Memorial Day weekend is here, and Central Oregon is one of the most popular destinations in the Pacific Northwest for the holiday. But with dry conditions and an early fire season, land managers are urging visitors to plan ahead — campfires are banned across most public lands, and popular campgrounds have been booked solid for weeks.

Fire Season Started Early

The 2026 Oregon fire season was officially declared on May 8, one of the earliest starts in recent years. On May 18 at 12:01 a.m., the Deschutes National Forest, Ochoco National Forest, Crooked River National Grassland, and the Prineville District Bureau of Land Management moved into Stage 1 Public Use Fire Restrictions.

"Recent weather patterns including above-average temperatures, low relative humidity and predicted winds have all combined to make fuel conditions dry and the risk of fire very high on the ground," said Isabella Isaksen, Central Oregon Fire Management Services public information officer.

Jefferson County Fire & EMS District implemented its own open burn ban even earlier — all open burning was closed at sunset on May 3.

What Stage 1 Means for Campers

Under Stage 1 restrictions, the following are prohibited on public lands:

  • Open fires, including wood stoves and charcoal briquette fires
  • Campfires at undeveloped or dispersed camping sites
  • Smoking except in an enclosed vehicle, building, or developed recreation site

Campfires are still permitted in designated fire rings at maintained campgrounds. Backpackers and dispersed campers may use elevated bottled gas stoves. Several campgrounds are exempt, including those in Deschutes National Forest Wilderness areas (Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, Three Sisters, Diamond Peak, and Mt. Thielsen Wildernesses).

Locally, the following campgrounds allow fires in designated rings: Skull Hollow and Haystack Reservoir (Crooked River National Grassland), and several campgrounds in the Ochoco and Deschutes national forests.

Campgrounds Are Packed

"I know Tumalo State Park is absolutely full this weekend. Of course, a very beautiful and popular park. I believe La Pine is as well, or at least very close to capacity," said Lauren Wirtis, communications manager for the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. "On a gorgeous weekend like this one, I imagine they are going to be all booked up."

Most sites at Tumalo, La Pine, Prineville Reservoir, and the Cove Palisades State Park require reservations. Some first-come, first-served options remain in the Deschutes and Ochoco national forests, but even those are expected to fill quickly.

Stay Safe This Weekend

Fire officials are asking everyone heading outdoors to follow these guidelines:

  • Never leave a fire unattended — and when in doubt, do not build one at all
  • Drown and stir any permitted campfire until it is completely cold to the touch
  • Keep a shovel and water nearby
  • Check TripCheck.com for road conditions on the way out
  • Report fires immediately by calling 911

The 2026 fire season is in effect until terminated by a declaration from the State Forester. Violations of fire restrictions carry fines of up to $100,000 and potential criminal liability if a fire results from the violation.