Tulsa, Okla. — The Tulsa District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing for the closure of all Corps-operated campgrounds and day-use parks beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1.  Affected recreation areas would not reopen until after the shutdown ends.

Beginning Oct. 1, and continuing through the end of the shutdown, no new visitors will be allowed into, or reservations accepted for, Corps recreation facilities. Campers who are on site prior to the shutdown going into effect will be required to vacate campgrounds by 8 p.m., Oct. 2, 2013.

Corps parks leased to partner agencies and concessionaires will remain open, but cannot be supported by the Corps while the shutdown is in place.

“A temporary closure of our recreation facilities as part of the temporary government shutdown is very unfortunate.  The Tulsa District remains committed to providing exceptional recreational opportunities in the future,” said Tulsa District Commander Col. Richard Pratt.

Customers may cancel their reservations for a full refund. Customers required to vacate campsites early will receive a partial refund for any unused portion of their reservations.  As an alternative, customers may elect to leave reservations open for possible use after the shutdown is lifted. Customers may request a partial refund for any unused portion of their reservation due to the shutdown. To request a refund please contact the reservation customer service at 1-888-448-1474 (TDD 1-877-833-6777).  If the customer chooses to do nothing, the reservation service will automatically cancel reservations after their departure date during the shutdown period.

There are a limited number of Corps projects and operations that are exempt for national security and safety that will continue to operate, including navigation, hydropower, and operation of flood gates.

For updated information about park closures, call 918-669-7365.

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