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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

AZ State Parks OPEN during government shutdown

ARIZONA STATE PARKS & NATIONAL FORESTS WILL BE OPEN DURING GOVERNMENT SHUT DOWN
Dead Horse Ranch State Park

UPDATE: 10-10-13: the government shut is now forcing closure of national forest sites operated by private businesses.  Not sure why.  Check this out for first-hand updates from an owner/operator of many of these sites:
READ UPDATES from the small business that operates this site:
http://www.coyoteblog.com/
Hikers,
Although our National Parks may  temporarily shutter during the government shutdown, our ARIZONA STATE PARKS will be open for business. Access to National Forests is open, However, NF OFFICES and online camping reservation website, http://www.recreation.gov are closed. Hiking and dispersed camping are not impacted. Although I have not received any press releases regarding specific NF campground closures--it's probably a good idea to call ahead (oh, but the offices are closed)  for status of fee-camping areas. Many of these are managed by volunteer site hosts or private concessionaires  who may be keeping the gates open during the government shutdown. If you are looking for alternative places to camp, you can make reservations online:
http://azstateparks.com
WHAT'S OPEN IN ARIZONA:
http://news.morningstar.com/all/market-wired/MWR1055914/many-federal-recreation-areas-in-arizona-remain-open-during-the-government-shutdown.aspx

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Do you know if the National Forest campgrounds will be open? I was planning a trip to a NF campground but don't want to show up to a locked gate.

Mare said...

National Forest OFFICES are closed. Hiking and dispersed camping are not impacted. Please call ahead for status of fee-camping. Many of these are managed by volunteer site hosts who may be keeping the gates open during the government shutdown.

Anonymous said...

jayrapson,

Check this helpful link for more information on what's open, what's not...

http://news.morningstar.com/all/market-wired/MWR1055914/many-federal-recreation-areas-in-arizona-remain-open-during-the-government-shutdown.aspx

Anonymous said...

Tonto NF day areas for Needles on the Rio Verde have closed and locked gates. There is a sign at the main road saying "closed". I guess you could park on the road and walk in, instead of using the parking lot. But hard to say if you would be ticketed for not complying with the closed sign or for illegal parking. This is a very sad situation. I hope our congress is not getting paid for this time.

Anonymous said...

Anyone know if Araviapa Canyon is affected? I have a permit for this weekend and still want to go!