The campground initially closed in 2014 due to declining use and increased management costs and then reopened in 2016 and 2017 on a trial basis in partnership with Cherokee County. 

The Forest Service and the county agreed to meet at the end of each year to evaluate the viability of continued operations. Both years, fees collected fell well below operating and maintenance costs, with a 2017 occupancy rate of 11 percent, down from 16 percent in 2016. Furthermore, the aging facility has more than $160,000 in deferred maintenance needs. 

“This has been a difficult decision because we know many families and friends have fond memories of camping there,” said Forest Supervisor Allen Nicholas. “But the reality is fewer people camp there each season, and we need to focus our efforts on areas and activities where public use reflects higher demand to ensure that we are making the best use of our budget.”

At least nine other Forest Service campgrounds are located within 50 miles of Hanging Dog. The Hanging Dog day-use area will remain open, with picnic tables overlooking the lake and nearby mountain biking and hiking trails.