(Source : Modern Campground)—More than 425 federally operated campgrounds across Pennsylvania have been closed indefinitely due to staffing shortages triggered by budget cuts under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced this week. The move prioritizes dam safety and flood control but deals a blow to outdoor recreation and local tourism economies.
Key Sites Affected
- Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania’s largest inland lake, lost access to Seven Points, Susquehannock, and Nancy’s Boat-to-Shore Campgrounds—critical for houseboat rentals and summer tourism.
- Tompkins Campground at Tioga-Hammond/Cowanesque Lakes also shuttered.
- Swim beaches, boat ramps, and other amenities are now off-limits, though trails and picnic areas remain open.
Refunds for canceled reservations are being processed via Recreation.gov, but the indefinite timeline has left travelers scrambling and businesses bracing for losses. Raystown Lake alone attracts over 1 million visitors annually, generating between $1.2 million and $12 million in local revenue.
“The federal government sees this as cost-saving, but they’re ignoring the revenue these campgrounds bring,” said Matt Price of the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau. Restaurants, outfitters, and gear shops now fear a sharp drop in summer traffic.
State officials urged campers to explore alternatives in Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks, which offer 7,000+ campsites and benefit from a $112 million upgrade plan under Gov. Shapiro. The outdoor economy supports 168,000 jobs statewide.
The closures stem from DOGE’s sweeping reductions across federal agencies, including the Army Corps. While the Allegheny National Forest’s 1,000+ campsites remain open for now, critics warn the cuts highlight the fragility of public lands funding. Private campgrounds and RV parks may see a surge in displaced campers. Industry experts recommend:
- Cross-training staff to combat seasonal labor shortages.
- Partnering with colleges for recruitment.
- Marketing to redirect visitors from closed federal sites.
The Army Corps emphasized dam safety remains its top priority, with no timeline for reopening. As communities brace for a quieter summer, the closures underscore a stark reality: When federal resources shrink, local economies and outdoor traditions pay the price.
