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WHAT EVERYONE OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT BEACH BONFIRES IN OCEANSIDE, CA

1/21/2015

 
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The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce receives almost every phone call under the sun about any topic regarding Oceanside, CA.  I have answered all types of questions regarding Oceanside and the North County San Diego region. In the summer months (and leading up to those months) the number one concern from beachgoers is whether or not bonfires are allowed on the beach.  The answer is yes, they are!  However, there are some stipulations. 

First and foremost, bonfires MUST be kept within the specific Oceanside City fire rings ONLY.  You cannot bring your own bonfire pit.  With that said, fire pits are dispersed on a first come, first serve basis.  I’ve heard rumors of people going to the beach at 3 or 4 am in order to have a claim on the pit for the rest of the day.  Granted I’ve only heard that rumor on the 4th of July, but still, that’s early.  Fires are only to be burning from 6:00 am – 11:00 pm and there must be a person in attendance at all times the fire is burning.  The fires can only be put out with water, absolutely not sand!   

The advice I usually give is this: if you plan to have a bonfire in the summer months, it gets pretty competitive to get a ring.  (Especially on July 4).  There is the highest concentration of fire pits at the north end of the Oceanside Harbor.  Once you are at the Oceanside Harbor there are two places to find a pit.  The first is on the beach side by the North Jetty.  The second is on the east side of the general/RV parking lot at the very north end of the Harbor and those pits face the actual Harbor.  There are fire pits at the Pier as well but from my experience, those fill up faster than at the Harbor. 

If you plan to have a bonfire any time other than summer, you are typically pretty safe just to show up and find an open bonfire pit.  Especially on the north end of the Harbor.  Don’t hold me to that, but personally when I have beach bonfires down there in the off months (late September – late April) I do very little planning and always land a fire ring.  

Happy Bonfiring! 

PS here is the official link to the information about Oceanside beaches, bonfires included.  http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/gov/pw/harbor/info/
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Jana
7/14/2015 10:20:38 am

Is there a place to park past 8pm that is less than the $25 all day fee?

Kierstin link
7/29/2015 07:56:51 am

Hi Jana,
There are a few parking lots in the beach area that charge $5 for all day. Then there are tons of metered street spots as well as some free two hour parking. MainStreet Oceanside published this map of parking in Downtown Oceanside: http://www.mainstreetoceanside.com/#!blank/c1y13
Kierstin

Tayron
6/16/2018 12:47:05 am

Yes, you’re gonna find it about $17.00 about the block away s

Mel
7/20/2015 04:36:38 pm

Are dogs allowed with us when we are having a bonfire?

Kierstin link
7/29/2015 07:54:39 am

Hi Mel,
Dogs are not allowed on the beach in Oceanside, so unfortunately no. The closest dog beach is in Del Mar.
Kierstin

Big J link
3/1/2016 05:39:14 pm

I heard that the dod had to be on a leash at all times

Patman
7/13/2016 08:44:28 pm

The golden age of California has come and gone. Regulations and crowds are killing everything.
Visitors want to see the beach and have a bonfire...not anymore.
Someone gets their feet burnt from hot coals so we ban fires outside of established rings instead of banning the leaving or dumping of hot coals.
Does the city or state install even a few more rings? Of course not!

Since people speed in cars lets just ban driving.

JimBob
5/19/2022 07:50:49 pm

Would you like some cheese with that whine?

Patman
7/13/2016 08:44:51 pm

The golden age of California has come and gone. Regulations and crowds are killing everything.
Visitors want to see the beach and have a bonfire...not anymore.
Someone gets their feet burnt from hot coals so we ban fires outside of established rings instead of banning the leaving or dumping of hot coals.
Does the city install even a few more rings? Of course not!

Since people speed in cars lets just ban driving.

Patman
7/13/2016 08:44:57 pm

The golden age of California has come and gone. Regulations and crowds are killing everything.
Visitors want to see the beach and have a bonfire...not anymore.
Someone gets their feet burnt from hot coals so we ban fires outside of established rings instead of banning the leaving or dumping of hot coals.
Does the city install even a few more rings? Of course not!

Since people speed in cars lets just ban driving.

Rebecca Davis
8/17/2016 11:57:06 pm

Are tents allowed in the overnight camping lots? Or only RV's and travel trailers?

