Laws & Policies

Theodore with his Winchester rifle, a .45 caliber Model 1876, that he took to the North Dakota Badlands in 1884.

Firearms in National Parks

The law governing possession of firearms inside a national park changed on February 22, 2010.

Visitors may possess firearms within a national park unit provided they comply with federal, state, and local laws.

The role of the responsible gun owner is to know and obey the federal, state, and local laws appropriate to the park they are visiting. For more information about New York State gun laws, please visit this website: http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/menuf.cgi Please note that New York City may have additional restrictions.

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