This is more of a question than a statement. I did just try recreation.gov to see if was taking applications to camp at Flamingo campground in the everglades. The site is down due to the shutdown. I assume they've kicked out the campers there and at Long Pine Key campground where I hope to be in a month.Any others have direct knowledge?

Recreation.gov website - linkOur Apologies...The Recreation.gov website is not available due to a lapse in funding for the federal government.We will keep all reservations in the system intact until the departure date has passed in the event you would like to use any part of your reservation. If your reservation falls completely within the time frame of the lapse in funding, full refunds will be made. No additional cancellation fees will be charged to the customer for reservation cancellations as a result of facility closures.We invite you to return to this site as the situation evolves in order to obtain additional information about how services and reservations may be affected.

I've seen several reports indicating the National Parks will remain open but all facilities (visitor centers, restrooms, etc) will be closed and locked. Campgrounds will remain but no amenities will be provided.We were in Big Bend NP for the last go round of this. After a couple of days, we finally found a ranger who told us we should leave but, since they weren't working, they couldn't make us go.

huachuca wrote:I've seen several reports indicating the National Parks will remain open but all facilities (visitor centers, restrooms, etc) will be closed and locked. Campgrounds will remain but no amenities will be provided.We were in Big Bend NP for the last go round of this. After a couple of days, we finally found a ranger who told us we should leave but, since they weren't working, they couldn't make us go.General park employees (AKA "Rangers") will not be working.However, NPS Law Enforcement Officers (AKA LEO's) are considered essential employees and will be working. If the campground is closed, you can bet they will show up and make you leave.

From what I've seen so far, the Park Service is no more prepared this time than they were in 2013. I haven't seen a definitive statement on their position on their website or any of the social media sites where they have a presence.Did find this "Visitors at NPS campgrounds won't be asked to leave, but they will be notified that there won't be any services. Those with reservations for a later date will be notified that NPS is not providing services (including check-in/check-out) and there is no guarantee that their reserved campsite will be ready and available."Dewey02 - Don't recall if our contact was a "Ranger" or a "LEO" but we did spend several days in Big Bend during the 2013 shutdown and left only when we decided to move on. We were cautioned that we'd be on our own if we had any problems on the trails or backroads.

Last time, the Government went out of it's way to shut roads, and close off access. Even to places which are not staffed such as monuments. This time we have been told it wont happen, And that for as long as possible , utilizing funds currently on hand the facilities would remain open. The difference is in total shutdown summarily, or partial closure while maximizing access that can be maintained??Has anyone on here been told to leave yet?Has anyone tried to access a National Park or Monument today?

NPS campgrounds closed during shutdown | Good Sam Community

huachuca
Explorer
Jan 20, 2018
From what I've seen so far, the Park Service is no more prepared this time than they were in 2013. I haven't seen a definitive statement on their position on their website or any of the social media sites where they have a presence.

Did find this "Visitors at NPS campgrounds won't be asked to leave, but they will be notified that there won't be any services. Those with reservations for a later date will be notified that NPS is not providing services (including check-in/check-out) and there is no guarantee that their reserved campsite will be ready and available."

Dewey02 - Don't recall if our contact was a "Ranger" or a "LEO" but we did spend several days in Big Bend during the 2013 shutdown and left only when we decided to move on. We were cautioned that we'd be on our own if we had any problems on the trails or backroads.
dewey02
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2018
huachuca wrote:
I've seen several reports indicating the National Parks will remain open but all facilities (visitor centers, restrooms, etc) will be closed and locked. Campgrounds will remain but no amenities will be provided.

We were in Big Bend NP for the last go round of this. After a couple of days, we finally found a ranger who told us we should leave but, since they weren't working, they couldn't make us go.

General park employees (AKA "Rangers") will not be working.
However, NPS Law Enforcement Officers (AKA LEO's) are considered essential employees and will be working. If the campground is closed, you can bet they will show up and make you leave.
huachuca
Explorer
Jan 20, 2018
I've seen several reports indicating the National Parks will remain open but all facilities (visitor centers, restrooms, etc) will be closed and locked. Campgrounds will remain but no amenities will be provided.

We were in Big Bend NP for the last go round of this. After a couple of days, we finally found a ranger who told us we should leave but, since they weren't working, they couldn't make us go.
cmcdar
Explorer
Jan 20, 2018
Recreation.gov website - link

Our Apologies...
The Recreation.gov website is not available due to a lapse in funding for the federal government.

We will keep all reservations in the system intact until the departure date has passed in the event you would like to use any part of your reservation. If your reservation falls completely within the time frame of the lapse in funding, full refunds will be made. No additional cancellation fees will be charged to the customer for reservation cancellations as a result of facility closures.

We invite you to return to this site as the situation evolves in order to obtain additional information about how services and reservations may be affected.

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NPS campgrounds closed during shutdown

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