Government Shutdowns: Here's How They Impact Your Visit To US National Parks

Travelers looking to enjoy the 12 best U.S. National Parks for their next camping adventure might be in for a shock, with the currently-in-progress government shutdown affecting visitors across the country. According to a plan to navigate lacking funding to the National Park Service, the government shutdown is said to affect more than half of NPS' staff, with a staggering furlough of 9,296 employees' jobs, according to a CBS report this past Tuesday.

Per the recent Contingency Plan published by the Department of the Interior (DOI), the National Park Service will determine what is to remain open and what to close. Parks that collect fees for certain accessible areas under what's called the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, which is run under the umbrella of the DOI, will be somewhat less affected by the shutdown. The government shutdown came after the Republicans and Democrats in congress failed to agree on passing a bill that would have (among other things) continued sending federal funding to the NPS following an October 1 deadline.

Of the 400 national parks in the country, approximately 100 collect fees, and will be allowed to remain open with accessible areas, but with basic services to visitors. Bathroom facilities, garbage cleanup, road maintenance, and emergency services will be available at the parks which collect fees. The important safety advice given by National Park rangers should be taken seriously when visiting the parks during this unusual time, and those without accessible areas will be completely shuttered during the shutdown. 

A shutdown of America's National Parks now means that outdoor enthusiasts may need to put a hold on visiting the beautiful U.S. National Parks they had on their October bucket list. With certain parks that do not have accessible areas, that means that no snow-plowing, no trash collection, no educational programs, and no access to washrooms, so parks that are closed during non-operational business hours, should and will remain closed during the entirety of the government shutdown.

During the shutdown, Utah's five national parks; Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion (one of the nation's most popular parks) will remain open, however visitors should still expect fewer guest services to be readily available. So if you're still planning your road trip through Utah's "Mighty 5" National Parks, you're still in luck. In Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will remain closed during the shutdown, however roads and trails will still be open, but although the park collects parking fees, it's yet to be determined if they will use that money to keep the park clean.

The park also put out an extensive list as to what will be closed, such as Cades Cove Loop Road, Cades Cove Picnic Area, Cades Cove Visitor Center, Chimneys Picnic Area, as well as the Sugarlands Visitor Center. NPS staff does not know an end date for the government shutdown, and with the lack of garbage pickup being made, it's more important now to follow the "leave no trace" protocols while using the open trails during this time. Hopefully both sides can come to an agreement sooner than later, so everyone can get back outdoors to enjoy the nature America has to offer.