Laws & Policies

The National Park Service carries out its responsibilities in parks and programs under the authority of federal laws, regulations, and Executive Orders, and in accord with policies and Director's Orders established by the Director of the National Park Service and the Secretary of the Interior.

Firearms in National Parks

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

• 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. Visit the Pennsylvania state gun laws website for additional information.
• Federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings. These places are marked with signs at public entrances.