Burn Bans and Campfire Rules: How to Check Before You Go

A campfire is half the reason a lot of us go camping. But dry fall weather, low humidity and wind can make fire danger high, and land managers respond with fire restrictions and burn bans. Showing up with a trunk full of firewood to a "no fires" sign ruins a trip. Starting a fire when they're banned can get you a ticket, or worse.

01Who makes the rules

It depends on whose land you're camping on:

• National forests (U.S. Forest Service) and BLM land: each forest or district posts its own fire restrictions.
• National parks: each park sets its own.
• State parks and forests: the state.
• Private campgrounds: the campground, plus any county burn ban.
• Counties and towns can also put burn bans in place that cover private land.

02What "Stage 1" and "Stage 2" mean

Federal land managers in many areas use stages. The exact wording varies by forest, but generally:

• Stage 1: campfires are allowed only in provided fire rings or grills in developed campgrounds and recreation sites. No fires at dispersed sites. Gas stoves and grills that can be turned off are usually still allowed.
• Stage 2: no campfires anywhere, even in developed campgrounds. Gas stoves with an on-off valve are usually still allowed. More activities are banned too.

Always read the actual order for the place you're going. Some areas add their own rules, and some ban charcoal grills along with wood fires.

03How to check before you go

1. The land manager's website. Search the name of the national forest, park or state park plus "fire restrictions." Forests post current orders on their alerts page.
2. Call the ranger station or campground office. They know today's rules, not last week's.
3. Look at the signs at the campground entrance and the fire danger sign on the road in.
4. Check again if the weather turns dry and windy during your trip. Restrictions can start mid-week.

04Bring a backup

If fires might be banned, pack a gas stove for cooking. Many recipes work on a stove or grill. See fall campfire recipes and camp stoves in the cold. A propane lantern or a string of lights can give you some of that campfire feel.

05When fires are allowed

• Use the existing fire ring. Don't build a new one.
• Buy firewood near where you camp. Moving firewood spreads tree-killing insects, and many states restrict it.
• Keep it small and never leave it alone, even for a few minutes.
• Put it out cold. Drown it with water, stir the ashes, drown it again. Hold your hand near the ashes: if it's still warm, it's not out. See Leave No Trace in plain words.

Photo: A tent, bear food box and campfire ring in a campsite 3W6A3665 (53056105180).jpg) by Forest Service - Northern Region, Public domain.

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