Budget Cuts and Bathrooms: An Ongoing Struggle at US National Parks

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, CO – Struggling to find a restroom at some National Park Service sites this spring? You’re not alone.

Need relief in Utah’s Arches National Park? Some toilets are closed. Visiting King’s Canyon in California? Better hope it’s not a Tuesday. Planning a stop at Maryland’s Greenbelt Park? That might not be an option either.

Due to staffing shortages stemming from federal budget cuts, early retirements, and layoffs, multiple national parks have shut down restrooms and visitor centers. While some of the February budget reductions have since been rolled back, it’s estimated that around 2,400 to 2,500 staff positions have been lost, according to preliminary figures from the National Parks Conservation Association, a nonprofit group that supports the parks.

Although federal officials have announced plans to bring in more seasonal workers than usual this summer, visitors are already experiencing sporadic staffing issues, maintenance delays, and restroom closures across the country.

Park users and advocates say these closures could significantly impact the way people visit national parks this year—likely keeping more visitors near