# What are your thoughts and opinions on drinking and/or smoking during camping trips? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 21, 2024, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123 "2024-03-21T05:24:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2024, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/41 "2024-03-24T20:50:55Z")
> [@scudsucker](#): > > I suspect that your style of camping is very, very different to mine. No, I dont drink when camping. I used to do that sort of hiking. But getting drunk in the wilderness is dangerous. Having a drink is not. I even said that. ---
**Author:** ![scudsucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scudsucker/32/14101_2.png) [@scudsucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scudsucker)\ **Post date:** [March 24, 2024, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/42 "2024-03-24T21:00:25Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > But getting drunk in the wilderness is dangerous. How about 2 late teens 5 days deep into an illegal mountain trip over the border to a foreign country, in an area known to have been landmined during a civil war, and then taking big LSD doses? I did that with my friend. I realise my risk adversity level is quite a bit lower than yours - I would do it again now, and I am 47. Crossing the road is dangerous. ---
**Author:** ![sta3535](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/da6949/32.png) [@sta3535](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sta3535)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2024, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/43 "2024-03-25T16:51:43Z")
I understand the potential risks that are involved with drinking & smoking during camping trips, which made me realize that my first “real” camping trip included some of us learning about how to be responsible, even though we didn’t smoke, only drank. However, despite mixed reviews on this subject, I think that as long as people are safe, smart, and responsible about it, I don’t see an issue, besides smoking, which is a hazard in general. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2024, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/44 "2024-03-25T17:47:25Z")
When fire danger is high in the Colorado mountains, you can’t legally smoke outside PERIOD. Not even on your own porch. “During Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, smoking is prohibited anywhere outside of an enclosed vehicle, trailer or building.” This includes in town in a parking lot. We take this shit seriously. ---
**Author:** ![ParallelLines](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parallellines/32/3575_2.png) [@ParallelLines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParallelLines)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2024, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/45 "2024-03-25T17:53:41Z")
God I wish Colorado Springs would be more forceful in their enforcement. Up near Cotapaxi where my folks used to have a place, and using a fire for actual cooking was often a _practical_ solution, they were militant, but the number of times I’ve narc’d to no effect in the Springs despite being in drought, high wind warnings and the whole nine yards of risk to no effect is saddening. Then again, in the last 3 weeks the Springs has only had around 18" of snow to your several feet, so, tradeoffs as they say. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2024, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/46 "2024-03-25T18:18:04Z")
> [@bump](#): > > Most of my adult camping has been done with the Boy Scouts (Scouts BSA these days), and alcohol/drugs is strictly forbidden. Same for me, to the point that I still strongly associate hiking, backpacking, canoeing, and camping with a total abstinence from alcohol. As in strictly forbidden to imbibe or even to have in one’s possession. It was a novel experience for me when I did a non-scouting hike in the White Mountains in New Hampshire and my hiking partner pulled out a small carton of wine to share to celebrate our reaching the summit of Mount Jefferson. > [@bump](#): > > That said, it’s not an uncommon feeling for me to wish I had a flask of whiskey or some other drink while relaxing around the fire on a Saturday night. There’s something special about that situation which a mild buzz would only enhance. > > However, the emphasis is on the _mild_ part of that. Sort of like the cherry on the sundae, if you will. Not the point of the trip, not strictly necessary, but it would be an enhancement. > > I’m all against the idea of a bunch of loud, drunken yahoos making noise and carrying on at state parks and the like; while it’s their business to get drunk and party, the distance from civilization and the contemplation of nature is the point of getting out there in the first place. Getting drunk and carrying on is disruptive to everyone else within earshot. Plus, the folks who do that sort of thing tend to be the same ones who litter like fiends, and are generally poorly behaved otherwise as well. I agree with all of this as well. As an aside, I’ve done several multi-day canoe trips down the Allagash River in Maine with Boy Scouts, and all have been alcohol-free of course. However, I am looking into the possibility of doing a similar trip next year without any scouts, and will likely bring some bourbon and/or wine for the evening campfire. I would certainly not drink prior to getting into a canoe, though. That’s just asking for trouble. ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2024, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/47 "2024-03-25T19:31:10Z")
I have never ever encountered a campground that restricts drinking and smoking, though I don’t pay attention to the rules for the latter. Fire restrictions are common which might extend to proper extinguishing of smokeables. Especially in high summer, you can probably use a propane camp stove but not any sort of fire. I do live in a place where you can camp pretty much anywhere dispersed, just pull down a dirt road and find a flat spot. So paid campgrounds are there to primarily provide a bathroom and possibly preferred boat ramp access. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2024, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/48 "2024-03-25T19:51:12Z")
