NEW: Online Campfire Permits (PDF)

California suffers numerous wildfires every year. Please don't be the cause of one. Campfire permits are issued at no charge to insure fire restrictions are followed correctly. These Southern California regions are very strict on their permits. Please contact the forest directly for regulations.

This permit is good for stoves, fuel lanterns or campfires. Visit a ranger station; show your drivers license to a ranger & they can issue you a permit after you have reviewed the precautions & fire safety laws. Campfire permit is valid from the date issued until the end of the calendar year. It may be used in any National Forest in Northern California or in the Sierra Nevada. See fire safety page.

 

limited camp fire options in these SoCal forests
Angeles National Forest	Cleveland National Forest
Los Padres National Forest	San Bernardino National Forest

$ FREE annual pass

Most National Forest permit camping outside of developed campgrounds, except for Southern California, where wild fire danger is greatest. Campers must always have a camp fire permit if planning on burning a campfire outside of a campground. Always double check with ranger to make sure on fire retstriction and if camp fires are permitted.

Must always have a campfire permit outside a developed campground

• stove
• lantern
• campfires

 

• Agreement to follow the campfire restrictions & regulations in effect.
• Valid from the date issued until the end of the calendar year
• May be used in any National Forest in Northern California or in the Sierra Nevada.
• At camp have shovel, water source & bucket.

 

Fire Restrictions

Fire restrictions change throughout the year depending on fire hazard. When no stage restrictions are in effect, you may use a stove, lantern, or campfire in accordance with the regulations listed on your permit. Fire hazard is determined by the fuel moisture content in an area (the amount of moisture present in the surrounding trees and brush) and by local weather patterns, which include the temperature, the prevailing winds, and the relative humidity.

where to get firewood

National Forest Wilderness Areas

Sometimes a wilderness permit serves as your fire permit. Other Wilderness area regulations may require you to have both a fire permit and a wilderness permit. In wilderness areas where no Wilderness permit is requied, you must always have a campfire permit to use a backpack stove or build a fire.

Anza Borrego State Park
will let you camp almost anywhere, but does not allow ground fires. Use a metal container or fire pit & carry your ashes home.

Renewing Campfire Permit Your campfire permit must be obtained in person at a Forest Service office, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection office, or Bureau of Land Management Office. You must renew a previous year's permit in person as well. No more renewals by mail. National Forest Service Ranger Stations