Permits & Reservations

 

Point Reyes National Seashore requires visitors to obtain permits before participating in certain activities, such as backcountry camping, building beach fires, weddings or ceremonies, special events, and commercial filming and photography. 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.

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 filming.
  • Commercial photography.
  • Commercial Use Authorizations.

2024 Blackout Dates

Special Use Permits will not be issued for events, including weddings and picnics of over 25 people, on the following dates in 2024:

 

January to April

Monday, January 1
Saturday, January 13
Sunday, January 14
Monday, January 15

Saturday, February 17
Sunday, February 18
Monday, February 19

May to September

Saturday, May 25
Sunday, May 26
Monday, May 27

Sunday, June 2

Wednesday, June 19

Thursday, July 4
Friday, July 5
Saturday, July 6
Sunday, July 7

Saturday, August 31
Sunday, September 1
Monday, September 2

October to December

Saturday, October 12
Sunday, October 13
Monday, October 14

Saturday, November 9
Sunday, November 10
Monday, November 11

Thursday, November 28
Friday, November 29
Saturday, November 30
Sunday, December 1

Wednesday, December 25
Saturday, December 28
Sunday, December 29

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

 

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:

 

Weddings and Picnics (including picnics at the Bear Valley Group Picnic Area)

1. 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) (836 KB MS Word .docx)
2. Payment of an initial Application/Administrative Fee in the amount of $50.00 through pay.gov. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Scattering of Ashes

1. 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) (836 KB MS Word .docx)
2. Payment of an initial Application/Administrative Fee in the amount of $50.00 through pay.gov. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

The scattering of ashes within Point Reyes National Seashore and administered areas of Golden Gate National Recreation Area shall not occur from buildings, structures, bridges, piers, docks, in lakes, streams or estuaries, or within 500 yards seaward of the ocean shoreline.

Additional areas within Point Reyes National Seashore where the scattering of ashes is prohibited include:

• Any location within the fenced area surrounding Kule Loklo or immediately adjacent to this site.
• Areas within 100 yards of the shoreline along Tomales Bay, Estero de Limantour, Drakes Estero, and Abbotts Lagoon.
• Any area within 100 yards of any trail, road, developed facility, or body of freshwater.

Additional restrictions:

• Scattered ashes shall not be distinguishable to the general public, and shall not be left in any type of container.
• Containers shall be removed from the area.
• Memorialization such as monuments, crosses, markers, etc. are not authorized.
• All park uses, operations and programs will be continued without regard to the presence of the scattered ashes.
• The NPS will not keep records regarding the scattering of ashes such as identity, locations, or dates on which the scattering occurred. Persons who would like to visit a site at a later date must make and retain their own records.
• All scattering of ashes activities must comply with state laws and regulations.

Special Events

1. 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) (836 KB MS Word .docx)
2. Payment of an initial Application/Administrative Fee through pay.gov. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
3. 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.

Commercial Filming

1. 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. Commercial Filming / Still Photography Application Form (NPS Form 10-932) (850 KB MS Word .docx)
2. Payment of an initial Application/Administrative Fee through pay.gov. This payment is non-refundable and non-transferable.
3. Payment of an appropriate location fee through pay.gov.
4. 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.

Commercial Photography

1. 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.
   Still Photography Application Form (NPS Form 10-932) (850 KB MS Word .docx)
2. Payment of an initial Application/Administrative Fee through pay.gov. This payment is non-refundable and non-transferable.
3. Payment of an appropriate location fee through pay.gov.
4. 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.

 

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Commercial Filming

Effective October 28, 2022, the National Park Service rescinded interim guidance that was in place during litigation regarding commercial filming and has returned to longstanding laws and regulations governing commercial filming in parks. Under federal law, all commercial filming that occurs within a unit of the National Park System requires a permit. 

 

Does commercial filming by individuals or small groups require a permit?

Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. This includes individuals or small groups that don't use much equipment, but generate revenue by posting footage on websites, such as YouTube and TikTok. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews that exceed 5 people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources.

All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors.

Does non-commercial filming require a permit?

A permit may be required for non-commercial filming if necessary to manage the activity, to protect park resources and values, minimize conflict between user groups, or to ensure public safety. Examples of non-commercial filming include, but are not limited to, filming for tourism bureaus, convention and visitor bureaus, student filming, and filming for personal use and enjoyment. If you have questions about whether a non-commercial film project requires a permit, please contact the Special Park Uses office in advance.

In most cases, a permit is not necessary for visitors filming for personal enjoyment.

Videographers, filmers, producers, directors, news and other staff associated with filming are reminded that rules and regulations that apply to all park visitors, including park hours and closed areas, still apply to filming activities even if a permit is not required. Check with the park staff for more information on closures, sensitive resources, and other safety tips.

If I'm a social media influencer, do I need a permit?

Federal law requires a permit for all commercial filming, no matter the size of the crew or the type of equipment. This includes individuals or small groups that don't use much equipment, but generate revenue by posting footage on websites, such as YouTube and TikTok. The primary focus of the NPS, however, is on commercial filming that has the potential to impact park resources and visitors beyond what occurs from normal visitor use of park areas. Examples of this type of filming are productions that use substantial equipment such as sets and lighting, productions with crews that exceed five (5) people, and filming in closed areas, wilderness areas, or in locations that would create conflicts with other visitors or harm sensitive resources.

All filmers, no matter the size, must comply with all rules that apply in park areas, just like other visitors.

Filming in Wilderness Areas

The National Park Service manages and protects more than 67 million acres of park lands and waters as Wilderness areas, including the Phillip Burton Wilderness within Point Reyes National Seashore. 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 of aircrafts.

Except for casual filming by visitors, special use permits for filming are required for all filming activities in Wilderness areas, no matter the group size or equipment used.

How much does a filming permit cost?

Federal law requires the NPS 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 NPS in processing your request and monitoring the permitted activities. This amount will vary depending on the size and complexity of the permitted activities. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

In addition, Federal law also requires the NPS 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 NPS uses the following fee schedules for filming and photography:

Commercial Filming

• 1–2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day
• 1–10 people - $150/day
• 11–30 people - $250/day
• 31–49 people - $500/day
• Over 50 people - $750/day

 

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.

 

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Still Photography

Some photographers may need to obtain a permit to take still photographs within Point Reyes National Seashore. Click on a question below to learn more.

 

When is a permit needed?

Still photographers require a permit only when:

• the activity takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed; or
• the activity uses model(s), sets(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities; or
• a park would incur additional administrative costs to monitor the activity.

How do I apply for a permit?

Permit applications are available below. You should submit a completed application along with the application fee as far in advance of your planned date as possible. In addition, you should request a meeting with park staff by email if your proposed activity is unusual or complex. Early consultation with park staff will help them process the submitted application in a timely manner.

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 size and complexity of your permit. The application fee must be submitted with your application.

In addition, the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. The National Park Service uses the following still photography fee schedule:

• 1–10 people - $50/day
• 11–30 people - $150/day
• Over 30 people - $250/day

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 our Commercial Use Authorizations page for more information.

 

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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.

 

Applications

Please contact the Special Parks Uses office for more information by email.

Standard Event Permit Conditions (144 KB PDF)

Special Use Permit Application Form (NPS Form 10-930) (836 KB MS Word .docx)

Commercial Filming / Still Photography Application Form (NPS Form 10-932) (850 KB MS Word .docx)

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