Alcohol & State Parks.

CaptainKev

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 3, 2009
Messages
107
The state parks in Ohio ban alcohol. Since the members of this forum are from all over, I am curious to find out how many other states have banned alcohol in the parks/waterways. IMHO, I personally find the ban draconian. I don't drink when I drive a vehicle and I don't drink when I drive the boat either. However, it does bother me that everybody is affected, whether they drive, or not. The fact is that people are going to drink on a boat and a park law isn't going to stop them. I'm inclined to believe that all the ban does is increase the likelihood of more cans & bottles finding their way to the bottom of the lake because nobody want's to get nailed with the on-board evidence. Please understand, I'm not condoning drinking alcohol, or dumping trash in our parks, but there are already laws on the books affecting alcohol & trash.......do we really need a law specifically for our parks? Your opinions would be appreciated.
Kev.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Alcohol & State Parks.

Here in PA I just noticed when making camping reservations at a state park a couple weeks ago that alcohol was banned.
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,750
Re: Alcohol & State Parks.

If they tried to ban alcohol anywhere in Wisconsin, they would have to stop everyone from exhaling. :) !!
 

Thad

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jun 8, 2009
Messages
1,028
Re: Alcohol & State Parks.

In Illinois it is up to the discretion of each park superindentant.
Some parks you can have it in the campground but not the picinic are, others, the other way around. Some nowhere at all, and yet others any place you wish.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Alcohol & State Parks.

in Florida State Parks, alcohol is permited within you own campsite, not in public areas.
 

LadyFish

Admiral
Joined
Mar 18, 2003
Messages
6,894
Re: Alcohol & State Parks.

It's my experience in Texas that it is not allowed however, I know many people do still drink while camping at State Parks. If they get unruly or loud they are asked to leave the park.

It has always been my perception that the State would like to keep the parks a family/child friendly place and do not condone drinking or the behavior associated with it.
 

LadyFish

Admiral
Joined
Mar 18, 2003
Messages
6,894
Re: Alcohol & State Parks.

For me, that behavior would be sleeping. :(

HAHAHA well then you probably won't be working for the State Parks and Wildlife Preserves. I can understand totally where they are coming from. I guess if you want to drink, penny up for a private park but they have rules too, most don't allow dogs over 30 pounds. ;)
 

SS MAYFLOAT

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2001
Messages
6,372
Re: Alcohol & State Parks.

There is a way that makes it okay to have booze in a state park. First of all it must be in a camper, RV, tent, cabin, houseboat, and or cabin cruiser. It must remain inside to have it.

I questioned the officer (ODNR Ranger) that I witnessed shaking hands with a man holding a case of beer. This was on the shore power dock where the house boats are. He explained that it must be inside what I mentioned above. Booze can be consumed on the campsite only if it is covered or in a cup or opaque glass. The marina is inside the park which is gated. Of course if you get unruly, you can be sited, removed from the park, or arrested.
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: Alcohol & State Parks.

In most parks in Ontario you must be camping and it must remain on your campsite. They do however have a couple of "dry" weekends over the season.
 

drewmitch44

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 26, 2005
Messages
1,749
Re: Alcohol & State Parks.

Banned here in Delaware but the ranger told us that we needed to just use cuzzies over the can and not leave out site with the beverage and they wont bother us. Long sentence. LOL
 
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