> [@sta3535](#): > > I understand the potential risks that are involved with drinking & smoking during camping trips, which made me realize that my first “real” camping trip included some of us learning about how to be responsible, even though we didn’t smoke, only drank. Like i said, a couple beers or even a shot as a nightcap isnt that bad, but getting drunk is dangerous- anywhere. > [@robby](#): > > It was a novel experience for me when I did a non-scouting hike in the White Mountains in New Hampshire and my hiking partner pulled out a small carton of wine to share to celebrate our reaching the summit of Mount Jefferson. Se, that wouldn’t be so bad. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2024, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/49 "2024-03-25T20:00:37Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > > [@robby](#): > > > > It was a novel experience for me when I did a non-scouting hike in the White Mountains in New Hampshire and my hiking partner pulled out a small carton of wine to share to celebrate our reaching the summit of Mount Jefferson. > > Se, that wouldn’t be so bad. I totally agree. It’s amazing how good an inexpensive carton of wine tastes on top of a mountain peak that you have just climbed. 😋 ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2024, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/50 "2024-03-25T20:08:29Z")
I bring beer on camping trips. Chill them in a stream when available. Two cans by the fire is enough. What I can’t stand is boomboxes. The point of camping is the sounds of nature. The frog splashing in the water. Cicadas calling. Birds. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2024, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/51 "2024-03-25T20:09:17Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I bring beer on camping trips. Chill them in a stream when available. > > Two cans by the fire is enough. > > What I can’t stand is boomboxes. Okay, good idea. I hate them also, but they are now out of style. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2024, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/52 "2024-03-25T20:13:11Z")
Bluetooth speakers have replaced boomboxes. Mine plays six hours on a charge. I don’t bring it camping. I do have a travel guitar. Soft fingerpicking by the fire is relaxing. I wouldn’t play if any campsites near me are occupied. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/53 "2024-03-26T14:11:56Z")
I stopped camping when I moved to the mountains. I cannot see another house from my house (neighbors are about 1/4 mile away). I have a fire pit and a nice deck. Lost my interest in camping. So I do my drinking at home nowadays. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/54 "2024-03-26T15:48:07Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I bring beer on camping trips. Chill them in a stream when available. I used to do an early spring kayak paddle for men only\*. It was the Sunday before opening of trout season, and was done 20 consecutive years. Some years would be mild (50s or 60s) but other years it would be in the 30s with snow. I never brought beer with me!! I knew that the first little set of rapids would upend a few canoes/kayaks and their beers would be free for the taking. I’d reach the take-out with a few dozen beers and six or seven empties. \*The three guys who started the tradition made it specifically “men only”. One of the original guys ended up divorced and his wife ended up owning the property at the take-out spot (where we partied). She opened the event to both men and women, and we (the original group) all stopped participating. ---
**Author:** ![Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bosda_di_chi_of_tricor/32/16845_2.png) [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/55 "2024-03-26T15:55:47Z")
Camping? Fine. Hunting? **NO!** ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/56 "2024-03-26T16:31:35Z")
I once had a couple of farm interns who wanted to go up in the woods and cut firewood with chain saws. And with beer. They couldn’t understand why I stopped them from doing this. (They also didn’t stay here very long.) ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/57 "2024-03-26T16:53:41Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > They couldn’t understand why I stopped them from doing this. I totally understand. That said, I always take a few puffs of cannabis before using our chainsaws. I smoke just a bit to temper the very real fear of felling trees. No totally sober dude would fire up a chainsaw. I’ve felled many dozens of trees and have suffered only minor injuries. ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/58 "2024-03-26T17:04:18Z")
> [@El\_DeLuxo](#): > > Of course, one shouldn’t be climbing or hiking around in the boonies while impaired, because that’s one way bad shit can happen to a person. I also make sure to do any wood cutting & splitting with chainsaw & axe earlier in the day, before indulging in anything that may impair my reflexes or judgement. > [@kayaker](#): > > I totally understand. That said, I always take a few puffs of cannabis before using our chainsaws. I smoke just a bit to temper the very real fear of felling trees. No totally sober dude would fire up a chainsaw. ETA: I just now noticed your post-- I wasn’t responding to it with mine, just coincidental. That said, I would personally never operate a chainsaw myself anything other than completely sober, but that’s me, no value judgement. I do understand the concept of just a little bit to take the edge off. For example, once I was helping a friend paint their house - I got assigned second floor painting, on a scaffold that was supposed to hold a 4x8’ sheet of plywood, but he only had a 2’ wide piece. I could not climb up there on that skinny platform and paint unless I had a couple beers first. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/59 "2024-03-26T17:07:41Z")
Back when I was a camper, I partook and imbibed on a regular basis, but I kept it to myself. The whole point of being there was to enjoy peace and quiet. A few of the groups I camped with threw the concept of peace and quiet out the window–I rarely joined them a second time. On the rare occasion when I didn’t have any nearby neighbors in the campground I would put on some music. A couple of memorable nights were listening to Pink Floyd at the campground at Badlands National Park and Moody Blues at a secluded spot in the eastern Sierras. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2024, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123/60 "2024-03-26T17:16:13Z")
> [@solost](#): > > I could not climb up there on that skinny platform and paint unless I had a couple beers first. That’s how I am with a chainsaw. Just a little bit of relaxation so that I’m not immobilized by fear 😆 . When I’m running the chainsaw I am 100% concentrating on what I’m doing, what my escape paths are, what worst case scenarios exist, etc. I also limit my time running the chainsaw. In my younger days I allowed myself 3 tanks of gas Now I start with a full tank and stop when I’ve used it up, or start with a full battery and stop when I’m out of juice. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-your-thoughts-and-opinions-on-drinking-and-or-smoking-during-camping-trips/999123.md?page=4)