Forum Discussion

melhow's avatar
melhow
Explorer
Sep 13, 2013

Federal Park Camping and Looming Government Shutdown

The family (10 of us with four sites total) and I have our annual 12-day trip planned for Elkmont in the Smokies beginning October 2. I am sweating the very real possibility of a government shutdown e...
the_happiestcam's avatar
the_happiestcam
Explorer
Oct 02, 2013
melhow wrote:
and upon returning to the park was questioned by park services, rightly so, at the gate regarding getting back to camp. He only had his parking tag to prove he was camping, which sufficed, but he was advised he'd need more proof if he needed to exit and re-enter prior to the deadline to be out


Why would they need more proof? When there is no shutdown, they never require anything more than a hang tag. I usually leave any receipts in the camper.

About Campground 101

Recommendations, reviews, and the inside scoop from fellow travelers.14,736 PostsLatest Activity: Oct 02, 2025