Please read the terms and conditions of the park by by selecting each heading to expand. Select Apply below to begin a CUA application.
The National Park Service has terms and conditions on all commercial service agreements. CUA Conditions apply to all Commercial Use Authorizations. Park Specific Conditions are specific terms and conditions based on the services provided at that specific park. These may include but are not limited to limits on locations, times, group size, and employee licenses and certifications. Providing such information to the park superintendent for approval.
Authorized Services
The commercial activity authorized by this permit is to tow rented travel trailers from outside Rocky Mountain National Park and park them in reserved campsites for customers. The suppling and/or selling of firewood, food, or beverages are not authorized under this permit.
The Holder is required to remove the trailers by check-out time on the date the campsite reservation expires.
Permittee and all vehicles must remain on established roads and must use only the renters reserved camping site.
CUA Conditions
Additional Information: The National Park Service has terms and conditions on all commercial service agreements. The following terms and conditions will apply to all Commercial Use Authorizations. There may be additional terms and conditions based on the services provided. These may include but are not limited to limits on locations, times, group size, and employee licenses and certifications and providing such information to the park superintendent for approval.
CONDITIONS OF THIS AUTHORIZATION
False Information: The holder is prohibited from knowingly giving false information. To do so will be considered a breach of conditions and be grounds for revocation: [RE: 36 CFR 2.32(a) (3)].
Legal Compliance: The holder shall exercise this privilege subject to the supervision of the area Superintendent. The holder shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations of the area and terms and conditions of the authorization. The holder must acquire all permits or licenses of State or local government, as applicable, necessary to provide the services described above, and must operate in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, including, without limitation, all applicable park area policies, procedures and regulations. All vehicles/vessels/aircraft are required to be registered and the operators are required to have the proper licenses to operate them commercially, as required by law or regulation.
Employee Conduct: The holder must ensure that its employees are hospitable and exercise courtesy and consideration in their relations with the public. The holder must establish appropriate screening, hiring, training, safety, employment, termination and other policies and procedures. The holder must review the conduct of any of its employees whose action or activities are considered by the holder or the Director to be inconsistent with the proper administration of the Area and enjoyment and protection of visitors and must take such actions as are necessary to correct the situation. The holder must maintain, to the greatest extent possible, a drug free work environment.
Rates: The holder shall provide commercial services under this authorization to visitors at reasonable rates satisfactory to the area Superintendent.
Operating Conditions: The holder shall provide the authorized commercial services to visitors under operating conditions satisfactory to the area Superintendent.
Liabilities and Claims: This authorization is issued upon the express condition that the United States, its agents and employees shall be free from all liabilities and claims for damages and/or suits for or by reason of any injury, injuries, or death to any person or persons or property of any kind whatsoever, whether to the person or property of the holder, its agents or employees, or third parties, from any cause or causes whatsoever while in or upon said premises or any part thereof during the term of this authorization or occasioned by any occupancy or use of said premises or any activity carried on by the holder in connection herewith, and the holder hereby covenants and agrees to indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless the United States, its agents, and employees from all liabilities, charges, expenses and costs on account of or by reason of any such injuries, deaths, liabilities, claims, suits or losses however occurring or damages growing out of the same.
Insurance: Holder agrees to carry liability insurance against claims occasioned by the action or omissions of the holder, its agents and employees in carrying out activities and operations under this authorization. The policy shall name the United States of America, the National Park Service, or the NPS unit issuing the CUA as additional insured. Holder agrees to have on file with the park copies of the above insurance with the proper endorsements.
