Why You Shouldn’t Visit the National Parks During a Government Shutdown

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When exploring the outdoors, I encourage you to follow Leave No Trace Principles and be respectful of where you are so we can preserve these spaces for future generations. ♥️

Is it a good idea to visit the national parks during a government shutdown?

I’ve had a number of people ask me recently if they should reconsider their national park trip during a government shutdown, and the answer from me is an overwhelming “yes.” While it can be heartbreaking to cancel plans, especially if you have been planning this trip for a long time and you have been looking forward to it for months (or sometimes years), it will not be the magical experience you hope for during a shutdown.

Here are some reasons I have chosen not to visit the parks currently, and why I believe it is best for us to explore other options a little bit closers to home–you might be surprised by the adventures you can have at parks that are nearby. Plus, you are taking the pressure off our NPS by doing so!

In summary: This article details why you might want to reconsider visiting national parks during a government shutdown, and what options might exist for you as alternatives.

Limited staff

During government shutdowns, national parks operate with skeleton crews or sometimes no staff at all. You’re likely to notice an immediate difference–visitor centers are closed, ranger stations are unstaffed, and there’s no one available to answer questions or provide trail recommendations.

Even more concerning, entrance stations often go unmanned, which might sound like “free entry” but actually means no one is monitoring visitor numbers or checking permits. Educational programs, guided tours, and ranger talks that make national parks so special completely disappear. The rangers who dedicate their lives to protecting these places and enhancing our experiences simply aren’t there to help when you need them.

Damage to the parks in previous shutdowns

Previous government shutdowns have caused significant and sometimes irreversible damage to our national parks. During the 2018-2019 shutdown, Joshua Tree National Park suffered extensive harm when visitors drove off-road through sensitive desert ecosystems, cut down iconic Joshua trees, and vandalized rock formations.

Yosemite dealt with overflowing trash, illegal camping, and human waste issues that took months to clean up. Without staff to enforce rules and educate visitors, people—whether intentionally or through ignorance—cause damage that takes years or even decades to repair. These aren’t just inconveniences; they’re lasting scars on landscapes we’re supposed to protect for future generations.

Limited emergency response

This is probably my biggest safety concern about visiting during shutdowns. If you get injured on a trail, have a medical emergency, or encounter a dangerous wildlife situation, there may be no rangers available to respond. Search and rescue operations can be severely delayed or unavailable entirely.

I always carry emergency supplies and know basic wilderness first aid, but even experienced hikers can face situations that require professional help. During the 2018 shutdown, several deaths occurred in national parks with delayed or complicated emergency responses. The risk simply isn’t worth it, especially on more remote or challenging trails where cell service is nonexistent and help could be hours away even under normal circumstances.

Lack of waste management

One of the most immediately apparent problems during shutdowns is the trash and waste situation. Restrooms close or overflow, trash cans go unemptied, and the parks quickly become unsanitary. During past shutdowns, I’ve seen photos of popular trailheads with garbage piled up and restroom facilities in absolutely disgusting condition.

Human waste becomes a serious problem when vault toilets are locked and visitors resort to using the surrounding areas inappropriately. This isn’t just gross—it’s a genuine public health hazard and environmental disaster.

Wildlife gets into trash, water sources become contaminated, and the pristine wilderness we come to experience becomes anything but. It can take park staff months to clean up the mess once they return to work.

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Lagging information

Without staff, there’s no one updating crucial information about trail conditions, road closures, wildlife activity, or weather hazards. I always check park websites and social media before heading out, but during shutdowns, this information goes dark.

Are there bears actively in the area? Has a trail washed out? Is that road actually passable? You won’t know because no one is there to assess conditions and post updates. This lack of current information puts visitors at serious risk. I remember during a previous shutdown trying to plan a Glacier trip and having absolutely no idea which trails were safe or accessible. The uncertainty alone made me change my plans to visit state parks instead where staff could provide current conditions.

Delayed road maintenance

Road maintenance stops during shutdowns, which creates serious safety hazards, especially during winter months or spring when conditions change rapidly. Plowing stops, fallen trees don’t get cleared, rockslides block roads without warning signs, and potholes go unrepaired.

Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier requires constant maintenance even during normal operations—without crews working, it can quickly become dangerous or impassable. I’ve driven park roads in less-than-ideal conditions before, and having confidence that maintenance crews are actively working makes a huge difference.

During shutdowns, you’re truly on your own if you encounter road problems, and getting stuck or stranded in a national park with no staff support is a nightmare scenario I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

Where to go instead

The good news is that you have plenty of alternatives that actually benefit from your visit during federal shutdowns! State parks remain fully operational with staff, facilities, and emergency services. I love exploring state parks anyway—they’re often less crowded and offer incredible experiences. Local county and city parks provide great hiking and outdoor opportunities close to home.

National forests (managed separately from national parks) typically remain accessible with some services. Consider this a perfect opportunity to explore those local trails you’ve been meaning to check out or finally visit that state park you’ve driven past a hundred times. Your entrance fees and support actually help these parks during your visit rather than contributing to problems at understaffed national parks. Plus, you’re not adding to the burden that park staff will face when they return to work.

Conclusion

I know how disappointing it is to cancel or postpone national park plans—believe me, I’ve been there! But visiting during a shutdown ultimately hurts the places we love. The damage caused, safety risks taken, and burden placed on parks isn’t worth it. Instead, use this time to explore incredible state and local parks, plan your next national park adventure for when staff return, and maybe even contact your representatives to express how much these protected spaces matter to you.