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The wife and I went to Saguaro National Park (just outside of Tucson, AZ) today to purchase our lifetime Senior Pass ($10). It is a heck of a deal. I finally turned 62 in December so I qualify. Now nothing but free entry into all the National Parks I can get to.

But, while I was at Saguaro, I noticed the gun with the red slash through it on the door. I thought National Parks were concealed carry friendly now. Am I wrong? Or is it forbidden to carry in the visitor's center?

Joe

Not allowed inside any buildings.
And your handgun permit has to be valid for the state where the park is located.

One Shot wrote:Not allowed inside any buildings.
And your handgun permit has to be valid for the state where the park is located.

Agreed. That means not even outhouse buildings. But carry all you want on the property otherwise.

Thanks for the info guys. I appreciate it!

Joe

One Shot wrote:Not allowed inside any buildings.
And your handgun permit has to be valid for the state where the park is located.

One Shot what about the states that do not require concealed permits for non residents. Would it be illegal then because you are not a resident of that state? Also would that be the case for states with reciprocity with Texas for concealed.

I have carried (including OC) at three national parks. Never a single problem. Only thing that any Ranger ever had to say about it was "You're fine, but don't walk into any buildings with that thing."

Dave09 wrote:

One Shot wrote:Not allowed inside any buildings.
And your handgun permit has to be valid for the state where the park is located.

One Shot what about the states that do not require concealed permits for non residents. Would it be illegal then because you are not a resident of that state? Also would that be the case for states with reciprocity with Texas for concealed.

http://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/managemen ... 2-2010.pdf

http://www.nps.gov/appa/learn/managemen ... nswers.htm
Q. Can I have a firearm in every park after February 22, 2010?
A. If you can legally possess a firearm outside of a national park, you can possess it in that park on and after February 22, 2010. It is up to visitors to understand the requirements of federal law and the laws of the states/localities they live in or are travelling to (or through). Park websites have been updated to offer basic information about the applicable state law(s) and will generally include a link to a state website with more information.

Q. Can I take a firearm anywhere I go in the park?
A. No. Federal law prohibits firearms in “federal facilities,” which are generally defined as federally-owned or -leased buildings where federal employees work on a regular basis. Buildings that meet this definition will have signs posted at public entrances noting the prohibition on firearms.
(I don't remember seeing the outhouses posted, but my experience is limited. Other buildings are posted.)

TxLobo wrote:At Vicksburg, our park guide told us that we could not carry into any building that was "staffed" .. gift shop, offices, etc..

but restrooms that were not staffed by a National Park employee were fine to carry into..

That's pretty much my understanding too. In a nutshell, I won't/have not OC'd in any government structure where a government employee is in evidence or may be stationed.

FWIW, I have OC'd throughout the various Utah NP's, GNP, YNP, GCNP and RMNP without issue. I did it because it was on my bucket list. That feat is now crossed off the list.