The Trump administration's budget cuts have led to the closure or reduced hours of campgrounds and visitor centers at over 30 federal lakes and reservoirs across six states, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers copes with staffing shortages. This decision aims to concentrate resources on fewer recreational sites to maintain full services and protect hydropower and dam operations, despite public disruption. Local residents and business owners express concerns over the closures, fearing negative impacts on tourism and local economies. The Corps is also implementing efficiency initiatives such as self-service registrations, cashless parking, and smartphone payment systems to reduce staff interactions. These measures are part of broader efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency to cut government jobs and streamline operations under President Trump's administration.

Campgrounds, boat ramps, and visitor centers at federal lakes in six states will face closures or reduced hours due to budget cuts by the Trump administration, affecting 30 locations managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The Corps aims to concentrate resources on fewer sites to maintain essential services such as hydropower and dam operations, acknowledging that these changes may disrupt public travel plans.

Residents and local business owners, like those in Pickstown, South Dakota, express concern over the closures, as they depend on tourism related to recreational and sightseeing attractions like the Fort Randall Dam.

In Kansas, business owners like Sue Graham argue that limiting campsite use at Wilson Lake may not save significant money and could result in lost revenue, though she expects visitor interest to persist.

The Kansas City district will close visitor centers at Hillsdale and Kanopolis lakes and will restrict overnight camping at certain primitive sites, part of a broader trend towards efficiency and self-service options.

Recent closures include campgrounds and recreational sites in Pennsylvania, the Dakotas, Montana, and southeastern Washington, as part of a strategy to concentrate resources and maintain essential missions.

Efficiency initiatives, including self-service campsite registrations and cashless payment systems, have been pursued for years by the Corps and are becoming more noticeable amid the current operational changes.