Campfires In Ca?

[pods8]

Quick question about traveling through CA overall, can you have fires in rural camping in national forests and such? I'm sorta going to guess no, esp. with the wildfire issue but figured I'd ask if anyone was aware.

 

[SunMan]

It's hit and miss depending on where you are at. You will always require a permit in a NF, you can get one here easy in case you get asked:

http://www.fs.fed.us...fire-index.html

 

[pods8]

It's hit and miss depending on where you are at. You will always require a permit in a NF, you can get one here easy in case you get asked:

http://www.fs.fed.us...fire-index.html


The permit in that link is legit? If so that's easy enough...

Whats the firewood take down there as we work the coast (redwoods down to LA)? I know in eastern WA they gouge the crap out of ya for wood but in western WA they mildly gouge you for wood. Debating how much if any wood should be packed in when space is likely to some what of a premium...

 

[SunMan]

The permit in that link is legit? If so that's easy enough...

Whats the firewood take down there as we work the coast (redwoods down to LA)? I know in eastern WA they gouge the crap out of ya for wood but in western WA they mildly gouge you for wood. Debating how much if any wood should be packed in when space is likely to some what of a premium...


Yeah, it's pretty much a joke but it's legit.

Not sure on firewood, I always bring my own. Bring a box and stuff them turnbuckle holes full!!

 

[pods8]

stuff them turnbuckle holes full!!


I like the way you think.

Planning to try and find your overlook spot by the way, now if only my CA maps I order show up (they're back ordered apparently , soon to figure out a plan B ).

 

[Darryla]

The best thing is to look for one night's wood and see what you find. On the coast you probably won't find any thing other than drift wood up north and that's probably the only free good spots to camp anyway. The rest of California coast is beautiful, but your around a lot of civilization. Unless your in a camp ground make sure you have the permit. I hear the fine is unbelievable.

Darryl,

ATC Bobcat, 4X4 Tacoma

 

[HERR42]

I like the way you think.

Planning to try and find your overlook spot by the way, now if only my CA maps I order show up (they're back ordered apparently , soon to figure out a plan B ).


pods ! what maps are you paying for? you can get free topos any time you want right? libremap.org

 

[Ted]

We get out about twice a month in National Forests. Fires are not being allowed right now if boondocking. Campgrounds depend on the location, but the general rule seems to be fires are allowed if there is a campground host. It depends on where you are as well - cool, foggy coast like Gold Bluffs Beach or dry forest like the Sierra Nevadas. If in a campground, expect to pay the host about $6 for a bundle of wood. In parks like Yosemite, it is about $10 for a box of wood. We usually bring our own like Sunman suggested. Or you gather as needed like Darryl said. If gathering, the camp areas are usually picked clean. Drive a half mile out of camp and you can get plenty.

BTW, daytime highs will be about 85-90 in the Sierras this weekend. Drops somewhat next week but not significantly. Plan on a warm trip.

 

[pods8]

pods ! what maps are you paying for? you can get free topos any time you want right? libremap.org


I want the overall state atlas for travel, I planned to read over it to narrow down some areas I wanted more detailed topos of to print out. I'm planning to hit the flagship REI store in downtown seattle on my way home to see what they have there (currently on a plane over ID, technology is cool!).

We get out about twice a month in National Forests. Fires are not being allowed right now if boondocking. Campgrounds depend on the location, but the general rule seems to be fires are allowed if there is a campground host. It depends on where you are as well - cool, foggy coast like Gold Bluffs Beach or dry forest like the Sierra Nevadas. If in a campground, expect to pay the host about $6 for a bundle of wood. In parks like Yosemite, it is about $10 for a box of wood. We usually bring our own like Sunman suggested. Or you gather as needed like Darryl said. If gathering, the camp areas are usually picked clean. Drive a half mile out of camp and you can get plenty.

BTW, daytime highs will be about 85-90 in the Sierras this weekend. Drops somewhat next week but not significantly. Plan on a warm trip.


So its legit to gather wood in national forests?

I'll be looking forward to it!

 

[Ted]

National forests - yes. National Parks and some state parks - no. There is a sign at the entry to campgrounds when it is not allowed. Most campgrounds have some rules posted, quiet hours, etc., and they will say in there as well.

If you know which national forests you will be staying in, you can check the website for them to get current fire restrictions. For example, Tahoe NF has a link to current fire restrictions on the opening page: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/

 

[EdoHart]

A fire permit is easy to get at any ranger station. I didn't know about the on-line one. Where you can have a fire and whether you can collect fire wood varies. It's real close to the time when you won't be able to have a camp fire in a developed campground in So. Cal. unless there is a camp host (and in some places even if there is a camp host). Collecting wood with out a permit is not allowed in my favorite areas (northern Santa Barbara County) year round. Drive a few hours away and you can pick up all the dead wood you want.

 

[craig333]

I've always had good luck getting them to write me a permit on the spot, but I have the stuff to prove I"m firesafe. Permit means nothing when they say NO campfires. I have a propane campfire for just such emergencies.

 

[pods8]

I've always had good luck getting them to write me a permit on the spot, but I have the stuff to prove I"m firesafe. Permit means nothing when they say NO campfires. I have a propane campfire for just such emergencies.


No worries on the fire either way, it'll still be cool. Just trying to get my ducks in a row, between work and getting things finalized the next couple days are hectic!

We have a little white gas lantern if we need late night outdoor ambiance.