Navajo Land & Alcohol

[BonaProf]

I have seen many warnings that alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the Navajo Reservation parks. We are planning to tour that area staying at Monument Valley for a few nights and other spots. We normally carry a couple of bottles of wine and have a glass with dinner. Yet the Navajos run resorts and casinos that serve alcoholic beverages.

In Maryland--our home state--alcohol is not permitted in its state parks, except for fully enclosded motorhomes in which you can enjoy a glass of wine. Generally, I have found the "don't ask, don't tell" policy to hold.

My question is, do the Navajos ask you point blank, do you have alcohol on board or search your vehicle? So long as they don't ask or search and we do not drink while we are there, it would not be an issue. However, if they do ask or do search, I better make sure I do not bring wine with me.

Thanks,

[Guy Carter]

No one asked us anything when we were there. There are no checkpoints or entry stations that I'm aware of. They are more than happy that you are there, spending your money. We ate at a steakhouse ("Swinging Steak" House)which was part of a hotel/motel that served beer which was north of Monument Valley proper by about 20-30 minutes.. I presumed that we were still on the reservation, but perhaps not. I never thought about the alcohol issue on the reservation. Go for it, but be prudent with the visibility. No sense attacting unwanted attention.

[shilohdad]

We have not been on that many Indian reservations, so can't speak to that specifically. However, we have been in other RV campgrounds that claim to have a no alcohol policy. At one, where we got to know the manager reasonably well, we asked about the policy. He basically said that it was put in place so they could eject campers who were rowdy and obnoxious. His policy was that, if he couldn't see it, and you weren't being a problem, then you didn't have it. I suspect that most of the parks that ban alcohol fall into the same category.

That being said, many Indian reservations have had, and probably still have, problems with alcoholism amongst their inhabitants. I suspect they wouldn't have problems with YOUR having alcohol in your own vehicle (but not outside), as long as you don't offer it to their own inhabitants, and you don't make a show of it in public.

We have been to pow-wows in the west (Montana, Wyoming, etc.) and have followed the policy espoused above. We have never had a problem.

[BonaProf]

I think I owe you a response. First, my wife wants to assure everyone that we are not heavy drinkers but do enjoy a glass of wine with dinner.

As for entering the Navajo Reservation, I had pictured it in my head like going into Canada or Mexico, or at least into California when they ask you about fresh produce. In truth, it isn't that way at all. It's more like going across a county boundary within a state. Unless there is a sign, you have no idea that you are entering or leaving the reservation. No one asked and we used discretion keeping the wine inside our BF.

It was a great trip and we'd recommend it to anyone.

[harrisgowing]

I feel your angst, being of northern European heritage - a rule is a rule. If it is 3 in the morning and the light is red and there is no traffic, you wait until the light turns green to proceed, if you are of German ancestry.
We have been in many campgrounds with a stated no alcohol policy with no problem with beer and wine in our BF, but that doesn't stop me from feeling slightly lawless. I have adapted and have squelched the impulse to confess and turn over the contraband. Unfortunately, I am only slightly joking. Enjoy a glass or two of wine in the privacy of your home on wheels.

Judy Harris

[mockturtle]

Sam, it sounds like it's only a matter of vested interests. If they don't also own an RV park they probably encourage 'loiterers'.