The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District plans to introduce temporary closures and limited services at a range of recreation sites in South Dakota and neighboring states beginning May 1, 2025. These measures coincide with seasonal staffing struggles and are designed to maintain essential operations. According to an official bulletin, campground closures will affect comfort stations, vault toilets and amenities at multiple locations along the Missouri River.
Officials say North Shore Campground near Fort Thompson is among the areas shutting down for all or part of the season. The Corps notes that comfort stations and vault toilets at Good Soldier Day Use/Boat Ramp, North Shore Beach Day Use/Boat Ramp, Old Fort Thompson and Left Tailrace will also close. A public statement indicates those planning visits should verify status updates before traveling and consider alternative sites if necessary.
Due to reduced staffing, buyers who reserved campsites at the affected locations will receive refunds through Recreation.gov. The Corps intends to post signage informing the public of the changes. An agency release details how these closures come with cutbacks in contract janitorial services and fewer patrols on otherwise high-demand days.
Visitor centers at Oahe Dam near Pierre and Fort Randall Dam will also close completely, and the Corps plans to halt educational efforts and interpretive programs. According to official statements, tours of Oahe, Big Bend and Fort Randall powerhouses will no longer be offered after mid-May, partly to relieve strain on workforce needs. Maintenance crews will shift from daily trash collection and restroom cleaning to roughly three services per week.
The Corps cites a shortage of seasonal workers as the key factor driving these reductions. Leaders stress that safeguarding the well-being of visitors and protecting facilities for future use remain top priorities. Dam operations will remain a frontline responsibility during this period of diminished staffing.
“We understand these closures may disrupt plans, and we sincerely appreciate the public’s flexibility as we take the necessary steps to provide safe and sustainable recreation experiences this summer,” said Col. Robert J. Newbauer, Omaha District commander. Officials encourage those planning river outings to confirm site availability and closures in advance.
Signage will be installed prior to closures taking effect to alert travelers. The Corps indicates that no exact timeline has been set for lifting these restrictions, though managers expect a return to normal operations once adequate staffing levels resume.
Commonly, outdoor property managers use multiple communication methods to inform guests of changes. Many rely on prompt updates via websites, social media and email newsletters to ensure clarity around which facilities are open or partially staffed. Clear signage at access points also helps visitors quickly understand the situation on arrival, fostering a more orderly experience.
Some operators further suggest it helps to encourage guests to provide contact information when making reservations. Gathering phone numbers or email addresses allows quick alerts in case sudden staffing limitations arise. This level of vigilance can be especially useful during peak seasons, when closures may shift hours with little notice.
Others in the industry recommend cross-training staff so the same employees can handle guest check-ins, basic facility upkeep and other tasks as needed. By consolidating services such as trash disposal and dispatching patrols at peak times, facilities manage to keep standards in place amid a shortage of personnel. Self-check-in tools and simplified reservation systems can reduce strain further.
The Corps’ decision to close or shrink services at Missouri River recreation areas offers a clear demonstration of how crucial staffing efficiency can be. While powerhouse tours and visitor centers are impacted, officials remain focused on balancing labor constraints with the public’s desire for outdoor access. Temporary closures at day-use sites aim to preserve resources for essential priorities such as hydropower maintenance.
Visitors are reminded to consult official Corps announcements to avoid inconveniences when closures begin. All sites are expected to reopen at full capacity once staffing levels are stable enough to support standard services, and officials have indicated they will provide updates if conditions improve sooner.