Pennsylvania State Parks Camping

[Aqua Puttana]

We're thinking about camping in Pennsylvania in the near future. Many of the PA State parks look very nice. In the rules they list alcohol prohibited. We've camped other places that had the rule and been fine using stealth methods and making sure not to get so bad that we go on a rampage pillaging nearby camp sites and carrying off their livestock and women.:eek:

Has anybody ever had their vehicle searched for contraband during check-in? I kinda doubt it's a concern, but it seems more and more common at festivals and such so I just thought I'd check on others experiences. Thanks, AP/vic

[OrioN]

We're thinking about camping in Pennsylvania in the near future. Many of the PA State parks look very nice. In the rules they list alcohol prohibited. We've camped other places that had the rule and been fine using stealth methods and making sure not to get so bad that we go on a rampage pillaging nearby camp sites and carrying off their livestock and women.:eek:

Has anybody ever had their vehicle searched for contraband during check-in? I kinda doubt it's a concern, but it seems more and more common at festivals and such so I just thought I'd check on others experiences. Thanks, AP/vic

I've been around the continent, never heard of searches. However, I've religously seen offenders hauled away by local authority in State and Federal parks. In a few major major parks (yosemite & jellystone) they haul off your stuff in a nasty way while you're in the tank and impound it. Spy's everywhere.

[CocoaVan]

Never had anyone of authority walk into our campsite for a look around, let alone want to peek into our vehicle. I think they would only do so if alcohol was openly displayed, or your behavior warranted a search.

Here's a few of my favorites, especially for a fall tour:
Ricketts Glen (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateParks/parks/rickettsglen.aspx)
Worlds End (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/worldsend.aspx)
Lehigh Gorge (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/lehighgorge.aspx)

Brian

[sikwan]

Never had anyone of authority walk into our campsite for a look around, let alone want to peek into our vehicle. I think they would only do so if alcohol was openly displayed, or your behavior warranted a search

+1

[Aqua Puttana]

Thanks for the replies. It basically reinforced what I thought.

I will say that I never expected my post to be moved to Off Topic. Lately that section seems it's the scum of the earth new land of the lepers.:laughing:

I didn't even use any:censored::censored::censored::censored:words. :smilewink:

Must have been the mention of alcohol.:drink:

No poster worth his salt would post in Off Topic without this smilie, so here it is:turd: (Thanks Max:thumbup:)

Seriously, thanks again for the info. AP/vic

[sikwan]

Actually you're right Vic. It should be in the USA section. :laughing:

Lately that section seems it's the scum of the earth new land of the lepers.:laughing:

Sounds like a good catch phrase for the Off Topic section, rather than the "Nonrelated Sprinter things to say? This is the place to be." :hmmm: :smirk:

[TimJuhl]

I believe random searches are against the law unless an officer has "probable cause." This is particularly true when dealing with summer park employees who are not sworn law enforcement officers. I have seen signs at Michigan Parks stating that vehicles may be inspected for contraband firewood (Emerald Ash Borer) but no one has ever wanted to look in our vehicle.

If anyone ever asked to look in your vehicle at check in I believe you have the option to just turn around and leave.

Tim

[Aqua Puttana]

Our camping adventure in Pymatuning went just fine. It's a beautiful area. We had sites #312 and #314 in Jamestown Campground. (When they give you your J-312 site assignment card and you find an "E" area, don't keep looking for the "J" area. "E" on the post means Electric, "J" is for Jamestown. How can I be so dense sometimes??? :doh::bash: ) Electric on specific sites, no water hookups on any sites that I saw. There was a water faucet conveniently across the road from our sites.

Our sites were right across the road from the beach area (75 feet away or so), had a great view of the lake, shade trees, but not too far maybe a bit of a hike to the boat ramp and bathrooms. The bathroom facilities are dated, but adequate. 312 and 314 are close to each other, but not to other sites. Because they sit on a corner we had our own little 2 site compound. We didn't really have any problems with biting insects, but that may be a downside for these beautiful shady campsites depending upon the season. As it turns out both those campsites are designated handicap sites. We didn't request that when they recommended them so I would imagine there are many more because they assigned them without commenting on that fact. These two sites do have nice level ground.

We got to watch J/22 and Lightning sailboat races with binoculars from shore on Saturday and Sunday. It's very picturesque. I'd recommend Pymatuning Jamestown to anyone looking to camp in the western PA area.:thumbup: AP/vic