How You Can Stay in a Historic Cape Cod Dune Shack

If you've ever walked the Cape Cod National Seashore and dreamed of spending the night in the dune shacks dotting the shoreline, the National Park Service has an opportunity for you.

It will take a lot of elbow grease, but there could be some serious rewards to leasing one of eight historic dune shacks that are part of the Peaked Hill Bars Historic District in Provincetown and Truro.

They will definitely help you "get away from it all," but don't picture a dreamy beach escape just yet.

According to the National Park Service's description of this offer, a request for proposals to lease these eight historic properties on the Cape Cod National Seashore has been issued, but all dune shacks are being leased “as-is with all faults.”

That means if it needs a new roof, you replace it. If it needs carpentry work, you provide it. If it fails fire or safety codes, you get it up to code.

See? Could be a lot of work.

The reward, however, could be worth it for the right lessee.

Staying in one of these dune shacks is a total escape. There are no paved roads to the shacks, barely any electricity and minimal running water. You are off the grid, but right on the beach.

Every night ocean waves would put you to sleep. You could wake up to piper plovers wandering outside your door. Baby sea turtles could hatch in the sand around your shack. Natural wonders would happen all around you.

It is a dream experience for some and one that can become a reality this year.

The National Park Service is excepting RFPs through July 3, 2023 to lease one of these historic sand dunes for 10 years. Only eight people or businesses will get the opportunity, so if you're serious about making an offer you can learn more and schedule a tour of the properties by contacting caco_leasing@nps.gov.