Carrying at Lake Arrowhead

[Tacit Blue]

I'm going to Lake Arrowhead this weekend. I read somewhere that if the location is a National Forrest, which I believe Lake Arrowhead is located in. You can carry without issue?

Naturally I want to bring my XD while I go camping.


I found (PC 26055, 26383, & 25605) " LOC, UOC, UCC, and LCC are all legal in one's campsite." that says I can. I called the Ranger's office but he was out. Waiting for his call back. I got the unfriendly response from the admin staff " I don't think so". So what gives?

[Armed24-7]

I'm going to Lake Arrowhead this weekend. I read somewhere that if the location is a National Forrest, which I believe Lake Arrowhead is located in. You can carry without issue?

Naturally I want to bring my XD while I go camping.


I found (PC 26055, 26383, & 25605) " LOC, UOC, UCC, and LCC are all legal in one's campsite." that says I can. I called the Ranger's office but he was out. Waiting for his call back. I got the unfriendly response from the admin staff " I don't think so". So what gives?

Admin staff are untrained. I wish I was able to give you an answer, but I am willing to bet the ranger will tell you to go for it. Even if it was illegal, I would be tempted to bring one anyways and just keep it well concealed. If I have to use my gun, it would be to saved my life, so I would be willing to take some lumps in that respect.

[Tacit Blue]

Admin staff are untrained. I wish I was able to give you an answer, but I am willing to bet the ranger will tell you to go for it. Even if it was illegal, I would be tempted to bring one anyways and just keep it well concealed. If I have to use my gun, it would be to saved my life, so I would be willing to take some lumps in that respect.

I got my answer from Ron Solo. He says I'm in a 'prohibited area' since it's private property within a National Forrest. Anywhere outside of the prohibited area your able to.


It say's on the camp ground rules that bears frequent the area, yet apparently I cannot carry .

[Ron-Solo]

An XD isnt going to be much against bears. I have camped extensively in the SBNF for many years. I've never had an issue with bears,but make sure you store your food appropriately. NEVER put any food inside a tent.

[john67elco]

An XD isnt going to be much against bears. I have camped extensively in the SBNF for many years. I've never had an issue with bears,but make sure you store your food appropriately. NEVER put any food inside a tent.

Oh dont nanny the issue Ron. When I go camping im ccw'n ruger sr22 with half mag full, leave food out all around my tent ALONG with food used as a pillow, and sleep in the nude. Some people are just that bad ***.

There was an officer cited for a loaded rifle I believe in the national forest right? Its hit and miss up there.

[Bainter1212]

Ok, here we go......you can carry loaded IN your campsite, if it's not specifically prohibited. As soon as you leave the campsite, no dice within 150 yds of the campsite, then you can load up again. You MAY have to be hunting, fishing, or on your way to either. However, that part only applies to UNLOADED carry. Check PC 25850(a) and 25400 and it's exception, 25640.
See the sticky in the "Hunting and Fishing" section of this forum. IANAL, or an LEO for that matter. Just studied up after a bad run-in with an over zealous USFS agent.
IMO, it's better to be concealed at all times. Just don't run your mouth.
Or bring some firecrackers. The only good carrying a handgun against bears is to make a really loud noise.

[Notorious]

I've carried up in Arrowhead... but I slept at the resort for a few days and not camping.

[Tacit Blue]

The Ranger called me back. He said its fine to carry around your campsite, but you cannot walk around and all CA penal codes apply. What Bainter said above is correct!