Labor Day weekend is popular for being the final summer getaway for many people. It’s a popular time to get away from the work and the responsibilities of everyday life to rest and relax. It’s a time when many RVers head to national parks and national forests for camping, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.
However, Labor Day 2021 is going to look a little different like so many other things have over the past year and a half. Due to the wildfires that are burning across California, there are many national parks that have been closed and will remain closed through and after Labor Day weekend. While there have been over 6,800 wildfires in California throughout this season, there are a few large fires that are consuming hundreds of thousands of acres.
In order to keep people safe, the Forest Service has closed the national forests that are located in California. Right now, they are set to reopen on September 17th, but that could change based on the situation at that time.
What national forests are closed in California?
The list of closures include:
- Angeles National Forest
- Cleveland National Forest
- Eldorado National Forest (under a separate closure order through September 30)
- Inyo National Forest
- Klamath National Forest
- Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
- Lassen National Forest
- Los Padres National Forest
- Mendocino National Forest
- Modoc National Forest
- Plumas National Forest
- San Bernardino National Forest
- Sequoia National Forest
- Shasta-Trinity National Forest
- Sierra National Forest
- Six Rivers National Forest
- Stanislaus National Forest
- Tahoe National Forest
Along with the national forests, Lassen Volcanic National Park is also closed.
There are a few reasons for these closures. First, closing these areas reduces the number of people in the area, thus helping reduce the number of people who could become trapped. It also cuts back on the number of new potential fires that could be started in the area.
What parks and forests are open in California?
Currently, all the state parks in California remain open. There are also eight national parks in the state that remain open (all but Lassen Volcanic National Park mentioned above).
In addition, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is open. However, there are some campgrounds, roads, and trails in the forest that are closed.
Adjusting camping travel plans in September 2021
Keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to double-check and confirm your plans before heading out on the road. That is even more true during wildfire season. If you have reservations in an area near the wildfires, call ahead to see what the situation is currently looking like. Form a “plan b” that you can use if your plans end up needing to be canceled.
If you’re looking to head out on a trip within the next few weeks, it’s suggested to stay close to home on the central coast. This can allow you to avoid running into cancellations and closures. If you currently have a trip planned for an area near one of the current wildfires, it’s best to consider delaying your trip or changing your plans. The last thing you want when looking to have fun or relax is to put yourself and/or your family in harm’s way.
If you’re looking for places to visit on the central coast, here are some past blog posts that may be helpful:
- 10 Central Coast RV Parks Off The Beaten Path
- Why Fall is the Perfect Time to Start RVing on the Central Coast
- Central Coast RVing: Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve been looking forward to your trip, there’s no need to cancel altogether. You may need to make adjustments to where you’re staying or what direction you’re headed thought. Make sure you check your plans before leaving home. If you’re headed near a current wildfire or to one of the national forests or park listed above, adjust your plans.
There are still many destinations on the central coast that can provide you with the rest and relaxation or adventure that you’re after. Happy RVing.
