What Are Campfire Regulations Near Yellowstone?

What Are Campfire Regulations Near Yellowstone?

Summers in West Yellowstone, Montana, are between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with little chance of precipitation. The town is also close to Yellowstone National Park and Custer-Gallatin National Forest. These factors mean that campers need to be aware of fire dangers and regulations. At Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey, we allow fires in our campground. However, following these rules when staying at a campsite with a fire pit helps conserve the area for future visitors to enjoy.

Check the National Fire Danger Rating System for Current Fire Activity

The weather conditions each day determine if building a fire is safe. The National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) has five levels to determine the risk campsites with fires present:

1. Low (Green): A fire start is unlikely, so it's reasonably safe to build a fire.
2. Moderate (Blue): Wildfires may be expected but are easy to control. Burn a fire with caution.
3. High (Yellow): Wildfires are likely, and the wind may make them difficult to control. Build a fire during the early morning and late evening only.
4. Very High (Orange): A fire may start easily, spread quickly and be difficult to suppress. Building a fire is not recommended at any time in these conditions.
5. Extreme (Red): Any fire will start and spread rapidly, potentially becoming a large forest fire. Burning any materials is prohibited.

Check the National Park Service's report on current fire activity in Yellowstone to see the NFDRS level for the day.

Safety Measures for Campfires in Yellowstone National Park

Campfires are allowed in Yellowstone National Park as long as you follow these rules:

• Designated areas: You must build a fire in a fire pit, such as campground fire pits. Fires outside these rings are strictly prohibited. Propane grills and stoves are okay to use.
• Where to build a fire: Campfires are prohibited in the Fishing Bridge RV Park. However, you can build a wood or charcoal fire in all other campgrounds, though other restrictions are in place.
• Attended fires: Fires must be attended to at all times to ensure they remain under control.
• Extinguish before leaving: Before you leave the area, extinguish the fire with water or dirt. The fire pit should have no red or smoldering embers and be cool.

West Yellowstone Area Campfire Regulations

Fire regulations in West Yellowstone are similar to those in Yellowstone National Park:

• Where to build a fire: You can build a fire where there is an established fire ring or pan, like at campsites with fire pits. You cannot create a fire ring with rocks or other materials.
• What to burn: You can burn dead and downed wood that's no longer green. Do not burn items like pressurized containers, aluminum or glass cans, or aerosol cans, as these could explode, create dust or shatter.
• Personal safety: Everyone in your group should enjoy the fire safely. Make sure everyone wears snug-fitting clothing and knows how to stop, drop and roll. If children are with you, watch them when they're near the fire, and find a place for them to play away from the fire.
• How to extinguish: Put out the fire before leaving the area by drowning the flames with dirt or water. Then, scatter the cool ashes in a wide area.

At Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey, we are outside the city limits of West Yellowstone, so we can have campfires while other campgrounds inside the city limits can't. However, fires are not allowed at our campground when there is a burn ban in effect. 

Want a Yellowstone Campground With a Fire Pit? Book Kampgrounds of America Now!

If you want to enjoy a campsite with a fire pit, camp at Yellowstone Park / Mountainside KOA Journey. We are one of the few campgrounds in the Yellowstone area that allows campfires, offering a unique camping opportunity for you and your family. Reserve your campsite today, and read our blog for information about camping with your pet and things to do in the Yellowstone area.