How to bid on Tahoe National Forest Concessions for the Forest Service

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The US Forest Service is seeking a business to operate and maintain 35 government-owned recreation facilities within the Tahoe National Forest in California. This includes campgrounds, group campgrounds, boat launches, and day-use sites. This is a concession opportunity, meaning the selected business will provide visitor services and operate these facilities under a special use permit.

This opportunity is significant because the facilities generate a substantial average annual gross revenue of over $1.3 million. It offers a chance to manage a large-scale recreation operation in a popular national forest.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This opportunity was published on June 01, 2026. The deadline for submitting applications is September 07, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET. All applications must be received by this time.

There is a mandatory site visit scheduled for June 23-24, 2026. If you plan to attend, you must RSVP to Mary Sullivan at [email protected] by June 16, 2026.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is best suited for businesses with experience in facilities management, particularly in operating campgrounds, recreation sites, or similar visitor services. Firms in the facilities category with a background in hospitality, outdoor recreation management, or concession operations would be a good fit.

Given the scale and revenue, this may appeal to established businesses capable of managing multiple sites and a significant operational budget.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation details, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Thoroughly review all documents provided in the prospectus to understand the full scope of services required, including maintenance standards and operational expectations. Pay close attention to any specific requirements for visitor services and environmental stewardship.

Since a mandatory site visit is scheduled, make sure to attend and RSVP by the deadline. This visit will provide critical insights into the facilities and operational environment, which can help you tailor a more informed and competitive application. Document your observations and any questions that arise during the visit.

Highlight your firm's experience in managing similar recreation facilities, especially those with comparable revenue generation or visitor volume. Emphasize your ability to provide high-quality public service and maintain government-owned assets effectively.