Many activities, including gatherings, operating a business within the monument, scientific research, commercial filming and river boating in Dinosaur National Monument require a permit. The purpose of these permits is to ensure the protection of the park's natural and cultural resources, as well as to minimize conflicts between park visitors and your guests.

Review the information below to determine which type of permit you need. Contact the monument at (435) 781-7700 if you have any questions. Fees may be required, where applicable.

Rafting/Boating Permits

River rafting is a great way to experience Dinosaur National Monument. Private boaters with qualifying experience can apply for a permit. Permit applications, also called Lottery Applications, are available by clicking on the link below. The River Rafting Information page has more information about river trips, including trips provided by an authorized company.

Play Permits
Boaters wishing to float the Green River downriver from Split Mountain Campground may do so by obtaining a free permit at the Temporary Visitor Center near Jensen, Utah. Each permit is good for groups as large as 25 people. Boaters may take out at Placer Point, the monument boundary line, or farther downstream. The Green River Campground is not a take-out or put-in location. Much of the land downstream of the monument boundary is private land; boaters are responsible for knowing local rules and regulations for take-out points outside the monument.
Boaters with a valid permit to launch from Gates of Lodore may apply for a play permit for the section of the Green River from the monument’s northern boundary to the Gates of Lodore boat ramp.

To contact the river office by email: email us

Backcountry Camping Permits

There are many opportunities for backcountry camping at Dinosaur National Monument. Free backcountry permits are required for overnight stays outside developed campgrounds and may be obtained by contacting either visitor center. Good planning is essential to a safe and enjoyable trip when hiking off-trail in the backcountry.

Filming/Photography Permits

Commercial filming requires a permit. Commercial filming means filming that involves the digital or film recording of a visual image or sound recording by a person, business, or other entity for a market audience. This includes recordings such as those used for a documentary, television or feature film, advertisement, or similar project.

Still photography, whether commercial or noncommercial, will not require a permit unless: 1) it takes place at a location where/when the public is generally not allowed, or 2) it uses models or props that are not part of the monument’s natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities, or 3) the National Park Service would need to provide management and oversight to prevent unacceptable impacts.

Personal, noncommercial filming and/or photography does not require a permit. A permit may be required if that filming and/or photography occurs outside normal visitation areas and hours.

Contact the monument at (435) 781-7700 if you have any questions.

Review the Filming Preliminary Information Checklist (PDF), and submit the proper application (below).

Filming Permit Application (Short Form) (PDF)

Filming Permit Application (Long Form) (PDF)

Research/Collecting Permits

Collection or removal of any natural or historic items from Dinosaur National Monument is prohibited without a collection permit. This includes artifacts, fossils, antlers, rocks, potshards, seeds, plants, flowers, and all other resources found within the monument boundary. Any collection of park resources requires an approved research/collection permit prior to the items being collected. The only exception to this rule is the collection of certain fruit or berries that will be used for personal consumption while within monument boundaries.

Research/collection permits are most often issued to accredited institutions, such as museums and universities, who are conducting scientific research on park lands or resources. Contact the monument at (435) 781-7700 for more information.

Special Use Permit

Gatherings and commercial activities in National Parks often require a special use permit. The purpose of these permits is to ensure the protection of the park's natural and cultural resources, as well as to minimize conflicts between park visitors and your guests. Permits will be specific in nature to the activity being permitted. Activities requiring a Special Use Permit may include First Amendment gatherings, weddings, or sale or distribution of printed matter.

Special Use Permit Application (PDF)

Contact the monument at (435) 781-7700 to help determine if you need a Special Use or other permit.