When the government shuts down, national parks face major disruptions. Here’s what you need to know:
- Limited Staff: Over 64% of National Park Service employees are furloughed, leaving parks understaffed for maintenance, safety, and emergency response.
- Open-Air Access Only: Trails, scenic roads, and open spaces often remain accessible, but visitor centers, restrooms, and gated areas are usually closed.
- Safety Risks: Without proper monitoring, vandalism, illegal activities, and sanitation issues become common, posing risks to visitors and natural resources.
- Economic Losses: Parks lose $1 million daily in fees, and local communities can see up to $80 million in lost tourism spending during shutdowns.
- Environmental Damage: Past shutdowns have led to irreversible harm, like vandalized petroglyphs, damaged ecosystems, and illegal off-roading.
If you plan to visit during a shutdown, be fully self-sufficient, check park updates, and follow all safety guidelines. However, many experts advise against visiting due to the lack of services and potential hazards.
Government Shutdown: Worries rise for trash, restrooms and rangers at National Parks
Park Access During Government Shutdowns
Government shutdowns affect national parks in different ways. While some areas remain accessible, others close their gates, making it important to plan your visit with these changes in mind.
What Stays Open and What Closes
During a shutdown, the National Park Service follows a straightforward policy: areas that can’t be easily restricted, like open trails or scenic roads, stay accessible, while facilities that can be locked, such as visitor centers and museums, are closed. As outlined in their guidelines:
"At parks with areas that are physically accessible to the public – meaning that due to their physical characteristics it is impossible or impractical to restrict public access, including park roads, lookouts, trails, campgrounds, and open-air memorials – these areas will remain physically accessible to the public."
This means open-air spaces, such as hiking trails, campgrounds, and memorials like those on the National Mall, usually remain open. On the other hand, buildings like museums, gated parking lots, and visitor centers are typically shut down.
The shutdown on October 1, 2025, offers some clear examples. At Fort Point National Historic Site in San Francisco, vehicle access was restricted with gates, while pedestrian access remained possible. Crissy Field’s East Beach parking lot was closed, but restrooms and nearby open spaces stayed accessible. Similarly, the National Mall and Memorial Parks continued to welcome visitors, reflecting the policy of keeping "open-air" areas available.
These distinctions highlight the varied approaches parks take when navigating shutdowns.
Access Differences Between Parks
With over 400 sites managed by the National Park Service, access during a shutdown depends on factors like infrastructure, funding, and local management decisions.
Some parks, like The Presidio, operate independently and maintain full services. Others, such as Rocky Mountain, Yosemite, and Lassen, use collected fees to keep essential areas open, even with limited staffing. However, parks with gated entrances face immediate restrictions. For example, Muir Woods was entirely closed, with signs on Highway 101 and a ranger at the entrance explaining the situation. Carlsbad Caverns also blocked access to its caves, bat flight viewings, and park roads.
Geography plays a role too. In the Marin Headlands, several locations, including Point Bonita Lighthouse and Battery Townsley, were closed, but parking at Rodeo Beach and a nearby commuter lot remained open. Similarly, at Everglades National Park, visitors hiked into the park after encountering a blocked road.
Park superintendents also have the authority to close areas if safety or resource protection becomes a concern. As the Interior Department notes:
"If public access begins to pose a safety, health or resource protection issue, an area must close."
This flexibility means that even areas initially open can be closed without warning if conditions change. These unpredictable policies make it essential for visitors to stay informed about park access during shutdowns, as services and facilities can vary widely.
Closed Services and Facilities During Shutdowns
When government shutdowns hit, the ripple effects on national parks go far beyond inconvenience – they compromise safety and harm the environment. With over 9,000 National Park Service (NPS) employees furloughed (about 64% of the workforce) during these times, parks are left severely understaffed, putting both visitors and natural resources at risk.
No Staff and Reduced Services
Fewer staff means visitor centers shut down, guided tours and educational programs are canceled, and maintenance on roads and trails comes to a halt. Even emergency services are scaled back, though some law enforcement and emergency personnel are classified as "excepted." These limited teams often struggle to manage the sprawling territories of national parks. As Mark Rose, Sierra Nevada Senior Program Manager at the National Parks Conservation Association, points out:
"Things that we’re most worried about, which is on top of, you know, human waste and issues like vandalism or off-road vehicle use, there’s, wider concerns about being able to respond to emergencies and seeing deaths that could be avoided or issues like wildfires in our parks while there’s not adequate staffing available."
While contingency plans for a potential 2025 shutdown suggest that basic health and safety services – like occasional restroom cleaning and trash pickup – might continue, past shutdowns have shown these efforts often fall short. These gaps in operations create even bigger safety and environmental challenges.
Bathroom and Safety Issues
One of the most visible problems during shutdowns is the lack of restroom maintenance. Without regular cleaning, restrooms quickly become unusable. During the 2018–2019 shutdown, for example, waste buildup forced the closure of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Sporadic trash collection also leads to overflowing garbage and litter, as seen at the National Mall during the same shutdown. These issues not only pose public health risks but also attract wildlife, which can create dangerous situations requiring intervention by officials.
