Campfire ban in portions of Nebraska extended through May 20

Nebraska Game and Parks is extending the temporary ban on campfires at Nebraska state park areas and wildlife management areas in central and western Nebraska through May 20.

This is in alignment with the executive order issued May 9, a precautionary measure to reduce wildfire risks. The burn ban affects areas west of a line that runs south along U.S. Highway 81 from the South Dakota border to Highway 92; then west to U.S. Highway 281 and south to the Kansas border.

“Public safety is a top priority, and out of an abundance of caution, we will continue enforcing the temporary campfire ban in the restricted zone laid out by the executive order,” said Jeff Fields, parks division administrator at Game and Parks. “We appreciate everyone’s patience, as we know campfires are an integral part of the camping experience. We eagerly look forward to more precipitation and safer conditions.”

Camp stoves using liquid or gas fuel are permitted at all state parks, even those in the burn ban area, as they reduce the likelihood of ash or hot charcoal being discarded before they are extinguished. Learn more about permitted devices at OutdoorNebraska.gov.

State parks in eastern Nebraska are permitted, subject to local fire authorities, to have campfires and other sources of open fire, such as wood-fueled firepits, wood-burning stoves and charcoal grills. These parks include:

• Alexandria State Recreation Area
• Arbor Lodge State Historical Park
• Blue River SRA
• Bluestem SRA
• Branched Oak SRA
• Conestoga Lake SRA
• Danish Alps SRA
• Dead Timber SRA
• Eugene T. Mahoney State Park
• Fort Atkinson SHP
• Fremont Lakes SRA
• Louisville SRA
• Indian Cave SP
• Memphis Lake SRA
• Mormon Island SRA
• Olive Creek SRA
• Pawnee Lake SRA
• Pelican Point SRA
• Platte River SP
• Ponca SP
• Riverview SRA
• Rock Creek Station SRA and SHP
• Rockford Lake SRA
• Schramm Park SRA
• Stagecoach Lake SRA
• Summit Lake SRA
• Two Rivers SRA
• Verdon SRA
• Wagon Train SRA

Campfires are only allowed in designated areas, and all visitors should practice fire safety:

• Never leave a campfire unattended.
• Ensure fires are fully extinguished before leaving the site.

Camp stoves using liquid or gas fuel are permitted at all state parks, even those in the burn ban area, as they reduce the likelihood of ash or hot charcoal being discarded before they are extinguished.

Learn more about permitted devices and fire safety tips at OutdoorNebraska.gov.