Special Use Permits

 

What is a Special Use Permit?

A special park use is a short-term activity that takes place in a park area and:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large;

• Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the NPS in order to protect park resources and the public interest;

• Is not prohibited by law or regulation; and

• Is neither initiated, sponsored, nor conducted by the NPS.

Example of activities requiring a Special Use Permit within Padre Island National Seashore include weddings, memorial services, special assemblies, First Amendment Activities, and athletic events.

 

Activities that require a Special Use Permit

Weddings

The seashore’s natural and scenic backdrops can serve as a beautiful location for your simple and quiet wedding ceremony, but specific guidelines regarding noise levels, decorations, number of attendees, and event times must be followed. Contact us for more information on wedding conditions and guidelines.  

Scattering Cremated Remains

Park regulations allow for the scattering of cremated human remains within the national seashore. You must adhere to the specific rules and conditions outlined within your issued permit. Contact us for more information on scattering of cremated in the national seashore. 

First Amendment Activities

Freedom of speech, press, religion, and assembly are constitutional rights. However, the courts have recognized that activities associated with the exercise of these rights may be reasonably regulated to protect park resources. First amendment activities such as the distribution and/or sale of printed matter, religious services, public demonstrations or assemblies are permitted to take place in designated locations near the Malaquite Visitor Center, North Beach, and South Beach. There are no permit fees associated with First Amendment Permits. Permits are not required for gatherings of less than 25 individuals. Contact us for more information on designated first amendment areas and permits. 

Other Special Uses

Some activities that fall outside normal visitation at Padre Island National Seashore also require obtaining a Special Use Permit. Examples would be an organized public gathering, operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering and other activities. Please use the Long Form application found in the How to Apply section of this page to apply for these activities. Contact us for more information. 

 

Activities that, in most cases, do not require a Special Use Permit

Filming, Still Photography, and 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. 

Contact us for more information on filming, still photography, and audio recording. 

 

No Drone Zone

Launching, landing or operating uncrewed or remote-controlled aircraft at Padre Island National Seashore is prohibited.

Uncrewed Aircraft defined: The term "uncrewed aircraft" means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device, and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors, communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quadcopters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce. Read more about uncrewed aircraft in the national parks.

How to Apply

ATTENTION: Padre Island National Seashore is on [North] Padre Island and is not associated with South Padre Island. For inquiries about South Padre Island, please contact the South Padre Island Visitor Bureau. Do not use this form to apply for a permit on South Padre Island.

Download and complete the special use permit application form. Send your completed application, any associated documentation, and the $125 non-refundable application fee via check or money order to the seashore’s Special Use Permit Coordinator.

Special Use Permit Application (Long Form) [PDF 1.18 MB]

All applications must be postmarked 10 business days or greater prior to the start date of the proposed activity to be conducted in the seashore. The non-refundable application fee may be paid by check or money order payable to "National Park Service."

Applications are handled in the order they are received. Priority will not be given to urgent requests, nor will the park reply by express mail. Requests which involve multiple locations, complex logistics, environmental compliance, or coordination with multiple NPS divisions or visitor activities will require a minimum of 10 business days to process.

Requests for permits are evaluated based on the information in the application. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to attach maps, description of activity, check in points, what support will be provided, etc. to assist the park staff in evaluating your request.

 

Contact Us

Contact us for questions or more information about Special Use Permits in the seashore or send completed applications to the addresses below.

Email
[e-mail]

Phone
[phone]

Mail
Special Use Permit Coordinator
Padre Island National Seashore
P.O. Box 181300
Corpus Christi, TX 78480

 

Commercial Use Authorization

Padre Island National Seashore's Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) program authorizes the provision of suitable commercial services such as fishing guides, windsurfing and paddle sport livery services, guided tours and workshops to park area visitors. Information on how to apply for a CUA permit for your commercial services can be found on our Commercial Use Authorization page.