Question about campsite policies

[tim1970]

I have noticed around Texas that the majority of the public campgrounds (especially State Parks) have a policy of no alcohol. The signage varies from the strict "No alcoholic beverages of any kind permitted", to the less strict "public display or consumption prohibited".

Now, my wife and I are at the age where we have grown kids (and grandkids), and have no desire to have loud "parties" while we camp. However, we both do enjoy having an adult beverage while sitting around the campfire.

I am not trying to start a debate about drinking. I am just looking for advice from people that do like to have a responsible adult beverage while camping.

Do you feel like the signs are posted to give authorities the ability to control any loud and crazy campers that are disturbing other campers? Or do you feel like they are really trying to prohibit any and all consumption, even though it might be done responsibly?

[MFL]

fj12ryder wrote:
Like my dad, the old contrarian, once said: "Rules are made to be broken". I think of him every time I'm on the bike doing 75 mph in a 70 mph zone. 🙂

If you are riding your FJ1200, and only going 75 in a 70 zone, that is being pretty upstanding, in my motorcycle mind!:) That hardly qualifies as breaking the rules. Ya, I know, it was just an example.

Makes me think about riding my bike, but nope, another snow storm tomorrow.

Jerry

[fj12ryder]

IAMICHABOD wrote:

fj12ryder wrote:
Like my dad, the old contrarian, once said: "Rules are made to be broken". I think of him every time I'm on the bike doing 75 mph in a 70 mph zone. 🙂

Along the same line is "Silly rules are made to be ignored". 🙂

Also makes you a prime candidate for the Darwin Award.:B

Pish tosh.

[dcmac214]

As said, discretion. Whenever we travel, RV or not, DW always has her wine, I my brandy.

[dewey02]

Rules are made because there was a problem.
While I am usually a stickler for obeying rules, I don't think a LEO is going to get too riled up with you if you are behaving yourself, not drunk, not loud, or not being obvious in flaunting your rulebreaking.

Most LEOs won't even approach you if you are not doing something to draw their attention. Use common sense for the situation, although common sense is getting a whole lot more uncommon these days.

[toedtoes]

irishtom29 wrote:
Obey the rules. I see much rationalization here for not obeying the rules that betrays a selfish sense of entitlement. I understand that sometimes some people simply need a drink, in that case be a pantry drinker.

I agree in regards to those disguising their alcoholic drinks so they can take them to the swimming pool, beach, etc.

For those having a drink in their own campsite, I don't see that as a "sense of entitlement", but more due to the many various interpretations of a basic rule between campgrounds. That may be "lazy" in that the person doesn't go ask for clarification, but I don't think most folks are trying to violate the law by default.

[IAMICHABOD]

fj12ryder wrote:
Like my dad, the old contrarian, once said: "Rules are made to be broken". I think of him every time I'm on the bike doing 75 mph in a 70 mph zone. 🙂

Along the same line is "Silly rules are made to be ignored". 🙂

Also makes you a prime candidate for the Darwin Award.:B

[fj12ryder]

Like my dad, the old contrarian, once said: "Rules are made to be broken". I think of him every time I'm on the bike doing 75 mph in a 70 mph zone. 🙂

Along the same line is "Silly rules are made to be ignored". 🙂

[irishtom29]

Obey the rules. I see much rationalization here for not obeying the rules that betrays a selfish sense of entitlement. I understand that sometimes some people simply need a drink, in that case be a pantry drinker.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Ed brings his adult beverage to the pool, in an insulated, stainless coffee mug. Ditto for discreet camping.

[2012Coleman]

toedtoes wrote:
As others mention, the "it's ok in your campsite" varies. Just because GA state parks are ok with it doesn't mean Texas state parks are ok with it.

And your prior post said it was aimed at daily visitors not campers. Per other posts, that is not true - many parks are aiming it at partyers regardless of length of stay. And campers are just as likely to be a problem as day use folks.

Whatever.... :R So I'll just go on doing what I do, and you do the same with your iced tea.

[Ron3rd]

Don't know about Texas, but in California State Parks it's a different policy. You're not supposed to have alcohol "outside of your campsite", meaning you can do what you want in the campsite. However, I routinely see folks walking around with beers or cocktails with no problem. If you cause a problem however, they will quickly remove you.

[doxiemom11]

In the forestry park where we hosted there was a total ban on alcohol, but everyone including the LEO felt that if you were discreet, we didn't know what was in your glass. Now if you were sitting with a beer bottle/can they would issue you a tickets. One guy had a 6 pk on his tailgate. The ranger even mentioned to him it was illegal to have alcohol in the park. Walked away so he had a chance to put it away. He didn't. 5 min later when the ranger came back by, there it still was -- so that man got a ticket. You just have to be discreet and don't cause any problems.

[CavemanCharlie]

In MN you can not have alcohol in State Parks. But, I have done it by waiting until after dark ,keeping it low, and not attracting attention. Most county parks around here don't have any rules about alcohol. State Parks in SD or IA don't care either.

[Thom02099]

Any sort of enforcement is easier if there are posted/distributed rules/regulations versus nothing posted/distributed at all.

Like any legal notice or disclaimer, there's usually some sort of liability issue that is the root of the posting.

[Veebyes]

A rule to protect CG operators to be enforced only if necessary. Get drunk loud & obnoxious & you get to see the outside of the gate