Exculpatory Agreements: Any exculpatory agreement used by the CUA holder or entity providing services authorized by the CUA must comply with applicable state and federal law and NPS policy. The exculpatory agreement must not waive liability or preclude claims against or require indemnifying the CUA holder or entity providing services authorized by the CUA for gross negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct. The exculpatory agreement must waive liability against the United States by including the following language: “The undersigned further waives liability of the United States and acknowledges and agrees that the United States and its officers and employees are fully released from any liability for injuries, damages, or losses that the undersigned sustains as a result of or in connection with the undersigned’s participation in this activity.” The Service will not as a matter of standard practice, collect, review or approve the exculpatory agreement. The CUA holder may consider consulting with their own counsel in the development of its exculpatory agreement to ensure they comply with NPS policy and Applicable Law. However, the Service reserves the right to review the exculpatory agreement and any modifications or replacements of the agreement at any time during the term of the CUA and require any revisions to ensure all the requirements of NPS policy are met. The NPS also reserves the right to require changes to the exculpatory agreement or, to the extent permitted by law, revoke the allowance to use the exculpatory agreement, if the Service determines the agreement is not compliant. Any determination by the Service that an exculpatory agreement is policy-compliant does not convey the NPS’s view that the agreement is valid, enforceable, or otherwise endorsed by the NPS for any purpose.
CUA Fees: At a minimum, the holder shall reimburse the park for all costs incurred by the park as a result of accepting and processing the application and managing and monitoring the authorized activity. Administrative costs for the application process must be paid when the application is submitted. Monitoring fees and any additional costs incurred by the park to support the commercial activity will be paid annually or on a more frequent basis as determined by mutual agreement between the Holder and the area Superintendent.
Benefit: No member of, or delegate to, Congress, or Resident Commissioner shall be admitted to any share or part of this authorization or to any benefit that may arise from this authorization. This restriction shall not be construed to extend to this Contract if made with a corporation or company for its general benefit.
Transfer: This authorization may not be transferred or assigned without the written consent of the area Superintendent.
Suspension and Revocation: This authorization may be suspended or revoked upon breach of any of the conditions herein or at the discretion of the area Superintendent.
Preference or Exclusivity: The holder is not entitled to any preference to renewal of this authorization except to the extent otherwise expressly provided by law. This authorization is not exclusive and is not a concession contract.
Construction: The holder shall not construct any structures, fixtures or improvements in the park area. The holder shall not engage in any groundbreaking activities without the express, written approval of the area Superintendent.
Reporting: The holder must submit annually the CUA Annual Report (NPS Form 10-660) by February 28 for the prior CUA season and also must submit upon request the CUA Monthly Report (NPS Form 10-660A). The holder is to provide the area Superintendent upon request any other specific information related to the holder’s operations that the area Superintendent may request, including but not limited to, visitor use statistics, and resource impact assessments.
Accounting: The holder is to maintain an accounting system under which its accounts can be readily identified within its system of accounts classification. This accounting system must be capable of providing the information required by this authorization. The holder grants the United States of America access to its books and records at any time for the purpose of determining compliance with the terms and conditions of this authorization.
Paid Sick Leave: The holder must comply with all provisions of Executive Order 13706 of September 30, 2016, (Establishing Paid Sick Leave for Federal Contractors) and its implementing regulations, including the applicable contract clause, codified at 29 C.F.R. part 13, all of which are incorporated by reference into this authorization as if fully set forth in this authorization.
Intellectual Property of the National Park Service: Except with the written authorization of the Director of the National Park Service, the Holder shall not assert any legal claim that the Holder or any related entity holds a trademark, tradename, servicemark or other ownership interest in the words "National Park Service", the initials "NPS", or official name of any unit or part thereof, including but not limited to any facility, logo, distinctive natural, archaeological, cultural, or historic site, within the National Park System, or any colorable likeness thereof, or the likeness of a National Park Service official uniform, badge, logo, or insignia.
Nondiscrimination: The holder must comply with Applicable Laws relating to nondiscrimination in providing visitor services to the public and with all equal employment opportunity provisions of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as amended.
Notification of Employee Rights: The holder must comply with all provisions of Executive Order 13496 of January 30, 2009, (Notification of Employee Rights Under Federal Labor Laws) and its implementing regulations, including the applicable contract clause, codified at 29 CFR part 471, appendix A to subpart A, all of which are incorporated by reference into this authorization as if fully set forth in this authorization.
