Changes are in the works for camping this summer

Over 100,000 campsites are in danger of closure this summer at campgrounds throughout the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) system.

Unlike the U.S. Forest Service, which is under the control of the U.S. Department of the Interior, who has authorized thousands of seasonal workers this year, the COE is under the control of the Department of Defense, who has not made a similar authorization.

Camping is expected to be about normal across most of the nation this summer, with the exception of COE facilities. Cuts have been made to every department under Elon Musk’s DOGE efforts, resulting in many staff reductions and firing of park rangers. This will have locally felt impacts in terms of park enforcement, sanitation, and visitor center hours, plus uncertainties in the field.

No longer uncertain is Yosemite’s decision to enforce reservations to enter the park this summer. Reservations will be required to enter the park between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. Arriving after 2 p.m. to get in without a reservation means just that. Visitors who attempt to wait outside the park for 2 o’clock to roll around will be cited.

For more park news, check out this video by the Parkography YouTube channel: