Are National Parks Closed During the Government Shutdown?

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Much of the Federal Government has officially shut down for the first time in seven years after a budget impasse in Washington allowed funding to lapse. Amongst the feds' many responsibilities are maintaining and operating our nation's many National Parks. With 63 National Parks and 433 total units in the National Parks system, it's an issue that impacts millions of people across the United States.

With a timeline for a budget deal still unclear, here's what to know about National Parks access and operations during the shutdown.

Most National Parks Are Not Shutting Down

Under a contingency plan from Department of the Interior (DOI), open-air sites will remain open and accessible to the public. That includes things like roads, hiking trails, campgrounds, lookouts, and open-air memorials, according to the DOI's plan.

Buildings that require staffing to operate, however, are set to close during the shutdown. That includes visitors centers or historic buildings such as the Washington Monument in Washington D.C.

Staff Will Be Furloughed and Services Will Be Limited

Around 64% of National Parks staff are set to be furloughed, meaning services at the sites are likely to be far more limited than usual. Staff will continue to maintain health and safety features like restroom access and garbage collection, as well as activities like "law enforcement or emergency response, border and coastal protection and surveillance, and fire suppression and monitoring."

Services like social media, trail updates, and guided tours will be suspended.

Some Sites Could Close if Safety Issues Arise

The DOI's plan specifies that public access will be suspended if it begins to pose health, safety, or resource protection issues. During a previous government shutdown during President Trump's first term, NBC News notes, Joshua Tree National Park was forced to close after unsupervised visitors caused damage to the park and its facilities.