Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum issued a Secretary’s Order on April 3 directing the National Park Service (NPS) to keep parks and campgrounds open and accessible, reinforcing the federal commitment to public land availability.
The order responds to calls from the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, which have urged the administration to prioritize campground access and adequate staffing.
The directive emphasizes that any future closures or reductions in services, including hours, seasons, trails, or campgrounds, must be reviewed and approved by the National Park Service Director and the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
“The Department shall take action to ensure that the National Park Service is properly staffed to support the operating hours and needs of each park unit,” the order states. This includes measures to improve workforce capacity and service continuity throughout the park system.
Proper staffing is also identified as a key component in ensuring the success of the directive. By focusing on consistent workforce investment, the department seeks to reduce disruptions caused by understaffing, which can lead to abrupt service changes or park closures.
The order underscores the need for operational stability across park units, particularly during peak visitation seasons. It aims to provide greater predictability for park users, many of whom plan trips months in advance and rely on dependable access to recreational facilities.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA, adequate resources help safeguard against unexpected closures by equipping NPS staff with the tools they need to safely open and operate parks and campgrounds, providing RVing families with greater certainty as they plan their trips.