US Government Shutdown Weighs On Crater Lake Tourism With Limited Services And Reduced Visitors

Published on November 11, 2025

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has significantly impacted tourism at Crater Lake National Park, with limited services and a noticeable decline in visitor numbers. While the park remains open, the lack of staffing due to the shutdown has led to closures of essential services like entrance fee collections and visitor assistance, making some tourists hesitant to visit. This situation has resulted in a decrease in foot traffic, especially as many visitors assume the park may be closed entirely. Despite these challenges, those who have made the journey to the park have found a quieter, albeit less staffed, experience.

As the government shutdown enters its sixth week, the effects are becoming increasingly evident at Crater Lake National Park. While the park itself remains open to visitors, the ongoing budget impasse is severely impacting the operations and tourism experience at this iconic destination. This situation reflects broader challenges faced by national parks across the country during a government shutdown, as services are cut or limited, leading to reduced visitor satisfaction and lower tourism revenue.

Although Crater Lake National Park remains accessible to the public, the lack of funding has meant that many essential services are unavailable. For instance, staff working in various park facilities, including the gift shop, are employed through private concessionaires, and they have reported a significant drop in visitors. Normally a bustling location for park-goers looking to purchase souvenirs, the shop is seeing fewer customers, a direct result of the shutdown’s widespread impact. Employees at the shop have observed that many visitors are assuming that the park is closed or that the gift shop is not in operation due to the lack of staff and the perceived effects of the shutdown. This has contributed to a reduced number of visitors who otherwise would have stopped by to purchase items or seek information about the park.

The entry fee to Crater Lake National Park, typically $30 per car, is another point of disruption. Normally, park visitors would pay this fee at the entrance booth, where a ranger or staff member would be stationed to manage admissions and provide guidance. However, due to the shutdown, the entrance booth is unstaffed, and the fee is not being collected. While this may seem like a benefit for those visiting the park, the absence of fee collection further reflects the reduced services available to the public. Without the proper staff at the entrance, there is no one to provide additional resources such as park maps, safety information, or guidance on recommended trails and activities.

For those visiting the park during the shutdown, this lack of staff presence can be disorienting, particularly for first-time visitors who may not be familiar with the park’s landscape or the best ways to navigate the area. This has raised concerns about safety, as visitors may inadvertently wander into areas that are not properly monitored or marked due to the lack of staff on duty.

Despite these challenges, some visitors have still opted to visit Crater Lake, though their decision to do so has not been without hesitation. A family from out of state shared their experience of almost skipping their trip altogether due to concerns over the shutdown. They had heard rumors and seen news reports suggesting that the park might be closed entirely, as is often the case with other federal locations during such shutdowns. However, they ultimately decided to take the chance and visit anyway, hoping that they could at least enjoy a partial experience at the park.

When they arrived at Crater Lake, they were pleasantly surprised to find the park open, though they noted the absence of the usual amenities and services they would expect during a typical visit. Despite the limitations, the family expressed their satisfaction at being able to see the lake and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, albeit with fewer services and amenities than in past visits. They were relieved that the park remained accessible, even though the shutdown had left certain aspects of their visit less than ideal.

This scenario is becoming increasingly common across the nation’s national parks, where visitors must contend with the realities of a shutdown that disrupts their travel plans. While some parks have remained fully open during previous shutdowns by relying on volunteers or state funding, others have faced temporary closures or significant reductions in available services. In some cases, park rangers and staff are furloughed, leaving limited personnel available to manage the park’s operations. The impact on tourism is evident, as visitors may be less inclined to visit a park that lacks basic services like staffed visitor centers, restrooms, and interpretive programs that enhance the overall experience.

The situation at Crater Lake also raises broader concerns about the financial sustainability of the park. Typically, park fees contribute a significant portion of the park’s revenue, supporting everything from maintenance and operational costs to environmental protection and educational programs. With the entrance fee collection halted, Crater Lake, like other parks affected by the shutdown, faces potential revenue losses that may have long-term implications for its ability to function effectively once the shutdown is resolved.

Moreover, the shutdown has led to cancellations of planned events, educational programs, and volunteer activities, further affecting the park’s reputation as a family-friendly and educational destination. As national parks like Crater Lake rely on tourism as a key source of funding and support, the loss of visitors during the shutdown period represents both a short-term financial hit and a longer-term challenge to restoring the park’s full offerings.

The decision by some visitors to push forward with their plans despite the uncertainty reflects the deep connection many people have with national parks and the natural beauty they offer. Parks like Crater Lake have long been seen as refuges for people seeking to escape urban life, explore the outdoors, and connect with nature in a meaningful way. However, for those who visit during a shutdown, it becomes increasingly apparent that these once-untouched experiences are now intertwined with the political and economic realities that affect their accessibility and enjoyment.

The U.S. government shutdown is negatively affecting Crater Lake tourism, with limited services and fewer visitors due to staffing shortages and uncertainty about park operations.

As the government shutdown continues, it remains unclear when full services will be restored at Crater Lake and other national parks. Until then, visitors will need to weigh the trade-offs of enjoying the park’s natural beauty while coping with the limited services available due to the ongoing shutdown. For many, the decision to visit Crater Lake during this time has been an act of resilience, finding value in the park’s breathtaking views even amid an environment of uncertainty.