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.
Find additional fire safety tips at OutdoorNebraska.gov.