Kierstin link
8/29/2016 09:11:17 am

Hi Rebecca,
Tents are not allowed in the overnight camping spots. Only RVs and travel trailers are allowed. The overnight camping spots are large parking spaces, not really conducive to tents.
Kierstin

Kira Bigler
3/4/2017 01:01:07 pm

Are there any restrictions as far as food and drink at the fire pits? I'm assuming no glass containers but what are the regulations on that?

Emily
5/29/2017 07:24:53 pm

What is the actual location of the fire pits? Is there an address of something close?

Mike link
11/21/2017 07:56:36 am

Try this: 1380 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054
This is the address of the fuel dock. If you look google street view, you can see the fire rings on the beach.

Jamie
3/10/2018 04:40:37 am

Hi. We’re planning a trip to the beach on Easter weekend. Are there any rules against having a family egg hunt on the beach?

Susan link
3/12/2018 08:14:40 am

Hello Jamie,

You have picked a great place to spend Easter weekend! There is no rule against this. Here are some the rules and regulations:
http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/gov/manager/harbor/info/default.asp
If this page does not give you all the information you are looking for, I would recommend you call the city.They can be reached at (760) 435-3000.

Have a wonderful week!
Susan Monroe
Administrative Assistant
OCC

Simone
6/11/2018 12:50:37 am

Are we allowed to bring our own grill to grill on the beach.. and of course we will clean up everything when were done..

Natalia
7/14/2018 08:50:12 pm

Wondering the same thing!
??

Liam White
11/13/2020 03:22:05 pm

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Chris Pederson link
2/16/2021 04:53:30 pm

I had no idea that it gets competitive to have a bonfire during the summer. My wife and I are planning a trip to the beach this summer. Maybe we can find a place to have a bonfire after all.

Nico
4/5/2022 09:53:58 am

When my kid had her sweet 16, she wanted a bonfire near the pier.
I had to book it at around 10am that day.

In winter,fall,spring it's easier and you can just show up in the afternoon, maybe 2pm and save a spot.

Mona
6/10/2022 06:17:48 am

Is that how you claim a bonfire, you book it?


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928 N. Coast Highway | Oceanside, CA 92054
760-722-1534 | [email protected]
Copyright © 2025 Oceanside Chamber of Commerce

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Picture
  • About Us
    • Advocacy >
      • Chamber Political Action Committee
      • Public Policy Guidelines
    • Our Work >
      • 2024 Annual Report
      • Committees - Task Forces - Forums
    • Oceanside Young Professionals
    • Oceanside Leadership Academy
    • Workforce Development >
      • SOCAL Workforce
      • Pooled Employer Plan
      • Kindness
      • Frontline Friendly
    • Chamber Staff
    • Privacy Policy
  • Membership
    • Member Portal
    • Business Directory >
      • All Categories
      • Coupons
      • New Members
    • Application
    • Testimonials
    • Digital Plaque - Oceanside Chamber Member
  • Events
    • Signature Chamber Events >
      • Meet the City of Oceanside
      • Armed Forces Day Operation Appreciation
      • Coastal Business Expo
      • North County Health Fair
      • Heroes of Oceanside and Camp Pendleton
      • Oceanside Senior Showcase
      • Rising Star Student Program
    • Monthly Chamber Events
    • Oceanside Community Events
    • Annual OCC Mixer Passs
  • Media
    • Publications >
      • Best of Oceanside Magazine
      • Military Publications
    • Advertising Your Business
    • Member News
    • Blog
  • Oceanside
    • About Oceanside >
      • History of Oceanside
      • Demographics
      • Arts and Culture
      • Education
      • Employment
      • Health Care
      • Religious Organizations
      • Local Government and Services
      • Retiring in Oceanside
      • Oceanside Maps
    • Visitor Information >
      • Beaches
      • Accommodations
      • Groups and Meeting
    • Things to Do >
      • Oceanside Events >
        • Downtown History Walks
        • Farmers Market
        • Sunset Market
      • Shopping >
        • Coupons
      • Dining
      • Surfing
      • Regional Attractions
    • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Resources
    • Community Resources
    • Local Business Resources
    • Military Resources
    • Sustainability Resources