Kennedy Meadows Among 4,000 Campsites That Might Close This Summer as Budget Cuts, Layoffs Threaten California National Forests

Thru-hikers and backpackers planning to traverse California’s iconic trails this summer may find their journeys disrupted, as nearly 4,000 campsites across the state’s 18 National Forests face potential closures due to severe budget constraints.

Budget Constraints Threaten Campsites Closures

According to the New York Times, an internal government spreadsheet viewed by the publication reveals that the US Forest Service, grappling with a budget freeze and staffing reductions, may be compelled to close numerous campsites for part or all of the summer season. These closures result from budgetary constraints that have led to reduced resources for maintenance and operations.

On February 18, an internal email from the Forest Service directed Region 5 supervisors, responsible for overseeing California, to identify which public facilities might be at risk of closure this year due to budget cuts and staff shortages. The message warned that unexpected challenges, shifting conditions, and financial constraints could make certain sites unsafe or too difficult to operate at full capacity in 2025. Notably, this directive came less than a week after the Department of Government Efficiency terminated thousands of Forest Service employees.

Understaffing has already started to close some of the trails, like this trail closure in the Snoqualmie Ranger District, which includes sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. Photo via @kiley__rose.

The New York Times report highlights the challenges called out by National Forests in the memo due to budget cuts and layoffs, including interviews with affected employees and an analysis of the impact on forest maintenance and public safety. The memo indicates that the current staffing reductions are jeopardizing the upkeep of essential facilities, which could result in degraded trail conditions, increased wildfire risk, and a less reliable administrative network for hikers traveling through California’s National Forests.

Effects on PCT Thru and Section Hikers

The potential loss of these campsites is particularly concerning for the thru-hiking community. Many long-distance hikers depend on a predictable system of overnight options to safely and efficiently complete their journeys. Having a system of designated front- and backcountry campsites helps reduce strain on the local environment from such a large volume of hikers moving through.

If they materialize, these closures mean hikers may face increased risks, longer travel distances between available campsites, and further unexpected challenges along the trail.

A planned 75% reduction in staffing at Inyo National Forest could have far-reaching consequences for the area, which sees 26,000 visitors a year on the Mount Whitney trail alone. With fewer staff members on duty, essential services such as regular removal of human waste, prompt search-and-rescue responses, and proper maintenance of trail signage are expected to suffer.

In addition, Kennedy Meadows — a 37-site campground located along the Mount Whitney trail that holds a highly coveted pit toilet for PCT thru-hikers as they prepare to enter the Sierra — faces the possibility of closing for the season.

Additionally, the team responsible for managing the Lake Tahoe Basin reported a 33% cut in staff, along with the elimination of the sole permanent wilderness ranger position for the popular Desolation Wilderness.

Photo: Emma Lawson

Understanding the National Forests’ Budget Crisis

While some may argue that these closures are politically motivated or avoidable, the reality is that the US Forest Service has been operating on a shoestring budget for years, and these new cuts have pushed the system past a breaking point.

The Forest Service’s budget has remained relatively stagnant despite increasing costs related to wildfire management, recreation demand, and infrastructure upkeep over the past decade. A growing portion of its funding has been redirected to wildfire suppression, leaving significantly less for routine operations like maintaining campsites and providing essential services such as waste removal and search-and-rescue.

For perspective, the NPS budget of $3.1 billion is too small to register on federal spending charts, as it accounts for just 0.04% of total annual spend. Source: OMB, National Priorities Project

Before these latest layoffs, many National Forests were already struggling to keep facilities open with minimal staffing. Seasonal workers, who perform much of the day-to-day maintenance and visitor support, were often hired late or in reduced numbers due to funding constraints.

Although the Trump administration authorized 7,700 temporary hires for the National Park Service after dismissing approximately 1,000 full-time probationary employees, the Forest Service — which fired at least 2,000 employees and oversees more than twice the land — has yet to receive approval for expanded hiring. Now, some forests simply don’t have the personnel to operate all campgrounds safely.

Moving Forward

As federal budget constraints continue to impact National Forest management, the unfolding situation highlights the fragility and importance of the infrastructure that supports millions of outdoor enthusiasts. Thru-hikers are urged to stay informed of official announcements and adjust their plans accordingly, as the coming months may bring fast-moving changes to campsite availability across California.

Featured image via USDA Forest Service