I am also retire law enforcement. During my last two longer trips, I planned on entering Canada so I did not carry my firearm. During the entire trip, I felt naked. I am no longer going to be going to Canada for this exact reason.
One poster said that there are two type of campgrounds. That implies that the campgrounds where he will go will never have problems. Does that mean that the police in those areas don't carry weapons. To imply that you can determine where a firearm would be useful is to live in lala land. Are you from California or something? I live in a very nice neighborhood and two weeks ago, a neighbor was robbed. I will keep my firearms handy. My wife knows how to shoot and she is more than capable of defending herself and me. We have had discussions that very few people but LEO's have with their families. In a hostage situation she knows what to do and when to do it. We will not be victims and we will defend others like they are family.