Eldorado National Forest

Passes & Permits: Campfire Permits

General Information

What kind of fires does it cover? - The permit applies to wood, charcoal, and gas/propane fires.

How much do they cost? - Permits are free.

Where can I obtain a permit? - Any Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Office, or Bureau of Land Management office in California.

How long is the permit good for? - Your campfire permit is valid from the dated issued until the end of the calendar year (December 31st).

Where can I use it? - The permit may be used in any National Forest in Northern California, in the Sierra Nevada, and on Bureau of Land Management land. For the southern California area call the individual forest for local information and regulations.

Fire Restrictions - Under fire restrictions, only gas stoves/lanterns/bbqs are allowed. Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited outside of designated campgrounds. Note: in Desolation Wilderness and some areas of the Mokelumne Wilderness only gas equipment is allowed (year round restriction).

TERMS OF THE PERMIT

Permittee agrees to the following:

• Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire. Meadows make poor campsite locations as you will destroy sections of the meadow with the campfire and the clearance.
• Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires.
• Have a responsible person in attendance at all times. Leave the permit with that person and make sure they are aware of the terms of the permit.
• Extinguish campfire with water, using the drown, stir, and feel method. If it is to hot to touch than the fire is not out and can re-ignite.

WILDERNESS AREAS

Rules governing the use of wood and open flame fires differ in Wilderness Areas. Eldorado National Forest manages parts of two Wilderness Areas: Desolation Wilderness and Mokelumne Wilderness. Before visiting these areas, find out what you need to know by visiting the Wilderness pages.  

SMOKEY'S HOT TOPICS

Campfire Safety Guidelines  :  Fire prevention starts with you. Follow these guidelines when you build your campfire.

Fire Restrictions : When restrictions are in effect campfires and charcoal barbeques are allowed only in designated developed campgrounds on this forest. Only gas stoves and lanterns can be used in the general forest.

USDA Forest Service - Eldorado National Forest
Last Modified: Monday, 20 August 2007 at 18:36:06 EDT