Vandalism and illegal activities, like off-roading, are another major concern when parks are left unmonitored. At Death Valley National Park, illegal off-roading during a shutdown caused lasting damage to fragile desert ecosystems. Former Joshua Tree National Park Superintendent Mark Butler highlights the broader implications:
"Not only negative impacts to the resources but also visitors; there’s a lot of public safety issues and concerns that go with leaving parks unattended, and so our goal in writing the letter was to try to highlight those things and to request that. Parks don’t run themselves. To remain safe and clean and accessible, they need hardworking staff."
The damage from the 2018–2019 shutdown illustrates just how quickly conditions can deteriorate without proper oversight. In some cases, recovery took months or even years. These challenges serve as a reminder of the critical role staff play in keeping parks safe, clean, and functional, especially during times of crisis. Visitors should be prepared for a very different experience during a shutdown.
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Financial and Environmental Impact
Government shutdowns have a ripple effect, immediately cutting into park revenue and local tourism spending. This disruption not only hampers conservation efforts but also hits surrounding communities hard.
Money Lost by Parks and Local Communities
Shutdowns can drain parks of up to $1 million in fee revenue per day and cost local communities as much as $80 million in lost tourist spending. For example, during the 2018–2019 shutdown, parks lost $400,000 daily in entrance fees. A 16-day shutdown in 2013 saw 8 million fewer visits, leading to $414 million in lost tourist spending.
In January 2019, an average day would typically see 425,000 park visitors spending $20 million in nearby communities. That revenue disappeared during the shutdown. Local businesses, from restaurants to gas stations and hotels, bore the brunt of these losses. The National Small Business Association highlighted the struggle:
"When the government shuts down, small businesses are left holding the bill, whether they do business with the federal government, rely on critical federal programs, or are part of the infrastructure supporting our national parks."
The impact doesn’t stop there. Furloughed park employees, left without paychecks, cut back on their own spending, further squeezing local economies. Non-profit organizations running park bookstores and visitor centers also lose crucial income, which would otherwise support park programs and conservation projects.
Some states try to soften the blow by using state funds to keep parks partially open, but this simply shifts the financial burden to state taxpayers. For instance, Utah’s national parks generated $3.1 billion for the state’s economy last year. The financial fallout, however, is only part of the story – shutdowns also leave behind lasting environmental scars.
Environmental Damage and Long-Term Problems
While financial losses can eventually be recouped, the environmental damage caused by shutdowns often leaves permanent scars. With limited staff on duty, national parks become vulnerable to vandalism, illegal activities, and ecological harm.
During the 2018–2019 shutdown, prehistoric petroglyphs at Big Bend National Park were vandalized, causing irreversible damage. Joshua Tree National Park faced even more severe challenges: century-old Joshua trees were chopped down, visitors camped illegally in sensitive areas, and off-road vehicles carved paths through fragile landscapes. The National Parks Conservation Association documented these impacts in a 26-page report.
At Death Valley National Park, illegal off-roading crushed delicate plants and disrupted fragile desert ecosystems. On top of that, staff later found 1,665 clumps of toilet paper and nearly half a ton of human waste left outside closed restrooms. Sanitation issues became so overwhelming at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks that officials had no choice but to shut them down entirely.
Reduced law enforcement during shutdowns also leads to increased wildlife poaching. Former Joshua Tree National Park ranger John Lauretig expressed the frustration many felt:
"It was insane to leave the gates open and tell the staff not to show up in the park – for our public lands, and all of our special places in this country, to be unprotected."
The National Parks Conservation Association underscored the severity of the problem:
"The damage that occurred in our national parks took months to recover from. And in some cases, the damage was irreparable."
Shutdowns don’t just result in vandalism – they also bring critical conservation work to a halt. Furloughed biologists and ecologists are unable to manage invasive species, monitor endangered wildlife, or conduct essential research. Long-term scientific studies and trail maintenance are also interrupted, leading to erosion and other safety hazards that compound the damage over time.
How to Visit National Parks During a Shutdown
Even during government shutdowns, some visitors still venture into national parks. However, with minimal staffing and limited services, visiting requires careful planning and a focus on self-reliance. Here’s how to prepare for such a trip.
Bring Your Own Supplies
When services are unavailable, you’ll need to be completely self-sufficient. Start by packing enough water for 10 days and non-perishable food for 14 days. Fill water containers before entering the park and bring a water purifier in case you need to use natural sources. It’s also a good idea to research nearby private water options ahead of time.
For food, stick to items that don’t spoil and require little to no preparation. Since trash collection is suspended, you’ll need to manage your own waste. Bring toilet paper, extra waste bags, and consider bear-proof containers or metal storage boxes to protect your supplies. If you’re traveling in an RV, map out private dump stations or nearby RV parks to properly dispose of grey and black water.
