Thousands of California national forest campsites may close this summer amid federal budget freeze, report says
Nearly 4,000 campsites across California’s 18 national forests could close for part or all of the summer season as the U.S. Forest Service struggles with budget constraints following President Donald Trump’s federal spending freeze, according to a report by The New York Times.
The potential closures could impact visitor centers and backcountry trails at popular outdoor destinations such as Desolation Wilderness in Lake Tahoe and the Mount Whitney area.
An internal agency memo cited by the Times indicated that financial limitations may render some sites “unsafe” due to the inability to maintain them.
Forest Service employees who spoke with the publication noted that the funding freeze could significantly impact essential services, including human waste removal, trail maintenance, and search-and-rescue operations. Mount Whitney, known for frequent rescues and fatalities, may be particularly affected.
Additionally, the report stated that staffing cuts have already led to the termination of the last permanent wilderness ranger in Desolation Wilderness. In other areas, visitor centers could close.
Budget constraints have already impacted the Forest Service.
Last year, regional managers announced plans to eliminate 400 seasonal staff members from California’s national forests. More recently, at least 2,000 Forest Service employees were reportedly terminated by The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), according to the Times.
The potential funding cuts also threaten the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile hiking route visited by approximately 1 million hikers annually. The Pacific Crest Trail Association told the San Francisco Chronicle that a $667,000 federal grant used for trail maintenance may be frozen, raising safety concerns for hikers.
Meanwhile, campsites under the National Park Service have also faced disruptions. Yosemite National Park recently delayed reservations for several popular campsites between June 15 and July 14.
While no official reason was given, the Chronicle reported that the announcement followed widespread park service terminations by DOGE.
“The Forest Service remains committed to ensuring public health and safety while balancing access to recreation services and public access, which is vital to local economies. It is our intent to maintain access to recreation opportunities to the greatest degree possible,” the government agency said in an email statement to KTLA.