A special use permit is required for activities and gatherings that are outside of normal park operations
NPS
Prince William Forest Park is a wonderful location for group gatherings, races, and photography and filming. When groups gather together for activities and events, however, the resulting overall impact - whether intentionally or unitentionally - may negatively afect vital park resources and intrude on the experiences of other park users. Special Use Permits exist to ensure that group activities and events, or rare individual activities that may be controlled by law and regulation, are planned and monitored so as to deconflict between user groups and ensure that the park's natural and cultural resources are well-protected.
Please note that park entrance fees and camping fees are separate from permit application fees and costs.
Activities That Require a Permit
The following are popular activities that may require a permit. This is not a complete list. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about an event or activity that you wish to host at Prince William Forest Park.
Public gatherings of a substantial size or complex logistical scope. The larger and/or more complex the gathering, and the larger its footprint on park facilities, the more likely it is to require a permit. This would include such gatherings as weddings, reunions, meetings, parties, and military ceremonies.
Any gathering, regardless of size, intending to serve alcohol or catered food in a 'public place' (i.e. anywhere in the park other than your own campsite), or sponsor vendors of any kind
Organized athletic events such as races, marathons, and walkathons
Any activity requiring a variance from standard park regulations
Some filming and still photography (see more information below)
Are Permits Required for Filming & Still 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.
How To Obtain a Permit
Individuals or groups that wish to obtain a Special Use Permit or would like additional information, please contact the park's Permits Officer, Chief Ranger Brendan Bonner, at e-mail us or (703) 221-5845.
The application fee for a Special Use Permit is $120. Additional fees may be applied depending on the nature of the permit and any costs of recovery that may result from the permitted activity.
