A campfire can be one of the best parts of a camping trip.
Sitting around a small fire after dinner, staying warm, and enjoying the night can make camping feel special. But a campfire is also an open flame, so it needs to be handled carefully.
Before starting a fire, always check the current rules and fire restrictions for the campground or public land you are visiting. Fire rules can change because of weather, drought, wildfire danger, and local regulations.
This beginner-friendly guide explains how to build, manage, and completely extinguish a campfire safely.
Never assume that you can have a campfire just because you see a fire ring at a campsite.
Fire restrictions can change depending on the season and current conditions.
Before starting a fire, check:
Some areas may allow campfires only in designated fire rings, while others may prohibit open fires completely during periods of high fire danger.
If campfires are prohibited, use an allowed alternative such as a camping stove.
If your campground provides a fire ring or fire grate, use it.
Don’t build a new fire pit wherever you want.
A designated fire ring helps keep the fire contained and separates the flames from surrounding vegetation.
Before starting your fire, inspect the area around the fire ring.
Look for:
Remove loose flammable material around the fire area when local rules allow it.
The National Park Service recommends using designated fire areas and keeping flammable materials away from the fire.
Your tent, sleeping bag, chairs, clothing, and other camping gear should not be placed close to an open fire.
The NPS recommends keeping tents, gear, and other flammable objects at least 15 feet away and upwind of the firepit.
Keep an especially close eye on:
Wind can carry sparks farther than you might expect.
Wind is one of the most important things to consider before starting a campfire.
Even a small fire can become difficult to control when strong wind begins blowing.
If conditions are windy or extremely dry, a campfire may not be appropriate even when fires are technically allowed.
The NPS recommends checking current fire conditions because windy or dry weather can result in special restrictions or campfire bans.
When in doubt, skip the campfire.
A campfire doesn’t need to be huge.
A small, controlled fire can provide plenty of warmth and light without creating unnecessary risk.
Avoid building a tall pile of wood.
Instead, add small amounts of firewood as needed and keep the flames contained inside the fire ring.
The NPS recommends keeping campfires small and controlled.
A smaller fire is also easier to extinguish at the end of the night.
Use firewood that is allowed at your campground.
Some public lands recommend purchasing firewood locally rather than transporting it long distances because moving firewood can spread invasive insects and diseases.
Follow local rules regarding:
Never cut down living trees simply to make a campfire.
Never pour gasoline, diesel fuel, or other dangerous accelerants onto a fire.
Fuel vapors can ignite suddenly and cause serious burns.
The National Park Service specifically warns against using gasoline or other inappropriate accelerants to start a campfire.
If a fire starter is permitted, use a product specifically designed for starting campfires and follow its instructions.
Before lighting your fire, make sure you have enough water available to extinguish it.
Don’t wait until the end of the night to look for water.
Keep water close enough that you can reach it quickly if the fire needs to be controlled or extinguished.
Some campgrounds may not have a convenient water source near the campsite, so plan ahead.
The NPS recommends keeping water available whenever you have a campfire.
This is one of the most important campfire rules.
Never leave a burning or smoldering campfire unattended.
Don’t leave the campsite for a hike while the fire is burning.
Don’t go to sleep while the fire is still burning.
Don’t assume that a small fire is safe to leave alone.
Wind can change quickly, and hot coals can remain capable of starting a fire long after visible flames disappear.
If you need to leave, put the fire out completely first.
Children and pets should be supervised around a campfire.
Hot coals can remain dangerous even after the flames disappear.
Create a clear boundary around the fire and teach children not to run near it.
Keep pets away from:
Never leave a child or pet alone near a campfire.
The NPS specifically recommends supervising children and pets around campfires.
Some outdoor clothing contains synthetic materials that can melt when exposed to high heat or sparks.
Avoid sitting too close to the fire.
Be particularly careful when strong winds are blowing sparks toward your seating area.
If you are cooking over a campfire, use long-handled cooking tools that allow you to maintain a safe distance from the flames.
A campfire is not a trash can.
Don’t burn:
Burning trash can create harmful smoke, leave behind dangerous materials, and damage the campsite.
Pack your trash out or dispose of it according to campground rules.
A camping stove is useful when you don’t want to build a campfire, but it still produces heat and potentially dangerous combustion gases.
Never use a camp stove, lantern, or similar fuel-burning appliance inside a tent or other enclosed space.
The NPS warns against using camp stoves and lanterns inside tents, vehicles, or other confined spaces.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the appliance in an appropriate outdoor location.
A calm evening can become windy later at night.
Before starting a fire, consider the forecast and current conditions.
Pay attention to:
If conditions become unsafe, put the fire out immediately.
You don’t need to wait until the fire becomes difficult to control.
Putting out your campfire is just as important as building it.
Never assume that a fire is out simply because you can’t see flames.
Hot coals can remain warm for hours and may reignite when exposed to wind.
A simple method is:
Don’t add any more firewood as the night ends.
Let the fire begin to burn down.
Use a shovel, poker, or other appropriate tool to spread the remaining wood and coals inside the fire ring.
This helps expose hot areas.
Pour water over the fire and remaining coals.
Don’t just sprinkle a small amount of water over the top.
Make sure the coals and burned wood are thoroughly wet.
Stir the wet ashes and coals with a shovel or poker.
Look for areas that are still hot.
Add more water and stir again until everything is completely cool.
The NPS recommends drowning the fire with water, stirring the remains, and repeating the process until the fire is completely extinguished.
Pouring dirt over a fire may seem like an easy way to put it out.
However, buried coals can continue to smolder underground and potentially reignite later.
The NPS recommends using water when available and specifically warns against simply burying campfires.
If water isn’t available, follow the specific instructions provided by the campground or land manager.
Before leaving your campsite or going to sleep, check the fire.
The remaining coals should be completely extinguished and cool to the touch.
Don’t leave simply because:
Hot coals can remain underneath the surface.
The goal is a completely cold fire.
If your fire begins spreading beyond the fire ring, act quickly.
If you can safely do so:
Never put yourself in danger trying to control a rapidly spreading wildfire.
If you are camping in an area without reliable cell service, know how to contact the nearest ranger station or campground host before your trip.
Before lighting a campfire:
Before leaving or going to sleep:
You don’t always need a campfire to enjoy camping.
A camping stove can be a practical alternative, especially when fire restrictions are in place or when you simply want an easier way to cook.
A stove can be especially useful for:
However, a stove still needs to be used safely and according to its manufacturer’s instructions.
During periods of high fire danger, the NPS recommends considering alternatives to campfires, such as a propane camp stove, when permitted.
A good campfire doesn’t need to be big.
The safest approach is simple: check the rules, use the designated fire ring, keep the fire small, keep flammable gear away, never leave the fire unattended, and completely extinguish it before you leave or go to sleep.
Fire restrictions and campground rules can vary by location and can change with weather conditions, so always check the current rules before your trip.
A little preparation can help you enjoy the warmth and atmosphere of a campfire while reducing unnecessary risk.
Want to learn more? Check out these related camping guides:
→ How to Set Up a Safe Campsite: A Beginner’s Guide
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