CC in National Parks

[jecsd1]

I'm aware that there is some new law that grants rights to national parks within the boundary of the state. My wife and I may be doing some camping this winter down in Big Bend Nat'l Park and I want to CC. Are the rules and regs the exact same now as anywhere else in TX? Does this apply to long arms as well? I would love to throw the shotgun under the seat in the truck as well. Thanks for the clarity folks

[Oldgringo]

I'm aware that there is some new law that grants rights to national parks within the boundary of the state. My wife and I may be doing some camping this winter down in Big Bend Nat'l Park and I want to CC. Are the rules and regs the exact same now as anywhere else in TX? Does this apply to long arms as well? I would love to throw the shotgun under the seat in the truck as well. Thanks for the clarity folks

In a nutshell, you can Carry a CW consonant with the laws of the state wherein the NP lies. You CAN NOT carry inside any structure/building where federal employees are doing their thing - whatever that may be.

Google Big Bend rules and regs for a more in depth commentary.

Good travels and good luck.

[Pawpaw]

You still can't carry in an Army Corps of Engineers area, only state & national parks.

[hangfour]

In a nutshell, you can Carry a CW consonant with the laws of the state wherein the NP lies. You CAN NOT carry inside any structure/building where federal employees are doing their thing - whatever that may be.

Thanks for the clarification on this issue.

[Oldgringo]

In a nutshell, you can Carry a CW consonant with the laws of the state wherein the NP lies. You CAN NOT carry inside any structure/building where federal employees are doing their thing - whatever that may be.

Thanks for the clarification on this issue.

You are welcome. IANAL and I am not inclined to go into long drawn out explanations and pastings of document excerpts that are above my pay grade to understand and/or my license to interpolate.

What I do know is that "concealed is concealed" and you may quote me on that.

[CC Italian]

Yes you can carry in National Parks in Texas. My girl and I went on a Texas state park tour all across Texas and went to Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The greatest threat out there is rattle snakes and maybe a slim chance with a mountain lion but I would invest in some snake guards. When we went out there we had a 5 foot rattler come within a few feet of us. They like to come out at sunset. Also, if you have small children keep them out of the tall grass and within your reach. Those rattlers are nasty when you startle them!! Bring a shovel and snake shot as a precaution. Check the parks website and I believe the department of Agricultures website will also touch on this issue. The main thing you have to watch is the Army corps of engineers. Check out their site and make sure you are not going anywhere where they are. Also, you can carry in a National Park but check out the law and make sure it hasn't changed for any reason. Never just take our word. Take a little time to make sure you are familiar with park rules. Enjoy Big Bend!!

PS. Make sure you have a good spare tire and jack. It is a long way to a mechanic out there.

[CC Italian]

Almost forgot. There are a few U.S. Border Patrol check points on various roads around that part of Texas. They usaually just ask you where you are going to and most people say Big Bend or Davis state Park. They also have drug and bomb dogs sniff your car which is kind of cool but they are very nice officers.

[jecsd1]

Excellent info! Thanks

[fannypacker]

I would suggest you carry a powerful gun. There are signs warning of wild bears and illegal border crossers. Only park I know of that runs from the Rio Grande up to 8000 feet mountains. Enjoy.

[rdcrags]

Off topic, but no one has mentioned water. Carry all you will need. No streams and rivers everywhere, like you find in Colorado or California.

[Crucial]

I was at Big Bend earlier this year and I can tell you for sure there is a border patrol check along 385 between Big Bend Natl. Park and Marathon, TX. Nothing to worry about if you're a U.S. citizen. It seemed to me they were just interested in catching illegals.

Generally, the chance of using your firearm to defend yourself from a wild animal there is extremely low. Yes, mountain lions and black bears do inhabit parts of the Chisos Mountains in Big Bend, but they are very rarely encountered. Even if encountered, they exhibit very shy behavior and will usually avoid humans whenever possible. I would be more concerned about not leaving food scraps around and storing them in the provided bear resistant lockers.

Like others have said, water is extremely important there. I like to play it safe and bring everything I think I might need with me. I would recommend the hike to the "south rim" if you are physically fit. Outstanding views and hiking experience.

IIRC, gasoline is only available at two places in the park...Panther Junction visitor center and Rio Grande Village. I recommend buying the "National Geographic Trails Illustrated" map of the park.