Headed to Mount Rainier this weekend? Leave the marshmallows at home. Mount Rainier National Park is rolling out a parkwide ban on campfires and barbecue grills starting Friday, June 26, 2026, as a stretch of high temperatures, bone-dry conditions and a mess of downed trees has wildfire risk climbing fast. The restriction covers all developed campgrounds inside the park and is aimed squarely at cutting down on human-caused wildland fires. Anyone planning a trip in the coming days should assume open flames are off-limits until the park says otherwise.
In a news release from the National Park Service, officials said the ban will stay in place until it is formally lifted. The order is blunt: “All campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills will be prohibited.” There is one key exception. The release clarifies that “use of portable, petroleum-filled cooking stoves, heating devices, and/or lanterns using liquefied or bottled fuel are permissible provided such devices can be turned off.” Park managers pointed to the dry spell, recent heat and the buildup of fallen trees in campgrounds as the drivers behind the decision.
Where the Ban Matters for Campers
Right now the restriction hits hardest at Cougar Rock Campground, the only developed campground currently open inside the park. White River Campground is expected to open soon and will fall under the same no-flame rules, while Ohanapecosh remains closed for construction, according to The News Tribune. The park is asking visitors who see smoke or flames to call 911 or flag down a ranger. That guidance is part of a broader push to keep the mountain and surrounding forestlands safe as temperatures climb.
How to Cook at Camp Under the Ban
Your camp kitchen is not completely out of luck. The park’s guidance allows portable canister or bottled-fuel stoves, as long as they have an on-off control. Campers are urged to keep stoves on level, stable ground, never walk away while they are running and stash extra fuel well away from heat sources. For the fine print on what is allowed and the latest on fire conditions, check the Wildland Fire Information page from Mount Rainier National Park. Carrying extra water, a small shovel and a way to knock down any spills or flare-ups are simple steps that can keep a small problem from turning into a big wildfire.
Plan Ahead
With flames off the menu, expect fewer fire-based comforts at camp and pack smart alternatives: ready-to-eat meals, a reliable canister stove, utensils and a windscreen if the breeze kicks up. Check current alerts and campground status before you go, and be ready to pivot plans if conditions worsen. Park officials and local outlets will post updates as the situation evolves. If you see smoke or open flames, the park asks that you call 911 or notify a ranger immediately, as reported by The News Tribune.
