Campfire Dreams Era Over: Olympic National Park Bans Campfires!

If you’re dreaming of roasting marshmallows under the stars in Olympic National Park this summer, brace yourself for a letdown: campfires are officially banned starting August 1! The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service made this call as they aim to tackle the extreme fire dangers plaguing the area. Sorry to report, but anything that produces ash—yup, that includes good ol’ charcoal grills—is off the table when it comes to outdoor cooking.

But don’t throw your camping gear out just yet! While you can’t huddle around a crackling fire, there’s still a flicker of hope. Gas and propane stoves are allowed, provided they’re a safe distance from flammable materials. Just make sure to follow all safety protocols, or else your summer trip could turn into a real hot mess—literally! Interagency Fire Management Officer Jeff Bortner pointed out that the fire risk is through the roof right now, so it’s time to prioritize safety over s’mores!

As we all adjust to this new camping reality, it’s a good moment to ponder: what’s your go-to campfire food when you can’t have an actual campfire? Do you have any clever recipes for these fire-free cookouts? Let’s swap stories—because who doesn’t love a good camping tale?

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