No Loophole for Underage Drinking in NY State Parks

There is no exception to New York's drinking age in state parks. The law is uniform statewide:

• Legal drinking age: 21
• Applies to: All state parks, beaches, campgrounds, historic sites, and parkways.
• Penalties for minors possessing alcohol: Fines up to $50 (first offense), community service, mandatory alcohol-awareness program, possible driver's license suspension (even if not driving).
• Adults providing alcohol to minors: Class B misdemeanor—up to $500 fine, 3 months jail.

Park police and rangers enforce this actively, especially on summer weekends. "But I'm camping" or "My parents are here" are not defenses.