National parks, federal camping areas closed are reopening soon

(Update 10/17/13: Government passed funding and our public lands will reopen soon.  On 10/10/13 Utah, Arizona, New York, Colorado and South Dakota decided to reopen its National Parks with state money by 10/12/13 … more by clicking here.)

Now that the federal government has shut down until further notice–all 401 (except those in the five states mentioned) parks, monuments, historic houses, battlefields, and other units of the park system are closed, including sites in the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and Samoa.

“Visitor centers, campgrounds, research facilities, museums, and other facilities are shuttered. Educational programs, ranger hikes, and special events are cancelled. Everything from family vacations to school field trips to weddings are affected.”

Read more about how the government shutdown is affecting visiting and camping in America’s National Parks by going to National Parks Conservation Association

The U.S. Department of Interior’s plan for the shutdown.

Photo: Visitors missed this view of the Zion Valley. (Julianne G. Crane)