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Lodging in the Parks

Lodging In The Parks | Yellowstone Commercial Services Contract

The National Park Service recently issued a prospectus seeking proposals for a 15-year contract providing retail plus food and beverage service in Yellowstone National Park. The anticipated starting date is January 1, 2024. The prospectus covers seven Yellowstone locations and is distinct from the park’s nine lodges and lodge dining facilities currently managed by Xanterra Travel Collection, a major NPS concessionaire currently in the 10th year of a 20-year Yellowstone contract. Facilities under the new prospectus were operated by Hamilton Stores for nearly 90 years prior to the Bozeman-based firm being outbid in 2002 by current operator Delaware Parks and Resorts.

Forever Resorts Staging Reservation Windows For Grand Canyon Lodge

Trying to snag a lodge reservation in the National Park System often can be challenging. With many lodges allowing you to book a room six months or more in advance, sometimes by the time you think you'd like to make a reservation nothing is available. Well, Forever Resorts is taking reservations for Grand Canyon Lodge on the park's North Rim in blocks through the spring.

Everglades National Park Lodging At Flamingo Without The Mosquitoes

Smudge pots weren't in sight when I visited Flamingo on the southern tip of Everglades National Park, but it was early spring and the mosquitoes hadn't quite worked themselves up to scourge strength. They are legendary when in full biting force, with rumors of cows and mules being killed by vicious, insatiable swarms of the bloodsuckers. And yet, the appeal of Flamingo to anglers and those fleeing winter's snows for a few days make it a popular destination.

Consolidation In Managing The National Park Lodges

Who really does manage most national park lodgings? For the big operations in places such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, and Shenandoah, corporations. Not surprisingly, while many of the 500 management contracts administered by the National Park Service, such as providing firewood or operating a bicycle rental operation, are relatively straightforward, those for large commercial facilities such as lodging in Yosemite or Yellowstone are extremely complicated. David and Kay Scott bring some clarity to this issue in their latest article pertaining to lodging in the National Park System.

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The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

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

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The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

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