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Shutdown Turns National Parks Into Unofficial Playgrounds, Sparking Safety Fears
With the federal government still shut down, national parks remain open but largely unsupervised. At Yosemite, visitors are climbing Half Dome without permits and BASE jumping off El Capitan, a scene one longtime guide likened to “the Wild West.” While trails and campgrounds are technically accessible, most ranger services are suspended, bathrooms are uncleaned, and enforcement is nearly nonexistent. The lack of oversight is drawing concern from park advocates, who say it’s not just inconvenient, it’s dangerous. Conservation groups are even calling for temporary closures to prevent long-term damage. For now, travelers are advised to pack extra supplies and prepare for off-grid conditions.
New RV Grounding Rule Could Cut Power at Campgrounds Starting 2026
Starting in 2026, all new 30- and 50-amp RVs will need a Grounding Monitor Interrupter (GMI) built in. This device won’t let electricity flow unless the campground’s power source is properly grounded, a move aimed at preventing electric shock from “hot skin” conditions. While it boosts safety, it could also mean frustrating surprises for RVers at older campgrounds with faulty wiring. Parks may need to upgrade pedestals and offer regular inspections, while owners might find themselves troubleshooting cords and adapters more often. Industry adoption timelines are still up in the air, and retrofits for older rigs aren’t on the market yet.
Coal Leases Near Utah’s National Parks Ignite Public Outcry
Nearly 48,000 acres of public land near Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Capitol Reef are now open for coal leasing under a new federal initiative. While officials say the move supports jobs and energy independence, critics argue it risks air and water quality, not to mention the iconic views that attract millions of visitors. Environmental groups warn that mining could disrupt ecosystems and scar landscapes long considered off-limits. Some parcels border the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and hug popular park access roads, raising concerns that tourism and conservation are being sidelined in favor of short-term extraction.
Starlink Mini Gets $200 Price Drop – Plus a Free Month With Referrals
Starlink just dropped the price of its portable Mini dish to $299 in the U.S., making it a much cheaper option for travelers needing reliable internet on the go. The Roam plans still cost the same, but users can now activate a Standby Mode for $5 a month when not traveling. A new referral program also gives both current and new customers a free month of service if they buy directly from Starlink. With hardware discounts and referral perks stacking up, now’s a decent time to jump in, especially if you’ve been waiting for a lower-cost way to stay connected off-grid.
Upcoming RV Shows
Here are some RV shows happening across the U.S. in the next few months:
- Myrtle Beach RV Show
October 17-19, 2025
Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - OCRV Show
October 30-November 2, 2025
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, Ocean City, Maryland - Portland Metro Dealers RV Show
November 6-9, 2025
Suburban Collection Showplace, Portland, Oregon - Tampa Bay Fall RV Show
November 6-9, 2025
Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, Florida
- Myrtle Beach RV Show
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It’s sad what happens to th NP’s when the government shuts down. It’d be nice to have more organized volunteer opportunities. I’d love to help out.
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