RVers heading to national parks this fall should keep an eye on potential government shutdowns. With the federal fiscal year ending September 30, park operations could be affected.
Kristen Brengel, senior vice president of the National Parks Conservation Association, says there isn’t a finalized plan yet, though funding bills may help keep staff in place. Having alternatives when planning trips if national parks close could prove important.
Fall is peak season for visiting parks like the Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Acadia, Shenandoah, Grand Teton, Glacier, and North Cascades. For RVers, a shutdown could mean closed campgrounds, limited road access, or reduced services at visitor centers, dump stations, and rest areas.
These issues could affect not only overnight stays but also access to popular scenic drives, trailheads, and parking areas for larger RVs.
History shows how planning trips if national parks close is important
Historical examples show why caution is important. During the 2013 government shutdown, most parks closed, though some states worked out temporary staffing agreements. Visitors sometimes ignored closure signs, leading to accidents and property damage.
At Acadia, one hiker had to be rescued after ignoring a closed trail, and vandals damaged gates at California’s Santa Monica Mountains. Similar situations occurred at other parks, highlighting safety and resource concerns.
In 2018 and 2019, during a partial shutdown, the Park Service tried keeping parks open with skeleton crews. However, illegal camping, off-road travel, overcrowding, and vandalism were reported at parks including Joshua Tree, Death Valley, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, closures created additional challenges, such as sanitation issues, theft of supplies, and limited staff to manage campgrounds and roads.
For RV travelers, limited staffing could impact campground availability, hookups, maintenance, and emergency response. Campground reservations might be canceled, some dump stations could be closed, and maintenance crews may not be available to assist with road issues or debris. Brengel notes, “The safest approach is usually closure, because keeping parks minimally open often leads to vandalism and puts visitors in danger.”
Forewarned is forearmed
To minimize disruptions, RVers should monitor the Interior Department’s online updates for each park. These updates indicate which campgrounds, roads, visitor centers, and services are open.
Travelers should also have backup routes and alternate campgrounds planned. Flexible travel dates and contingency plans can make a significant difference in keeping trips enjoyable, even if a shutdown temporarily limits access to some areas.
Plan ahead, stay informed, and be prepared for potential changes. These are simple steps that will help you enjoy fall scenery safely. Being aware of closures and alternative options ensures that your trip remains smooth, fun, and safe, no matter what happens at the federal level.
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Good advice, Russ and Tina. Federal government shutdowns may be uneven in that some agencies may have unspent money from the previous-year budget and remain operating for some time into the next fiscal year (i.e., Beyond 9/30), while others do not. Hence the need to stay up to date on what is open and what isn’t. Have a great week and safe travels!
Hum, so some people think the USA should spend 1.5 TRILLION DOLLAR more what was budgeted and because they didn’t get their way, they will let WE the People suffer. SAD.
On a side note, do you realize even though the government shuts down, all the employees get paid, just at a later date. Maybe the Federal Gov. employees should be required to work but get a little bonus for being paid late.