Forum Discussion

airton_aragao's avatar
Mar 28, 2014

Barbecue + beer: Is it ok in every RV camp ?

We like barbecue+beer and have some basic questions about this:

1 - Is it acceptable/legal to have a barbecue with beer at all RV Parks, even at state parks and a good rest area ?

2 - At some RV parks firecamps signs and firerings options are showed. Does this means that we can have an barbecue at that places ?

Thanks
  • Now days some parks are banning open fires. No fire pits ect, but they allow grills and smokers. Ex. Topsail Hills State Park at Santa Rosa Beach has the no open fire rule in the camper section.

    Most RV parks have a no alcohol rule, but many wink at the rule,as long as you don't get too loud or cause complaints.

    Some places give a pass to alcohol as long as it's in a different container. Ex. Beer or Wine in a glass gets the wink and nod,
    but Beer in a bottle or beer can doesn't.
    Some seem to look the other way if you are older, and mind your own business.

    Unequal enforcement seems to be the rule, rather than the exception, when it comes to alcohol.

    I believe alcohol use in rest areas is against the law nearly every where. Too close to the highway, and would lead to drunk driving.
  • Define BBQ?

    Most anywhere grilling is fine. I don't suggest you dig a hole to do a pig!

    Government parks are usually posted no alcohol. They don't go around and check but if are overly loud or causing a disturbance the alcohol gives them a reason to expel you from the park.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    It varies from place to place and depends on whether you staying in a State or Federal or private campground. Private campgrounds make their own rules and they vary widely. We camp mostly in California state campgrounds and have never seen a ban on alcohol. Generally, the rule is you're not supposed to take your beer outside of your campsite, though I seen it done all the time, ie, people walking around looking at other rigs with a beer in their hand. While in your campsite, you can do whatever you want so long as your not disturbing your neighbors. In 10 years of camping, I found most people keep to themselves and don't bother anyone so the alcohol question never comes up. Other states may be more restrictive.

    As to BBQ, I've never seen any restrictions on it, though private campgrounds likely have stricter rules.
  • airton.aragao wrote:
    We like barbecue+beer and have some basic questions about this:

    1 - Is it acceptable/legal to have a barbecue with beer at all RV Parks, even at state parks and a good rest area ?

    No, not at all RV Parks...many are starting to prohibit it....rest areas generally no...

    2 - At some RV parks firecamps signs and firerings options are showed. Does this means that we can have an barbecue at that places ?

    Check with the park

    Thanks
  • According to your sig. I see your in Florida. I can't comment on Florida law but here In Michigan most of the State parks are posted no alcohol. Private parks are at the owners discretion. As for rest areas, Most are adjacent to the freeway. There is basically a zero tolerance for drinking and driving In Michigan. If the police conclude that you even look visibly impaired, they will haul you away. So beware of the States laws that you pass through. Not that I condone drinking but do it responsibly and, where applicable, incognito. ;-)
    Happy camping and Cheers !!!
  • Every campground has it's own set of rules. Some are more restrictive about open fires and alcohol use than others, so there's no general rule. Rest areas are for resting, not camping. Fires, BBQ's, etc, are generally not permitted. Alcohol use in a rest area would be subject to the applicable state laws regarding open containers, etc.
  • #1 No, a lot of places prohibit beer. Generally though, if you are minding your business and not bothering anyone else they don't enforce the no beer rules. Rest areas... that is usually considered a public area and its usually illegal to drink in public. Police will usually enforce that law.

    #2 What do you mean by barbecue? Do you just mean a grill and cooking over an open fire? If so, you can do that just about anywhere (unless there is a wildfire risk).