Obtaining 
Commercial Use Authorization
within Lake Mead National Recreation Area

A Commercial Use Authorization is the written authorization you'll need if you wish to provide certain incidental visitor services within Lake Mead National Recreation Area or any other unit of the National Park Service.

Why do I need a permit?

Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, and the lands immediately adjacent to them, are part of Lake Mead National Recreation Area, a unit of the National Parks System. As in any other National Park Service area, commercial visitor services may be provided only by those holding an authorization from the United States. Larger visitor service operations are provided under concession contracts. Smaller, single-service businesses are issued Commercial Use Authorization, if certain requirements are met.

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What are the requirements?

• Activities must be appropriate to the mission of the National Park Service, particularly with regard to resource protection, visitor protection and interpretation.
• All commercial aspects of the business must take place outside of the recreation area, including all advertisement, soliciting business and negotiation or acceptance of any form of compensation.
• Only the actual visitor service being provided, such as fishing guide or SCUBA instruction, may occur within the recreation area.
• No temporary or permanent structures will be erected within the recreation area. No areas or structures will be exclusively assigned to the permittee.
• The services provided cannot conflict with or duplicate operations provided under any concession contract within Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
• While operating areas for a specific activity may be assigned, there is no limit placed on the number of permittees within the operating area.
• The permittee must maintain appropriate and adequate commercial liability insurance, applicable business and specialty licenses and adhere to park regulations for the specific visitor service provided.

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What if I conduct business without a CUA?

Operating any type of commercial visitor service within Lake Mead National Recreation Area without written authorization from the United States is a violation of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations. It is a citable offense. If you are in doubt, please contact the Lake Mead National Recreation Area Concessions Management Office either by mail, telephone, or in person.

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More Information

For more information about the Commercial Use Authorization program, please contact the Concessions Management Office at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, (702) 293-8923, or stop by Lake Mead National Recreation Area's Concession Management Office at 601 Nevada Highway, Boulder City, Nevada during businss hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. The Concession Management office e-mail is e-mail us.

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