New plans for historic Camp Richardson include $12 million in renovations

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The historic Camp Richardson is about to enter a new era under a new concessionaire. For over 100 years, guests have been welcomed to the resort, and now ExplorUS will be assuming operations starting January 6.

With the recent closure of the popular lakefront Beacon restaurant at the resort, many wondered what would happen to the building. The restaurant will reopen in early 2024 with a full renovation planned for the building in the coming years.

ExplorUS has plans for $12 million in future improvements. The hospitality management company specializes in America’s most beautiful parks with more than 60 locations throughout the country. Camp Richardson Hospitality, LLC, an arm of ExplorUS, will operate the hotel, cabins, beachside inn, Richardson House, campgrounds and RV park, general store, ice cream parlor, mountain sports center, and restaurant.

“We are looking forward to building on the grand tradition of Camp Richardson and welcoming guests,” said Frank Pikus, ExplorUS CEO. “Our company’s core mission is to be stewards of the land and natural resources and to provide a level of hospitality for visitors worthy of Camp Richardson’s spectacular lakefront location and history.”

Returning guests will also see many familiar faces on staff with a large amount of returning employees from the past season.

The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit selected Advenco LLC, a subsidiary of ExplorUS as the new 20-year permit concessionaire for the government-owned resort during a competitive bid process.

Immediate plans for the resort include an update of all the historic hotel furnishings in time for the summer season and a remodel of the general store, with cabin upgrades starting in 2024.

To stay up to date on news and updates visitors can follow the new Facebook and Instagram pages at https://www.facebook.com/camprichresort and https://www.instagram.com/camprichresort/.