My partner and I were planning to head up to a state park for a weekend camping adventure to escape the oppressive heat. Unfortunately we canceled our plans after checking with campground reservations. I was astonished to learn that Maine state parks do not permit people to sleep in their cars overnight. My partner called the park and was informed that we could sleep in a tent or a massively expensive RV/trailer/camper but not our car. Why? The ranger said because of the problems the park experienced with automobiles flashing headlights and the vehicle making a beep when the locks operate.
That makes no sense at all! When camping people arrive after dark all the time. RVs run outdoor lights. There are TVs and generators, rambunctious teenagers or wailing infants. But sleeping overnight within the safety of a locked car is prohibited? Obviously that is a capricious decision made by some mid-level bureaucrat that makes no sense.
We recently purchased a mini-van for long distance travel because travelling by air has lost much of its appeal. Our mini-van camper has an 8-by-4-foot cargo area with a queen-size bed. I’ve outfitted our Pacifica mini-van with a battery generator to run lights and charge 12-volt devices, a mini-fridge and even a portable air conditioner.
Unfortunately I’m not permitted a secure overnight stay in my mini-van but a simple tent is fine. That’s stupid.
Kevin Jones
Augusta
Send questions/comments to the editors.
