Developed Campsite & Fire Ring Setup

Pull into a state park campsite and set up a safe, legal fire ring in minutes.

Beginner

4 min

DEVELOPED CAMPSITE & FIRE RING SETUP
[ ] Site Permit Tag
[ ] Local Firewood Bundle
[ ] Fire Grate
[ ] Ash Shovel

Site Permit Tag: the park usually issues it at check-in. Display it as the park instructs.
Local Firewood Bundle: buy only what you will burn. Check how the park wants it stored.
Fire Grate: measure the ring first. Some rings have a built-in grate.
Ash Shovel: a short, flat or rounded blade is enough for a standard ring.

Check for fire restrictions before you light. Burn bans and restrictions change with weather and season. Check the park's website, or ask at the entrance station, on the day you arrive. Why it matters: a ban can apply even when the ring is right there.
Keep the fire small and attended. Use only the fire ring. Keep water and a shovel next to it. Never leave a fire alone, and never leave it burning when you sleep or leave the site.
Put it out dead. Pour water on the fire, stir the ashes and coals, and pour again until nothing hisses and the ashes feel cold. Why it matters: buried coals can reignite.

Gear types only.

Fire grate or cooking grate that fits a standard ring
Compact folding shovel
Heat-resistant gloves
Collapsible water bucket
Waterproof lighter case
Lantern for the picnic table
Insulated drinkware for the campfire coffee

Local firewood, explained

Moving firewood can carry insects and disease from one forest to another. Buy or gather wood only as the park allows, and keep it near where you burn it. Learn more at dontmovefirewood.org, and check the rules for your park.

Fire rules, wood rules, quiet hours, check-in times and site limits are set by each state park system and can change by season. Check current local rules on the website of your state park. The National Association of State Park Directors (naspd.org) can point you to your state's park system.

A good camp starts with a good setup. Do the small things first and the evening is easy. A Wild Dirt sticker on your cooler lid makes your site easy to spot.

Check in

Site Permit Tag, hung where the park asks you to display it
Reservation confirmation saved to your phone, in case signal drops
Park rules sheet or map from the entrance station
Check-out time noted

Read the site

Look up for dead branches over your tent spot
Park the vehicle and pitch the tent on the pad or the hardened ground, not on plants
Confirm where water, restrooms and the nearest trash are
Locate the fire ring and make sure it is the one assigned to your site

Fire kit

Local Firewood Bundle, bought near the park or at the park store
Fire Grate, if you plan to cook over the fire
Ash Shovel
Lighter or matches, kept dry
Water bucket or pail within arm's reach of the ring
Work gloves for handling hot grates and logs

Before you leave the fire

Fire is fully out, ashes cold to the touch
Trash and food scraps packed out or placed in the park's bins

Check in

Site Permit Tag, hung where the park asks you to display it
Reservation confirmation saved to your phone, in case signal drops
Park rules sheet or map from the entrance station
Check-out time noted

Read the site

Look up for dead branches over your tent spot
Park the vehicle and pitch the tent on the pad or the hardened ground, not on plants
Confirm where water, restrooms and the nearest trash are
Locate the fire ring and make sure it is the one assigned to your site

Fire kit

Local Firewood Bundle, bought near the park or at the park store
Fire Grate, if you plan to cook over the fire
Ash Shovel
Lighter or matches, kept dry
Water bucket or pail within arm's reach of the ring
Work gloves for handling hot grates and logs

Before you leave the fire

Fire is fully out, ashes cold to the touch
Trash and food scraps packed out or placed in the park's bins