USFS announces concession opportunities for Lake Tahoe resorts

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) is soliciting proposals for three separate Lake Tahoe concession resort and campground special use permits. The current permits at Camp Richardson, Meeks Bay, and Zephyr Cove expire in 2023.

New permits will be issued for 20-year terms and may be extended an additional 10 years depending on the nature of investment and operations in the successful proposals.

“Successful applicants will be required to provide high-quality public service in the operation and maintenance of these government-owned facilities,” said LTBMU Public Services Staff Officer, Daniel Cressy. “Our goal in soliciting and evaluating applications is to select applicants whose proposed activities best match the public’s need and our mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of our National Forests to meet

Meeks Bay Resort
The Meeks Bay Resort prospectus includes government-owned facilities and
improvements on the north and south sides of Meeks Creek, including the General Store and Visitor Center; north and south campgrounds; eight cabins, Lake Front Lodges; the Kehlet Mansion; Meeks Bay House and Studio; Snack Bar; beach rental building; and day-use area.

Camp Richardson Resort
The Camp Richardson Resort prospectus includes government-owned facilities and improvements including the Beacon Bar and Grill; Camp Richardson Hotel; 38 cabins; The Beachside Inn; Richardson House; Badger’s Den, Eagle’s Nest, and RV Village campgrounds; General Store; roads and bike paths; and buoy mooring field.

Zephyr Cove Resort
The Zephyr Cove Resort prospectus includes government-owned facilities and
improvements including Zephyr Cove Lodge and Restaurant; Sunset Beach Bar and Grill; Zephyr Cove Marina; Event Plaza; 28 cabins; Campground and RV Park; Equestrian Stables; workshop and storage facility; and the Zephyr Shoals area north of the current resort.

Prospective applicants are advised to read each prospectus carefully. Links to the prospectus documents are available on the LTBMU Website. These three prospectuses are stand-alone offerings. Separate application packages must be submitted for each resort.

Written applications must be submitted by mail and received by the LTBMU no later than 4:30 p.m., PST, on Feb. 3, 2023, for Meeks Bay; March 3, 2023, for Camp Richardson; and March 31, 2023, for Zephyr Cove. Applications will be evaluated following the deadlines with selections anticipated in spring/summer 2023. Successful applicants would begin operations on Nov. 1, 2023. Guided site visits for each resort are scheduled for Oct. 5, 2022. Interested parties must RSVP to Alecia Rutledge by Sep. 15, 2022.

For questions related to these offerings or site visits, please contact Alecia Rutledge, at alecia.rutledge@usda.gov.