One of the most important things to consider when planning a trip is whether you’ll be taking your camping trip during wildfire season. You may have some criteria for your campsite, but none matter as much as whether you’ll be safe during your stay.
Although we’ve seen devastating wildfires at all times of year, certain regions do have times when they’re most prone to wildfires. In the western U.S., wildfires tend to start and spread rapidly in the late summer and early fall (although one of California’s most devastating wildfires was in January). The Southwest often sees wildfires in late spring and early summer, the Southeast in winter and early spring, and the northern Rockies and Great Plains see them from summer to early fall. But it’s best to be wildfire aware at any point of the year.
This article will share resources and tips you need to know about so you can plan safely and be prepared for an emergency when taking a camping trip during wildfire season.
Fire Restrictions
Many areas may have temporary fire restrictions or bans in place, depending on the season or weather at the time. Other areas, like the city of South Lake Tahoe, have permanent restrictions in place. There are several places to check and see if the campground or area where you’re camping has a fire ban or restriction.
There are also different stages of bans – Stage One and Stage Two bans. These classifications are generally the same across the country, but there may be some variations. Use the stage as a guideline, but check with the local agency to be sure you’re following local laws.
Stage One Fire Restrictions (moderate risk)
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Gas or propane stoves/grills with shut-off valve | Campfires (including in fire rings) unless in designated, developed campgrounds with permanent metal rings |
| Smoking in enclosed vehicles or buildings (where permitted) | Smoking outdoors in most areas (except in enclosed spaces or barren ground) |
| Chainsaws with spark arresters during certain hours | Fireworks or explosives |
| Motorized vehicles on designated roads/trails | Discharging firearms (often restricted but varies) |
Stage Two Fire Restrictions (extreme risk)
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Gas stoves may still be allowed (check locally) | All campfires, even in developed campgrounds |
| Emergency work like utility repair (with permit) | Gas or charcoal BBQs, unless expressly exempt |
| Some construction with permit | Smoking outdoors, welding, chainsaws, or open flame tools |
| Use of internal combustion engines (sometimes time-limited) | Driving off-road (in fire-prone areas) |
- National Forests & BLM Lands: Check for fire restrictions in the national forest you’re visiting by going to the U.S. Forest Service website. Click on “Visit Us” and then click the “Alerts” button to find any fire restrictions in the area. You can also check the Bureau of Land Management website and click on “Fire Restrictions” for more information.
- National Parks: To find out about fire bans or restrictions at national parks, look up the park you want to visit on the National Park Service website. You’ll find fire information either under “Alerts” or in the “Plan Your Visit” section of the website.
- State Parks: Fire bans and restrictions at state parks are often listed on the website for that particular park.
- Campgrounds: If you booked your campsite through recreation.gov, you can go to your listing or reservation and check the โAlerts & Important Informationโ section. If you’re camping at a private campground, check their website for alerts. You can also call the campground office and ask if there are any bans in place.
- Cities & Counties: It’s a good idea to check any fire bans in the city or county you’re visiting as well. Check the city or county website, along with the local fire department website. They’ll often list any fire alerts or bans.
Using Live Fire & Air Quality Maps
After checking with local agencies about fire bans, you may also want to consult fire and air quality maps before your trip. If you decide that an area isn’t safe, either because there is a fire nearby or because the air quality would make it hard to enjoy outdoor activities, you have a few options to salvage your trip.
- Reroute: If your trip was taking you through a wildfire-affected area, take an alternative way to your destination. You may be able to avoid smoke and fire danger by approaching your target from another highway or road.
- Change up your schedule: If a destination on your road trip is affected by fires, you might be able to hit it at another point on your trip. For example, if you were starting off in an area that has a fire, do your trip in reverse and end at that point instead. That may give enough time for the fire to be under control when you arrive.
- Delay: If your schedule is flexible, consider delaying your trip until the fire is out and the air quality is under control.
- Choose another spot: You may want to skip your original destination altogether and camp somewhere different instead. RVshare has a whole database of “Destination Dupes.” These are lesser-known places that offer similar scenery, activities, or vibes as more popular national parks or destinations.
