Common Reasons People Get Arrested While Camping in Michigan

Camping is supposed to be a relaxing getaway from daily stress. But every year, unsuspecting visitors get charged with crimes due to misunderstanding—or completely ignoring—Michigan law. Here are the most common charges we’ve seen at state parks in June:

• Open intoxicants in public
• Disorderly conduct
• Marijuana possession and use violations
• Illegal bonfires or burning
• Underage drinking
• Firearm possession violations
• Driving on suspended license within park grounds
• Warrants discovered during campsite checks

Most of these charges are misdemeanors, but some can rise to the level of felonies—especially when weapons or injuries are involved. Let’s break these down in more detail.

Alcohol in State Parks: What’s Legal and What’s Not

One of the fastest ways to get yourself arrested while camping: walking around the park with an open can of beer.

Michigan’s Alcohol Policy in State Parks:

• Open intoxicants are generally not allowed in most public areas of Michigan state parks.
• Alcohol is usually permitted only within designated campsites.
• If you are caught by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers walking around with a drink, especially during restricted dates (like Memorial Day weekend or July 4th), you could be ticketed or even arrested.

Penalties for violating the alcohol ban can include up to 90 days in jail, fines, and a misdemeanor on your record. Repeat offenses or combining alcohol with disorderly conduct can lead to stiffer penalties.

Yes, Marijuana is Legal—but Not Always at State Parks

Since 2018, marijuana use has been legal in Michigan for adults 21 and older. But that doesn’t mean you can light up at the campground.

Michigan marijuana laws and camping:

• State parks are managed by the DNR, which is a public agency—meaning that federal rules could still apply on federal lands, especially in certain areas close to national parks or shared jurisdictions.
• You cannot possess more than 2.5 ounces of marijuana in public, and it must be kept in a sealed container if inside a vehicle.
• Public consumption remains illegal—that means no joints around the campfire even if you’re of age.

Violation of marijuana statutes could land you with either a civil infraction or a misdemeanor, depending on the amount and how it was stored. If you’re sharing with underage people, expect felony charges.

Disorderly Conduct and Public Nudity: Your Campground Reputation Matters

What starts as harmless partying can quickly turn into a law enforcement situation. Michigan police and park rangers are quick to step in when campers get loud, obnoxious, or engage in inappropriate behavior.

Common behavior that results in disorderly conduct charges:

• Loud arguments or fights
• Public urination or indecent exposure
• Trespassing into other campsites
• Drunken yelling or loud music during quiet hours

Disorderly conduct under MCL 750.167 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. If children are involved or if someone is injured, expect enhanced penalties or additional charges.

Bonfires, Firearms, and Dangerous Items

Fire safety and public weapon laws are heavily enforced in state parks, especially during dry months like June. Campers often get in trouble for:

• Starting fires outside of designated pits
• Using accelerants that are banned by fire codes
• Possessing a firearm without a valid concealed pistol license (CPL)
• Carrying large knives, machetes, or even slingshots without proper transport

Being charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon (CCW) can be a felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a $2,500 fine. If that weapon was improperly transported in a vehicle or a bag, the concealment element of the law is likely met.

When it comes to fires, DNR fire regulations vary by park. Burn bans are often implemented with little notice due to wind or dry weather. Ignoring a ban—even accidentally—can lead to misdemeanor charges for violating natural resource laws under MCL 324.1909.

Underage Drinking Is a Quick Path to Arrest

If you’re camping with teenagers or young adults, be aware that Minors In Possession (MIP) tickets are very common. In June, officers are on the lookout for drinking parties with underage attendees. A minor with even a sip of alcohol can be charged with a misdemeanor.

Under MCL 436.1703, minors face escalating consequences for repeated MIP offenses:

• First offense: civil infraction, $100 fine
• Second offense: misdemeanor, up to 30 days in jail
• Third offense: misdemeanor, up to 60 days in jail and chemical testing requirements

Providing alcohol to a minor is even worse—a person over 21 furnishing alcohol to someone under 21 is committing a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in jail and/or $500 fine (MCL 436.1701).

Driving Within the Park: Suspended Licenses and Operating While Intoxicated

Just because you’re not on the highway doesn’t mean Michigan’s traffic laws don’t apply. In fact, DNR and local sheriffs aggressively patrol state parks and campground roads. If you’ve got a suspended license or are driving your golf cart after a few drinks, you're a target for DUI enforcement.

In Michigan, even a first offense for Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) can lead to:

• Up to 93 days in jail
• Up to $500 in fines
• 6 points on your driver's license
• License suspension

Driving on a suspended license (DWLS) is also a misdemeanor, regardless of how short the distance. Even if you were “just grabbing firewood,” if you’re pulled over and it turns out your license is restricted, suspended, or revoked—you’re getting charged.

Do Park Rangers Need a Warrant?

Here’s where things get tricky. In general, rangers and DNR officers have jurisdiction to patrol and investigate violations without the same warrant requirements you’d expect in your home. If something is in plain view, they can seize it. If you consent to a search, you’re giving up your rights.

Key tips to remember:

• You are not required to answer questions beyond identifying yourself
• You can politely decline a search
• Keep all alcohol, marijuana, and restricted items secured and out of plain sight

Never assume your rights disappear on public land, but understand that those rights are narrower than you might think. If a ranger finds a knife, alcohol, or marijuana in plain sight, they have the option to cite or arrest you.

What to Do If You’re Charged While Camping

If your relaxing weekend in the woods turned into a summons or a night in jail, don’t make things worse by ignoring the court process. Some of these charges might seem minor, but failing to respond could result in a bench warrant and additional penalties.

Call our office immediately to discuss your case. At Boria Law, we’ve fought and won countless cases involving state park arrests. Whether it’s a CCW charge, disorderly conduct, OWI, or underage drinking—we know how to build a winning defense.

Our attorney, Aaron J. Boria, will help you understand the charges, review the facts, and fight to have your charges reduced—or even dismissed. Contact us at (734) 453-7806 or visit our criminal lawyer page to get the help you need.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Outdoors Legally and Safely

There’s no better way to enjoy a Michigan summer than camping, hiking, and sitting under the stars. But don’t let a few beers or an ill-placed fire ruin your weekend—or your record.

Know the rules, follow them, and you’re good to go. But if you find yourself in trouble, remember that you don’t have to face the law alone. Our office is ready to jump in and fight for your future.

Call Boria Law at (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation and let us help you get back to enjoying your summer.

Stay smart, stay safe, and keep those marshmallows roasting legally.