit Application Form (NPS Form 10-930) (1,316 KB PDF)
- Payment of an initial Application/Administrative Fee through pay.gov. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Please contact the Special Park Uses Office at 209-347-6717 for alternate payment methods.
- A Certificate of Insurance, in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00, naming the "United States" (Department of the Interior, National Park Service) as additional insured.
- A completed and signed application. Thirty (30) days is the minimum amount of time required for processing permit applications, and additional time may be needed for more complex events.
Special Use Permit Application Form (NPS Form 10-930) (1,316 KB PDF)
- Payment of an initial Application/Administrative Fee in the amount of $50.00 through pay.gov. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Please contact the Special Park Uses Office at 209-347-6717 for alternate payment methods.
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Drone Use is Prohibited
In part, under 36 CFR 1.5, launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within boundaries of Point Reyes National Seashore is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
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