In March 2025, more than 425 federally operated campsites across Pennsylvania were closed indefinitely when a federal hiring freeze took effect under budget cuts initiated by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that these measures were necessary to address staffing shortages, signaling that critical seasonal positions could not be filled.
Raystown Lake, the largest lake situated entirely within Pennsylvania, was among the sites most heavily impacted. Seven Points, Susquehannock, and Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore Campgrounds at Raystown were shut down, while Tompkins Campground at Tioga-Hammond/Cowanesque Lakes in Tioga County also closed. Officials confirmed that the Army Corps’ primary focus would remain on dam operations for flood protection.
Representatives of the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau expressed concern over the indefinite closures, citing lost tourism dollars in places that typically attract high visitor volume. Authorities noted that Raystown Lake alone draws more than a million visitors each year, with some estimates of its annual revenue cited at $1.2 million and others at $12 million. According to one widely shared statement, day-use facilities such as beaches, overlooks, picnic areas, and recreational trails remained accessible as part of an effort to preserve some degree of public enjoyment.
Refunds for canceled reservations are being processed automatically, with additional refund details offered through official channels. The indefinite timeline for reopening has prompted travelers to look elsewhere, raising worries about seasonal economies that rely on income from campers and boaters. A steady influx of visitors in summer can significantly impact the stability of various outdoor businesses.
“The sad part of it is that it’s being treated by the federal government as a cost saving measure, but they’re overlooking the revenue that those campgrounds bring in,” said Matt Price, executive director of the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau in an interview with WPSU. He suggested that local businesses ranging from restaurants to equipment suppliers may experience reduced traffic as a result of the shutdown.
Representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources encouraged travelers to investigate alternative sites in the state park system. More than seven thousand campsites, including modern cabins, yurts, and tent locations, span 124 state parks and a 2.2-million-acre forest network. State officials highlighted a $112 million investment plan under the Shapiro Administration, targeting upgrades to existing facilities and the reopening of sites to bolster an outdoor economy worth $19 billion and employing 168,000 people.
Meanwhile, day-use amenities at federal locations across Pennsylvania remain open to the public, allowing for hiking, fishing, and other activities that do not require direct oversight from seasonal staff. The Army Corps of Engineers stated that concession-run facilities like Seven Points Marina continue to operate, preserving some elements of the usual summer crowd experience. Concerns linger about whether visitation alone in those areas will offset campground-related shortfalls.
To prevent the kind of labor shortfall that triggered these closures, private operators might consider widely shared tactics for better employee retention. One approach involves cross-training staff so that workers can move efficiently between roles during peak months, a practice that can reduce turnover and help avoid crises when labor sources become constrained. Recognized strategies also include forging local community partnerships with colleges or regional training programs to source seasonal talent, offering flexible scheduling for those unable to commit to full-time roles, and launching early recruitment campaigns to secure and train new hires well before peak season.
Outdoor hospitality operators seeking to expand their customer base could further adopt targeted marketing strategies aimed at visitors unable to access closed federal sites. Collaborative promotion with tourism bureaus, dynamic pricing incentives, and upgraded amenities such as improved Wi-Fi can encourage repeat visits. Highlighting unique lodging options establishes a competitive edge, and well-planned online engagement helps displaced travelers discover available alternatives.
By welcoming campers who no longer have access to federal sites, local businesses could mitigate revenue losses while preserving the state’s tradition of outdoor adventure. Officials note that this approach may also strengthen local economies and provide visitors with new recreational options, helping maintain a robust tourism industry in regions that typically rely on federal campground traffic.
Some industry observers believe these closures convey a broader message about the vulnerability of public lands when federal resources are curtailed. The potential for indefinite campground shutdowns underscores the need for consistent hiring policies, steady investment, and emergency backup plans. Many communities continue to seek creative solutions for staffing, visitor management, and revenue generation during the ongoing disruption.
It is unclear when the campgrounds will reopen, although statements from the Army Corps of Engineers indicate that safety measures and dam maintenance will remain the top priority. In the meantime, tourism stakeholders are determined to ensure travelers retain as many outdoor opportunities as possible. Several encourage the public to check official websites and local sources for updates on the eventual resumption of full recreational services.
