It's likely going to prove to be an interesting Fourth of July holiday weekend in the National Park System, with some parks closed and others bracing for crowds. Here's a look at where things stand at some National Park System destinations going into the long weekend.

Big Bend National Park, Texas

This park in West Texas along the Rio Grande River closed to the public on Thursday due to a park employee being diagnosed with Covid-19.

Chamizal National Memorial, Texas

In support of local El Paso government restrictions on July 4th celebrations, which are intended to contain the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, Chamizal National Memorial will be closed on Saturday, July 4.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, Georgia

In addition to water safety precautions, park visitors are reminded to follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

“Regardless of whether visitors are tubing, paddling, fishing, hiking or playing along the 48 miles of river, preparation and safety is key,” said acting Superintendent Ann Honious. “We expect very high visitation this holiday weekend, and the parking areas and river access will be very crowded. In addition to the usual safety precautions, we are encouraging visitors to maintain social distancing.” 

Everglades National Park, Florida

In keeping with Monroe County’s closure order for beaches, North Nest Key and all waters within 100 yards from the shore will be closed for protection of park resources during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. The closure begins on Friday at 6 a.m.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Utah/Arizona

To enjoy a safe and enjoyable visit to Glen Canyon National Recreation Area during the July 4th Holiday weekend and the remainder of the summer season, visitors are encouraged to be responsible for their own desert and boating safety. Desert heat kills and should be taken seriously.  Due to increased visitation expected for the July 4th holiday weekend, visitors to any Lake Powell beaches are advised to take standard precautions for possible water quality issues.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California

This year’s Independence Day holiday will be a quiet celebration of America’s 244th birthday. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, federal, state and local health authorities are discouraging any activities that would draw large crowds. San Francisco and other Bay Area communities have cancelled their annual fireworks displays. Golden Gate National Recreation Area and San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park sites or facilities that encourage congregating, including visitor centers, picnic areas, fire pits, and barbeque areas remain closed to help slow the spread of the virus.

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Beginning this holiday weekend, Grand Teton National Park staff will implement measures to promote the health and safety of visitors, employees and volunteers at String Lake by encouraging social distancing and appropriate food storage practices.

String Lake is one of the most popular areas in the park for gathering and recreation. During peak summer visitation, designated parking spots are filled between mid-morning and late afternoon, and overflow parking occurs along nearby roadsides. The lake shoreline also quickly fills with visitors and their picnic supplies and recreation equipment.

Social distancing to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 is more difficult at String Lake given its relatively narrow and limited shoreline, compared to other lakes in the park like Jenny Lake or Jackson Lake where there is more space for people to socially distance.

In an effort to follow local and national public health guidance related to large gatherings, parking will only be allowed in designated areas at String Lake over the holiday weekend. Limited parking will help manage the number of people in the area and allow opportunities for preventative measures related to COVID-19. When the designated parking areas at String Lake are full, no additional parking will be available.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial, South Dakota

On Saturday the day’s highlights include Sequoia Crosswhite, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, providing original music and storytelling. Jasmine Pickner-Bell, a member of the Crow Creek Dakota Sioux Tribe, will perform the Sacred Hoop Dance. Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln reenactors will present talks and be available for photographs. Stop in the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center to learn more about park ranger talks, Sculptor’s Studio programming, and to view the park movie.

Padre Island National Seashore, Texas

The National Park Service announced that in coordination with Nueces County and the cities of Corpus Christi and Port Aransas, Padre Island National Seashore will be temporarily closed through the weekend until 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, July 7. Access to all park beaches and overnight beach camping will resume at that time. Malaquite Visitor Center, Malaquite Campground, and Bird Island Basin Campground will remain closed until further notice.

Pinnacles National Park, California

Due to extreme fire danger all campfires and charcoal grills are banned from use inside the park. Smoking on trails is also prohibited.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Texas

To encourage visitor safety during the busy Independence Day holiday weekend parking lots, picnic areas and restrooms will be closed through Sunday. Parking lot gates at Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada will be closed. Picnic area parking will also be prohibited near Mission San José. Restrooms will not be available. Visitors are discouraged from gathering at the mission sites during the holiday weekend. The temporary closures follow San Antonio and Bexar County Parks closures for the Independence Day weekend.

Park staff will reassess appropriate reopening procedures following the temporary closures on Monday in accordance with the latest federal, state, and local health guidance.

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

The Dickey Ridge Picnic Ground is open for the long weekend. Park staff is expecting crowds, so be prepared to practice good social distancing and sanitization.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Voyageurs staff would like to remind visitors of the moderate fire danger conditions in that part of northern Minnesota. While in the park, fires are only permitted within designated fire rings. Be sure to put your fire out completely before leaving your site. During the holiday weekend park staff reminds visitors fireworks are not permitted within the boundaries of the park. 

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

Recreate responsibly and safely this Independence Day at Yellowstone by following these tips:

• #RecreateResponsibly and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
• Wear face coverings in high-visitation areas and inside visitor facilities.
• Maintain social distancing of six feet (2 m), especially in high-visitation areas such as on boardwalks and popular trails, in visitor facilities, and while viewing wildlife.
• Follow current local, state, and national health guidance.
• If you are sick, do not visit the park. Self-isolate to avoid exposing others.