Many national parks have remained open but largely unstaffed during the shutdown, leaving volunteers to fill the void and protect the parks from litter, unusable bathrooms and damage.
According to a Tuesday Washington Post report, the shutdown has hurt local businesses too that operate in conjunction to the parks, like concession stands and bed and breakfasts.
Devoid of rangers, the parks have seen local employees and park aficionados pitching in to donate toilet paper and pick up trash.