Question for Tar Heels re. the "No Alcohol" rule in NC state parks

[Attila the Pun]

Years ago we were camping at Hanging Rock State Park in NC. My wife was sitting at the picnic table enjoying a longneck brown bottle of root beer. Park ranger was driving by, slammed on the brakes, stormed over and grabbed the bottle from her hand. When he read the label, his face turned beet-red and he stormed back to his truck without a word.

[trailernerd]

This is a thing? I don't drink (or do anything else), but I camp with plenty that do, and respect and support their right to do so. I have been in MANY campgrounds with drunken a**holes that have ranged from amusing to dangerous, but can't understand how this could be a rule in 2022? Seems kind heavy handed (and I'm from California)

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by mysery1

In 20 plus years I never had a problem. Just use common sense and don't be an idiot.

This is the answer.
In the few campgrounds that have that rule we have been told it just applies to outside your RV. And it usually accompanies the rule about no glass bottles.
We have also been told by the park manager that what they can't see, they don't care, so just use a solo cup or the like.
But above all, don't be a jerk that has to have the rule and punishment applied.

[Chuck_S]

No shame in law breaking. Nothing wrong with exceeding the speed limit and you probably exhibited that criminal behavior at least once today. How 'bout "keep right except to pass?" while you dawdle in the left lane. Shocking, simply shocking.

-- Chuck

[CCrew]

Originally Posted by wharfrat48

I'd recommend a Corp of engineers park or federal before I'd go to a NC state park. Or just keep it in your camper, I don't think they can legally enter your camper unless you give them permission (or a reason to).

My experience is COE’s explicitly ban alcohol.

[BSHGTO]

It`s just to easy to follow the rules but for some "me" is the key word. Like the aggressive dog issue or the need to bring your CC gun to church or a state that says no. I don`t care ........Me, but when there is enough of you in one place the gang mentality says yes.

[Chuck_S]

And you never exceed the speed limit of course.

-- Chuck

[Oaklevel]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

And you never exceed the speed limit of course.

-- Chuck

No personally I never exceed the speed limit it is there for a reason................ sorry seen too many dead people over the years.........

[Rockwood Travelers]

There is a huge percentage of the population that believes that rules do not apply to them and anything they can get away with is perfectly proper.
As has been mentioned earlier, rules regarding dogs as well as no alcohol regulations, among other mandates, do not apply. Many get defensive and even combative when they are called out regardless of how blatantly they are scoffing the rules.

We specifically mind our own business and would never bring attention to other patrons who are drinking in a non alcohol facility as long as they do not become nuisances. With that said, it's hard to understand why people would enter knowing full well they aren't going to abide unless, of course, they firmly believe the rules do not apply to them and if you think otherwise.......tough.

[BSHGTO]

I can tell some are looking for justifications for their actions, so I'll pass on that. But the fact remains some just think I will do what I want and rules are for other people.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by CCrew

My experience is COE’s explicitly ban alcohol.

So were you explicitly told that or did you interpret the rule to mean that?
I have never read, or been told, that in parks with that rule that it meant you could not possess or use alcohol inside your RV.

[dowend]

The state park folks take it pretty seriously.
We employ tactics such as;
drinking from yeti cooler so no indication of what the beverage might be,
Refill yeti out of sight so no-one sees the beer can.
Keeping ur friends aware of approaching state park officials with a courtesy ‘kooo-eee’ to let them know the cops are coming.

Its really fun, the park cops know whats up and we have a good laugh.
Be nice,

[garywilson]

Originally Posted by CCrew

My experience is COE’s explicitly ban alcohol.

Depends on which one you are visiting. COE complies with local jurisdiction laws.

In one that I know of "Alcoholic beverages are prohibited by County Ordinance".

The others I've stayed at (20 or so?) no, but don't make a scene or they will come and take you away.

Nothing like a COE camp during a national holiday/3-day weekend.... my main trip for the year starts the day after Labor Day.

[stephndudb]

Originally Posted by trailernerd

I have been in MANY campgrounds with drunken a**holes that have ranged from amusing to dangerous, but can't understand how this could be a rule in 2022?

I think you answered your own question...

[CCrew]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

So were you explicitly told that or did you interpret the rule to mean that?
I have never read, or been told, that in parks with that rule that it meant you could not possess or use alcohol inside your RV.

It’s their property. I’m in my RV on their property. I take it to mean no alcohol. Their property, their rules. I accept that as the cost of admission.

[moose074]

Early in my camping career, I went to a local state park. We arrived after the main gate was closed. Instructions were to go to our site, on our way to the site a park ranger stopped us and asked if we could swing by the host campsite once we were set up. So after we did I walked over to the host site. They were outside drinking and talking to the park ranger. All 3 were very nice and very talkative. So I was being kinda of a smarty and and said something about now that we’re friends if I could come by so I could enjoy a beer. The ranger claimed that as long as I was in my trl or in my spot it wasn’t considered public. However if I wondered around the park with my beer or booze in hand then I would be in violation. I have followed his instructions for the past decade in Texas state parks had a few host/ rangers stop by and talk while drinking never a problem.

[KyDan]

Michigan state parks used to make you sign/initial that you had read and were aware of their ban on alcohol in the parks. They still might, it's been a few years since we were there.

[BSHGTO]

nope didn`t wirk

[Qwkynuf]

Originally Posted by Chuck_S

And you never exceed the speed limit of course.

-- Chuck

Logical fallacy - False Dilemma! 5 Yard penalty!!!

I'm sure that you are just trying to be cute, but seriously - are you suggesting that if someone ever broke any law, then they are off the hook for obeying every law? Or even suggesting that because someone once drove 56mph in a 55 zone that they now lack the, what - "moral standing?" to point out that intentionally ignoring some other, unrelated rule is bad?

The logical and moral gymnastics that some are willing to engage in, in order to justify doing what THEY WANT are mind blowing to me.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by Qwkynuf

Logical fallacy - False Dilemma! 5 Yard penalty!!!



I'm sure that you are just trying to be cute, but seriously - are you suggesting that if someone ever broke any law, then they are off the hook for obeying every law? Or even suggesting that because someone once drove 56mph in a 55 zone that they now lack the, what - "moral standing?" to point out that intentionally ignoring some other, unrelated rule is bad?



The logical and moral gymnastics that some are willing to engage in, in order to justify doing what THEY WANT are mind blowing to me.

And I interpret what Chuck is implying completely different:
Since there are a few folks who insist that the RV park suggestion of no alcohol means none in possession or being used inside/outside your RV, I think Chuck is asking if they interpret every suggestion/rule/law so rigidly. Do you NEVER exceed the speed limit? Do you throw out the milk on the expire date? Do you always tithe 10% of your income to a church, and on and on.
Many rules are open to different interpretations, even by the folks that enforce them.
If folks see everything so rigidly, only black and white, then their thinking and life is very different from mine.
I interpret the no alcohol suggestion to mean no obvious alcohol use, and definitely no misuse and intoxication. And every RV park that I have been to with that rule agree with that interpretation.
I also rarely drive the exact speed limit. When not towing I always set the cruise on 78 in a 75. Never had a LEO disagree with my choice.
I keep food and medications after the suggested expire date.
So do all the folks in this thread who interpret the no alcohol suggestion so rigidly stop their RV at the entrance and toss out the alcohol stored in the RV to be in compliance?
Rule interpretations can be totally different, but still be correct.