Park Specific Conditions
A. Authorized Services
The commercial activity authorized by this permit is to two rented travel trailers from outside Rocky Mountain National Park and park them in reserved campsites for customers. The suppling and/or selling of firewood, food, or beverages are not authorized under this permit.
The Holder is required to remove the trailers by check-out time on the date the campsite reservation expires.
Permittee and all vehicles must remain on established roads and must use only the renters reserved camping site.
B. Permittee Certification
Driver must possess proper state license in accordance with size of vehicle and number of passengers.
Permitted must:
Be familiar with park, know and obey park regulations and area closures, and assure compliance with regulations and closures from participants.
Understand the hazards involved and prepare participants for conditions and situations which may be encountered.
C. Conduct of Permittee
Business/Revenue Limits - It is understood that the holder of this CUA shall not develop a business based on revenues generated through sales within Rocky Mountain National Park.
Condition of Travel Trailer - The travel trailer must be maintained in good condition. The interior must be clean and meet State Health and Safety Code standards for commercial rental. The National Park Service reserves the right to inspect trailers delivered to park campgrounds. A list of the trailer(s) with the make, model, length, gross vehicle weight, license tag number, and rental rate must be submitted to the Commercial Services Office prior to approval of this authorization. Notice must be given to the Commercial Services Office prior to the use of any trailer not on the accepted list.
Condition of Travel Trailer Interior - The Permittee will clean and sanitize the interior to include, but not limited to, all dishware, cookware, sheets, towels, cooking and eating surfaces, etc. before the next client occupies it.
Orientation - The Permittee must provide safety information for the rented camping trailer, in addition to basic operating instruction for the systems of the rented camping trailer. This information can be provided either through in person contacts or written material.
Fire Extinguisher - The travel trailer must be equipped with at least one dry chemical or carbon dioxide (CO2) type portable fire extinguisher in working condition with a minimum rating of 5-B:C.
Safety Equipment - Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, propane detectors, and fire extinguishers must be checked and in good working order before each new client takes delivery of the travel trailer. A log of each inspection must be kept on file and made available upon request by Rocky Mountain National Park.
Maximum Length - Travel trailers may not exceed thirty (30) feet in length. (The Permittee must confirm with their client(s) that the campsite reserved will allow for the appropriate trailer length.)
Towing - The tow vehicle must be a proper match for the travel trailer being towed. The travel trailer must not exceed the gross vehicle weight of the towing vehicle and must meet requirements set forth in the State of Colorado Vehicle Code.
Delivery of Travel Trailer - Employees towing travel trailers must be at least 18 years of age and have experience towing and backing the size of the travel trailer being delivered. Travel trailers may only be delivered between the hours of 1pm and 6pm. The campground rangers must be notified of the delivery prior to the trailer being parked at the campsite. The Permittee must leave a 24-hour contact phone number with the campground ranger in case of an emergency.
Parking - The travel trailer may only be parked on the campsite parking pad, allowing room for the client vehicle to park at the site. The parked travel trailer must not interfere with the free flow of traffic through the campground. The trailer wheels must be chocked to prevent rolling. The Permittee will be responsible for the cost of moving an illegally parked travel trailer.
Removal of Travel Trailer - The Permittee must remove the travel trailer from the campground by 12pm, the mandatory check-out time on the date of departure. If the client checks out of the campground prior to the scheduled date of departure, the Permittee must remove the travel trailer upon the actual date of the client's departure. The Permittee is responsible for setting up a method of notification with their client in the case of an early departure. In case of a park emergency, the Permittee must be available to remove the travel trailer from the park within 12 hours of receiving notification. If the trailer is not removed by check-out time, NPS may have the trailer towed. Any tow will be at the owner's expense.
Emergency Contact - The Permittee is responsible for setting up a method of notification with their client in the case of an emergency.
Clean Up - All areas used by the Permittee to conduct the authorized activity must be left clean and all debris and garbage carried out of the park for disposal.
