While we’re currently experiencing a federal government shutdown, most National Park Service lands will remain open but unstaffed. Any portion that requires services (campgrounds, visitor centers, bathrooms, EMS/fire, etc.) will be closed. Risky, dangerous, and sensitive areas will also be closed. If any portion of a park (including the full park, in some cases) is shut and locked during off-business hours, it will be closed during the shutdown. NPS campgrounds are a different matter, with this being the official word from the Department of the Interior: "The NPS will cease providing services for NPS operated campgrounds, including maintenance, janitorial, bathrooms, showers, check-in/check-out and reservations. There is no guarantee their reserved campsite will be ready and available should they arrive during a government shutdown.”
With that in mind, we’d like to offer up some amazing state parks that are great options, and in many cases, close to these semi-closed National Parks. These state parks are also fantastic places to visit on their own, and in no way are we suggesting these as replacement parks, though they are fully open and ready to accept visitors! Click here to read the full list of these majestic parks.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, photo by Doorino / CC 2.0
