Government Shutdown RV Survival Guide

Worried about a 2025 government shutdown disrupting your RV trip? Discover how to plan ahead and keep your adventure on track!

🗺️ How a Government Shutdown in 2025 Could Impact Your RV Travel Plans

Planning a big RV adventure for 2025? If so, preparing for a potential hurdle is important: a government shutdown.

With federal funding only guaranteed through March 14, 2025, there’s a real chance National Parks and campgrounds managed by the government could close.

A yellow diamond road sign warns of a looming government shutdown against a backdrop of cloudy skies.

But don’t panic, there are ways to mitigate disruptions and keep your RV trip on track.

Let’s dive into what you need to know and the steps you can take to stay ahead of potential closures.

👎 What Happens During a Government Shutdown?

When the government shuts down, many federal services grind to a halt, including federally managed recreational lands.

This means national parks, monuments, forests, and campgrounds may shut their gates or seriously reduce services, such as restroom access and trash removal.

For RVers, this can lead to last-minute itinerary changes. If your trip includes federal campgrounds or parks, closures could upend your plans.

A charming wooden sign marked "CAMPGROUND," accompanied by a guiding arrow, stands amidst towering trees in a sun-dappled forest—a peaceful retreat even during uncertain times like a government shutdown.

Even if parks don’t fully close, reduced services can make stays less convenient, or downright impractical.

📝 How to Prepare for Possible Closures

Nobody likes surprises when they’re on the road. That’s why it’s smart to have a backup plan in place well before your trip.

By taking a few steps now, you can avoid scrambling later.

Create Your Own Camping Map

A personal camping map is one of the most useful tools you can create as an RVer. A custom Google Map can highlight free and affordable campgrounds that meet your needs, ensuring you always have a Plan B.

Map of the United States with various colored pins marking different locations, alongside notes on how a government shutdown might impact travel to destinations across the country, including Canada and Mexico.

Not sure what I’m talking about? My friend over at An Acre in the City, has a Google My Maps workshop that can show you exactly how to build your own camping map.

Here are a few layers you might want to include:

Free Campgrounds: Identify spots that offer no-cost camping, like those in national forests or BLM lands.
Discounted Campgrounds: Include locations offering discounts through memberships like Passport America, Good Sam, or Thousand Trails.
Convenient Overnight Stops: Mark truck stops, rest areas, or other short-stay options you may need during long drives.
Full Hookup Sites: Highlight campgrounds with water, sewer, and electric hookups, which can be invaluable in certain situations.

Take Advantage of Membership Discounts

Camping memberships can save you significant money, especially if federal campgrounds close and you need alternatives.

A black truck is parked next to a large RV on a gravel path near a red barn and surrounded by trees. The sky is partly cloudy.

Some of the most useful programs include:

Harvest Hosts: Camp for one low priced membership at wineries, farms, museums, and more.
Passport America: Offers discounts at private campgrounds across the country.
Good Sam Club: Provides savings on campgrounds, fuel, and RV supplies.
Thousand Trails: Grants access to a network of campgrounds nationwide, with options to add even more locations through their Trails Collection.
Resort Parks International (RPI): Allows you to book highly rated campgrounds for $10-$15 a night, providing good value for longer stays.

Make sure to handpick locations that align with your preferences and vehicle size. Not every affiliated campground may meet your standards for accessibility or convenience.

Explore Free and Low-Cost Options

For budget-conscious RVers, free or low-cost camping options can be game-changers during a shutdown. Some great possibilities include:

Arid landscape with scattered shrubs in the foreground and rocky cliffs in the background under a cloudy sky.

National Forests and BLM Lands: Many spots offer free dispersed camping, though services may be limited or unavailable.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Campgrounds: Affordable, well-maintained sites that often include amenities like dump stations and electric hookups.
Municipal Campgrounds: Run by towns or counties, these can provide an affordable alternative to private parks.

Flexible Planning Is Key

The key to surviving unpredictable situations is flexibility. Keep your itinerary loose and allow extra time for unexpected changes.

With your personal camping map in hand, you can quickly reroute to backup locations as needed.

❓ What If a Shutdown Happens?

If parks and campgrounds close due to a shutdown, not all locations may shut down completely. Some might stay open with limited services, while others could stop hosting altogether. Trash pickup and restroom availability could also be affected.

A National Park Service sign for New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, mounted on a stone wall with silhouettes of people engaging in outdoor activities. Benches and trees are in the foreground.

During the shutdown itself, staying informed is critical. Being proactive and well-informed ensures you’ll have options, no matter what comes your way.

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🎬 Wrap-Up: Your RV Travel Backup Plan

A government shutdown doesn’t have to derail your RV adventure. By creating a personalized camping map, leveraging memberships, and researching alternatives, you can adapt to closures or service reductions with ease.

The most important thing is to stay flexible and have affordable alternatives lined up.

Whether you’re exploring national parks or just passing through, preparation will keep your trip running smoothly.

With a little planning, you can keep living your dream, no matter what surprises 2025 brings.