Concealed Carry in National Park Buildings

[AvidRider]

I tried to search the threads for an answer, but had no luck. I'm looking to see if anyone has seen signs at the visitor centers and restroom buildings in Shenandoah National Park (Skyline Drive). The NPS.Gov website states that concealed carry is allowed based on the laws of the state that the park is located. However, there is a note that law prohibits firearms in "certain park facilities and buildings", and that those prohibitions are identified with signs at the entrances.

Anyone have experience with this at Skyline Drive? Below is the link and the excerpt of the language within the link:

Firearm Policy - Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

Please remember that federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.

 

[joppaj]

I've seen that sign on just about every NPS building I've ever encountered.

 

[308Scout]

I tried to search the threads for an answer, but had no luck. I'm looking to see if anyone has seen signs at the visitor centers and restroom buildings in Shenandoah National Park (Skyline Drive). The NPS.Gov website states that concealed carry is allowed based on the laws of the state that the park is located. However, there is a note that law prohibits firearms in "certain park facilities and buildings", and that those prohibitions are identified with signs at the entrances.

Anyone have experience with this at Skyline Drive? Below is the link and the excerpt of the language within the link:

Firearm Policy - Shenandoah National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

Please remember that federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.

Go to the main NPS page on the issue. They are more explicit regarding what facilities/buildings are off limits as is the referenced section of federal code (pretty much all of them are no-gos for carry). NPS property outside these facilities is where they abide by state laws.

Firearms in National Parks (U.S. National Park Service)

Details about the carry and use of Firearms in National Parks.

www.nps.gov

Possession of Firearms in Federal Facilities
Unless expressly authorized, Federal law prohibits the possession of a firearm or other dangerous weapon in NPS facilities. These buildings include, but are not limited to, government offices, visitor centers, ranger stations, fee collection buildings, and maintenance facilities. 18 U.S.C. 930.

18 U.S. Code § 930 - Possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in Federal facilities

www.law.cornell.edu

(g)As used in this section:
(1) The term “Federal facility” means a building or part thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government, where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties.

 

[Norton]

On Skyline Drive it also depends on whether Deleware North is operating the space as a concession. Examples would be the lodges at Skyland and Big Meadows.

I confess that as far as the bathrooms outside of the buildings I ignore the signs if they are posted. Coming off of a hike and needing to go to bathroom, no way to both piss and comply w the sign.

I do comply with the posted signs as they appear fr places like Big Meadows visitor center that are operated by NPS.

 

[outrider58]

On Skyline Drive it also depends on whether Deleware North is operating the space as a concession. Examples would be the lodges at Skyland and Big Meadows.

I confess that as far as the bathrooms outside of the buildings I ignore the signs if they are posted. Coming off of a hike and needing to go to bathroom, no way to both piss and comply w the sign.

I do comply with the posted signs as they appear fr places like Big Meadows visitor center that are operated by NPS.

Hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go!

 

[AvidRider]

Thanks all for the responses. I was hoping that at least the bathrooms did not have the signs. I guess they are worried that we'll shoot the porcelain toilets just for chits and giggles.

 

[Jerry M]

I've seen that sign on just about every NPS building I've ever encountered.

^
This. Dozens of federal park buildings I have seen displaying "no firearm" signs

 

[AlBeight]

Acadia National Park visitor center/gift shop on Mt. Desert Island, Maine has prohibited signs on the doors, as does the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge VC on Sanibel Island, Florida. These are the only two that I’m aware of (I don’t get out much). I haven’t been to the Blackwater Refuge building in years, but I’d bet a dollar they have prohibited signs as well.

 

[Threeband]

My understanding is that the prohibition applies particularly to buildings which are occupied by Park Service employees.

It shouldn't apply to stand-alone bathroom buildings.

 

[CrueChief]

What is the rational for these prohibitions in gov't buildings? Never made sense to me other than the old, "Because I said so."

 

[Nobody]

What is the rational for these prohibitions in gov't buildings? Never made sense to me other than the old, "Because I said so."

You answered your own question.

Gun free zones perfect no one.

Nobody

 

[BurkeM]

No rationale at all. Not even in court, or the Senate floor.