National Park Service offers new business opportunities in Shenandoah National Park

LURAY, Va. (WHSV)—The National Park Service (NPS) announced a 15-year concession contract opportunity prospectus for Shenandoah National Park (SNP). This includes all commercial operations at Big Meadows, Skyland, Elkwallow, Lewis Mountain and Loft Mountain developed areas.

Launching in 2026, the proposed contract would operate lodging, food and beverage sales, retail, grocery, camper services (firewood, showers, and laundry), automobile services (fuel), stable operations and four campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park.

Allysah Fox with the SNP says the prospectus was based on a park overview that determined the need for the park’s deferred maintenance.

“We’re hoping that the [contractor] can take over the operations of the campgrounds, and that will also require some facility improvements to some of those projects, as well as restoring” said Fox.

The prospectus states that the contractor must complete several major capital improvement projects to upgrade critical systems and restore historic structures. The improvements will be expanded restroom facilities at Elkwallow Wayside and Loft Mountain Wayside. Guests at the historic Big Meadows Lodge and Lewis Mountain Cabins will dine in restored facilities. Additionally, campers at Mathews Arm Campground will have access to fully electric campsites.

On Tuesday, Aug. 13, and Aug. 14Aug. 13, the park will host a site visit to provide interested operators with an overview of concession operations and a tour of the facilities.

The contract is expected to begin on Jan.1, 2026. The deadline for proposals is Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024.

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