Government Shutdown Closes Lake Lanier Campgrounds, Chattahoochee NRA

Recreation facilities at Lake Lanier and Chattahoochee River are immediately affected by the federal government shutdown that went into effect Tuesday (Oct. 1).

That includes campgrounds at Lanier and access points in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.

According to a news release from the Army Corps of Engineers, campers who are on site at Lake Lanier will be required to vacate no later than 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2. These campers may elect to leave their campsite reservations open for possible use after the shutdown is lifted, the release said.

Also impacted by the shutdown is Corps-managed Lake Allatoona, located northwest of Atlanta.

Campers can receive a refund for any unused portion of their reservations.

“USACE understands the impacts that these actions will have on the American recreating public if we are required to close our recreation areas,” Lisa Parker, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, Mobile District, said in the release. “We know that this is a time of year when many vacationing families are using or planning to use USACE recreation facilities, and we will reopen them for public use and enjoyment as quickly as possible once the government shutdown is lifted.”

The Army Corps of Engineers maintains parks and campgrounds on the lake.

To request a refund, call 888-448-1474. Reservations will automatically be canceled after a customer’s scheduled departure date during the shutdown period if the park is closed and the customer chooses to do nothing.

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, part of the National Parks system, also has closed its facilities.

-- Did the shutdown affect your plans for Lake Lanier? Tell us in the comments below.