U.S. Army Corps of Engineers preparing for possible October 1 nationwide closure of USACE-operated campgrounds and day-use parks

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is preparing for the closure of all USACE-operated campgrounds and day-use parks nationwide beginning Tuesday, October 1, if the potential shutdown of the federal government for lack of fiscal 2014 funding legislation goes into effect. Affected recreation areas would not reopen until after the shutdown is lifted.

USACE parks with leased areas and concessionaires will remain open, but cannot be supported by USACE personnel or services while the shutdown is in place.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers understands and sincerely regrets the impacts that these actions will have on the American recreating public if we are required to close our recreation areas,” said James R. Hannon, USACE Chief of Operations in Washington, D.C. “We know that this is a time of year when many vacationing families are using or planning to use USACE recreation facilities, and we will reopen them for public use and enjoyment as quickly as possible once the government shutdown is lifted.”

Beginning Tuesday and continuing through the end of the shutdown, if it goes into effect, no new visitors will be allowed into or reservations accepted for USACE recreation facilities.

In the event of a shutdown, campers who are on site prior to the shutdown going into effect will be required to vacate campgrounds not later than 8 p.m., Wednesday, October 2. These campers may elect to leave their campsite reservations open for possible use after the shutdown is lifted. Campers will receive a refund for any unused portion of their reservations

Customers scheduled to arrive while the potential shutdown is in effect may cancel their reservations for a full refund. These customers may also elect to leave reservations open for possible use after the shutdown is lifted and request a refund for any unused portion of their reservation due to the shutdown. To request a refund please contact the reservation customer service at 1-888-448-1474 (TDD 1-877-833-6777).  The reservation service will automatically cancel reservations after a customer’s scheduled departure date during the shutdown period if the customer chooses to do nothing.