Frequently Asked Questions
Q. We would like to visit the campground locations. Do we need to schedule with NPS?
A. No. Applicants are free to visit the camping sites during park hours. However, if you are interested in a site visit with an NPS representative, please email e-mail us at Gateway_BMD@nps.gov by May 1, 2022, to request a date and time.
Q. Are the dates provided on the Request for Proposal (RFP) a minimum or maximum for operating times per season?
A. The dates identified in the RFP represent the period during which the selected applicant will be required to operate. The minimum operating season is from Memorial Day Weekend (approximately May 30) through Labor Day Weekend (approximately September 5) of each year during which this Lease is in effect. If effective in 2022, the operating season may commence at a later date. Operating seasons may be run as late as September 30. Operating seasons may be extended beyond these dates at the discretion of NPS.
Q. Will NPS consider extending the camping season?
A. Yes. NPS will consider proposals which include an earlier start/later close to the season but cannot guarantee such conditions will be authorized. Applicants whose business model depends on an extended season should include related information in their proposals.
Q. Will NPS consider proposals for year-round operations?
A. Yes. NPS will consider proposals which include year-round operations but cannot guarantee such conditions will be authorized. Additionally, any proposals for year-round operations should adequately consider and address visitor demand in the colder months.
Q. Can you provide the occupancy for all existing bookable sites at each park?
A. At Floyd Bennett Field there are 32 existing tent sites and 12 existing RV sites. At Fort Wadsworth, there seven existing tent sites. Up to four people may camp at a single site. Larger families and groups will need to reserve multiple camp sites. Sites are large enough for one large tent or two small tents. Additional information is available here: https://www.nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/camping-at-gateway.htm.
Q. Do the campgrounds have trash service?
A. No. The selected applicant will be responsible for managing and collecting trash at the campsites/campgrounds. Applicants will also be responsible for removing trash from the park in the event NPS is not able to provide collection at a centralized collection point.
Q. Do the locations have potable water?
A. There is potable water available at both Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island and Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn.
Q. Will the selected applicant have the option to integrate into an existing booking system?
A. Applicants must propose use of an online reservation system for guests. The selected applicant may elect to use Recreation.gov to manage reservations.
Q. Are the locations currently staffed by the NPS?
A. No. The campgrounds are not currently staffed by NPS. The selected applicant will be solely responsible for the campgrounds and activity therein.
Q. Are there any approvals/permits/licenses that are required?
A. Tent and RV camping operations in the 2022 season will not require additional approvals, permits, or licenses from NPS. However, separate or additional compliance review will be required for any change in use of the sites. Applicants proposing the introduction of additional camping amenities, including but not limited to glamping and tiny house camping will be required to submit to an additional level of compliance review to ensure the proposed activity does not present any unacceptable impacts to natural and cultural resources. It is not expected that additional camping amenities will be introduced in time for the 2022 season.
Q. Are there greywater discharge stations at each park?
A. No. On-site discharge of greywater is prohibited. All greywaters must be removed from site at Lessee's sole expense. Coordination with park staff for truck scheduling will be required.
Q. Are there pre-existing comfort stations / toilets that the selected applicant will be required to maintain?
A. Yes. There are restrooms and showers in Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island which the selected applicant will have to manage and maintain. There are trailer style restrooms in Floyd Bennett Field Brooklyn. NPS cannot confirm or guarantee the condition or usability of these restrooms. The selected applicant will be required to manage and maintain the park owned trailer-style restrooms if the selected applicant proposes to utilize same. The selected applicant is free to propose use of portable toilet and shower facilities at this location as an alternative to trailer-style restrooms. Additional park/public restrooms are located nearby but those are not included for exclusive use by the selected applicant. The selected applicant will not be required to manage or maintain the nearby park/public restrooms.
Q. Is the selected applicant required to install additional comfort stations/toilets?
A. No. However, the selected applicant may wish to propose use of portable facilities at the Floyd Bennett Field location/s.
