White Mountain National Forest Fire Restrictions
Contact Information: Sarah Hankens Sarah.hankens@usda.gov
Campton, NH (September 22, 2025), The White Mountain National Forest will implement fire restrictions beginning September 22, 2025, in response to ongoing drought conditions, which have created high fire danger. The decision to implement fire restrictions is based on various factors including moisture content of various fuel types, persistent drought conditions, as well as the occurrence of human-caused fires. This decision was made in coordination with cooperating agencies to restrict fires and reduce wildfire risk while drought conditions persist.
While the forest fire restrictions are in place, the following are illegal:
1.Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, or wood grill outside of a Forest Service provided metal fire pit, metal fire ring, or pole mounted grill at a developed campground or developed recreation site. (36 CFR 261.52(a)))].
Locations on the White Mountain National Forest where fires are allowed within Forest Service provided fire control devices are listed below:
| Developed Campgrounds | |
| Barnes Field Group Campground | Waterville Campground |
| Crocker Pond Campground | Wildwood Campground |
| Dolly Copp Campground | Zealand Campground |
| Hastings Campground | Basin Campground |
| Big Rock Campground | Blackberry Crossing Campground |
| Campton Campground | Cold River Campground |
| Hancock Campground | Covered Bridge Campground |
| Osceola Vista Campground/Group Campground | Jigger Johnson Campground |
| Russell Pond Campground | Passaconaway Campground |
| Sugarloaf I Campground | White Ledge Campground |
| Sugarloaf II Campground | 4th Iron Campground |
| Developed Recreation Sites | |
| Dolly Copp Picnic | Zealand Picnic |
| Gilead Picnic | Sawyer Rock Picnic |
| Glen Ellis | Basin Pond Picnic |
| Campton Day Use | Lower Falls |
| Beaver Brook Picnic | Sabbaday Falls |
| Long Pond | Wildwood Picnic |
Fire danger is high, and White Mountain National Forest personnel have seen an increase in fire activity. White Mountain National Forest fire managers are reminding the public that unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires. Campers and day users should have a shovel on hand and a water bucket ready for use. Soak, stir, feel, repeat. Make sure your campfire is "dead out" and cold to the touch before departing. Stay informed regarding fire conditions and follow all guidelines and restrictions.
The fire restrictions will remain in place until withdrawn by a termination order issued by the Forest Supervisor. For more information, view the fire restriction order and maps here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/whitemountain/alerts/fire-restrictions-closure-order
If you encounter an illegal campfire, please contact the local White Mountain National Forest District Office or 911. Please be prepared to give the location of the fire and other pertinent information for the first responders.