CUA Application Process and Required Reporting

2025 Application Period
SPRING/SUMMER CUAs: OPEN
Spring/Summer CUA Applications accepted November 1, 2024-March 31, 2025

CUA Application Process

Bighorn Canyon only accepts CUA applications during specific periods of time. Spring/Summer CUAs are accepted from November 1, 2024-March 31, 2025. Applications are not accepted outside of these timeframes.

Applications are processed in the order they are received. Incomplete applications get moved to the back of the list. Incomplete CUA applications will continue to be processed for no more than 15 business days after the application period closes, after that the application will be denied.

Application fees are non-refundable and due at the time of submission. Park staff do not receive your application until you have paid the application fee. The online CUA system includes a standard CUA application fee. The standard CUA application fee across all national parks will be $350 for the first application submitted by the applicant and $250 for subsequent applications from the same applicant to the same park.

Apply now via the CUA Online Application and Reporting System (COARS).

These documents are either required when submitting your application, before you begin operating, or to report use throughout the CUA season.

• Click here to download Visitor's Acknolgment of Risk Form.

To view tutorials on how to apply for a CUA using the online CUA system please visit: How to Apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) Permit.

Operating conditions applicable to CUA holder can be viewed on our Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area CUA Conditions Page - National, Park and Activity Specific conditions are all available.

Annual Reporting and Management Fees

Annual Report Form

The annual report form collects information on number of clients, trips, and revenue earned from the CUA holder’s operations in the park for the operating year.

• All CUA holders are required to submit an annual report, via the online CUA system by January 31^st for the preceding year.

• A separate annual report is required for each CUA activity.

• An annual report is required even if no revenue was earned during the operating year.

Management Fees

Management fees at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area are based on a percentage of the gross receipts earned for authorized commercial activities conducted in the park during the operating year.

Management Fees are calculated using the amount reported under Gross Receipts (question 8) on the NPS 10-660 Form.

• “Gross receipts” represents the total amount of all revenues received from services CUA holder is permitted to offer within Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area.
• The percentage of gross receipts for services will be calculated by:
  • Businesses with gross annual receipts of $250,000 or less will pay 3% of their gross receipts.
  • Businesses will pay 4% of gross receipts for amounts between $250,001 to $500,000, this is in addition to the 3% for gross receipts under $250,000 listed above.
  • Businesses will pay 5% of gross receipts for the amount of gross receipts over $500,000.01; this is in addition to the amounts listed above.
• The application fee is a mandatory, one-time, non-refundable fee submitted when applying for a CUA. The application fee is credited toward the determined management fee due for each activity during submittal process.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding annual reports and management fees, please contact BICA_CUA@nps.gov.

CUA Suspension, Revocation or Denial

CUA holders and their employees are required to meet the conditions of the CUA while operating within Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Failure to meet these conditions may result in CUA suspension, restriction, revocation or application denial. Review Bighorn Canyon’s CUA Suspension, Restriction, Revocation and Application Denial Policy.