So, we made it through 2021; Hello 2022! Now, we know a little more about COVID-19, but we are still in the middle of it and precautions are still lingering and campground closures are still a real thing. Along with the pandemic, came a lot of new-found interest and love for camping and the great outdoors for many. For others, they were reunited with getting back out into the camping spirit. 

 

The National Park Service (NPS) is always carefully monitoring and responding to COVID-19 changes and updates while they accept guidance from the CDC and local officials. Things change daily and the NPS helps each campground to adapt on the fly to conditions that change quickly to best protect the public. 

 

If you are planning a camping trip early this year, be aware that some policies are changing for campgrounds every day without warning. Throughout this pandemic, traveling is a risk, but if you are heading out safely to camp outdoors with those that you live with, here are some campground closures that you need to know about before setting your plans in stone! 

 

Campground Closures to Know About

 

Acadia National Park 

 

The campgrounds at Acadia National Park, the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast, are currently closed. The park does not allow any overnight parking, backcountry, or “out-of-bounds” camping. Always check the park website before visiting. 

 

Arches National Park 

 

In Utah, the Devil’s Garden Campground is currently not open, with a potential reopening date of March 1st of this year. However, the campground closure is not due to COVID-19, it is closed because of a water leak and the drinking water is compromised. Always check the park website before visiting to plan your trip. 

 

Badlands National Park 

 

The oh, so popular Badlands National Park is split. In the South end of the park, campgrounds are closed, including the South Unit. However, in the North end of the park, everything is opening and operating, including trails and roads. Always check the park website before visiting to plan your trip. 

 

Blue Ridge Parkway 

 

In Virginia, Blue Ridge Parkway has many road closures due to ice and snow. All of the campgrounds are currently closed down for the season. Always check the park website before visiting to plan your trip. 

 

Chaco Culture National Historical Park 

 

Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico does have some campground closures. Since March, Gallo Campground has been shut down in response to COVID-19. The Visitor Center is also closed. Always check the park website before visiting to plan your trip. 

 

Chiricahua National Monument  

 

While the campground is open at Chiricahua National Monument, all group camping is shut down to keep things more safe during Covid-19. Always check the park website before visiting to plan your trip. 

 

Death Valley National Park 

 

Check the Death Valley National Park website for updates. 

 

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area 

 

Also in Utah, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, while the campground is open, overnight camping along the Beehive/Ferry Swale road network is closed. Also, the Hite upper camping area is closed down. 

 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park 

 

Nestled in Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park campgrounds are all opened up. However, there is no group camping allowed due to COVID-19. 

 

Mount Rainier National Park 

 

In Washington, Mount Rainier National Park’s campgrounds are all closed. However, backcountry camping is opened up here. 

 

Rocky Mountain National Park 

 

Rocky Mountain National Park’s campgrounds have some that are open and some that are closed. Moraine Park and Glacier Basin campgrounds are open, by reservation only. All other campgrounds are closed for the season.

 

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks 

 

Check the website for updates.

 

Yellowstone National Park 

 

Check the website for updates.

 

Zion National Park

 

Check the website for updates.