California Outdoors

California Outdoor Recreation Rules

California requires campfire permits year-round for fires outside developed campgrounds. Many areas have seasonal fire restrictions. Bear canisters required in Sierra Nevada.

CAMPING: State parks require reservations ($8 fee). Dispersed camping on BLM/USFS land (14-day limit). FIRES: California Campfire Permit REQUIRED year-round for any campfire, stove, or lantern on CAL FIRE or USFS land. Free online at readyforwildfire.org. Seasonal fire restrictions ban campfires entirely in many areas. BEAR CANISTERS: Required in most Sierra Nevada wilderness areas (Yosemite, Inyo, Sierra NF). ALCOHOL: Prohibited on most state beaches. PETS: State parks allow leashed pets in campgrounds but NOT on trails or beaches.

Campfire & Fire Restrictions

California: Campfires may be restricted seasonally. Check current fire restrictions before any open flame.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS & CAMPFIRE RULES

FIRE RESTRICTION LEVELS
Stage 1 (Moderate):
• Campfires in developed sites only
• No open flames outside fire rings
• Smoking only in cleared areas

Stage 2 (High):
• No campfires anywhere
• No charcoal grills
• Camp stoves may be allowed
• No smoking outdoors

Stage 3 (Extreme):
• All public lands closed
• No access allowed

CHECKING FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Before every trip, check:
• National Forest website for that forest
• BLM state office
• State forestry department
• InciWeb for active fires
• Local ranger district

CAMPFIRE BEST PRACTICES
1. Use existing fire rings
2. Clear 10ft diameter area
3. Keep fires small
4. Never leave unattended
5. Drown, stir, feel to extinguish
6. Have water/shovel ready

WHEN FIRES ARE ALLOWED
• Use existing fire rings when possible
• Collect only dead and down wood
• Keep fires manageable size
• Fully extinguish before leaving

PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS
• Fines: $500 - $5,000+
• Liability for suppression costs
• Criminal charges if fire spreads
• Imprisonment for serious violations

Dispersed Camping Rules

California: Free camping on BLM and National Forest land. 14-day limit, Leave No Trace principles apply.

DISPERSED (PRIMITIVE) CAMPING

WHAT IS DISPERSED CAMPING?
Camping outside of developed campgrounds, typically free or low-cost.

WHERE IT'S ALLOWED
BLM (Bureau of Land Management):
• Generally allowed unless posted
• 14-day stay limit
• Must move 25+ miles after 14 days
• Mostly in western states

National Forests (USFS):
• Allowed in most areas
• 14-day limit
• Must be 100-200ft from water
• Check local ranger district

State Forests:
• Varies by state
• Many allow with permit
• Some restrict to designated areas

WHERE IT'S NOT ALLOWED
• Within developed campgrounds
• Posted "No Camping" areas
• Wilderness areas (may need permit)
• Private property
• City/county parks (usually)

RULES TO FOLLOW
1. 14-day limit at any one location
2. Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash
3. Fire restrictions: Check current conditions
4. Human waste: Cat hole 6-8" deep, 200ft from water
5. Vehicles: Stay on existing roads/sites
6. Quiet hours: Respect others

FINDING SPOTS
• USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)
• BLM Surface Management maps
• Apps: FreeRoam, iOverlander, Campendium
• Look for fire rings/established sites