Camp/Cooking Fire Regulations and Restrictions

Current Fire Restrictions

Any current fire restrictions in the park will be posted on our Alerts and Conditions page and automatically list of the top of each page.

How are Fire Restrictions Determined?

Fire restrictions typically go into effect based on multiple factors, including energy release component levels (which is related to how hot a fire could burn based on current conditions), National Wildfire Preparedness Levels, availability of firefighters, or other fires burning in or near the park. Fire restrictions may go into effect earlier based on weather, air quality, fuels, visitor use, fires in the park or region, fire restrictions in adjacent jurisdictions, and/or regional/national preparedness levels.

Camp/Cooking Fire Regulations

Fire restrictions are in addition to established fire regulations listed in 36 CFR 2.13 and the Superintendent’s Compendium. Fire regulations are always in effect.

Fires

Fires are only allowed in park-provided grills or fire rings in established frontcountry campgrounds and day use areas.

• This applies to all fire types, including charcoal fires, with one exception:
  • King’s Creek Picnic Area: self-contained charcoal grills may be used on the ground or cement tables and must be disposed of in the receptacles provided.
• Fires are not permitted in any other area of the park, including backcountry and wilderness areas.
• Do not leave any fire unattended.

Extinguishing Fires

• You must use enough water to extinguish so that burned wood and ashes are cool to the touch.
• Best practice is stirring the coals and turning over large pieces of wood as well us using large amounts of water.

Stoves & Lanterns

In Campgrounds and Day Use Areas:

• Yes, you can use stoves and lanterns in campsites or day use areas that also have park-provided grills / fire rings.

In the backcountry:

• Only small, liquid or gas fuel stoves are permitted in backcountry / wilderness areas.
• Stoves that use biomass material (including wood and charcoal) are allowed in the backcountry.

Collecting Firewood

Wood that is downed and dead may be collected for front country campground firewood use. Wood collecting restrictions:

• Wood must be located within 30 feet of a road.
• Wood must be less than 4 inches in diameter in size.
• Wood must be collected without the use of gas or electric saws.