Government Shutdown and the National Parks

The 2025 Government Shutdown: What It Means for Our National Parks

As of October 4, 2025, the U.S. federal government has been in a partial shutdown for four days, starting at midnight on October 1 after Congress failed to pass funding for the 2026 fiscal year. This disruption, the first full shutdown since the 35-day ordeal in 2018–2019, is already impacting our cherished national parks. With the National Park Service (NPS) furloughing thousands of employees, parks are open but operating under strain, raising concerns about safety, cleanliness, and environmental damage. Here’s what you need to know about the shutdown’s effects on national parks and how you can help protect these natural treasures.

A Partial Shutdown with Big Impacts

The NPS oversees 430 sites nationwide, from iconic parks like Yellowstone to historic sites like the Liberty Bell Center. During the shutdown, about 9,300 NPS employees—roughly two-thirds of the workforce—are furloughed, leaving only a skeleton crew of around 1,200 "essential" staff to manage emergencies and basic operations. While many parks remain partially open, the lack of staff means significant limitations:

• Open but unstaffed: Roads, trails, and open-air memorials (like the Lincoln Memorial) are accessible, and entrance fees are waived. You can hike or drive through, but don’t expect ranger assistance.
• Closed facilities: Visitor centers, campgrounds, restrooms, and concession stands are largely shuttered. Some sites, like the Liberty Bell Center, are completely closed.
• No services: Trash collection, ranger-led programs, and routine maintenance are suspended, increasing risks of litter and vandalism.

Camping is particularly affected. Many organized campgrounds are closed due to unstaffed reservation systems and safety concerns, though some backcountry areas may still allow dispersed camping. Without rangers to enforce rules, however, issues like unregulated campfires or improper waste disposal could arise.

Did You Know? The NPS is operating under a contingency plan, similar to past shutdowns, to keep parks "generally open" despite staffing shortages. Advocacy groups warn this could lead to a "free-for-all" environment, risking long-term damage to park ecosystems.

Lessons from Past Shutdowns: A Messy Precedent

The 2018–2019 government shutdown, which lasted 35 days, offers a grim preview of what could happen if the current stalemate drags on. During that period, understaffed parks faced widespread problems:

• Trash and waste: Overflowing bins and unmaintained restrooms led to piles of garbage and human waste on trails and campsites, especially in high-traffic parks like Yosemite and Joshua Tree.
• Vandalism and destruction: Visitors defaced petroglyphs in Utah, stole artifacts from historic sites, and illegally off-roaded, causing erosion and habitat damage. In Joshua Tree, trees were cut down for firewood.
• Wildlife impacts: Animals, stressed by litter and food scraps, approached humans, creating unsafe situations.

Some parks, like Sequoia and Kings Canyon, had to close temporarily when the mess became unmanageable. Cleanup efforts cost millions and took months, with some ecological scars—like eroded trails—persisting for years. The 2013 shutdown (16 days) saw similar issues, and environmental groups are already warning that the 2025 shutdown could repeat this chaos, especially with fall crowds flocking to parks like the Great Smoky Mountains.

What Can Visitors Do?

If you’re planning a trip to a national park during the shutdown, you can still enjoy the outdoors, but preparation and responsibility are key. Here are some practical tips to minimize your impact and stay safe:

• Pack it in, pack it out: Bring trash bags and portable waste bags (like WAG bags) to remove all waste, including human waste, as trash collection and restrooms are unavailable.
• Stick to trails: Avoid trampling vegetation or creating new paths to protect fragile ecosystems.
• Check park status: Visit nps.gov or the NPS app for real-time updates on closures or restrictions at your chosen park.
• Plan for safety: With limited ranger presence, emergency response times may be slow. Share your itinerary with someone and carry extra food, water, and first-aid supplies.
• Consider alternatives: State parks and local public lands are unaffected by the federal shutdown and may offer similar outdoor experiences with better facilities right now.

Pro Tip: Follow Leave No Trace principles—take only pictures, leave only footprints—to help keep our parks pristine during this challenging time.

What’s Next for Our Parks?

The shutdown could end as soon as Congress reaches a funding agreement, but political gridlock over budget disputes suggests it may persist. Environmental groups are urging the NPS to consider full park closures to prevent damage, as seen in past shutdowns. In the meantime, volunteers and local organizations are stepping up in some areas to handle basic maintenance, but their efforts can’t replace a fully staffed NPS.

Our national parks are irreplaceable treasures, and their protection depends on all of us. By visiting responsibly and staying informed, you can help ensure these spaces remain beautiful for future generations.

Have you visited a national park during the shutdown? Share your experiences or tips in the comments below, and let’s work together to keep our parks clean and safe!