10 Essential Tips for Camping Safely During Peak Wildfire Season

10 Tips for Camping Safely During Peak Wildfire Season

When wildfire season peaks, outdoor adventures come with higher stakes. Whether you’re car camping in a national forest or pitching a tent off-grid, fire risk management should be part of your planning checklist. Wildfires are increasing in both frequency and severity due to hotter, drier conditions—especially across the Western U.S., Canada, and Australia.

But that doesn’t mean you have to skip your trip entirely. With smart decisions, proper equipment, and up-to-date information, you can camp responsibly and still connect with nature.

Here are 10 Essential Tips for Camping Safely During Peak Wildfire Season—plus expert-level advice—to keep your camping trip safe.

🔍 1. Check Local Fire Conditions Before You Go

Fire risk isn’t static. It changes daily based on temperature, wind, and human activity. Check the following before leaving:

• InciWeb for federal wildfire updates.

• Local ranger district or state forestry department websites.

• The Fire Weather Index (FWI) or local air quality maps.

Also install apps like Watch Duty, MyRadar, or Windy to get fire alerts in real time.

Also ensure you have the proper campfire permits prior to your camptrip:

• https://readyforwildfire.org/permits/ - Calfire Permit

• https://www.ca.gov/departments/147/services/1239/ - California specific for state parks and dispersed camping

Check the state(s) requirements and file for the appropriate campfire permits prior to leaving on your trip.

Example: We utilize Inciweb during the planning process and Watch Duty app, where cell service is present.

🏕️ 2. Choose Fire-Safe Campsites

Look for established campgrounds maintained by state or national parks. These sites often have:

• Fire breaks (cleared ground with no brush)

• Built-in fire pits or rings

• Clearly posted fire rules

Avoid camping on ridgelines or in valleys—these can trap heat or funnel wind that spreads flames quickly.

🔥 3. Use a Camp Stove Instead of a Campfire

Traditional campfires may be banned even when stoves are permitted. Gas or propane stoves are efficient and safer. Recommended models include:

• Jetboil Flash or MiniMo for solo trips

• Coleman Classic or Eureka Ignite for family setups

Always use them on a fireproof surface like gravel, and allow them to cool completely before storing.

We utilize a Coleman stove and grill for cooking and forego firepits if a burn restriction is in place. You could opt for Eureka Ignite or FireCan propane options if burn restrictions are in place. Check with your state/ campsite for advise if you are unsure.

🧯 4. Avoid Spark-Creating Gear

Even small sparks can cause disaster in dry environments. Here’s what to avoid:

• Steel-bladed tools hitting rocks

• Glass bottles in direct sunlight (magnifying effect)

• Parking on dry grass (hot tailpipes ignite brush)

• Loose trailer chains

Carry spark arrestors for chainsaws or generators, if you must use them.

📜 5. Follow Fire Bans and Local Regulations

Campfire bans often apply to any open flame, including charcoal grills. These bans change frequently, so stay current.

Penalties for violations range from heavy fines to criminal charges—especially if you start a blaze, even by accident.

🧰 6. Have Fire Suppression Gear Ready

Every campsite should have:

• 1+ gallon of water per person, per day (plus extra for fire safety)

• Shovel to smother sparks with dirt

• Fire extinguisher (ABC-rated)

Practice a “mock response” with your group: what will you do if someone spots smoke or a flame?

🍳 7. Cook Safely and Never Leave Heat Unattended

Even with stoves, safety is key. Follow these tips:

• Cook at least 10 ft from tents and gear

• Have water on standby

• Don’t cook under trees or next to tall grass

After use, touch-test the stove or grill before packing—if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to store.

♻️ 8. Dispose of Waste the Right Way

Waste can smolder, reflect heat, or fuel embers. Always:

• Pack out all trash

• Store food waste in fire-safe, wildlife-resistant containers

• Don’t burn trash—especially plastics or food wrappers

Pro tip: use aluminum resealable fire-safe bags for disposing of matches or used stove parts.

🌬️ 9. Respect Red Flag Warnings

A Red Flag Warning means conditions are ideal for rapid fire spread. These typically include:

• Winds over 25 mph

• Relative humidity below 15%

• Temperatures above 90°F

If a red flag is issued before your trip, it’s best to reschedule. If one hits while you’re camping—stay packed, stay alert, and be ready to move fast.

🗺️ 10. Have an Emergency Evacuation Plan

Don’t rely on cell service in remote areas. Plan ahead:

• Download offline maps (OnX Offroad, Gaia GPS, AllTrails)

• Identify multiple exit routes

• Let someone know your exact location and check-in schedule

Have a printed map or satellite messenger (like iPhone, T-Satellite, Garmin InReach) as backup.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Camping during wildfire season demands awareness, discipline, and preparation. But with the right gear and mindset, you can still enjoy the wilderness responsibly. By staying informed and prepared, you become part of the solution—not the problem.

Let’s protect what we love—one campsite at a time.