Thousands of California national forest campsites may close this summer amid federal budget freeze, report says

Nearly 4,000 campsites across California’s 18 national forests could close for part or all of the summer season as the U.S. Forest Service struggles with budget constraints following President Donald Trump’s federal spending freeze, according to a report by The New York Times.

The potential closures could impact visitor centers and backcountry trails at popular outdoor destinations such as Desolation Wilderness in Lake Tahoe and the Mount Whitney area.

An internal agency memo cited by the Times indicated that financial limitations may render some sites “unsafe” due to the inability to maintain them.

Forest Service employees who spoke with the publication noted that the funding freeze could significantly impact essential services, including human waste removal, trail maintenance, and search-and-rescue operations. Mount Whitney, known for frequent rescues and fatalities, may be particularly affected.