Event/Commercial Permits

For more information about special use permits on the Bighorn National Forest, please contact:

Kate Miller, Bighorn National Forest Realty Specialist
kate.miller@usda.gov
307-548-5318

For more details about contract and commercial permits, visit the Forest Service's national site, here.

Recreation Event Permits

Special use authorizations (permits) are required for conducting organized events of a temporary nature when a fee is involved. This includes events such as competitive races, contests, fund raisers, eco-challenges, dog trials, horseback rides/races, adventure games, and more.

Noncommercial Group Use Permits

Special use authorizations (permits) are required for activities on NFS land that involves individuals or organizations with 75 or more participants and spectators where there is no fee involved. This includes weddings, family reunions, church retreats, group campouts, organization rallies, and more.

Commercial Filming and Photography

Use of the Bighorn National Forest for commercial filming and still photography requires a special use authorization, or permit.

Shell Falls Interpretive Site Bus Tour Permits

Shell Falls Interpretive site is closed for the 2025 season for construction preperation. There are no restroom facilities.

How the Bighorn National Forest Determines The Need For Outfitter and Guide Services

In 2007, the Bighorn National Forest completed a forest-wide study of the need and public demand for outfitter-guide activities, and analyzed the forest’s capacity to absorb additional visitors and manage additional administrative work. The forest needs assessment and capacity analysis documents are available online.

It is important to keep in mind that market generated (solicited business) by a potential outfitter-guide does not by itself constitute a public need for the service.