Hi There!

Today I want to talk about camping during a burn ban. Many people feel that having a campfire is an important part of camping. I get it, if you don’t come back from your camping trip smelling like campfire smoke, did you really go camping?

Frustrated as you and your family are, there’s plenty of creative campfire alternatives to still enjoy camping during those burn restrictions.

That is why I’m here today;

I’m going to give you 5 Tips for Camping during a burn ban so you and your family can have fun and stay safe.

Without further ado, Let’s jump into the article!

For more information on outdoor fire safety, please check out https://www.nfpa.org

 

 

What is a Fire Ban Anyways?

A fire ban is temporary measure put in place, usually by local authorities, fire services and forest management departments, that prohibits fires outdoors when there is a high risk of dangerous wildfire conditions that could pose a threat to human life.

There are usually two stages of fire ban in the United States:

 

• Stage 1 restrictions: You can still have a campfire in a National Forest approved fire ring in a campsite.
• Stage 2 restrictions: Campfires and charcoal grills are prohibited entirely, however you can still use a propane gas stove.

 

Additionally, there may be bans on other activities likely to spark a fire, such as smoking, setting off fireworks and shooting guns.

 

 

 

Now that the sticker warning is out of the way, a fire ban definitely doesn’t mean you can’t go camping, but you will have to alter your plans to make sure you have a good time and are safe and comfortable. Here are some tips for camping during a burn ban.

 

 

 

 

5 Tips for Camping During a Burn Ban

 

 

#1. Focus on the Lighting.

 

 

In addition to providing heat, one of the defining features of a campfire is the fact that it’s a central light source.  So, what can we do to provide the proper amount of lighting to our campground during a burn ban?

One alternative I like to use is string lights.

String lights can be a fun way to provide your campsite with light while adding to the ambiance. When shopping for the best string lights, consider the length of the lights, how much rain they might be exposed to, and if you have any preferences for how they look or twinkle.

 

It’s Time to Bring the Stove.

 

#2. Plan Your Meals Accordingly.

 

 

Some fire bans only prohibit wood and charcoal fires, allowing gas or propane stoves, grills, and similar implements that can be shut off with a valve. You can pull off a lot with a portable, one-or-two-burner set up: one-pot pasta dishes or chili with cornbread.

Often at times, you might see that all open flames are prohibited. Have no fear, though: There are tons of no-cook recipes out there to keep you well fed. Start the day off with some fruit or granola and try some different stuff out for lunch such as wraps.

It’s not quite cast iron fajitas over the fire, but it will have to do.

 

 

#3. Pack Appropriately.

Anytime you are dealing with restrictions during a trip, it’s always a good idea to bring some extras. Extra blankets, mosquito repellent, and anything you can think of that will make your trip complete in your eyes.

 

#4. Bring Nighttime Entertainment

 

 

Nights at the campsite are typically spent talking and telling stories around the campfire. Without this to gather around, you need to find other entertainment for your evening. Other than stargazing, you can:

• Play card games
• Listen to your favorite book on tape
• Play corn hole
• Play some music

Bringing these entertainment goodies with you will overall enhance your experience with or without a campfire.

 

 

#5. Remember Insect Repellent.

Campfires can be a lifesaver for that hour or two around dusk when the mosquitos and other bugs come out to feast, so on trips where you can’t have one, make sure you pack plenty of good insect repellent so you don’t have to hide out in your tent all evening.

As far as insect repellents go, the best one I have found is the thermacell. This has changed the game when it comes to camping. I haven’t had any issues since 2018 since I have gone with the Thermacell.

 

 

 

 

Thoughts & Takeaways

And that wraps things up for today. Fire bans simply cannot be ignored, however, that doesn’t mean we can’t go out and enjoy a great camping trip. There are lots of fun ways to stay entertained and prepared during a burn ban. I hope you found this article to be helpful. Please share some of your camping experiences during a burn ban in the comment section below.

 

 

 

-CT