Special Use Permits

Thank you for your interest in having your special event, activity, etc. in Redwood National and State Parks

As a partnership of the National Park Service (NPS) and California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR), we must balance preserving the resources with allowing for a variety of visitor uses. While many types of activities - such as weddings, picnics, endurance rides, marathons, and filming - are allowed in the park, several activities are prohibited.

Applying for a permit in State Parks within Redwood National and State Parks

Please see the Special Event Permit page for information on applying for a permit in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

Things to know before applying for a Special Use Permit on National Park land:

• The minumum time to request a pre-approved Special Use Permit that complies with all the requirements is 14 days. Other permits will require a 30-day lead.
• There are standard conditions for a Special Use Permit. Since each event is unique, the terms in your special permit may vary. All park regulations apply, so be sure to provide as much detail as possible about your event so we can be sure it is covered by your permit.

• There may be fees depending on the type, or complexity of the permit you are requesting. Once you have submitted your permit application you will receive an e-mail with payment instructions. Processing of the permit application will not begin until payment is received.

Activities that need a special use permit:

• Wedding Ceremonies
• Memorialization Ceremony (scattering of cremated remains)
• Equestrian Events
• Filming and Photography
• Scientific Research
• Other Events (e.g. marathons, reunions, tours, etc.)

First Amendment activities:

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are rights protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, and in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulation. People may exercise these rights in national parks, but the National Park Service still retains its responsibility to protect park resources and prevent impacts to park visitors.

Is a First Amendment permit required:

1. For groups of 25 individuals, or less, conducting First Amendment activities in the park’s designated first amendment areas a permit is not required.
2. Groups of 25, or more, or groups desiring to reserve designated areas in advance, require a permit. The fee for first amendment permits is waived.

• There are several different First Amendment areas designated in the park.

Types of activities not considered First Amendment include, but are not limited to:

• Church picnic or social gathering
• Wedding ceremonies or receptions
• Political fund raiser or other invitation-only political activity or event
• Solicitation of donations
• Community parades, athletics, or sporting events
• Sale of message bearing clothing, arts and crafts, or similar merchandise

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA):

These are required to do business in the park. Please directly contact the parks' special use permit coordinator for application information.

There is a non-refundable $200.00 application fee that will be collected when the application is submitted. The Market Price Management Fee will be assessed and collected at the end of the season based on the mandatory CUA Annual Report (OMB 10-660). This fee may be paid via pay.gov.

Redwood National and State Parks, in consultation with the regional CUA manager, will implement the Market Price Management Fee-based system for Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) holders.

Park areas that could be difficult to get a permit for:

While all areas of Redwood National and State Parks can be applied for areas in the park with higher visitation or that would conflict with ranger-led programs are subject to time and size constraints, especially during the peak summer season.
Examples of higher visitation areas in the park:

• Lady Bird Johnson Grove
• Big Tree
• Fern Canyon
• Stout Grove
• Grove of Titans

Restricted activities:

To protect the parks' rescources and to not interfere with other park visitors, there are several activities that will not be permitted. The following is just a partial list.

• Tree climbing
• Use of aerial drones
• Closure of day-use areas, trails, etc.
• Commerial operations without a permit
• Commercial operations without necesssary insurance

More information on Prohibited Activities

Special use permit contact information:

Email: Special Use Permit Coordinator
Phone: 707-465-7307