Visiting National Parks During the Government Shutdown: What You Need to Know
Hey everyone, if you're thinking about heading to a national park right now, you might be wondering how the current government shutdown affects your plans. As of October 4, 2025, the shutdown started on October 1 and is still going on. This means the National Park Service (NPS) is running with limited funds and staff. Based on their September 2025 plan, here's a simple breakdown of what it means for visitors like you, and some ways you can help keep the parks safe and clean.
Can You Still Visit?
Yes, many parts of national parks stay open, but it's not business as usual.
- Open areas like roads, trails, lookouts, and outdoor memorials are usually still accessible. You can hike, bike, or just enjoy the views without much change.
- However, some areas might close if there are safety problems, like bad weather, too much trash building up, or damage to nature or historic sites. If something looks risky, it's better to stay away.
- Parks without gates or locked areas might feel more "wild" since fewer staff are around to manage things.
Check ahead for your specific park because each one is different—some are huge and remote, others are busier and in cities.
What Services Will Be Available?
With most NPS workers (about 9,300 out of 14,500) sent home without pay, services are cut back a lot. Here's what to expect:
- In parks that charge entry fees, they can use that money to keep basic things running. This includes cleaning restrooms, picking up trash, fixing roads, running campgrounds, and having some rangers for safety and emergencies. Entrance gates might still be staffed to share important info.
- In parks that don't charge fees or don't have enough saved up, services drop to the bare minimum. No open restrooms, no trash collection, no snow plowing, no guided tours, no visitor centers, and no new permits for things like camping or events.
- Food stands, hotels, or shops run by private companies might stay open if they don't need NPS help. But if they do, they could close too.
- Park websites and social media won't be updated, except for emergencies. So, don't count on them for the latest road or trail info—bring your own maps and check other sources.
- Special events or group activities probably won't happen, unless they're super low-key and don't need extra staff.
If you're camping or hiking, plan for fewer facilities. Bring your own water, food, and supplies, and be ready for limited help if something goes wrong.
How Can You Help?
The shutdown puts extra pressure on the parks, so visitors play a big role in keeping them nice for everyone. Here are some easy ways to pitch in:
- Pack out your trash: Since trash pickup might stop, take everything you bring in back out with you. This stops garbage from piling up and harming wildlife or people.
- Follow "Leave No Trace" rules: Stick to trails to avoid damaging plants, don't feed animals, and keep noise down. This helps protect the park when fewer rangers are watching.
- Be safe and respectful: Watch out for weather, wildlife, and other hazards. Report emergencies to local authorities if NPS rangers aren't around.
- Spread the word: Tell your friends and family to plan ahead and be responsible too.
By doing these things, you help make sure the parks stay beautiful and safe for future trips.
Stay Informed and Flexible
The shutdown could end soon or last longer, so keep an eye on updates. Check trusted sites like NPS.gov or DOI.gov (Department of the Interior) for news. Listen to local radio or news apps for park-specific alerts. If your trip is flexible, think about rescheduling or visiting state or local parks instead—they're often not affected.
National parks are amazing places meant for all of us to enjoy, but right now, they're operating on a shoestring. Plan smart, stay safe, and do your part—your visit can still be great if you're prepared! If things change, I'll update this post. Safe travels!
You can view the offical National Park Service Government Shutdown Plan (PDF document) at this link.
