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Can I have campfires on my property?

  • Updated

Campfires are an iconic part of camping, providing warmth, atmosphere, and a sense of community. However, allowing campfires on your Land comes with serious responsibilities. This guide will help you determine whether to offer campfires and, if you do, how to do so safely.

Am I Allowed to Have Campfires on My Property?

Hosts can decide whether or not to allow campfires on their properties as long as they abide by all local, state, and regional laws and fire bans while doing so. To determine whether allowing campfires is suitable for your property, be sure to check the following:

  • Local Regulations: Research local, regional, county, state, and federal fire restrictions specific to your property. You must abide by all fire bans and regulations regarding fire safety, including but not limited to providing water and fire extinguishers, forest fire mitigation tools like defensible space, requirements around fire pit type, and more.
  • Environmental Risks: Consider your region’s wildfire risk and available water sources for fire suppression.

What If There’s a Temporary Fire Ban?

If there is a temporary fire ban in your area, do not allow fires on your property. Hipcamp provides a handy Fire Ban Tool that allows you to alert current and future campers of temporary changes to fire rules on your property (find out more here). It is your responsibility to stay up-to-date on fire bans using local communications systems.

How Should I Safely Prepare My Land for Campfires?

Fire Pit Setup

  • Use designated fire rings or pits to contain flames.
  • Keep a 10-foot clearance around fire pits, free of brush and overhanging branches.
  • Consider using a mesh lid to prevent embers from escaping.
  • Print out our guide to having a safe campfire and keep it at your campsites.

Fire Safety Equipment

  • Provide a 5-gallon bucket of water and shovel at each fire pit as well as a fire extinguisher in case of emergencies.
  • Ensure a water source is readily available (and clearly sign-posted) or instruct guests to bring their own.
  • Consult local fire authorities for regional-specific tips for fire pits and having campfires safely.

Firewood Management

  • Encourage burning local firewood to prevent the spread of disease and invasive species.
  • Sell firewood as an onsite Extra or direct guests to nearby vendors.

Emergency Preparedness

  • Prepare a clear emergency response plan before you welcome campers on to your property. Find out more here.

How Can I Set the Right Expectations with Hipcampers?

  • Pre-arrival Communication: Include fire rules in your Hipcamp listing and any pre-arrival messages you have scheduled. Our fire safety Journal post can be a good resource to share with campers.
  • Onsite Signage: Post clear signs outlining fire safety expectations and emergency procedures.
  • In person information: Are you a meet-and-greet Host? Go over specific fire safety expectations with your Hipcampers when they arrive on your property.

How Can I Help Hipcampers Safely Extinguish Their Campfire?

  • Instruct campers to drown, stir, and feel for heat before leaving the fire.
  • Provide clear signs and printed instructions at campsites.
  • Remind guests that unattended fires are prohibited at all times.

What Alternatives Can I Provide If Campfires Aren’t Allowed?

If you do not allow campfires on your Land there are plenty of alternatives that still provide warmth and ambience. Propane fire pits may be a safe and easy alternative depending on the rules in your area, but well-placed electric lanterns and fairy lights can also have a great impact without any risk. You can find out more about campfire alternatives here.

Further resources

Australia:

United States:

Canada:

United Kingdom:

 

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