The National Park Service (NPS) has updated its list of parks requiring commercial use authorizations (CUAs) for road-based commercial tours in 2027, adding 14 locations to the list and removing seven. The changes will affect tour operators and motorcoach businesses planning itineraries that include national park sites next year.
The agency streamlined its permitting process last year and clarified which businesses are responsible for obtaining authorizations. Under the updated guidance, tour operators must secure the required permits for their commercial activities. Bus operators are required to obtain permits only when they also act as tour operators, rather than solely providing transportation services, according to Bus&Motorcoach News.
The 14 locations adding the CUA requirement for 2027 are Glacier National Park, Shenandoah National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado National Monument, Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Hot Springs National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Minute Man National Historical Park, Saguaro National Park, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, San Juan Islands National Historical Park, Steamtown National Historic Site, and Virgin Islands National Park.
Seven locations will drop the requirement for road-based commercial tour CUAs in 2027: Devils Postpile National Monument, Dinosaur National Monument, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, National Park of American Samoa, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, and Vicksburg National Military Park.
The agency has not yet published complete permitting details or opened applications for every location. The NPS updates its road-based commercial tour CUA website as individual parks finalize their requirements and begin accepting applications. Operators should therefore check the website regularly for park-specific instructions, application timelines, and other conditions affecting their planned visits.
For businesses that organize guided tours through national parks, the changes introduce a planning consideration for 2027 itineraries. Companies that have previously operated in locations without this authorization requirement will need to determine whether their activities fall within the newly applicable rules and prepare to meet any permitting conditions. Conversely, operators visiting locations removed from the list should verify whether other commercial activity restrictions or authorization requirements still apply.
Motorcoach companies also need to understand how responsibility is divided between transportation providers and tour organizers. The NPS guidance distinguishes between businesses that provide transportation and those that conduct commercial tours. A motorcoach company that simply transports a tour group may be treated differently from one that organizes or operates the tour itself. Businesses should confirm their role in each arrangement rather than assume that a booking partner’s authorization automatically covers every service involved.
In addition to confirming permit status, operators should review individual park requirements concerning vehicle access, parking, and road restrictions. These conditions can affect vehicle selection, passenger drop-off arrangements, tour duration, and the feasibility of particular routes.
For outdoor hospitality businesses, including private campgrounds, RV resorts, and glamping properties that work with tour companies, the changes may also be relevant when coordinating group visits or developing packages that include national park excursions. Checking permit requirements early can help businesses coordinate with tour partners, set realistic schedules, and reduce the risk of disruptions during the 2027 travel season.
The full 2027 list and updates on application availability are available through the National Park Service’s official CUA website.
