S.F. Bay Area
San Francisco Attractions
Ocean Beach Bonfires
Tips and Important Information

Ocean Beach is San Francisco's largest beach and popular with sunbathers, picnickers and surfers alike. It is also a popular place to go on a nice day or night. Many San Franciscans go to Ocean Beach with their family and friends to build bonfires. This is a decades-old tradition.

The following is a list of important information that we researched to help you in planning a bonfire event on Ocean Beach. Please note that there are separate rules listed below for groups over 25 people — and special limitations:

Natl Park Service (Small Groups)
Nat'l Park Service (Large Groups)
Special Limitations

National Park Service
Ocean Beach Fire Policy

Small Groups (under 25 people)

• Fires are only allowed in established fire pits
• The pits are located between Lincoln Way & Fulton Street (directly west of Golden Gate Park). Click here to see Google Map of Ocean Beach area
• The Fire Pits are specifically located between Stairwell 15 to 20.
• All firewood must be brought into the park.
  
• Wood fires only. No painted or chemically-treated wood, or driftwood, no nails and no pallets.
  
• No glass containers are allowed.
  
• Maximum fire size is 3 feet in diameter, and only in the official fire pits).
  
• The Group is responsible for removal of all debris and equipment.
  
• ALCOHOL IS NOT ALLOWED ON OCEAN BEACH. This includes the walkway and the seawall from the intersection of Lincoln Way north to the Cliff House.
  
• Bring a bucket to put out fire. Fire shall be completely extinguished with water, using the "drown, stir and feel" method. Do NOT bury hot coals; buried coals are a safety hazard.
  
• Fire shall be attended at all times by a responsible adult (21 and older).
  
• No amplified sound is permitted.
  
• Affixing signs to existing buildings, property, signs, poles, and plants is prohibited.
  
• Marking park property or grounds with flour, chalks, inks, or paints is prohibited.
  
• No camping or erection of tents, canopies or other similar structures.
  
• Parking lot between Lincoln & Fulton is property of the City & County of San Francisco. Cars may not park in this lot after 10:00 p.m.

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Large Groups (25+)
and Fee Permits

• Fire gatherings of more than 25 people require a special use permit.
• Only one or two permits are issued per day.
• Call 415-561-4300 to apply.
• Administrative cost is $50 and good for only one day.
• Important: The permit does not guarantee a fire pit use. It is still first-come first-serve.
• Go early to claim your space.

Special Limitations

• No fires-even if previously permitted--will be allowed on "Spare the Air" days or on days of extreme fire danger.
• No children are allowed to attend a beach party after 10pm; they will be fined if they are anywhere near a Burning Fire Pit on a "Spare the Air" day.