Don’t forget the essentials: navigation tools, sun protection, extra clothing layers, a reliable flashlight or headlamp, and a first-aid kit with any prescription medications you might need. Emergency shelter, like a lightweight tent or space blanket, can be a lifesaver, along with repair tools such as duct tape and a multi-tool. For remote areas with little to no cell service, a satellite communicator like a Garmin inReach is invaluable for two-way messaging and emergency alerts.
Stay Safe and Check Park Status
Shutdowns can create unpredictable and potentially hazardous conditions, especially since emergency services are limited. Before heading out, check the latest updates on the park’s official website (e.g., nps.gov/[parkcode]) or contact local tourism offices. For example, during a shutdown on October 1, 2025, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s website noted that Muir Woods National Monument was closed, while Fort Point National Historic Site had open restrooms but closed parking and interior areas. Meanwhile, Utah’s five national parks – Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion – remained open, as announced by the Utah Office of Tourism. However, updates may be sporadic, so it’s important to stay informed.
The Department of the Interior has cautioned visitors:
"Parks will not provide regular road or trail condition updates. As a part of their orderly shutdown activities, park staff will post signs as appropriate to notify visitors that services, maintenance or other non-emergency management activities will not be conducted."
Emergency preparedness is key. Save local sheriff and emergency service numbers, and write down your medical conditions and emergency contacts in case your electronic devices fail. Always respect closure signs and barriers – they’re there to protect both the environment and your safety.
The Department of the Interior also advises against visiting parks during shutdowns:
"Accordingly, the public will be encouraged not to visit sites during the period of lapse in appropriations out of consideration for protection of natural and cultural resources, as well as visitor safety."
If your chosen park becomes inaccessible, have backup plans in place. Identify alternative camping spots, such as state parks or private campgrounds, and follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your environmental impact.
Conclusion: Visiting National Parks During Shutdowns
Government shutdowns pose significant challenges for America’s national parks, affecting both their operations and preservation. With more than half of the National Park Service (NPS) workforce furloughed, parks can lose up to $1 million per day in revenue. Beyond financial losses, past shutdowns have left behind environmental scars, such as vandalized petroglyphs and the destruction of iconic Joshua trees.
Access to parks during these times can vary widely. For instance, Utah’s five national parks have stayed open due to funding from the Utah Office of Tourism. Meanwhile, other destinations like Carlsbad Caverns have closed their roads, and Acadia National Park has shut down its visitor centers. This inconsistency makes it crucial for visitors to check park-specific updates, as official sources may not always provide timely information.
The environmental and financial repercussions of shutdowns highlight the need for careful planning if you choose to visit. The Department of the Interior strongly advises against visiting parks during these periods, citing concerns for the protection of natural and cultural resources, as well as visitor safety. Should you decide to go, it’s essential to be completely self-sufficient, respect all closures, and follow Leave No Trace principles.
National parks rely on the dedication of NPS employees to ensure safety and maintain the parks’ integrity. Without adequate staffing, the risks to both visitors and resources increase significantly. As emphasized by 40 former park superintendents:
"It is hard-working National Park Service employees that keep them safe, clean and accessible. If sufficient staff aren’t there, visitors shouldn’t be either".
FAQs
How can I stay safe while visiting national parks during a government shutdown?
During a government shutdown, many national park facilities – like visitor centers and restrooms – might be closed, and staffing is often reduced to a bare minimum. To make the most of your visit and stay safe, stick to open outdoor spaces such as trails and memorials that remain accessible.
Pack the essentials: bring plenty of water, snacks, a map, and a first aid kit, as amenities may not be available. Be sure to pay attention to any posted signs and steer clear of locked or restricted areas. Since emergency services could be limited, take extra precautions and let someone know your plans before heading out. Staying prepared and aware can help you navigate these challenges and enjoy your time outdoors.
How can local communities reduce the economic impact of national park closures during a government shutdown?
Local communities can soften the blow of national park closures by highlighting alternative attractions in the area. Think local museums, scenic hiking trails, or vibrant festivals – these can draw visitors and keep the tourism flow alive. At the same time, encouraging support for small businesses like family-run restaurants, unique shops, and independent lodgings can provide a much-needed economic boost when park-related tourism slows down.
Looking ahead, communities might consider pushing for steady funding for national parks while also broadening their economic foundation. Developing industries beyond tourism can create a safety net, offering more stability in the face of future closures or disruptions.
How does a government shutdown impact conservation efforts in national parks?
Government shutdowns have a profound impact on conservation efforts in national parks. With fewer staff members and restricted resources, critical activities like upkeep, wildlife tracking, and habitat restoration often come to a halt. These delays can create ripple effects, hindering the protection of natural ecosystems and historical landmarks for years to come.
On top of that, the absence of proper oversight leaves parks exposed to issues like littering, vandalism, and other destructive behaviors. These disruptions don’t just stall ongoing preservation work – they can also lead to expensive repairs and drain resources in the long run.