Find out whether campfires are allowed
Campgrounds
The rules around campfires vary by campground. To find out whether a fire is allowed in the park you're camping in, check the 'important info' section of the campground webpage. If you have any questions, contact the local park office.
View list of campgrounds with wood barbecues
Beaches
In general, fires are not permitted on beaches within national parks. This is usually regulated via signs or alert notices on the NSW National Parks website. Where no signs or other notice exists fires may be permitted (check with local area office) as long as there is not a total fire ban or park fire ban in place.
Check for fire bans
Even if campfires are generally allowed, they may be restricted by several types of fire bans.
- No burn notice: No burn notice days can be declared by the Department of Planning and Environment to prevent air pollution from smoke.
Learn more about no burn notices
Find out if a no burn notice is in force today - Total fire ban: Fire bans may be declared by the NSW Rural Fire Service to prevent fires.
Learn more about fires and fire bans
Find out if a total fire ban is in force today - Park closures: Park areas are often closed when there is a severe, extreme or catastrophic fire danger rating.
View current park closures
Lighting a campfire
If campfires are allowed and no fire ban is in place, you may light a campfire providing you follow fire-safety precautions:
- always extinguish a fire completely before leaving it unattended
- never use any flammable liquids
- where firewood is provided, use a designated fireplace
- use electric torches in and around tents.
Take particular care during the bushfire season (usually October to March).
Tip: Extinguish a fire by pouring water over the flames and smothering the coals with soil.
More information about fire safety in parks
Firewood
You may need to bring your own supply of firewood or an alternative fuel (e.g. gas). Firewood is not supplied in all parks. In some parks, collecting deadfalls of timber to use only in the park may be allowed if firewood is not already provided in an established visitor-use area. However, even where firewood is not supplied, parks staff or signage may forbid collecting firewood in that park. If you have any questions, contact the local park office.
Alternatives
It's a good idea to pack a gas or liquid fuel stove for camping trips in national parks.