Camping At An Idaho State Park? Fire Restrictions Are In Place Across The State

Camping is one of our favorite summertime activities in Idaho. While there are dozens of campgrounds I could recommend around the Gem State, there is nothing quite like camping at one of Idaho’s state parks. One of our favorite camping activities is sitting around the campfire and diving into good conversations, sharing ghost stories, and even cooking s’mores. However, as summer comes closer to an end, fire restrictions are now in place at many Idaho parks and it’s important that before you go, you know what to expect.

Fire restrictions are set in place to prevent wildfires. They are separated into Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions. When restrictions are in place, following them is required by law.

When a campground is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions, campfires or stove fires are allowed but only within a designated recreation site. When a campground has reached State 2 Fire Restrictions, campfires and stove fires are not allowed. You also cannot operate a motorized vehicle off the designated roads and trails and the operation of a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine is also not allowed.

As of August 9, 2023, many areas of the Gem State were placed under fire restrictions with the majority of northern Idaho being placed under Stage 2 restrictions. In fact, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in place at all of North Idaho State Parks except for three — Winchester Lake, Hells Gate, and Dworshak State Parks.

Central Idaho is under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. This includes destinations like Land of the Yankee Fork State Park and the Salmon-Challis National Forest.

At the time of this writing, there are areas that have no fire restrictions like Henry’s Lake State Park and Harriman State Park. However, it is crucial that you are smart with all fire-related activities in these parks. Pay attention to the weather and if the conditions aren’t right, choose non-flammable options. Also pay attention when using all types of equipment, burning debris, and traveling off road and on dry grass.

Remember that anyone who starts a fire is responsible for that fire until it is out. This means that you can be held responsible for all property damage and for fire suppression costs.

The Idaho Department of Lands has made it extremely simple for you to check current fire restrictions at all state parks, national forests, and national monuments. Check out its list of destinations and online map so you are prepared before you go.

For the most current information on fire restrictions across the state and in Idaho state parks, visit the Idaho Department of Lands website.

Do you have upcoming plans for camping in an Idaho state park? Do you usually check for campfire restrictions before you go? Let us know in the comments and make sure you have all proper camping gear by visiting REI or Backcountry.