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Ok, found more info on Carlsbad Caverns. Here is the link to the info needed and a copy of what the rules are. This comes from the parks website.
http://www.nps.gov/cave/parkmgmt/upload ... endium.pdf

§2.4(d)(4) – Carrying or possessing a weapon, trap, or net It is no longer necessary for the Superintendent to issue a permit allowing firearms on the surface of the park. It is still necessary for the Superintendent to issue a permit for any traps or nets to be carried and/or possessed in the park.
• Guided tour caves within the boundaries of Carlsbad Caverns National Park are considered “Federal Facilities”. Despite New Mexico concealed carry law, no weapons, traps or nets will be allowed into the guided tour caves unless authority is granted by the Superintendent.

Basically leave it on the surface. Which means you can take it in the park but if you want to go into the caves you pretty much need to leave it in your car. Funny, I got a better answer from the website then the people on the phone.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park - Called and of course got the official sounding answer. Obey all TX laws and all signs. Signs were stressed. The park employee told me they did not know of any stand alone bathrooms that were marked with signs but I was told to not enter the visitor center or any other building that park employees worked in that had a public bathroom attached or inside of it. She was nice and just said follow state law and pay attention to signs. If it is not marked it should be fine. The lady told me they have been planning and preparing for the new law for months and all signs are posted. Very professional park staff.

I guess that’s it thanks for all the help on this post!

Yeah. Those posts on the river authorities were several years old. Good to know. You guys are helping me out a lot. I will try and get some more clarification on Carlsbad on Monday and hopefully find out exactly what buildings are restricted in a national park and relay it back to the forum for future reference.
Thanks again

One more question I just thought about. All the parks I called confirmed yes or no with the COE but can river authorities like Lower Colorado and Brown County prohibit me from carrying in a park? I only thought it was the COE I had to worry about but since doing more searches I see that there is some mention of river authorities prohibiting firearms as well. What a mess just to plan a trip.

Thanks RPG. I checked on these state parks and you are correct. I can NOT carry in Somerville in any part of the park. All other state parks confirmed they where not managed by the COE. Guadalupe Mountains National Park I have the same info as you from their website. I will call Monday and ask for an example of what is off limits. I know it says it will be posted but I would like to know before I get there. I know the visitors center is off limits but what I really want to know is if the showers and restrooms are off limits and considered a "government building".

As for Carlsbad Caverns National Park it is a little confusing. I called the park and they said what is on the website is correct and up to date but that I must follow all New Mexico laws. That’s all they gave me. The website tells you to follow the state laws of New Mexico. Ok that’s fine but it is NOT legal to carry in New Mexico state parks. So does this mean I can carry into a national park in New Mexico even though I can not at a state park? Even if I carry into Carlsbad I can't really go anywhere. I would have to leave my gun in the car. I don't like that! NM has some strange laws. I might just skip Carlsbad altogether.

Ok I need a little help. My girl and I are going on a camping trip across Texas and making one stop in New Mexico. Most are state parks but a few are federal. I know this subject has been asked before and I searched the website but I just can't find everything I am looking for. I will first list the campsites we are hopefully going to.

Texas State Parks that I will be camping at:
-Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site
-Davis Mountains State Park
-Palo Duro Canyon State Park
-Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
-Lake Brownwood State Park
-Inks Lake State Park
-Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway This is the park that I know the Army Corp of Engineers is on. The corp. manages the Rocky Creek and Yegua Creek areas. I want to go to the Birch Creek State Park and Nails Creek State Park area of the lake. Does this mean that the whole lake is off limits to me as for carrying or just Rocky and Yegua Creek areas?
Here is a link to the Corp website http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visito ... Id=M217110

Texas State Parks I will be visiting for the day
-Balmorhea State Park
-Longhorn Cavern State Park
-Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Also where in state parks can I not carry? Can I go into all buildings? Restroom, visitors center etc.

Federal Parks
-Guadalupe Mountains National Park (This park looks good to go but where can I find a resource that tells me where I CAN NOT (off limits) go in a national park.
-Carlsbad Caverns National Park (Copied this from the park website, looks like a no go) Mainly the last paragraph. Basically I can go into the park but can't not step foot in the caves.

Firearms



As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in Carlsbad Caverns National Park.



It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit our state’s website. [New Mexico Department of Public Safety]



Federal law continues to prohibit firearms in certain facilities, such as park visitor centers. These facilities are posted with appropriate notices at public entrances. At Carlsbad Caverns, firearms are not allowed in the Visitor Center, including the restaurant, gift shop, and kennel, the park’s maintenance yard, park office buildings, or inside caves where guided tours occur, including Carlsbad Cavern, Slaughter Canyon Cave, and Spider Cave. The new federal law has no effect on existing laws and regulations regarding the use of firearms in national parks or hunting. Hunting, target shooting, and any other use of firearms are not allowed in Carlsbad Caverns National Park.


I will call the parks to make sure. Should I just ask if the Army Corp of Engineers manages any part of the park?

Any links or info would be appreciated.
Thanks