Permit InformationWithin public lands, certain types of activities may require a special permit. These activities can include many types of organized gatherings, distribution of printed materials (and other first amendment activities, or public expressions of opinion), commercial vehicle and watercraft activities, and other types of activities that are controlled, or possibly prohibited without proper permits. We encourage the public to take advantage of these opportunities, but in a safe manner. Common activities requiring a permit:
Permit Application Forms
Commercial Filming InformationPlease contact us at (570) 426 - 2440 or Deb_Zirwas@nps.gov for current guidance.A permit may be required to:
Some activities that may require permits:
The National Park Service manages and protects more than 44 million acres of Congressionally designated wilderness areas under the Wilderness Act of 1964. These areas have additional laws and policies to preserve their wilderness character for future generations.
Filming activities in wilderness areas must follow all applicable laws and regulations that govern wilderness areas in the park, including prohibitions on structures, installations, motor vehicles, mechanical transport, motorized equipment, motorboats, or landing aircraft. Special use Permits for filming are required for all filming activities in wilderness areas, except casual filming by visitors, no matter the group size or equipment used. Federal law requires the National Park Service to recover its administrative costs for commercial filming and still photography 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 commercial filming and for still photography requires a permit. The National Park Service uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography: Commercial Filming
Still Photography
Permits issued for non-commercial filming may be subject to cost recovery charges, including an application fee, but a separate location fee will not be charged. Still Photography InformationStill photographers require a permit only when:
How do I apply for a permit?Permit applications are available through each park's administrative office or website. Contact information for parks can be found on their websites; visit the Find a Park site to locate the park where you would like to photograph. Recommended Tips:
What fees will I have to pay?The National Park Service will collect a cost recovery charge and a location fee for still photography permits. 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 your permit. This amount will vary depending on the park and the size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.
Are there other permit requirements?You may be required 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 may also be asked to post a bond to ensure the payment of all charges and fees and the restoration of the area if necessary. What about photography workshops?If you are planning a photography workshop, you may need a commercial use authorization. See the commercial use authorization page for more information. More InformationFor more information about special use permits please call (570) 426-2440 or email the park's special use coordinator. Commercial Vehicle Permits Legislation allowing limited use of US Route 209 through Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area by some commercial vehicles was signed into law by President Biden as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, on December 29, 2022. The legislation allows the utilization of US 209 between US 206 in Milford and Bushkill Falls Road in Bushkill for permitted commercial vehicles with four or fewer axles.
Permits are valid until September 30, 2024. Permits are valid for one fiscal year, beginning October 1st and ending September 30th. All revenue received from permits is used for the administration and enforcement of the program. All commercial vehicles may travel on U.S. Route 209 between the following points without a permit:
Commercial vehicles that are eligible for a permit must be:
The adjacent municipalities are defined by law as: Delaware Township, Dingman Township, Lehman Township, Matamoras Borough, Middle Smithfield Township, Milford Borough, Milford Township, Smithfield Township, and Westfall Township in Pennsylvania. Commercial Vehicle Permit Application Research PermitsThe National Park Service welcomes proposals for scientific studies on park lands. Proposals may, but are not required to, address resource management needs or other priorities of parks. Permits ensure park managers are aware of research activities, foster good relationships between park staff and outside researchers and scholars, enable researchers and scholars to benefit from knowledge and services provided by park staff, and help NPS learn the outcomes of research Permits are issued by individual parks.
The Research Permit and Reporting System (RPRS) is the online system to apply for, manage, and report on research permits for most disciplines. RPRS also includes information on park-specific research priorities, contacts, and past studies by other researchers. Not all disciplines use the RPRS system.
Reservation InformationReservations can be made for certain sites around the park that include campsites and group picnic areas. River and group camping reservations must be made on Recreation.gov. PennsylvaniaMilford Beach Group Picnic Area
Dingmans Campground
Valley View Group Campground
Alosa River Campsites
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Last updated: January 26, 2024