Orange County has several beaches where you can enjoy a bonfire in a designated fire ring, including Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach, Balboa Pier and Corona del Mar. Most public beach fire pits are free and first-come, first-served, so summer weekends and holidays can fill up early. This 2026 guide explains where to find Orange County beach fire pits, which locations may offer reservations, what you can burn and how to plan your bonfire.
Important: Fire-ring availability and beach rules can change because of weather, air-quality restrictions, maintenance or special events. Check the managing agency’s current rules before leaving home.
Best Beaches for Bonfires in Orange County
| Beach | Fire-ring availability | Fuel | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bolsa Chica State Beach | Close to 200 rings | Clean wood or charcoal; confirm posted rules | Most are first-come; some reserved picnic areas include a ring |
| Huntington City Beach | Fire rings along the beach | Follow posted rules | Public rings are generally first-come |
| Huntington State Beach | Fire rings in designated areas | Follow State Parks rules | Most are first-come; reserved picnic areas may include a ring |
| Balboa Pier | 31 total rings | Wood or charcoal depending on ring color | First-come |
| Corona del Mar State Beach | 24 total rings | Wood or charcoal depending on ring color | First-come |
Free and First-Come Orange County Beach Fire Pits
Bolsa Chica State Beach Fire Rings
17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Bolsa Chica State Beach is one of the best choices for a large group because California State Parks reports close to 200 fire rings. The beach is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., and most rings are available on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number are associated with reservable picnic areas. Review the current Bolsa Chica State Beach information before your visit.
Huntington City Beach Fire Rings
Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Huntington City Beach has public fire rings on the sand near the pier and south toward Beach Boulevard. It is a convenient option if your group also wants to visit the pier, Pacific City or nearby restaurants. Rings are popular during summer, weekends and holidays, so plan to arrive early and check the City of Huntington Beach beach information for current hours and restrictions.
Huntington State Beach Fire Rings
21601 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
Huntington State Beach has designated fire rings as well as picnic areas, restrooms and volleyball courts. Most rings are first-come, first-served, while some reservable picnic areas may include a fire ring. Beach events can affect access and parking, so verify the details on the official Huntington State Beach page.
Balboa Pier Fire Rings
1 Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Newport Beach lists 31 fire rings around Balboa Pier: 16 west of the pier and 15 east of it. Eight rings are designated for ADA access. Green-painted rings are charcoal-only; unpainted rings allow clean wood or charcoal. The rings are first-come, first-served and may be used from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- West of Balboa Pier: eight wood-burning rings and eight charcoal-only rings
- East of Balboa Pier: seven wood-burning rings and eight charcoal-only rings
Corona del Mar State Beach Fire Rings
3001 Ocean Boulevard, Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Corona del Mar State Beach has 24 fire rings: 16 wood-burning rings and eight charcoal-only rings. Four are designated for ADA access. Like the Balboa rings, they are first-come, first-served and available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The parking lot is close to the beach, while street parking above the beach requires carrying supplies down the hill.
See the City of Newport Beach fire-ring guide for current locations, fuel rules and accessibility details.
Reservable Fire Pits and Bonfire Experiences
If no one in your group wants to arrive early to claim a public ring, a reservable fire-pit experience may be easier. Prices, packages and availability change, so confirm the details directly with each operator.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Newport Dunes has eight wood-burning fire rings. Access and reservation policies are controlled by the resort, so contact Newport Dunes before planning your visit.
Crystal Cove and the Beachcomber
15 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA 92657
The Beachcomber at Crystal Cove has offered paid beach fire-pit rentals and packages. This is a commercial rental rather than a free public fire ring. Check the Beachcomber’s current beach-rental options for availability, prices and included items.
Huntington Beach Bonfire Packages
Beachfront businesses and resorts in Huntington Beach—including SeaLegs at the Beach, Huntington Beach House and some nearby hotels—may offer reservable fire pits or hosted bonfire packages. These offerings change seasonally. Confirm the exact location, beach access, food-and-beverage rules, cancellation terms and what the package includes before booking.
Beaches With Removed or Restricted Fire Pits
Aliso Beach
31131 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
The former public fire rings at Aliso Beach were removed in 2023. Do not assume that a commercial propane fire-pit rental or hosted setup means the beach has free public wood-burning rings. Check current City of Laguna Beach rules and any rental operator’s terms before making plans.
Capistrano Beach
35005 Beach Road, Dana Point, CA 92624
Capistrano Beach’s public fire pits were removed after repeated coastal damage and safety concerns. The beach should not be listed as a current public bonfire location unless OC Parks confirms that rings have returned.
San Clemente State Beach
225 West Calafia Avenue, San Clemente, CA 92672
Fire rings at San Clemente State Beach are associated with campsites rather than open beach bonfires. A campground reservation does not create permission to build a fire on the sand. Review the campground’s current fire restrictions before arriving.
How to Get a Beach Fire Pit
- Arrive early. First-come rings can be claimed early in the morning on summer weekends and holidays.
- Keep someone with the ring. Belongings alone may not hold a public fire pit, and unattended items can create disputes.
- Use the correct fuel. Some rings permit clean wood, while others are charcoal-only. Never burn pallets, painted or treated wood, trash or materials containing nails.
- Do not bring your own fire pit unless the agency expressly permits it. Many beaches allow fires only inside installed, designated rings.
- Check local rules. Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited at many Orange County beaches. Rules vary by beach and managing agency.
- Extinguish the fire completely. Follow posted instructions and never bury hot coals in the sand.
- Pack out everything you bring. Remove food, trash and supplies before the beach closes.
Planning a full beach day? See our guide to the best Orange County beaches for toddlers and explore more things to do in Orange County.
Orange County Beach Bonfire FAQ
Which Orange County beaches allow bonfires?
Designated public fire rings are available at locations including Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington City Beach, Huntington State Beach, Balboa Pier and Corona del Mar State Beach. Fires must remain inside approved rings and are subject to current beach restrictions.
Are beach fire pits free in Orange County?
Most public beach fire rings are free to use on a first-come, first-served basis, although parking fees may apply. Reserved picnic areas, resort fire pits and hosted bonfire packages charge fees.
Can you reserve a fire pit at Huntington Beach?
Most public rings are first-come, first-served. Some reservable State Beach picnic areas may include a fire ring, and private operators or nearby resorts may offer paid hosted packages.
How early should I arrive for a beach fire pit?
On summer weekends and holidays, popular fire rings may be claimed early in the morning. Weekdays and off-season dates are generally less competitive, but there is no guaranteed arrival time.
Can I bring my own fire pit to the beach?
Do not bring a portable fire pit unless the beach’s managing agency specifically allows it. Many Orange County beaches permit fires only in permanent, designated rings.
Can I burn wood in Orange County beach fire rings?
It depends on the beach and the ring. In Newport Beach, green-painted rings are charcoal-only, while unpainted rings allow clean wood or charcoal. Always follow the markings and posted rules at your location.
Is alcohol allowed at an Orange County beach bonfire?
Alcohol is prohibited at many public beaches, including Newport Beach beaches. Check the rules for the specific beach; never conceal alcohol or bring glass containers where they are prohibited.
What time do Orange County beach fire pits close?
Hours vary. Bolsa Chica and Newport Beach fire rings are generally available until 10 p.m. Leave enough time to extinguish the fire completely and clean the area before closing.
Are there ADA-accessible beach fire rings?
Yes. Newport Beach identifies eight ADA-designated rings around Balboa Pier and four at Corona del Mar. Confirm current access routes and beach conditions before your visit.