- Be flexible: The most important thing you can do when planning a camping trip during wildfire season is to be flexible. Be ready to substitute another dessert for s’mores, and stargaze instead of sitting around a campfire if there’s a ban. Know that you may need to evacuate. Consider alternative places or times to camp instead of your original destination. Be ready to adjust your plans if necessary during your trip.
Tools & Resources
There are a few fire and air quality maps you can consult as you plan your trip. Since fires change quickly, you’ll want to keep checking back frequently to make sure you stay updated and well-informed.
InciWeb is a government interagency system that shows you fires and other natural disasters around the country. Agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Fish and Wildlife Service, and more all report incidents, and they are mapped out on the website so you can find them in one spot. You can click on any of the fire icons on the site, and it will give you information on the location and containment of the fire.
You can also find active fire maps at the National Interagency Fire Center. If you’re camping in California, CAL FIRE has a detailed active fire map to help you plan your trip. The National Park Service also has a fire information page with press releases and links to the above maps as well.
If you want updates on air quality around fire areas, check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s interactive map.
For both fire and air quality updates, you can also check local news websites in the area where you’re traveling. Many weather departments share air quality and fire maps, along with local restrictions and fire bans. These sites are also a useful place to find information on heatwaves and thunderstorms – both important factors where wildfires are concerned.
State forestry agencies, state fire agencies, and city and county fire departments may have more information on bans and other regulations as well.
Emergency Planning
If you take a camping trip during wildfire season, you’ll want to have an emergency plan in place. Even if you research thoroughly and camp somewhere with no fires, it’s possible one could start while you’re camping. Here are a few tips for emergency planning while you’re camping, since it’s best to be prepared!
- Have an evacuation route: The campground you’re in may already have an evacuation plan in place. If so, make sure you know what that plan is and where you should go. If there isn’t one, make your own plans for where you would go in case of an emergency. Make sure you’re signed up for emergency alerts as well.
- Have an evacuation checklist: Create a basic checklist of things you might need and things you don’t want to leave behind. Make sure you have a plan to assist pets and children in an emergency. Have important documents, food, water, and some basic necessities together so you can grab them quickly. Have a fire extinguisher and first aid kit on hand as well.
- Watch the wind and weather: Monitor the weather. Be careful on hot, windy days and watch for thunderstorms that can start lightning fires. Sign up for local weather alerts and check local reports on the weather as well.
- Know what to do if you see a fire: If you’re camping and see smoke or a fire, have a plan in place. Make sure you’re somewhere safe and away from the fire – fires travel uphill and with the wind. When you’re in a safe place, call 911 to report it. Provide GPS coordinates, mile markers, landmarks, or any other helpful markers so that emergency crews can find the fire. Then, evacuate. Don’t wait for official orders to evacuate – if the fire is close, grab your emergency bag, make sure you have all your people and pets, and leave the area. If necessary, leave your camping gear – lives are more important than stuff.
Campground Best Practices
If you are able to have campfires and stoves at a campsite, be sure to practice fire safety. Only build a campfire in a constructed campfire ring or fire pit, where the fire will be contained. Be sure there is no brush, low-hanging branches, or other dry matter nearby that could accidentally catch fire. Also, make sure to make your fire well away from your RV, trailer, tent, and other camping gear. Before making your campfire, fill a bucket with water and have a fire shovel on hand for putting out the fire. You may also want to have a fire extinguisher.
Everyone around the campfire should make sure they don’t have loose clothing and that long hair is tied back. Talk to kids about fire safety, and make sure they don’t run and are careful around the fire. For young kids, have a safety zone around the fire pit and don’t let them get too close to the flames.
When you extinguish the campfire, plan to spend quite a bit of time ensuring the fire is completely out. Pour water on the campfire and stir the ashes. Pour more water and stir again. Continue pouring water and stirring the ashes to get every bit of the flames out. You should be able to put your hand on the ground where the fire was by the time you’re finished. Don’t leave the fire or smoking ashes unattended.
Planning fun outdoor activities or excursions in a new place is a fun part of preparing for a camping trip. But you also want to spend some time planning for wildfires and emergencies. By checking fire maps and weather, and knowing what you’d do in an emergency, you can make sure you’re prepared for anything that might happen while you’re out on the road or under the stars.
