NPS Issues Prospectus For Hostel At Point Reyes National Seashore

By David and Kay Scott - January 17th, 2023

The main entrance for the Point Reyes Hostel/NPS

The National Park Service recently issued a prospectus soliciting proposals for operation of the hostel at Point Reyes National Seashore in California. The hostel is the only lodging facility within the 71,000-acre national seashore that was established under legislation signed by President John Kennedy in 1962.

The Point Reyes hostel is comprised of three buildings: an 1860s historic structure that includes the office, a manager’s apartment, and a rental room; a bunkhouse with two bunkrooms; and a building with four private rooms. Shared kitchens are in both the historic structure and the building with private rooms. Guests in the bunk room have access to the kitchen in the historic building. Shared living space is in each of the three buildings. The hostel currently provides 56 beds and has an occupancy rate of approximately 50 percent.

The 10-year contract requires that the concessionaire provide lodging and Internet service, while allowing, but not requiring, vending sales, minor retail sales, laundry facilities, interpretive services, hosting of special events, and payphones (remember those?). A minimum franchise fee of 1.4 percent of revenues is required, although bidders can choose to offer a higher percentage in an effort to improve their chance of winning the contract.

The National Park Service estimates the concessionaire will require an initial investment of approximately $170,000, half of which will be for personal property including furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Other initial outlays include working capital and start-up expenses for recruitment and staff training.

NPS estimated revenues for 2024 range from $504,000 and $557,000, nearly all of which flow from lodging. The National Park Service will allow the concessionaire to set market-based rates. A fee will be permitted for wifi access, which is expected to bring in approximately $10,000. Additional opportunities for revenues include merchandise sales (who wouldn’t want a Point Reyes hostel T-shirt?), vending, and interpretive services.

The contract’s effective date for management of the hostel is October 17, 2023. Formal proposals must be received by the National Park Service by noon PT on April 7.

David and Kay Scott are authors of “Exploring the Oregon Trail” (Globe Pequot).

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Point Reyes National Seashore

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks