Rules against smoking in public are nothing new. But campground smoking remains the subject of flaming debates about personal rights in the great outdoors. As more states ban cigarette smoking in public, is it only a matter of time until your favorite campground does too?
Why public campground smoking bans are unlikely
When California became the first U.S. state to enact a state-wide indoor smoking ban in 1995, other states soon followed. But when it comes to outdoor smoking bans, even this Left Coast state holds back on punishing smokers. Most U.S. states leave it up to municipalities to determine where they want smokers to light up outside.
For example, only 100 of California’s cities have an outdoor smoking ban. In places like San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach, smokers can’t light up in parking garages, stadiums, playgrounds, or transit centers. But they can still exhale tobacco at their campsites in state, county, and city park recreation areas.
The city of Golden, Colorado is taking a similar approach to other no-smoking cities. In 2014 the Denver Post reported that the Golden City Council “unanimously approved an ordinance to limit tobacco smoking and use of electronic cigarettes and vaporizers in public spaces.” This means that campers at Golden’s city-owned Clear Creek Campground violate the city’s smoking laws by smoking on the campground’s adjacent river trail. But cigarette smoking at the campfire is still OK.
In 2014 the state of Oregon also outlawed smoking in most public spaces. Smokers can’t light up on state park trails, picnic areas, and any other public space except the coast. However they can indulge in “vehicles and personal camping units, campsites and portions of day use parks.”
Some countries have more stringent no-smoking bans than the U.S. For example, any RVng smokers who want to tour Australia by motorhome are limited in their travels. All national parks within New South Wales have campground smoking bans. Nobody can light up in picnic areas, campgrounds, accommodations, beaches, lookouts, walking tracks, or even while driving on park roads.
Private RV parks do it their way
Back in the U.S., some privately owned RV parks take matters into their own hands. J & H RV Park in Flagstaff, Arizona made national news when its owners decided to go smoke-free.
In a RV industry press release about the campground smoking ban, owners Jo Ann and Harvey Mickelson reported on their experience.
“The response has been incredibly positive,” Harvey Mickelson said. “I would say nearly half of the people who register tell me our non-smoking policy is why they came to our park. . . We’ve been turning away 10 to 12 people a day,” he explained.
The park has a small, isolated patio where smokers can light up. Otherwise, the entire property is off limits to tobacco and e-cigarettes.
The Neuseway Nature Park in Kinston, South Carolina and Glacier Haven RV and Campground in Essex Montana are two other parks with campground smoking bans.
Across the U.S., more states are enacting clean air laws to restrict smoking in public places. Outdoor smoking bans are rarely challenged in court, according to the Public Health Law Center at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Even so, odds are pretty good that most states won’t enact strict campground smoking bans.
Case in point: even Democrat Governor Jerry Brown Brown vetoed a 2016 anti-smoking bill. The law would have banned smoking in every inch of California’s 270 parks and beaches. “The complete prohibition in all parks and beaches is too broad,” he said to the L.A. Times. “A more measured—and less punitive—approach might be warranted,” he said.
Charles Peckham says
WE CAN ONLY HOPE !!!
CJ says
Id still smoke. if they let you use your car, or a generator, I consider that worse.
Joe says
You will have your chance to change all this in 2020 plenty of New Socialist to vote for in elections
MP says
Auto emissions aren’t nearly as potent as cigarette smoke, unless the emissions systems aren’t working. Most RV sites don’t allow generators anyway.
Jan says
and no drinking, and no campfires. and no propane, and no pets. and no outdoor cooking. freedom of the open road no longer applies to RV parks. may as well camp in your apartment. nope
Rich Kimball says
I know, right.
Liz says
Well said.
Tim Goode says
Drinking is not offensive, but drunken misbehavior is; and that is already outlawed. Campfires are not a problem, unless the wind creates a problem from the smoke of a poorly maintained fire – common sense courtesy prevents that. I have not experienced anyone suggesting a ban on propane in a campground. Pets are not a problem, but irresponsible pet owners are – many parks already are not pet friendly for that very reason. Outdoor cooking has never been an issue – except where fire danger bans all outdoor fires. Freedom of the open road is still alive and well. a campground is NOT the open road. Second hand smoke kills. Tobacco smoke is EXTREMELY offensive to EX-smokers (and others).
So if you want to be good neighbor and a responsible member of the camping community: you would refrain from drunken bad behavior, inappropriate use of a smoking fire, safely use your propane, monitor your pets while respecting people that may be allergic or not want to have their site invaded by your pet, and bless your fellow campers with the aromas of your outdoor cooking-unless there exists a fire ban due to drought conditions.
If smokers are offended by rules that are in place for the common good, perhaps they should consider changing their behavior for their own benefit (and that of others). Life free from tobacco is like the great gulp of air you enjoy when you finally summit that peak you have been struggling to climb. If I can quit, anyone can – and I no longer have to think about whether my addiction offends others.
Me says
Troll vintage posts much?
Tim Goode says
A friend’s comment brought me back here. The thread struck a nerve.
What’s your excuse?
MP says
Amen!
Smokers seem to have no idea how offensive their smoke is to non smokers. Especially those with asthma and other respiratory issues. They have the option to not light up, but when their smoke pollutes the surrounding air, the rest of us don’t have the option to stop breathing.
Bob says
No smoking would be great, bit can we at least get rid of the cigars?
Cactus says
I agree especially with the cigars! Put the smoking area near the septic system so all the stinky stuff is in one place! 😆
Bob says
Be nicer to have more “NO PETS ALLOWED”. Half of campers
do not have pets, and would appreciate the peace and quiet.
Doug says
Even better, NO KIDS. My experience is the little beasts riding around screaming on bikes is worse than being inside a dog kennel full of mad pit bulls.
Dave Timmreck says
No more yapping and irritating mutts would be wonderful plus no more dog crap to step in. Best Idea posted. Been burning the tasty vegetation for sixty years and enjoying it, The Smoking Lamp Is Lit.
L. LARSON says
The people around do not enjoy the stink. It is like you do not bathe.
The only good thing is that smoking takes 10 – 20 years away from your stinking life on earth.
Joe says
Then I suggest you should stay home Bob…
Chris says
I can’t stand the smell of smoke, but my friend has COPD (from years of smoking) and he can hardly breathe if it blows his way. A section for smokers, down wind from the prevailing wind, seems like a good idea if that would work. A pet section might be good too; or kicking out bad pets, constant barkers and the like.
Tim Goode says
They could include those visitors in the section that allows generators.
Stacy says
So the sign also has chew. You didn’t touch the subject about those who dip tobacco. What’s up with that?
Rene Agredano - The Full Timing Nomad says
Dipping tobacco wasn’t addressed in this article because I haven’t observed as many people vocalizing their disdain for it. Unlike tobacco smoke, chew doesn’t stir up as much heated debate among the general population, at least based on my observations as a writer.
Joe says
unfortunately Cigarette smoke is the only thing a certain few find offensive. I have seen people smoking at a bus stop and start coughing at someone smoking, but when the Bus pulls up with all the diesel Fumes blowing out in gray/black smoke that is ok, but puffs of cigarette smokes is worse…LOL YEAH RIGHT
Joe says
So I think we also need to Ban all motor Veckiles from campgrounds, State and National parks, better yet let us just ban them all and go back to Horse and Buggy, but then you will have horse poop and horse farts that will become an issue. A.O.C. New Green Deal does away with cows(animals) that fart
Tim Goode says
That certain few is the great majority of the population. Pollution is not OK, but bus exhaust is brief and rarely encountered. Tobacco smoke is easily addressed because it is voluntary self-destructive results of choices, which can be remedied. Subjecting the general public to a proven health hazard as easily remedied as smoking makes no more sense than the Green New Deal.
Tim Goode says
That is the simplest way to include users of all types of media. Otherwise, the sign would have to list cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, joints, roll-your-own, pipes, bongs, bubblers, hookahs, vaping equipment, and any other mechanism some creative egocentrist may invent to avoid the ban.
Tim says
Some people need to be more polite when/where they smoke and dispose of butts properly. I understand most of the complaints. I smoke but only where I’m not creating a problem for others. Outdoors only, not in crowds and not around children areas (playgrounds). There are inconsiderate smokers and inconsiderate whiners. Common sense and politeness is needed.
cj says
I am pretty casual about dealing with the blow by from campers who smoke. It is the aftermath that hacks me off! Nothing like setting up camp in a site with butts all over the ground and along every path and roadway. Same goes for chewing, spit in the toilet, spit in the sink, spit running down the side of buildings and trash cans. Maybe with more responsibility from themselves, it would not be a big issue?
Gary says
Is this an April fools joke???
Tim says
Sadly no. Ironic how a State that thrives on tourism throws-up restrictive rules like this based on a few complaints by hyper sensitive SJW’s.
Sharon says
I am allergic to cigar/ette smoke. I have to go inside, close all the windows and turn on the AS. Ruins my enjoyment outside. I would seek out a non-smoking park in a heartbeat!
Tim says
But nothing like a smoldering campfire huh? Ironic
Tim Goode says
Unlike a campfire, I can’t move my location to the other side of the source of the tobacco smoke. Also, if my campfire is built properly using the correct materials, it will not create enough smoke to offend other campers. You don’t burn a campfire when there is wind which may carry any ember or incidental smoke across the campground — IF you are a courteous and responsible neighbor.
Joie says
Let us also ban talking in campgrounds outside, Lets also Ban Generators and make it a law that all campers use only solar power, let us remove all the wild animals who poop everywhere, Lets also Ban TV use-way to much noise from TVs, let us ban all campfires and BBQ grills outside, Lets ban walking on trails. It’s amazing that these states ban smoking in public, but still allow all these Corporations to continue to pollute the air, But don’t worry come 2020 with our new Socialist Government comes into office, all Fossil fuels will be banned nationwide anyway.
Joe says
Lets also ban anyone with children from camping or in going on outings in all State and National Parks
Doug says
Don’t understand the e-cig bans. There is no harmful products in the vapor that is exhaled, that has been proven. No smell either. Only danger is to the person inhaling and it is their life, and actually no proof exists (yet) that it is really that harmful.
Sharon Hollen says
Exactly Doug. There was bad press from e-liquids made in Asia, etc. but anyone who vapes now (like me) knows to stick with USA made components. The ingredients are simple, and science easily can show there is zero harm in second hand vapor! Wish people (cities, businesses) would appreciate and support that others have given up or avoid tobacco while they are vaping.
L. Larson says
They said the same about smoking 50 years ago. There are plenty of reasons not to pump poison into your body. Expelled VAPE is not safe, either. The public pays taxes to pay for the results.
Buly says
Nothing beats stepping out for some fresh air, and chocking up on whiff of cigar smoke..
If someone is holding and sipping a drink, does not bother me at all. But if I’m forced to breath his stink, it is a different matter.
Charlie Miami says
If you’re camping close enough to be bothered by other campers smoking you’re doing it wrong, imho.
Tim Goode says
So you just don’t camp in the campgrounds that have closely laid out sites, or you rent spaces on each side of yours to avoid the smoke??
J Emert says
Although I cannot stand the smell of tobacco products, I don’t believe it is up to our government to make this decision. I’m fine with the owners of the campgrounds making the decision of how they want to run their grounds, just not the government. We are free to make our decisions, smart or not.
MP says
Do you feel the same way about seat belts or opioids, alcohol and other drug use?
The reason government gets involved is because they end up having to deal with the aftermath when people make stupid decisions.
Danny says
Oh just great. You can run generators, you can run cars and other vehicles, all of which put out horrible odors and carbon emissions into the air and atmosphere, you can light up and smoke Marijuana joints (Hell, states like California, Colorado, Oregon, etc., are passing laws to allow Marijuana to be smoked just about anywhere including in buildings, in parks etc., which make people high as a kite. But yet they don’t allow, or want to allow you to smoke a cigarette anywhere. My opinion either ban all of those items including the smoking of Marijuana, or sit down and shut up and allow cigarette smoking as well. At least cigarettes don’t get you as high as a kite, and warp your mental state of mind. like marijuana does. You don’t like it, then Tough Sh*T.
Dave K. says
You cannot light up in public in Colorado and probably the other states that you mentioned.
Chet says
You can’t legally smoke marijuana in public anywhere. I split time between Colorado and Oregon and the only time I encounter the smell of marijuana in anything possibly considered a public place would be well into the forest.
Tim Goode says
The obvious response to your generous comment is: If YOU don’t like it – TOUGH FECES! I smoked for 30+ years and was courteous in my usage. I have no sympathy for selfish smokers’ whining! Once a person quits smoking, smoke become the most offensive thing on the planet!!!
Irina says
I absolutely agree with Tom, I used to smoke for years, but when I actually realize how it effects me, people around, I quit. I cannot stand Tabacco even more than people who never smoked.
We just came back from campground in Cape May. We paid around $100 per for very small site, but early in the morning I woke up because my neighbors like to start a beautiful day with cigarettes. The same at night, from left side and right site neighbors such offensive smell. It drives me crazy. Why people are not considerable, they smocking just 6-8 ft away, but permanently. I believe in any campground should be areas for people who cannot live without cigarettes. They are going to be happy to meet others heavily smocking people, but people like me will inhale flowers and smells of nature we came for.
EJ says
Kinda silly (i.e.-hypocritical) to ban cigarette smoke and leave all the nasty toxins spewing from laundry dryer vents…
Joe says
God yes forget all about that- breathing the smell of those dryer sheets toxin are the worse
Annie says
It’s about time, No Smoking.
Its. dirty , and stinking . It not fair to poison other peoples lungs.
Many people have Asthma, Copd, and other lung problems, its not fair to shove
Smoke down there throats, and up there nose, or do that to Children!
Allot of people take there vacations away from big cities to get fresh air , and smell it,
Not to smell you smoking, and your butts all over.
Smoke in your locked up Rv bathrooms..
Shame on you
Tim says
Wow
Condolences to Mr Annie
(as if)
Joe says
My Comment LOL
Bill says
I point I think most of you are missing another important point. LITTER.
People that use Generators, Trucks, Propane, Campfires etc don’t throw cigarette butts on the ground by the Trillions.
Every Camp site I have ever stayed at is covered with cigarette butts. Smokers are some of the most inconsiderate people I have ever meet. I have NEVER meet a smoker that disposed of their butts properly.
They don’t want the cigarette butts in their car, but don’t think twice about throwing it out the window.
Why do you feel you have the right to throw your trash on the ground for someone else to pick up. How would you like it if someone driving by threw trash in your front yard? Again, it’s all about No consideration or respect for other people.
Tim says
Oh and beer bottle caps and candy wrappers and dog turds and…oh my!
Stay home
Tim Goode says
That comment tells me a lot about the condition of your sites after you leave. Your list is all to prevalent in many campsites, especially in boondocking areas. The trash left by trashy campers is an embarrassing statement about the level of irresponsible behavior that has come to define our nation.
And no I am not staying home. I am one of those picking up the mess left by the losers preceding me.
Dave says
With all these complaints, you should try camping in your own backyard. We don’t smoke, drink or have a pet and we have no complaints. Maybe something wrong the way everyone are living. This should get a rise out of many, but not meant to do that. Lovely here in Canada.
Joe says
Dave, I do not think that will work either camping in one’s back yard, because of their Neighbors may have kids, animals, and smoke as well…GOD FORBID
George says
Many people, such as myself, switched to vaping. There are NO studies indicating that second hand vapor harms anybody, so why are all of these entities prohibiting vaping? It appears to simply be a control issue, as opposed to a health issue.
Steven Akers says
I doubt it’s the smoke. It’s the butts. If people would not use the campsites as their ash tray this wouldn’t be an issue. Smoke all you want but please dispose of the butts properly.
Joe says
prohibition is back-
Chet says
Just good business. Business owners want non smokers as customers. Smokers die younger and and are much less active than non smokers. They have less disposable income due to both smoking and demographics. Few smokers police their cigarette butts which most non smokers find disagreeable.
Smokers are more likely to operate generators later to run CPAP machines.
It is simply harder to make money and maintain a pleasant environment with smokers than with non smokers. That is the harsh truth.
Buly says
Years ago I was sharing small office cubicle with an older guy. One day he said: Do you mind if I smoke?
I told him: Do you mind if I fart? He jumped up to fight with me. Lucky for him he stopped.
He never brought up smoking inside again 😂