Federal Park Camping and Looming Government Shutdown

[melhow]

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 effective Oct. 1.

From what I've read, the park would close all access except for pass-thru driving allowed on 441 between Tennessee and North Carolina, no stopping allowed.

I'm trying to come up with a good plan-B, but I'm hesitant to reserve other sites, mainly because I am unfamiliar with RV'ing in parks in the area outside of the Smokies. I also don't want to drop a bunch more cash on second reservations just to be hit with a cancellation fee if nothing happens with the shutdown.

What's your thoughts on the issue (the effect of the shutdown and alternate plan-making, NOT the politics behind what caused the shutdown)? Anyone else's plans going to be affected?

*Edited to hopefully not start a politics thread

[Mich_F]

Ray552 wrote:



All Corp of Engineers and other federal parks campsites are closed as is the reserve America site.

The Reserve America site is still working. At least it is on my computer.

[ChiefK]

Stupid, stupid, stupid. They make money from the campers, not lose money. This is just a way to make the American people hurt.

[Ray552]

Because of the federal government shutdown, all national parks are closed and National Park Service webpages are not operating. For more information, go to www.doi.gov.


All Corp of Engineers and other federal parks campsites are closed as is the reserve America site.

[doxiemom11]

We are staying in a COE park in Mississippi. We were advised this morning that all campers have to be out by 8pm tomorrow. This will also close down forest service park campgrounds. Walmart - her we come! (We are traveling, not vacationing)

[melhow]

Morning all - as a follow up to this thread, my husband went up early and is now being evicted from Elkmont. The rangers indicated the campers have to leave in a timely fashion, which translates to 48 hours from 12:01 Am this morning. The rangers also indicated that all three campgrounds in the Smokies that have not already been closed due to sequester (Elkmont, Cades Cove and Smokemont) are booked full this weekend, which translates to 501 campsites being emptied and spilled into the surrounding area, which is also booked full due to this being high season.

So, long story short - If you were planning a trip to the area for the next two weeks and don't already have alternate plans, I'd probably just cancel. Everything I heard on the news indicates the shutdown will last, at the minimum, one week, but more than likely will extend until the 17th.

This will be devastating to the area. What a shame.

[stickdog]

If there is a shutdown with only 441 open for through traffic why even bother. The park will be closed so any auto touring or hiking will be zilch. If you just want to drop some dollars in Gatlinburg or Dollywood go for it.

[Allworth]

You might want to look at Roan Mountain State Park (Tenn) between Johnson City and Boone. (ON the old ET&WNC right of way at Cranberry.)

[Dixiechick]

kohldad wrote:
Hopefully, they won't shut down, but having Plan B is a good idea.

Since you will be a couple weeks ahead of the colors, getting other sites last minute should not be an issue.

As mention, GA state parks in the mountains would be a good backup. In the GA/TN area is Cherokee NF. You can dispersed camp along gravel roads as long as you are 300' from the paved road and not blocking traffic. Since this does not allow upons services, you will still be able to do this.

There are also numerous commercial campgrounds which would not be bad option for backup plans.

Actually the first of October is the busiest week of the year there according to a campground manager I contacted. We have reservations at the Mountaineer campground in Townsend and we got one of the last sites. I made those reservations in July.

[Jim_Shoe]

Here's a link to an interactive National Parks Map. I'm not familiar enough with the area to be of more help. Note that this is the only post that isn't political. Some folks just can't resist.

[bgum]

The anti government people tried it once and it didn't work. Management will be required to work and the others will get a paid holiday. You will out of luck. I really don't think they are dumb enough to try it again.

[kohldad]

Hopefully, they won't shut down, but having Plan B is a good idea.

Since you will be a couple weeks ahead of the colors, getting other sites last minute should not be an issue.

As mention, GA state parks in the mountains would be a good backup. In the GA/TN area is Cherokee NF. You can dispersed camp along gravel roads as long as you are 300' from the paved road and not blocking traffic. Since this does not allow upons services, you will still be able to do this.

There are also numerous commercial campgrounds which would not be bad option for backup plans.

[D___M]

melhow wrote:
I also don't want to drop a bunch more cash on second reservations just to be hit with a cancellation fee if nothing happens with the shutdown.

What's your thoughts on the issue (the effect of the shutdown and alternate plan-making, NOT the politics behind what caused the shutdown)? Anyone else's plans going to be affected?

Does it really make a difference what we think? It's your tolerance for worry that you need to think about. Are you a gambler? If so, don't go somewhere else. If you can't stand the worry, by all means, make other plans.

It always seems that when there is a shutdown or sequestration, the whole idea is to punish as many American citizens as possible. The government won't shutdown the entitlements section. The checks will be mailed, the food stamps will be printed, and the cell phones will be handed out.

[path1]

What's your thoughts on the issue (the effect of the shutdown and alternate plan-making, NOT the politics behind what caused the shutdown)? Anyone else's plans going to be affected?

When was the last time the Gov't did anything on a certain date without making a big deal out of it?. "They" (ie the big wheels or so they think) will extend and mess around so they can make the news etc..the issue can be beaten to death. You probably picked the best time to go.

[magnusfide]

Don't worry: suggestion to find a roadside park is good. Also State Parks in Ga, Tn & Nc are great options. If you want fall foliage GAs doesn't show much until last week of Oct.
Just do a search for "_______" state parks (insert state) and see what comes up.

[Johno02]

Don't know about NPS or Forest service, but for COE campgrounds, ALL the income goes directly to Washington, straight into political pockets. All the campgrounds get is whatever they can find left over in their division pockets. Some are being run by contract groups, most of them have a few dollars that can be used locally.