Texas State Parks - Open Carry

[carlson1]

I searched and did not see this discussed. If I missed it someone post a link and I will lock this thread.

How does Texas State Parks handle Open Carry? I have read the letter for Concealed Carry from years ago, but I am curious about their policy on Open Carry.

Thanks,
Carl

[Jusme]

I haven't been to a State Park since the passage of open carry, but I seem to remember, several threads regarding it, and after a few glitches with misinformed park rangers, open carry has been allowed, and no issues reported that I have seen.
I don't have a link to a particular topic, just trying to access my limited memory bank.

[Glockster]

I can't put my fingers on it where I am right now as I don't have it on my iPad, but I have held in my own hands the agency letter sent out to all employees and volunteers that explains that it is allowed and in previous thread somewhere I believe that I posted the language from that letter.

[AJSully421]

There were a couple of issues, like a tram in ELP. But that was resolved. I know that Mineral Wells SP knows that it is OK, same with the Brazos River Authoritiy.

[Pig Renter]

It seems that before this had been discussed and someone brought up the issues that some parks are actually owned by the Corps of Engineers and technically they lease the land to Texas for state park use. Not sure if this is true and if it is how one is suppose to know. Also not sure how this would affect LTC since COE land typically doesn't allow firearms.

[NotRPB]

I can only respond to "guns in (some) State Parks in general" rather than concealed versus open carry in a State Park

Which State Park?
http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/


http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/ <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<****

Usually, to find out ... look at Texas Parks and Wildlife for the body of water "Controlling Authority"
http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/

From State Park link, Texas State Parks Listhttp://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/state ... list.phtml scroll down to the park you want click it, then at that park page scroll down to
Detailed fishing and lake information for Lake _______


Which should take you to the correct lake with controlling authority info.

LCRA has control of some
http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/inks-lake
http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/rec ... akes/inks/
Reservoir Controlling Authority

Lower Colorado River Authority
3700 Lake Austin Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 473-3200 or 1(800) 776-5272

Brazos River Authority controls some
possum_kingdom
http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/possum-kingdom
http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/rec ... m_kingdom/
Reservoir Controlling Authority
Brazos River Authority
Star Route
Graford, Texas 76025
(940) 779-2321

ACOE has control of some, such as Whitney

http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-whitney
Detailed fishing and lake information for Lake Whitney[/b]

http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/rec ... s/whitney/
Reservoir Controlling Authority

US Army Corps of Engineers
285 CR 3602
Clifton, Texas 76634
(254) 622-3332

https://www.google.com/search?q=Texas+S ... 8&oe=utf-8

[thetexan]

At state locations that do not prohibit, which should be EVERY one, there is no distinction between OC and CC.

Careful that you don't get into Corp of engineer lakes or parks.

tex

[LosAlce]

There was an email that went out to all park volunteers just before open carry went into effect. It stated open and concealed carry would be legal as long as you were properly licensed. I can't recall if it was all parks (I feel like it was) but it also stated that volunteers and employees would not be allowed to do either unless it was in their job description (meaning park LEO).

Wish I still had the email to share. Not 100% on the facts regarding which parks. haven't seen anyone at the park I volunteer at OC but knowing the folks that work there would just ask for proof then finding everything was in order you'd be free to move about.

[Skiprr]

Some ACOE resources:

Main website: http://www.usace.army.mil/.

Rules & Regulations governing public use of ACOE land and development projecst: http://www.usace.army.mil/Portals/2/doc ... -2-316.pdf.

ACOE Divisions and Districts drill-down: http://www.usace.army.mil/Locations/

Texas falls under the Southwestern Division of the ACOE (http://www.swd.usace.army.mil/), and that's segmented into the Tulsa District (http://www.swt.usace.army.mil/), the Fort Worth District (http://www.swf.usace.army.mil/), the Galveston District (http://www.swg.usace.army.mil/), and the Little Rock District (http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/).

To check for specific ACOE recreational lakes, or to look for ones in an area, start here: http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visitors/visitors.cfm.

To check on Texas ACOE lakes or recreational areas, start here: http://corpslakes.usace.army.mil/visito ... m?state=TX.

The brief section that applies to carry on any ACOE land is:

327.13 Explosives, firearms, other weapons and fireworks.

(a) The possession of loaded firearms, ammunition, loaded projectile firing devices,
bows and arrows, crossbows, or other weapons is prohibited unless:
(1) In the possession of a Federal, state or local law enforcement officer;
(2) Being used for hunting or fishing as permitted under 327.8, with devices being
unloaded when transported to, from or between hunting and fishing sites;
(3) Being used at authorized shooting ranges; or
(4) Written permission has been received from the District Commander.

(b) Possession of explosives or explosive devices of any kind, including fireworks or
other pyrotechnics, is prohibited unless written permission has been received from the
District Commander.