Government Shutdown Would Disrupt Camping Vacations

ST. PAUL  (AP) - A government shutdown could disrupt the July Fourth holiday for those planning to use Minnesota's 66 state parks and six recreation areas.

More than 3,000 campsites have been reserved in state parks for the holiday weekend. And, if a state budget agreement is not reached before then, Minnesota parks will close at 4 p.m. next Thursday. The Department of Natural Resources says campers disrupted by a government shutdown will get refunds.

The DNR expects to lose about $1 million in revenue each week during a potential shutdown. That includes revenue from camping fees, vehicle permits and sales of firewood and merchandise.

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