I have worked in private industry long enough to know that for profit private business entities are just as good at mismanaging money as any other organization. IMO the idea that the private sector would be somehow better at managing public assets is a myth.
The NPS can only spend whatever money has been specifically appropriated for a specific purpose, so if the national park does not have enough money in their appropriation (or, in their "budget") then they have no choice but to remain closed. I agree that there is an "opportunity lost" cost to the parks if they have to delay opening because of a lack of funding, but without a specific "budget" (or appropriation) they would have no choice.
