SF’s Ocean Beach Bonfires Return for 2026 (March 1 – Oct. 31)

nps.gov

For the first time in four months, it’s finally legal again to have a bonfire at Ocean Beach. During the “No Burn” Season (which runs from November 1 to the end of February), bonfires are not allowed, but starting March 1, 2026, bonfires are back through the end of October with a few conditions.

Ocean Beach Bonfire Season 2025
March 1 to October 31 | Allowed between 6 am and 9:30 pm only
Ocean Beach fire rings between Stairwells 15 and 20 – Generally opposite Beach Chalet
FREE – first-come, first-served

More details at nps.gov

The National Park Service provides 16 fire rings/pits for Ocean Beach fires between Stairwells 15 and 20. The curfew each night is 9:30 pm.

Read the rules below, bring your own firewood, avoid “spare the air” days, bundle up and have fun.

Ocean Beach Fire Program

• Fires permitted March 1 – October 31 (no fires permitted November 1 – end of February)
• Fires allowed only in provided fire rings between Stairwells 15 and 20
• No fires permitted from 9:30 pm – 6 am
• No glass or alcohol is allowed on the beach
• Fires must be extinguished with WATER ONLY. Bring a bucket to collect ocean water, or bring your own water. Covering the fire with sand does not extinguish the fire. Instead it insulates the hot coals and fills the pits with sand.
• The parking lots at Ocean Beach close at 10 pm each night and are owned and managed by the City of San Francisco.
• Groups of more than 25 people must obtain a permit by calling (415) 561-4700. For more information, go to: www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/permits.htm
• Universal fire regulations apply

Universal Fire Regulations at GGNRA

• No recreational fires are permitted during Spare the Air days, when fire danger is very high or extreme, or when red flag warnings are in effect.
• Fires may be suspended by order of the park superintendent due to hot, dry weather conditions, strong winds, or extreme fire danger. Look for park alerts.
• No gathering, cutting, or scavenging of firewood or kindling is permitted in the park from any source. All firewood must be brought into the park.
• Burn Clean. Do not use accelerants such as lighter fluid, as they leave pollution and poisons in the air. Paper and kindling are preferred fire starter material.
• LEAVE NO TRACE. Trash must be removed from beaches, campsites, and picnic areas.
• Do not burn treated or painted wood.
• Do not burn pallets or any wood containing nails or other hardware.
• Do not burn trash or debris. Most trash gives off pollution and poisonous gases.
• Fires must be extinguished with WATER ONLY. Bring a bucket to collect water or bring your own water. Fires must be completely extinguished with water, doused, and stirred. Fires may not be covered with sand as it will only insulate the heat and create an unseen danger for visitors and wildlife.
• Fires shall be attended at all times by a responsible adult (18 year of age or older).
• Minors must be supervised. A responsible leader, 18 years or older, must be present for every 10 children under the age of 18.
• Groups over 50 people and/or with significant equipment including, but not limited to tents, catering, etc.