Last updated on November 14th, 2025 at 06:06 am
This story is constantly being updated as information becomes available
The federal government shutdown that went into effect on Wednesday doesn’t mean national parks and forests in Florida are closed, although reduced staffing is impacting the ability to provide services and access to some areas.
Generally, national parks, seashores, wildlife refuges and forests in Florida remain open, although gated access to some areas are closed — unless they are managed by a private concession not affected by the shutdown.
Private companies managing campgrounds in Everglades National Park and Ocala National Forest, for example, are reporting they are open with normal operations. (Details below)
One problem with nailing down specific closure information is that staff has been furloughed at federal web sites where closure notifications would normally be posted.
As a result of the staff issues, visitor centers and ranger stations are not being manned and phones are not being answered.
State parks and forests are not affected by the shutdown of the federal government.
A few tips: If you venture into national parks, be prepared for restrooms to be closed and plan to carry out your own trash. If you’re going into a wilderness area, such as the Everglades, download maps before you go.
Here are specific openings and closings we’ve learned about so far:
Everglades National Park: The roads at the Homestead entrance are open. In addition, the concessions at Flamingo are also operating, including the Flamingo Lodge and Restaurant, marina operations, campground, and eco-tent glamping. The tram tours and bike rentals at Shark Valley are closed, however.
Ocala National Forest: N’aventures, the private company managing the recreation areas in Ocala National Forest, says normal operations are being maintained. “That means your favorite spots — Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, and Silver Glen Springs — are all open for swimming, paddling, picnicking, and camping,” Naventures said on its Facebook page. “Beyond the springs, you can still enjoy campgrounds, trails, lakes, and group areas across the forest: Clearwater Lake, Hopkins Prairie, Wildcat Lake, Buck Lake, and Mill Dam are all open and welcoming visitors.”
All campsites require advanced reservations at reservations.gov. For a complete guide to the campgrounds at Ocala National Forest, read our Camping Guide to Ocala National Forest.
Hiking, off-road bicycling, OHV trails, and dispersed camping throughout the forest also remain open unless they are in fenced-off areas.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge: You will still be able to drive through the refuge during the government shutdown, and trails are open for hiking, but you won’t be able to access Canaveral National Seashore or visit the refuge Visitor Center.
Canaveral National Seashore: Access along the shoreline and inland waterways is open, but gates at the north entrance in New Smyrna Beach and south entrance from Titusville are closed.
Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas National Parks in St. Augustine are closed.
Gulf Islands National Seashore: Campgrounds are closed but roads remain open. Pensacola Beach’s Fort Pickens is reported to be open. This information is based on local news reports, as the National Park Service website offers only general information.
Biscayne National Park: The visitor center is closed and boat trips that would be departing from the Homestead headquarters area are being moved. Boat trips are operated by the Biscayne National Park Institute and will continue wtih boats leaving from Homestead, Deering Estate and Coconut Grove.
Big Cypress National Preserve: The roads through the preserve and trails are open. The visitor center is closed.
Dry Tortugas National Park: This island park reachable only by boat is open and the Yankee Freedom ferry service is operating as usual.
Campground reservations on the government’s reservations.gov
The Recreation.gov website remains operational during the Federal government lapse-in-funding period. Depending on agency operations, you may not be able to complete a reservation for any time in the future or complete a purchase for some passes during the lapse-in-funding period.
Depending on agency operations, if you have a reservation at a location that closes and your reservation is canceled, you’ll receive an email with more information. Some locations will be closed and will not provide an email update. Please check the agency web page or contact local offices directly for the latest information. You may log in to your Recreation.gov account to manage existing reservations.
If you have information to share about closings, please let us know in comments! Share what you know!
