CAMPFIRE RULES & SAFETY

There’s nothing quite like relaxing around a campfire at River Ranch!
We want you to enjoy your fire while helping protect our beautiful forest, our campground, and our fellow campers.

Because we are located in the Stanislaus National Forest, fire restrictions can change at any time depending on weather, fuel conditions, and wildfire danger. Campfires are permitted within the provided fire rings during our camping season unless prohibited due to extreme weather conditions.

BEFORE YOU BUILD A FIRE

Fires must remain in the designated fire ring.
Keep the area around your fire clear.
Keep dry grass, leaves, pine needles, branches, tents, chairs, vehicles, and other combustible materials away from the fire.

Keep fires small and manageable.
A campfire should be large enough to enjoy but small enough that you can safely control it.

Never leave a fire unattended.
An adult must remain with the fire whenever it is burning. Never leave children unattended around a campfire.

WHAT YOU MAY BURN

Please burn clean, dry firewood only.

🚫 Do not burn:

Trash or garbage
Plastic
Food packaging
Cans or glass
Pallets or treated lumber
Painted or chemically treated wood
Anything that may produce toxic smoke or dangerous debris

Please do not collect or cut live trees for firewood.

To help protect California's forests from tree-killing pests, buy firewood locally and burn it where you purchase it whenever possible.

KEEP WATER & A SHOVEL HANDY

Keep a bucket of water and a shovel available whenever you have a campfire.

Never rely on simply letting a fire burn down or assuming the fire is safe because the flames are gone.

HOW TO PUT OUT YOUR FIRE

When you're finished with your campfire:

Drown it thoroughly with water.
Stir the ashes and coals with a shovel.
Add more water.
Stir again.
Continue until the fire, coals, and ashes are completely cold to the touch.

If you can still feel heat, the fire is not out.

Never leave a campground while your fire is still warm. The Forest Service specifically states that leaving a campfire without completely extinguishing it is prohibited.

WHEN FIRE RESTRICTIONS CHANGE

Fire restrictions may be implemented or increased with little notice due to changing weather and wildfire conditions. Campground staff will notify you of any changes.

HELP US PROTECT RIVER RANCH

Wildfire prevention is everyone's responsibility.

Please report any unattended, escaped, or unsafe fire to River Ranch staff immediately. If there is an immediate threat to life or property, call 911.

Thank you for helping us protect River Ranch, our surrounding forest, and the campers who come here to enjoy it.

Stay safe. Enjoy your fire. Leave no embers behind.