We partner with small businesses to help expand visitor services, such as concessions, restaurants, gift shops, rental outfitters, water park operators, guide services and more. These opportunities are available through a competitive bidding process with the ability to enter into a contract for up to seven years.
As stewards of Michigan’s natural and cultural resources, we seek bidders who understand that every point of customer contact is an opportunity to educate and inspire and/or commit to employing best stewardship practices. For example, using compostable flatware or recycled products, using environmentally friendly cleaning products or collaborating with indigenous communities and local artists to sell retail products that tell the story of that place.
We also work with small businesses that provide camping unit and RV rentals and guide services.
Sign up to receive a text and/or email when future business opportunities arise in your selected region(s).
| Location | Type of concession | Request type | Submission deadline | Bid packet and other info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State forest campgrounds near Interlochen | Firewood vendor | Invitation to bid |
No bids received by deadline. Now accepting proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. |
Download State Forest Campground Firewood bid package |
| Algonac State Park | Mobile food - reduced rate of 8% of gross | Invitation to bid | No bids received by deadline. Now accepting proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. | Download UPDATED Algonac mobile food bid package |
| Belle Isle Park | Casino building concession | Invitation to bid | All interested bidders are required to attend April 18, 2026 meeting from 1-3 p.m. Questions due May 18, 2026 at 4 p.m. Bids due May 27, 2026 at 2 p.m. |
Download Belle Isle casino building concession bid package |
| Belle Isle Park | Store concession | Invitation to bid | March 4, 2026 at 2 p.m. | Download Belle Isle store concession bid package |
| Burt Lake State Park | Beach concession | Invitation to bid | No bids received by deadline. Now accepting proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. |
Download Burt Lake beach concession bid package |
| Dodge #4 State Park | Concession services (mobile food only) | Invitation to bid | No bids received by deadline. Now accepting proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. | Download NEW Dodge #4 concession services concession bid package |
| Fort Wilkins Historic State Park | Firewood vending concession | Invitation to bid | Tuesday, March 3, 2025 at 3 p.m. | Download Fort Wilkins firewood vending bid package |
| Hoffmaster State Park | Vending machines | Invitation to bid | No bids received by deadline. Now accepting proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. |
Download Hoffmaster vending machines bid package |
| Muskallonge Lake State Park | Mobile food concession | Invitation to bid | No bids received by deadline. Now accepting proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. | Download Muskallonge Lake mobile food concession bid package |
| North Higgins Lake State Park | Mobile food concession | Invitation to bid | No bids received by deadline. Now accepting proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. | Download North Higgins Lake mobile food concession bid package |
| Tawas Point State Park | Food concession | Invitation to bid | No bids received by deadline. Now accepting proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. | Download Tawas Point food concession concession bid package |
| Tippy Dam Recreation Area | Mobile food | Invitation to bid | No bids received by deadline. Now accepting proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. | Download Tippy Dam mobile food bid package |
| Waterloo Recreation Area | Horseback riding stable | Invitation to bid | No bids received by deadline. Now accepting proposals on a first-come, first-served basis. | Download Waterloo horse stable bid package |
To ensure responsible practices, only contracted vendors are permitted to sell firewood, and all firewood must meet DNR specifications. There are three ways to apply for a firewood sales contract in Michigan state parks:"
If you have questions, please contact Brooke Jones.
The DNR doesn't typically buy merchandise for resale in state parks. Instead, the DNR awards contracts to outside partners, known as concessionaires, who manage concession services. Concessionaires make their own purchasing for goods sold in state parks.
If you'd like to provide wholesale product information and pricing to concessionaires, please email a brochure (PDF format) or a weblink that includes your contact information, product details and wholesale pricing to GreenL9@Michigan.gov. We'll then forward your product information to relevant concessionaires.
Another opportunity to sell merchandise is through the innovative These Goods are Good for Michigan program. This partnership allows you to sell your Michigan-based products online, with a portion of sales helping to fund state parks, trails and waterways.
To participate, contact Maia Turek at 989-225-8573 or TurekM@Michigan.gov.
Our interactive map is a great way to find information on existing concessions across the parks and recreation system. Simply click on a location to discover details like the concession type, contract year and more.
View interactive concessions map »
This application contains a complex map. Please contact Lori Green if you need assistance reading the map or need the information in an alternative format.
To find the commercial use permit staff contact info for each location, use the interactive contact map.
Qualified bidders have 10 days from the date that the successful bidder is identified in which to submit an appeal. Before submitting an appeal, it's important to assess whether or not you, as the qualified bidder, has grounds for an appeal. An appeal may only be submitted by a qualifying bidder for any of the following criteria:
If you wish to initiate an appeal, you must submit your written appeal to HuntN1@Michigan.gov no later than 3 p.m. EST, 10 business days after posting the Notice of Recommendation for Award, or by 3 p.m. EST the next business day if that date falls on a state holiday or weekend. Reviews will be handled by the DNR's Procurement Services Section.
