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?

[toedtoes]

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.

[2012Coleman]

toedtoes wrote:

2012Coleman wrote:
The no Alcohol rule in state parks is geared toward daily visitors more than people overnight camping. While in your campsite, you are expected to have a responsible attitude with it, but the rule is not meant to ban it for campers.

It's not just about daily visitors. It's about partyers - whether daily or otherwise. There are campers who will spend a week disrupting everyone with their drunkeness.

Theres always the possibility of campers being idiots - but as I stated, if you are behaving yourself, no one is going to be coming around making sure there's no alcohol in your campsite. I sit outside in my recliner all the time with a beer in a couzy - my newest one says Dilly Dilly on it....

We just got back from Reed Bingham State park in GA. Their handbook states: "Consumption or use of alcoholic beverages or intoxicants is unlawful in any public-use area."

So yes, in my campsite, I'm allowed to sip on my suds

[toedtoes]

I think the main thing is to remain respectful and courteous if you do get called on it.

If you are being low-key and inconspicuous and they come tell you "no alcohol", simply apologize and put it away. Don't argue about "public space" vs. "Campsite", "it's just one beer in a cup", etc. You can ask for clarification on how much it is enforced by that particular law enforcement district and mention "at our parks, it's more relaxed. So this is good to know here". Then take your drink inside.

[BrentB]

In Texas, "public display or consumption prohibited" is the law and they do enforce it. If you are inside your rv or tent that is not considered "public".

[JaxDad]

No different in my mind than the "No Overnight Parking" rules at rest areas and parking lots.

Most LEO's will willingly tell you those signs are just to keep the riff-raff out or give them the tools they need to tell certain people to move along.

One particular place I frequently stop along my most common route is posted, the Sheriffs Deputy who patrols that area on the morning shift knows my rig and stops by for a coffee and to buy a quart of Maple syrup if he sees me there.

[toedtoes]

2012Coleman wrote:
The no Alcohol rule in state parks is geared toward daily visitors more than people overnight camping. While in your campsite, you are expected to have a responsible attitude with it, but the rule is not meant to ban it for campers.

It's not just about daily visitors. It's about partyers - whether daily or otherwise. There are campers who will spend a week disrupting everyone with their drunkeness.

[mbopp]

PA State parks also have a "no alcohol" rule. But as others said, we don't get stupid about it and have never been hassled.

[sgfrye]

not much to add that hasn't been said, wife and i stay discreet with my alcohol in a cup when in nc and sc state parks.

[ljr]

More than once, I’ve been told in casual conversation that the alcohol prohibition is about convenience for dealing with problem campers. Without it they end up in a long, difficult discussion of how rowdy is too rowdy. If you’re not causing a problem nobody cares.

[2012Coleman]

The no Alcohol rule in state parks is geared toward daily visitors more than people overnight camping. While in your campsite, you are expected to have a responsible attitude with it, but the rule is not meant to ban it for campers.

[WTP-GC]

We are not rabid drinkers and we don't get drunk. However, no camping trip prep is complete until the beer and ice is loaded in the cooler. Virtually every campground we go to has rules of some sort related to alcohol, and since most are state parks, the rules lean toward prohibition. But we've walked around every campground with either an open bottle of beer or a solo cup of beer and never had even a mention by staff, rangers, etc. So as best we can tell, alcohol rules are only in place to give the ruling authority leverage to deal with the often times bad situations caused by drunks and partiers.

[jplante4]

Lwiddis wrote:
Our California State Parks occasionally prohibit alcohol such as at Silver Strand over the Labor Day weekend but otherwise no general prohibition.

Geez. If it's ok in California, it should be ok everywhere. 😄

Mass state parks prohibit consumption of alcohol as well. I don't know how serious they are about it. I'm hoping it's like the 10 year rule; a tool to evict the undesirables. Were' going to Scusset Beach SP next month.

[PopBeavers]

I guess I should consider setting up my margarita machine in the trailer from now on.

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

The Texas State Parks rule about no alcohol comes from the state legislature. Most Texas State Parks Law Enforcement rangers will write you a ticket and confiscate the alcohol the first time they see it. That is simply their job and one which the letter of the law does not permit them any discretion on enforcement.

Do understand that Texas like the NPS, and many other states, has multiple categories of “park ranger”

The law enforcement rangers are licensed and trained police officers. Their duty is to enforce the laws. The majority of rangers are focused on helping those who visit the parks enjoy their visit while protecting the resources of the park from abuse.

When we were TX State Park volunteers- the instructions to us and the non-LE rangers was that if we observed the presence or consumption of alcohol to report that immediately to the law enforcement ranger. And take no other action.

Another point about Texas public campgrounds / parks other than state parks. Many parts of Texas are still legally ‘dry’ with a wide range of confusing variations about where alcohol consumption is allowed/ not allowed.

One COE park that we frequent is under the law enforcement authority of the local city which bans all presence of alcohol at any time in their parks. The local city police will treat any alcohol they see in the COE campground as a serious offense.

My opinion is that if you see such signs in Texas, take them seriously.

At a minimum nothing should be visibly ‘alcohol’. No wine bottles, even covered by paper or a wrapper. Beer should be poured into a cup, not just covering the labels with a coozie.

[drsteve]

Some state parks here in MI prohibit alcohol. The only people I've ever seen the rule being applied to were underage and/or loud and drunk. If you are discreet and don't bother anyone, nobody cares what you do.