Guns while camping.

imported post

Someone I know here in NV wanted to bring his handgun with him while camping in California. It appears to me that 12031 would allow a loaded gun in a camper or tent while on a campsite. (This is assuming it is not a national or state park.)

12031

(l) Nothing in this section shall prevent any person from having a
loaded weapon, if it is otherwise lawful, at his or her place of
residence, including any temporary residence or campsite.

Click to expand...

I think he just wants to keep it in his camper and not carry it, but I would imagine that unloaded open carry would generally be legal in the parts of the campground where discharge is illegal so long as no government buildings were entered and one was not near a school... and loaded open carry would be allowed in any place where discharge is legal. Or is there something I am not thinking of here?

Lastly has anyone heard of any counties that have made rules that would prohibit guns in campgrounds? I'd provide additional details but I do not know what campground he is going to.

imported post

I think we covered most important details here: http://opencarry.mywowbb.com/view_topic.php?id=22767&forum_id=12&highlight=camping

If he wants to just keep it in the camper, just keep it locked in a fully enclosed container and he should be good to go. If he wants to UOC, i'd check the whole gambit of county, park and/or forest regulations.

imported post

1. 12031(l) exempts campsites and temporary residences. However, note the terminology! "Having" is not the same as "carrying" (see People v Overturf).

2. Localities can not prohibit possession of firearms in campgrounds. State law preempts local law on any firearm issue addressed by state law. The existance of 12031(l) would preempt any further restrictions on campsite carry. (This doesn't mean a locality wouldn't pass such a law, then arrest, prosecute, and jail someone for it.)

3. Make sure your friend is aware of firearm prohibitions in certain areas. (I can never get this straight... it's either State/Fed Parks or State/Fed Forests where firearms are prohibited...)

imported post

I've created a very extensive post on this topic over on CalGuns if you are so inclined to click:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=186457

Be careful because the exemption is only for 12031 (loaded), not 12025 (concealed), nor does it exempt you from any other code like the firearms prohibitions in State parks, etc.