I’m just curious about firearms and camping

[MSG Hall]

First I realize and do comply with all state laws...

I always carry a gun when in the woods, I have since I was 15 and my cousin and I were allowed to go out camping on our own for a week or two at a time.

There has always been a .22 or two in camp and I have always carried a revolver that never leaves my side.

The point of this is; I see that a lot of you camp in campgrounds… I have never done this. I think my wife (who doesn't care for camping) would be more comforable in a campgrounds around other people, but I don’t want to make some breach in etiquette, if not law… I know my uncle always has a shotgun in his RV, but it is hidden…

But what are the rules or courtesies concerning firearms withing camping areas? Out of site out of mind I would imagine…

[asianflava]

Out of sight out of mind. I'm sure there are more firearms in the campgrounds than some would like to admit. The thing is, unless there is eminent danger we probably won't see them come out.

What I'm saying is that some people carry them but don't tell anybody about them.

[BobR]

It's real simple...don't ask...don't tell.

[Chip]

they are kinda like American Express,,,,,,, never leave home with our one,

chipper

[Bill Fernandez]

I know I won't get you mad at me !
Bill

[vipercairo]

One good rule of thumb; firearms are restricted on any Federal property. However, many of the campgrounds are State property and therefore come under the laws of that state. Usually, you can find information about firearms in a State's website = for specific campgrounds. Many of the States recognize each other's Conceled Handgun License (CHL) and have reciprocal agreements that make them valid. If you do not have a CHL... I guess the "don't ask - don't tell" rule is appropriate. I like the American Express slogan: "Don't Leave Home Without It!"

[Joseph]

Carrying a weapon is a personal decision and I am normally of the opinion, "Better judged by twelve than carried by six." However, when camping in upstate NY, I have to revise that somewhat. I've never in 54 years needed a handgun to defend myself. However, I HAVE been searched by the police a time or two, and NY's draconian handgun laws are not something I care to mess with.

If you do have a concealed carry permit, the NRA-ILA provides a reciprocity page to let you know which states will recognize it

Joseph

[Jiminsav]

Guns?
I don't need no stinkin' gun!!!
of course, I don't camp in bear country, and I was attacked by a angry buck, but I was able to beat him off with my bike...20 inch vs. 12 points is a fair fight.
the only danger I've ever faced in a campground was a rabid raccoon and a bold armodillo, and all it took to scare them off was a Cajun with a pot.

[SkipperSue]

There is always a pistol in my car wherever I go. It usually never gets removed from there though. Out of sight, out of mind as they say.

[bobhenry]

You people have been watching too many reruns of deliverance !

Go Green and remember the Marine just beat um with a log a recyclable product !

[Todah Tear]

Guns?
I don't need no stinkin' gun!!!
of course, I don't camp in bear country, and I was attacked by a angry buck, but I was able to beat him off with my bike...20 inch vs. 12 points is a fair fight.
the only danger I've ever faced in a campground was a rabid raccoon and a bold armodillo, and all it took to scare them off was a Cajun with a pot.

Jim, if you only had film footage of either of these incidents, you would be a rich man, "America's Funniest Videos". Seriously though, the next time I camp, I am going to bring my bike...or at least one of the wheels just in case the critters get some funny ideas about attacking.

Todah

[madjack]

...most of the state parks, I have camped in, have a firearms ban...however, like you, I have always carried...this is one instance where "don't ask, don't tell" will work to everyones benefit....
madjack

[James & Avisia Flohr]

I can't believe that puttig flames on a trailer needs to be defended and/or protected with such violent means! Jim

[Gage]

I can't believe that puttig flames on a trailer needs to be defended and/or protected with such violent means! Jim

Well, when your flames are chrome, they need to be protected.

[Jiminsav]

Todah,
true story about the buck..happened when I was about 15 or 16..deer came running across a cut down corn field, crosses the road in front of me at 1 o'clock in the morning with a full moon, and hits the only piece of fence along the road..it was 8 foot long and full of weeds..deer turned and stood on it's hind feet and tried to put a front hoof through my head..thats when i picked up the bike and started to fight it off...i won..