The ongoing partial shutdown of the U.S. federal government is keeping many national parks and attractions closed, while others may have partial or full service—and the place you’d go to find out which, the National Park Service website, has warned that it “will not be updated and may not reflect current conditions.”
Although no NPS services are being provided at any park, the website says that “Some national parks may remain accessible to visitors. However, access may change without notice.”
Those parks that may be visited have services paid for by outside organizations which are keeping trash collection, restrooms and safety services going. Arizona, for instance, is funding trash collection, restroom cleaning and snow removal at the Grand Canyon. As well, lodging, restaurants and other services provided by outside contractors may operate. Utah is also funding some park services.
In the Washington, DC area parks such as the National Mall are open, but without services, and restrooms are closed. A concession company, Guest Services Inc., is providing portable restrooms at some sites on the Mall. Other DC attractions, including the National Historic Sites for Clara Barton, Frederick Douglass and Ford’s Theatre, are closed.
I’d gladly throw $10 in the “Honesty Box”. Probably make a profit without 3 Government employees counting it and checking it.