What Happens To National Parks During A Government Shutdown

America's national parks are some of the country's most valued public lands, welcoming millions of visitors each year. But when the federal government shuts down, the experience can change dramatically. Because the National Park Service relies on federal funding and staffing, a government shutdown can affect visitor centers, campgrounds, ranger programs, road maintenance, and emergency services alike.

That doesn't necessarily mean every national park immediately closes its gates. Depending on the circumstances, some parks may remain accessible with limited services, while others could close completely. What follows is a look at what actually happens to national parks when the funding runs out.

Why Do Government Shutdowns Affect National Parks

National parks are federally owned, and every year the U.S. Congress develops and approves a federal budget for all government agencies. When Congress fails to pass a new funding bill, the parks are at risk of closing. This is because these spaces rely on government funding to function and stay open.

A shutdown affects sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. When the parks are closed, they could lose more than $1 million in fee revenue every day. With a shutdown, thousands of park staff end up furloughed without pay, left uncertain about when their next paycheck will arrive.

Many of the parks might be partially open with a few staff to protect them, but without the full staff, it is hard to keep the park running smoothly. As an example, during the 2018-2019 shutdown, Death Valley National Park had campgrounds open, but restrooms were closed, which led to sanitation issues.

Are National Parks Open or Closed During a Shutdown

The answer is, it varies. National parks will most likely not be fully open, but many won't be closed either. The general rule is that if a facility or area is locked or secured during non-business hours, it should be locked or secured for the duration of the shutdown.

That means if the gates to the park are locked after business hours, the park is most likely going to be closed. Take Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, where the entrance gates are locked at night to prevent the theft of petrified wood.

For most parks, the decision to remain open or closed depends on the park itself.

What Services Are Usually Suspended

Due to the nature of a government shutdown, various things are impacted. This depends on each park and the staff it is able to keep on.

Visitor Centers

Visitor centers, like information desks, museums, exhibits, and gift shops, are going to be closed. They fall under the general rule that if an area is locked after business hours, then it should remain closed. They do not fall under the staff that will be allowed to stay and work during the government shutdown.

Park websites and social media will also not be maintained except for emergency communication. The parks will not provide regular road or trail updates. The only thing that will be provided to visitors is a posted sign notifying visitors that only basic or no visitor services will be provided, and that emergency services are limited.

Campgrounds

Campgrounds are another thing that is often impacted during a government shutdown. Many campgrounds will stay open, but they will not have water spigots available, and dumpsters are often not maintained. Other campgrounds will become first-come, first-served, with canceled advanced bookings.

It is best for all campers to bring in extra supplies, like drinking water, and pack out all the trash they bring in. There will be reduced staff, including emergency services. Recreation is entirely at your own risk, as emergency response times can be significantly delayed because of limited staff.

Facilities

Restrooms are often closed during a shutdown because they are unserviced. There will also be limited trash collection, and many parks found trash overflowing at dumpsters. Dump stations are also unmaintained.

Which Park Employees Continue Working

During a shutdown, only a handful of employees continue working. Law enforcement and emergency response teams are still active. Most of the time, these crews are small, meaning delays in emergency responses are common. Border and coastal protection teams will still be active, though they are also on smaller crew sizes. Fire suppression teams and fire watch teams are active during a fire watch.

During the 2025 shutdown of the government, there were a total of 14,500 employees altogether for the national parks. 9,296 of them were furloughed. The just over 5,000 remaining employees covered more than 400 national parks on small crews.

How Shutdowns Affect Visitors

Visitors can expect to be turned away from national parks during this time. There is limited information available to people wanting to visit these areas. As stated, parks are not updating their websites to inform visitors which trails are closed, how the weather will be, and if there are any risks.

Bathrooms are likely going to be closed. A suggestion is to bring a personal hygiene kit with toilet paper and hand sanitizer. There is also the risk of not having a place to replenish water bottles. Bring extra to avoid dehydration. It is also recommended to bring extra gear and layers if you are in the parks, as weather is unpredictable.

The search and rescue (SAR) operations are stretched thin during this time. Visitors should stay on trails, keep distance from wildlife, stay hydrated, and follow the park rules to stay as safe as possible.

During a government shutdown, it is likely to be a frustrating time for visitors who want to enjoy the parks.

The Takeaway

A government shutdown can dramatically change the national park experience, even when a park remains accessible to visitors. Reduced staffing, closed visitor centers, limited campground services, and delayed maintenance can make a trip more challenging while also placing additional pressure on the parks' natural and cultural resources. Previous shutdowns have shown just how quickly these effects can become noticeable.

For travelers, the most important thing is to stay informed and flexible. Park access and available services can vary from one shutdown to another, so checking official updates before heading out is essential. While national parks may look much the same during a shutdown, the people and services that help keep them safe, clean, and accessible may be operating with significant limitations.