Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore recognizes the tradition of enjoying a fire while camping in the great outdoors. Many of us recall memorable times enjoyed around a campfire with friends or family. But we are also reminded that times have changed.

Some places - such as two of the Lakeshore's backcountry campgrounds - do not have enough down and dead wood to support the tradition a fire. Invasive species that live in trees and firewood are a great concern to park managers, and specific regulations have been developed to protect the natural heritage of the lakeshore.

And each day we hear more about the impact of climate change on our earth and that combustion of fuels - including firewood - leads to increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

Campfire Etiquette

- Keep your fire in the fire ring provided. If there is no fire ring, fires are prohibited.
- Use only down and dead wood.
- Keep your fire small.
- Never leave a fire burning when you leave the site. Dowse it with water.
- Report illegal fires to a Lakeshore employee.

Metal campfire rings are available at each campsite in the lakeshore's drive-in campgrounds. Backcountry campgrounds (except Mosquito River and Chapel Beach) have a campfire ring to be shared among the campers.  Firewood is scarce; we suggest you use a small backpacking stove.

Standing grills are available at picnic areas such as at Sable Falls and Miners Castle. Privately owned grills may be used in parking lots and on beaches as long as no fire or burning material touches the ground. 

Please help us reduce the impacts of fire on the park. if you must have a fire, be sure to keep it small and use down and dead wood only. And be sure that a fire is permitted in the area you are enjoying.   

Emerald Ash Borer and Campfire Wood

To prevent the potential spread of emerald ash borer, ash firewood is banned in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Ash firewood is a carrier for the emerald ash borer, a small exotic insect that has infested ash trees in many parts of the country.

The introduction of exotic species - both terrestrial and aquatic - is one of the greatest threats to the ecological integrity of the national lakeshore.  In combating this pest species and others, we ask the public to join us in helping to preserve and protect the natural systems in the park for this and future generations.

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