Dump Station - The Permittee may use the campground's dump station to flush the holding tanks and refill with fresh water. The area must be left clean. Any major spills must be reported and cleaned.
Vehicle will not be permitted to idle for long periods of time. Drivers need to turn off engines when making stops and setting up trailers. Idling time should not exceed 5 minutes.
Drivers shall follow all traffic control devices and signs while in the park.
All vehicles shall have proper vehicle registration, licensing, and insurance.
Vehicle shall be maintained so that the vehicles are safe and comply with the law.
Vehicle will not be permitted to stop or park on a road except in the event of an accident.
Vehicle shall be parked in a designated pull-off or parking area.
Operating a vehicle at a speed in excess of the speed limit is prohibited.
Each operator and passenger occupying any seating position of a motor vehicle in a park area will have the safety belt or child restraint system always properly fastened when the vehicle is in motion.
D. General Provisions for All Permits
Guide Passes and Entrance Fees for Clients
Guide passes are to be used solely by the Permittee and designated employees to conduct official business under a Commercial Use Authorization or Concessions Contract and are not for personal use. Guides must always carry this pass while in the park.
Guide passes must be always kept with guides in the park, to be presented as requested to park staff to confirm appropriate use and entry to the park. Permittee is responsible for ensuring that its guides comply with this requirement. ID is required.
Guides are required to present the guide card at the entrance stations along with their driver's license when entering the park to show that they are on official business. Guides are required to inform the entrance station staff of clients entering for the trip, for example which vehicle, number of clients, etc.
Clients of the Permittee are not admitted free entrance to the park. The clients' options are:
Buy an entrance pass - pay when they enter with the Permittee
Have a current entrance receipt
Have a current pass - Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass or America the Beautiful Pass (pass is valid and in the name of the client)
CUA Permit Holders and their clients are not authorized to use the fast pass lane for any commercial activities in the park. All CUA Permit Holders (i.e. guides) and clients must enter via a staffed entrance kiosk. Use of the fast pass lane by a CUA Permit Holder may result in revocation of their CUA permit.
Frontcountry camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis at Longs Peak Campground and by advanced reservation at Moraine Park, Glacier Basin, Aspenglen, and Timber Creek Campgrounds. Normal camping fees and regulations, including length of stay, will apply to the Permittee and its participants.
Prior to initiating each trip, guides are encouraged to contact Park Headquarters (970) 586-1206 for information on current conditions.
Proof of adequate general liability and automobile insurance coverage must be provided to the park prior to operating under this permit.
Commercial General Comprehensive Liability coverage is required in the amount of $500,000 per person per accident.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance coverage is required for all owned, non-owned, and hired vehicles used by the Permittee who transport clients.
Minimum limits for Commercial Vehicle Insurance are $1,500,000 for 15 or fewer passengers and $5,000,000 for 16 or more passengers. Rocky Mountain National Park must be listed as additional insured.
All incidents involving overdue parties or accidents involving property damage or personal injury must be reported to Park Dispatch at (970) 586-1204 as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours after the incident and to the Commercial Services Office.
All advertisements/brochures which make reference to Rocky Mountain National Park must be approved by the Superintendent prior to publication, distribution, or broadcasting. All such publications must include a statement that the operator is authorized by the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, to conduct services in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Prior to engaging in any commercial filming or still photography using model(s) (posed or on camera talent), set(s), or prop(s) that are not a part of the location's natural or cultural resources or administrative facilities consultation with the Commerical Services Office is required. This activity may be subject to a separate permit.
Violation of park regulations or the terms of this permit may result in the suspension of privileges granted by this permit and could lead to appropriate fines or citations, as well as non-renewal.
Insurance Requirements
Liability insurance is required for all CUA holders under the terms of the authorization. Such insurance should be of sufficient scope to cover all potential risks and in an amount to cover claims that can reasonably be expected in the event of serious injury or death. The minimum commercial general liability insurance is $500,000 per occurrence. Liability insurance policies must name the United States of America, the National Park Service, or the NPS unit issuing the CUA as additional insured. The business or person that is providing the service must be the named insured (policy holder). Companies that provide transportation only are not required to have Commercial General Liability as long as the passengers do not disembark.
