MONTGOMERY, AL — Alabama State Parks has announced a new long-term partnership with Guest Services Inc. (GSI), a hospitality management company that operates within state and national park systems across the country, to oversee lodging and hospitality operations at Lake Guntersville State Park and Cheaha State Park.
The 10-year concession agreement is aimed at improving guest services, operational efficiency and visitor experiences at both parks, according to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Under the agreement, Guest Services Inc. will manage lodge operations, cabins, chalets, housekeeping, food and beverage services, retail operations, event management, reservations and guest services at both locations. At Cheaha State Park, the company will also oversee operations at Bald Rock Lodge and assist with preparations for the opening of the park’s new lodge, which is currently under construction and expected to open later this summer.
“This partnership is about continuing to improve the guest experience while ensuring our parks remain sustainable and competitive destinations for visitors from across Alabama and beyond,” said Chris Blankenship. “Guest Services brings decades of hospitality experience within public park systems, and we believe this collaboration will help us deliver a higher level of consistency, service and operational excellence for our guests.”
Alabama State Parks selected Guest Services Inc. through a competitive invitation-to-bid process that included proposals from hospitality operators nationwide. State Parks officials said Guest Services Inc. was chosen because of its experience managing hospitality operations on public lands while maintaining customer service standards and property management practices.
Guest Services Inc. currently operates within multiple park systems, including locations in Mount Rainier National Park, Everglades National Park, Bear Mountain State Park and more than 18 Florida State Parks, including Wakulla Springs State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
“Our goal is to ensure Alabama State Parks continues evolving to meet the expectations of today’s guests while preserving the experiences that make our parks special,” said Matthew Capps. “We believe this partnership positions Lake Guntersville and Cheaha State Parks for long-term success and continued growth.”
Alabama State Parks will continue to own and oversee all park properties while maintaining responsibility for campgrounds, recreational operations and natural resources at both parks. State Parks officials said staff members will continue working alongside Guest Services Inc. to maintain accessibility and preserve the parks’ family-friendly atmosphere.
The partnership is also expected to support future upgrades and improvements at both locations. At Lake Guntersville State Park, Alabama State Parks and Guest Services Inc. plan to evaluate potential improvements to the lodge and related facilities. At Cheaha State Park, the collaboration will help support the launch and long-term management of the new lodge facility located at Alabama’s highest point.
“We are honored to partner with Alabama State Parks and excited to bring our hospitality experience to Alabama for the first time,” said Laura Sherman. “These parks are extraordinary destinations with strong leadership, dedicated staff and incredible natural resources. We look forward to working alongside Alabama State Parks to create exceptional guest experiences while preserving the character and accessibility that make these parks so special.”
Visitors can learn more or book accommodations through Lake Guntersville Adventures.
Alabama State Parks, a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, manages 21 state parks covering more than 50,000 acres across Alabama. The parks offer camping, lodging, hiking, fishing, golfing, educational programming and other recreational activities throughout the state.
