Arkansas gun laws are undergoing some changes that make it easier for citizens to carry guns. However, taking a gun into a state park is still a no-no on the state's list of gun laws.
According to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism Park Directive 3070, adopted in 2003, any use of firearms in a state park is grounds for getting kicked out of the park. Challenging the statute could lead to gun confiscation and possibly even arrest.
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While Arkansas gun laws allow for the general concealed carry of a handgun with a permit, the laws change at the border of state park tourist areas.
Act 1110 of 2003 allows a person to bring a concealed-carry weapon into a restaurant or public park — however, the definition of "public park" does not include state parks or rest areas along the highway.
Visitors to the state for a sporting event should also be aware that a concealed-carry weapon is not allowed at an athletic event unless that event is related to firearms.
Other tourist locations that prohibit concealed carry are state park buildings that have offices. That would include visitor information centers, marinas, and museum buildings with offices.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park lodge on Rich Mountain in Mena, due to reopen in 2015 after major renovations, is another example of a state park building where conceal carry would be prohibited, as would the DeGray Lake Resort Lodge and Convention Center in Bismark, Arkansas.
Many other tourist locations in Arkansas are privately owned. The rules for private property would apply. If asked to leave, a person carrying a weapon would be obligated to do so.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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