Reserved into an Illinois state park for our summer trip.I see on the 'rules' page no alcohol allowed in campground, either consuming or possessing.Texas state parks policy bars consumption or display of alcohol in any 'public area', which is defined as anything outside of a camper's tent or trailer.Does the Illinois policy mean what it seems to mean? that drinking is barred even within the confines of our own travel trailer?Thanks

The Illinois’ rule seems very clear. States can make almost any rule regarding alcohol without interfering with interstate commerce. Your paraphrase of the Illinois’ statute goes further than banning “drinking.” It bans possession.

Good question, but the only answer that you could depend on would best be supplied by the ranger at the park you're reservation is at.

See https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Camp/Documents/AlcoholRestrictionsatParks.pdf

THere are plenty of states including my home state of MD that do not allow any alcohol, however these rules are not strictly enforced. If you are discreet and orderly alcohol is not an issue.If you are a loud,rowdy party guy you will be shut down and removed. No alcohol rules are there to make it easy for the rangers to maintain order.

wing_zealot wrote:Good question, but the only answer that you could depend on would best be supplied by the ranger at the park you're reservation is at.If you ask a Ranger what do you think the response is? You think he would risk his job or a bunch of flack and say dont worry about it, just keep it low key and dont advertise?That being said pour or open one, keep it low key and don't advertise. If you have a longneck or 5th of bourbon sitting on the picnic table 20 feet from the road and a ranger rides through, guess what will most likely happen.

Illinois state park alcohol rules | Good Sam Community

GDS-3950BH
Explorer
Jan 05, 2020
wing_zealot wrote:
Good question, but the only answer that you could depend on would best be supplied by the ranger at the park you're reservation is at.

If you ask a Ranger what do you think the response is? You think he would risk his job or a bunch of flack and say dont worry about it, just keep it low key and dont advertise?

That being said pour or open one, keep it low key and don't advertise. If you have a longneck or 5th of bourbon sitting on the picnic table 20 feet from the road and a ranger rides through, guess what will most likely happen.
Lantley
Nomad
Jan 05, 2020
THere are plenty of states including my home state of MD that do not allow any alcohol, however these rules are not strictly enforced. If you are discreet and orderly alcohol is not an issue.
If you are a loud,rowdy party guy you will be shut down and removed. No alcohol rules are there to make it easy for the rangers to maintain order.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jan 05, 2020
See https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Camp/Documents/AlcoholRestrictionsatParks.pdf
wing_zealot
Explorer
Jan 05, 2020
Good question, but the only answer that you could depend on would best be supplied by the ranger at the park you're reservation is at.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Jan 05, 2020
The Illinois’ rule seems very clear. States can make almost any rule regarding alcohol without interfering with interstate commerce. Your paraphrase of the Illinois’ statute goes further than banning “drinking.” It bans possession.

Forum Discussion

Illinois state park alcohol rules

About Campground 101

Related Content

Rockford, Illinois

rockford illinois

toll roads Illinois

Rubbing Alcohol-type Smell

Illinois I Pass