How may government shutdown effect RV'rs at National Parks?

[VocalVirgo]

The RTR in Quartzite is still a go. I just spoke to one of the head organizers.

But get this, I just called Xanterra, and they said that depending on how long this shutdown is predicted to last, the may start CANCELLING reservations for Yellowstone. She said it has everything to do with snow-plowing and safety. I asked if they would be asking people to leave if they may be snowed in and she said YES.
I was under the assumption that Xanterra had plenty of money from prepaid reservations to keep snowplow operators and safety staff going during something like this.

BLM, Quartzite, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and Slab City are optional destinations for anyone who is forced to change plans. Please note that all of the above mentioned have no services, so pack plenty of water and supplies. *Slab City has a single store 2 miles away, but it is not a good place for supplies. If you plan to head there, please consider a large grocery store or big-box store well before you leave the I-10 or 111*

I hope everyone still has wonderful winter travels, despite what's going on.

[Kennest6]

Just been to Everglades NP. No Rangers, only Park Police directing busy parking lot traffic at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. No fee. Center closed. Tram is running with contracted concessionaire and their restrooms/gift shop/bike rental open. Same at Gulf Coast Center. ENP 10000 Island Boat Tour running, restrooms open, no Rangers or Visitor Center. I can’t comment on NP Campgrounds as we camped in Collier Seminole State Park which butts up to Big Cypress NWP and then to Everglades NP. There were some campers along the drives we made in the Nortern section of the park, parked in trail head lots, but not as many as could be if they all got kicked out of the campgrounds.The Flamingo campground is way South and fairly remote, I wasn’t in that area.

[RVroadblock]

Volunteers man this site as usual for COE.

Our next campground is WP Franklin North, will update when we can check it out.

[Rockwood27]

WP Franklin COE campground in Alva, FL appears to be open. We have reservations at the end of January.

[pobstlmo]

Fort Pickens in Pensacola said they were closed; on the internet reserve.gov, so I’m in a private campground instead. Supposed to get a refund in a month, probably starts after the shutdown is over.

[RKins]

Originally Posted by RVroadblock

Volunteers man this site as usual for COE.

Our next campground is WP Franklin North, will update when we can check it out.

I thought WP Franklin N can only handle up to 35 ft rigs?

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by RKins

I thought WP Franklin N can only handle up to 35 ft rigs?

RVroadblock has a 37' in his signature. 2' is not going to make a difference in most parks. When they say 35' every single campsite isn't that size. Some are bigger. It usually means the average size. We wouldn't hesitate to take our 40' into a campground stating 35'. We've done it often in public parks. This is true especially for Class A's who tow a small car. That car can fit creatively onto the parking site with wheels kept on the site as opposed to a big dually truck.

As volunteers in Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park we asked if we could make a new footprint map of the campground because when assigning sites we knew there were bigger ones out there. Sure enough, after that project the rangers were amazed that we found so many for bigger rigs. Assigning sites just got easier in that campground.

[Barryengleman]

We got thrown out of Fort Pickens during the Obama government shutdown! They still us about $80 for the days we had already paid for but couldn’t use when they closed the park. We also had to spend more money for a new place to stay during that time. So, shutdowns can effect your pocket book!

[PJStough]

Originally Posted by Barryengleman

We got thrown out of Fort Pickens during the Obama government shutdown! They still us about $80 for the days we had already paid for but couldn’t use when they closed the park. We also had to spend more money for a new place to stay during that time. So, shutdowns can effect your pocket book!

So we all can expect that the Trump government shutdown could affect our pocketbook as well?

[CLIFFTALL]

Final Warning ( see posts 4 and 37 ) We’re trying to keep this thread open as it affects a lot of RV’ers.
Let’s knock off the Obama this or the Trump that as our Community Rules do not allow political discussions. Thanks

[FatChance]

Good idea!

[UTTransplant]

Remember COE campgrounds are part of the Department of Defense, and the DoD is funded. NPS, NFS, and BLM are part of the government not funded.

[Airedale]

We are in San Antonio and all of the National Historic Missions are closed as of today.

[RVroadblock]

lol exactly correct guys, wp Franklin says max 35' but we had no problem fitting in, heck there were 5th wheelers in the end spots. Good to know COE is dod and funded!