Government Shutting Down Campgrounds?

Corps of Engineers Outlines Park Closures

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing for the closure of all Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks nationwide beginning Saturday (April 9), if the potential shutdown of the federal government goes into effect. Affected recreation areas would not reopen until after the shutdown is lifted.

Corps parks leased to partner agencies and concessionaires will remain open, but cannot be supported by the Corps while the shutdown is in place, according to a news release.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers understands the impact that these actions might have on the American recreating public if we are required to close our recreation areas,” said Michael G. Ensch, Chief of Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “We know that this is a time of year when many vacationing families are using or planning to use Corps recreation facilities, and we will reopen them for public use and enjoyment as quickly as possible.”

Beginning Saturday and continuing through the end of the shutdown, if it goes into effect, no new visitors will be allowed into, or reservations accepted for, Corps recreation facilities. Campers who are on site prior to the shutdown going into effect will be required to vacate campgrounds not later than 8 p.m. Sunday.

In the event of a shutdown, customers may cancel their reservations for a full refund. Customers required to vacate campsites early will receive a partial refund for any unused portion of their reservations. As an alternative, customers may elect to leave reservations open for possible use after the shutdown is lifted. Customers may request a partial refund for any unused portion of their reservation due to the shutdown. To request a refund please contact the reservation customer service at (888) 448-1474. If the customer chooses to do nothing, the reservation service will automatically cancel reservations after their departure date during the shutdown period.

The Corps will post current information on the closure and reopening of facilities on the Headquarters website at www.usace.army.mil and locally on Corps District’s websites.