Expert: Steve Summers - 2/28/2008

Question
Hi Steve,

I have read an number of your answers on the topic of tents on the beach, and I wanted to share my situation with you and get your opinion.

Last summer, while at the beach in San Onofre, CA., I was approached by a park ranger and told that my beach tent was not allowed, that I must take it down.  The reasons that he gave were vague and he didn't want to have a discussion with me about it.  He just wanted it removed.  I have used the same tent not only numerous times that summer, but 3 prior summers without a problem.

The tent is a small, two person tent that only has 3 sides.  The front is exposed at all times and it is not a camping tent.

Is this type of tent against Park rules and regulations?  If it is not, I would like to use this tent in the future.  How would you suggest I handle the situation, should it happen again?  Can I ask the ranger to provide me the section code or something?

Thanks for your help!  Your answers have been a good read and very informative.

Mitch

Answer
Hi Mitch,

There is a standing "policy" of no tents or enclosures on the beach. There's no law against it, but it's a policy. And since it's a policy, some rangers are more vigorous about enforcing it than others. We hang out a lot at Carpinteria, and enforcement of policies is usually pretty tight, since the head ranger is pretty gung-ho.

I'm sure the ranger couldn't quote a regulation number, but it's part of the park policy, and difficult to understand without a lawyer and an hour to explain it. It's especially sensitive down there because there's a nude section of beach down there, and people have been known to do naughty things in those tents.

The whole key is whether the tent is "enclosed". Frankly, that's up to interpretation. Obviously, most rangers have let it go. This one didn't. If you want to stand up for your rights, you might have to speak to a supervisor or the head ranger. Sometimes you just don't feel like it, though, so it's up to you.

BTW, you can tell a ranger from an employee by the gun. Rangers carry guns. The State Employees don't. Next down the line is the volunteer. If it happens again, ask to speak to the person next up in the chain of command. As to speak to the head ranger and have him/her explain the policy. Sounds like you ran into a real hardnose, or just a dumb rookie trying to prove himself. Just remember to be polite but firm, emphasize that you don't want to cause any trouble, but you feel that your tent is not an "enclosure". It's basically going to be a judgement call.