Several federally managed campgrounds in Pennsylvania will remain closed indefinitely due to executive order-driven staffing shortages.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced that it will prioritize dam operations for flood protection and emergency response readiness, impacting more than 425 campsites across the state.
The closures affect popular campgrounds at Raystown Lake, including Seven Points, Susquehannock, and Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore Campgrounds, as well as Tompkins Campground on Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lakes.
The shutdowns will also restrict access to amenities such as swim beaches and boat ramps. Campers with existing reservations will receive refunds through Recreation.gov.
According to a report by The Philadelphia Inquirer, the decision comes amid broader federal cutbacks under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an initiative spearheaded by the current administration.
The agency has implemented reductions across various government entities, including the Army Corps of Engineers, which manages public recreation areas nationwide.
In a Facebook post published on March 19, the USACE addressed frequently asked questions regarding the partial closures, stating staffing shortages are “not related to budget or the continuing resolution.” Instead, the closures are due to a Department of Defense hiring freeze, which has prevented the hiring of necessary seasonal rangers and maintenance staff.
“Baltimore District recreation sites rely heavily on seasonal rangers and maintenance staff for public safety and upkeep for over one million annual visitors,” the post explained. “These positions are currently subject to the Department of Defense hiring freeze. No exemptions have been granted for the positions at this site.”
Raystown Lake, spanning 8,300 acres in Huntingdon County, is Pennsylvania’s largest lake contained entirely within the state.
Unlike other popular bodies of water, Raystown remains largely undeveloped, making it a sought-after destination for outdoor recreation.
The indefinite closure of its campgrounds, particularly Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore Campground, impacts both traditional camping and houseboat rentals.
Industry stakeholders may feel the ripple effects of these closures, particularly businesses that cater to outdoor recreation and tourism. Campground operators and RV park owners in the region may see an influx of displaced campers seeking alternative accommodations.
The situation underscores the importance of contingency planning for private campground owners, who may have an opportunity to capture new visitors affected by the loss of public sites.
The U.S. Forest Service, which operates approximately 1,000 campsites on the Allegheny Reservoir in Northwestern Pennsylvania, has not yet announced any closures. A spokesperson for the agency was unavailable for comment.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to add the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ clarification on March 19 about the staffing shortages.