The Firewood Directory

Camping Firewood

Outdoor guide · 4 min read

Camping firewood needs to be kiln-dried and bought local to comply with EAB and spongy moth quarantines that restrict moving raw firewood. A typical evening campfire burns 1-2 standard retail bundles. Plan around 2 bundles per evening per group.

The "don't move firewood" rule

Emerald ash borer and spongy moth (formerly gypsy moth) are invasive pests that destroy forests. They hitchhike inside firewood logs. Most US states have laws or guidelines against moving raw firewood more than 50 miles, and many national/state parks ban it entirely.

The two legal options when camping:

How much to bring

Trip typeBundles per evening3-night trip total
Small fire, ambiance only13 bundles
Standard family campfire1.5-25-6 bundles
Large group + late nights39 bundles
Cooking-focused (Dutch oven)2-36-9 bundles

Where to source on the road

Common questions

Can I bring my own firewood when camping?

In most US national and state parks, no — moving firewood is restricted to prevent the spread of EAB (emerald ash borer) and spongy moth. Buy firewood within 50 miles of your campsite, or buy USDA-certified kiln-dried bundles labeled for transport.

How much firewood do I need for camping?

A typical evening campfire (3-4 hours, modest size) burns 1-2 standard retail bundles. A larger fire that runs late or includes cooking can use 3 bundles. For a 3-night trip with one evening fire each night, plan on 6 bundles.

Where can I buy firewood at a campground?

Most National Park, state park, and KOA campgrounds sell kiln-dried bundles at the host site or camp store. Prices are usually $10-$15 per bundle — convenient but pricey. Gas stations and grocery stores within 25 miles of major campgrounds often sell bundles for $7-$10.

What kind of firewood is best for campfires?

Kiln-dried hardwood bundles. Hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple) burn longer than softwoods (pine, fir). Most retail camping bundles are mixed hardwood at 0.75 cubic feet — designed for exactly this use case.

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