Other Required Insurance
Commercial Auto Liability Insurance is required if a CUA holder transports passengers or uses owned/leased/rented vehicles in the performance of the service in the park. If a CUA holder charters the vehicle and those chartered vehicles are owned and operated by another company, the CUA holder is not required to have Commercial Automobile Liability insurance. The minimum Commercial Auto Liability Insurance for interstate passenger transport is:
CUA holders authorized to transport passengers or use in the park an owned/rented/leased aircraft are required to obtain Aircraft Liability Insurance. The minimum Aircraft Liability Insurance is $1,000,000 per occurrence.
CUA holders assigned the use of park property must secure Property Insurance. The property insurance must provide the financial means for the CUA holder to repair or replace damaged park property within their care and control. The NPS will provide the Insurance Replacement Value for structures.
- All insurers for all coverages must be rated no lower than A- by the most recent edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide (Property/Casualty edition), or similar insurance rating companies (Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or Fitch), unless otherwise authorized by the Service.
- All insurers for all coverages must have Best’s Financial Size Category of at least VII according to the most recent edition of Best’s Key Rating Guide (Property-Casualty edition), or similar insurance rating companies (Moody’s, Standard and Poor’s, or Fitch), unless otherwise authorized by the Service
- The insurance ratings must be submitted with the CUA Application. The rating companies do not issue certificates. We require the insurance broker to note this rating in the Certificate. If the rating does not appear on the certificate, the insurance broker must provide it in another document.
- Be written in English with monetary amounts reflected in USD.
- Reflect that insurance coverage is effective at time of CUA Application submission.
- Name as insured the business or person that is providing the service.
- Name the United States of America, the National Park Service, or the NPS unit issuing the CUA as additional insured.
- Reflect a General Commercial Liability Policy with the minimum coverage amount required in the CUA Application.
- Reflect required additional insurances (commercial vehicle, vessel, aircraft, etc.) with the minimum coverage amount required in the CUA Application.
- Include insurance provider rating or provide in separate document.
Reporting Requirements
You are required to submit an annual report (Form 10-660) through this system by February 28 for the previous calendar year operations. Monthly reports, if required for your CUA, are due by the 15th of each month for the previous month operations. You also must submit any required activity specific reports and should refer to the regional and park specific CUA conditions for those requirements prior to submitting an application. Notification for due reports will be provided via email. You are responsible for monitoring your email account.
Additional Annual Reporting Requirements:
Fill out the online annual use report.
Required Documentation
Have the following documentation ready to upload or available on your Company Profile:
- Insurance Certificate
- Brochures, Web Link, Rates
- Trips & Itineraries List
- Guides & Certifications List
CUA Fees
The application fee for this CUA is $350.
If you have paid for a previous CUA applications for this park during this CUA season, your application fee will be discounted by $100.
The management fee for this CUA is a market price fee based on a percentage of your revenue earned from in-park or park-dependent operations. The fee is not based on your overall revenue or on revenue earned from services not authorized by the CUA that do not occur in-park or are park-dependent. The NPS defines park-dependent operations as those commercial activities that are packaged and sold, marketed to include, or coincidentally include, entry into the park boundaries for part or all of the activity duration.
Less than $250,000 earned from park-based operations - 3% of gross receipts (minus application fee).
$250,000 to $500,000 earned from park-based operations - 4% of gross receipts.
More than $500,000 earned from park-based operations - 5% of gross receipts.
You are required to report revenue each year when you submit the mandatory annual CUA report. The market price management fee is due after NPS staff verifies report accuracy.
The CUA application fee is non-refundable, and you are responsible for ensuring you are applying for the correct CUA service type.
This application is for RV Delivery/Setup in Rocky Mountain National Park.

