Camping protection question

Wasn't sure where to post this, but I have question. Normally we camp 3-4 times a year at a campground that has some kind of utility on-site restroom, electricity, trash cans, etc....And ranger most of the time. Well next year i'm planning on a outing to Death Valley and Moab, from what I have seen there is really no camp ground per say. From what I seen most folks just pull over and pitch the tent. So my question; what do most of you do for protection (weapon)? Do you carry a hand gun or rifle or something? My wife is freaking out that will be alone out there with no way to defend ourselves if something happens.

I'm actually thinking of purchasing a AR-15 or glock, thanks in advance...

 

I carry my handgun whenever I go camping. You can pick up a good one for less than $500.

 

No need for a rifle.

Middle of nowhere camping these days requires a handgun, IMO.

 

Glock 19, never leave home without it.

Be sure you know the law for where you live and where you're going.

 

Agree on the handgun. Plus having a dog camping nearby is helpful for early alert.

 

Forgot to add - simply having a firearm with you might make her/you feel better, but make sure you know how to use it, know how to figure out if you're legitimately in danger or if your hair is just standing up because you hear someone pass by in the middle of the night when there shouldn't be anyone around you, and not only know, but willingly accept the responsibility of using a weapon in defense of your safety.

Not everybody who owns a gun should own one, and not everybody who thinks they own a defensive weapon has made the mental and emotional leap to being capable of intentionally using it when it comes to possibly taking another life.

If you can't be all of those things, get some bear spray.

Lastly, make sure you're legally allowed to be armed where you're planning on camping.

 

Know the law if you're going to carry a firearm in California. Typically handguns need to be in a "locked container" while traveling in a motor vehicle. Long guns also, if you're within some distance (1000 feet?) of a school. Once you've pitched camp, that becomes your "home" and laws tend to apply to your campsite as if it were your home. It's fuzzy, and remember there's no "castle doctrine" in California, so use good judgement.

Firearms are prohibited in California state parks. Take care not to take any firearm with you if camping in a "Wildlife Refuge."

IIRC You are specifically allowed to bring a firearm onto National Park lands, but not into the park buildings. Double check this - it's from memory.

A can of bear repellent pepper spray goes a long way in terms of protecting you from animals of both the two and four legged variety.

I've done a lot of camping. Mostly it's less dangerous than folks think, and the only people you're gonna run into are other campers. If you find yourself in someone's weed farm, turn around and go back the way you came.

 

You are legally able to stand your ground in CA, inside your home or not.

Lethal force can be used anytime and anywhere you're in danger of death or great bodily harm.

 

I'd say steer clear of long guns for protection while camping. If you need that much range, chances are you're not in any imminent threat to justify using it. Handguns would be your best option for movement and carrying options. Always know your laws but also know the area. Some people may happen upon your camp and honestly not know campground etiquette. I've seen people that clearly have no idea what they are doing and will set up camp literally 5 feet from the trail. They get dust all over their site as you drive by, but still look at you like you're the asshole.

Also know that while camping, your tent or truck is considered your home and as a result cannot be searched without your consent and/or probable cause.
Having met you even briefly, I know you'll be safe. Have fun!

 

thanks everyone for a super fast response. Didn't think I was going a response in minutes. Everyone gave lats of great tips and information. I like the idea of the bear spray... I think the most difficult part would be to able to decipher all the different laws where I will going.

Definitely agree, I'm no stranger to things that go pow or boom. I served in Iraq back in 2003 when our battalion got activated (yes I'm a nasty reservist). After that I vowed to myself not to own a firearm, but forward 12 years later. Things change especially when you have kids and wife. I always had some type of weapon of opportunity nearby when camping. But now that I'm discussing this with the wife she brings up a lot of good points. I understood that owning a firearm is more than a responsibility, but willing to accept any consequences whether good or bad come from your actions.

Appreciate everyone's insight on this question...

Semper Fi

 

Thanks for your service, Marine!

 

What you need is a good mentality. Chances are you think you'll gone need one, probably you are the kind of guy who's gone poison the air around you and for sure you'll have to use one. Personally, I never even consider having one, I never was in a situation to use one, and the reason I jumped in in this is: I am entitled to have one, but never did.

 

Here's some info straight from NPS:
you can check the full site here:
https://www.nps.gov/deva/learn/management/rules-and-regulations.htm#weapons
WEAPONS & HUNTING
• Hunting and use of weapons in the park is illegal.
• a person may possess. carry, and transport concealed, loaded, and operable firearms within a national park area in accordance with the laws of the state except as otherwise prohibited by applicable Federal law. Possession of firearms in federal facilities is prohibited.• Other weapons including air guns, bow and arrows, slingshots must be rendered temporarily inoperable or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use. These weapons will be kept out of sight insofar as is reasonably practical.
The Superintendent has determined that it is reasonable for pack trips to have a weapon available to dispose of injured stock in the Wilderness. The Incidental Business Permit will regulate weapons carried by commercial pack operations.

Hunting Outside the ParkTransporting of lawfully taken wildlife from adjacent land through the park is allowed under the following limitations:
• When the only practical means of egress is on a road through Death Valley National Park, and, when the hunter makes one continuous trip to the nearest or most practical exit from the park.
• The carcass must be tagged in accordance with state fish and game law.
• Game must be kept out of sight as much as practicable.
NOTE: Title 16 United States Code §62 specifically provides that mere possession of dead animals or animal parts within a National Park constitutes prima facie evidence that said animal was taken illegally within the park. The responsibility to prove that the animal was taken outside the rests, therefore with the hunter.

 

Personally, I've 'free camped' all over western Canada, USA, and Baja in campers, tents etc. sometimes with my young family, and sometimes with a buddy on motorcycles. I've had a few uncomfortable moments, but never had cause to feel a firearm would have improved the situation. I agree that bear spray is a usefull counter measure for short range encounters of the furry or clothed kind. One point I'd add is that many people feel safer closer to other people, but probably the opposite is true - I've found it gets 'safer' the further away from civilization I get. Wild animals are less likely to be aggressive then those habituated to humans, and most human Predators prowl populated areas. Also agree that a good dog is excellent for early detection and peace of mind at night. Now if I could just get him to ride on the motorbike....

 

I carry my cold steel dagger with me when I camp. It's a 3 ft blade 1 ft handle. Lol Hawaii no guns allowed.
If I'm camping out in the mountains hunting I've got my hand gun

 

Sounds like freedom