Camping but no CCL - Gun in tent question.

[chevyman097]

Im planning a camping trip soon ( in Texas). Just a public camping place. I know in Texas im perfectly legal to carry a gun in my vehicle with no CCL. But can I take the gun(will be taking my handgun) from my vehicle to my tent at night? I really dont want to be unarmed at night out in the middle of nowhere. I have heard more cases than usual this year of vandals and theft in camps around Texas.


I know I need to get my CCL Im working on that.

 

[x_wrench]

what's that saying...?? oh yes, i would rather be judged by 12, than be carried by 6. i do not know texas law, or how much trouble you could get into. but if no one see's you with it, how will anyone know. if the need comes, where you are fighting for your life, then, the above saying really is true.

 

[mgmorden]

I know I need to get my CCL Im working on that.

Unless you've completed the class and are awaiting its arrival in the mail, then I'm guessing that you're not.

Just bite the bullet. Don't be "working on it" (aka have some vague future intentions to get to it one day). Sign up for the class. Heck if you don't have anything on your schedule this weekend find a place and do it Saturday. Then when these situations come up you won't need to worry about it.

Trust me, it's better to just do stuff than to plan on doing it.

 

[Scout Dork]

Your "tent" becomes your Habitation.

If you paid for a "spot" then that becomes your land, just like a motel room. Castle Doctrine law allows for open carry on land under your control.

Also, long gun are totally legal to carry open in Texas.

I just got a ccl, not to carry all the time, to be legal all the time.

 

[chevyman097]

Thankyou scott. That is pretty much what I was understanding of the "castle doctrine" but I wanted to make sure my understanding of it was clear.

 

[calaverasslim]

Scott, your right and wrong at the same time. A lot depends on the land opwners position. If he/she posts that no guns allowed, then the camper is not allowed to carry as yiou state. I recommend that the camper put the gun in the tent and leave it there. No open carry as you suggest and since he does not have a conceal carry, then thats out also.

Keep the gun in the truck or in the tent.

 

[chevyman097]

ya I plan on only keeping a gun handy in the truck and tent. I just dont think i could sleep well at night being unarmed....

Not going to carry it otherwise as I want to stay legal by all means.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

You should be alright but some parks ban firearms so check.

 

[Scout Dork]

He stated "public"

I understand the Texas State Parks system is run like it is a private operation and that they have their "rules"

Then there is also Big Bend & Guadalupe that is federal. From there web site:

Firearms

As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.

I'm not worried about having a gun in the tent. It is when he goes and does an activity and the truck gets broken into. Have a secure lock box in the truck.

 

[NavyLCDR]

http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/PE/htm/PE.46.htm

Sec. 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun, illegal knife, or club if the person is not:
(1) on the person's own premises or premises under the person's control; or
(2) inside of or directly en route to a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under the person's control.

(a-1) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his or her person a handgun in a motor vehicle that is owned by the person or under the person's control at any time in which:
(1) the handgun is in plain view; or
(2) the person is:
(A) engaged in criminal activity, other than a Class C misdemeanor that is a violation of a law or ordinance regulating traffic;
(B) prohibited by law from possessing a firearm; or
(C) a member of a criminal street gang, as defined by Section 71.01.

(a-2) For purposes of this section, "premises" includes real property and a recreational vehicle that is being used as living quarters, regardless of whether that use is temporary or permanent. In this subsection, "recreational vehicle" means a motor vehicle primarily designed as temporary living quarters or a vehicle that contains temporary living quarters and is designed to be towed by a motor vehicle. The term includes a travel trailer, camping trailer, truck camper, motor home, and horse trailer with living quarters.

You're perfectly legal in your tent, in your vehicle and in between your tent and vehicle. You will only be breaking the law if the campgound has the proper 30.06 sign posted.