Beach Bonfires on the Outer Banks

Beach fires can be a fun way to gather after a day at the beach, but not all towns permit fires on the beach. 

Beach bonfires are not allowed in the towns of:

• Duck
• Southern Shores
• Kitty Hawk
• Kill Devil Hills

The Town of Nags Head

The Town of Nags Head does allow beach fires, but you will need a permit and follow the rules. Permits are issued between 5:30 p.m. and midnight daily based on current wind speed and fire danger conditions. Permits are valid the day of issue only, through midnight, and are valid only within the Town of Nags Head.

Click here to learn how to get a permit for a fire in Nags Head.

• Fire Permits are good for the day of purchase only till midnight, and are valid only within the Town of Nags Head. 
• The fire must be attended at all times by a responsible adult, and have permit in hand. 
• Build the fire no closer than 50 feet from any combustible materials, in a hollowed-out sand pit no larger than 3 feet in diameter and at least 1 foot deep.
• The fire must be completely extinguished with water and clean up all debris and trash from the beach area after the fire is completely out.
• Only burn leaves, branches or other plant growth - nothing else.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Beach fires are also allowed in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The seashore begins just south of Whalebone Junction at the end of South Nags Head. Coquina Beach is a popular spot in the seashore for visitors - only a 15-20 minute drive from Nags Head or Kill Devil Hills. Coquina Beach offers boarded walkways to the beach and has fully equipped bathroom facilities. There are no homes nearby, so this beach is an ideal location for an evening beach bonfire.

Beach fires require a beach fire permit, and are allowed on the beaches all along the seashore from November 16 to April 30 or from May 1 to November 15, beach fires are allowed only on the ocean beaches at Coquina Beach and in the villages.

You can download a beach fire permit for the Cape Hatteras National Seashore here.

• Fires are allowed from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Fires no greater than 3 feet in diameter may be ignited and maintained seaward of the ocean dune, below the high tide mark, and at least 50 feet from any vegetation.
• The Beach Fire Permit is valid only when a responsible adult (18 years of age or older) is present.
• Fires cannot be left unattended and must be completely extinguished (cold to the touch) before leaving the area.
• Follow the Leave No Trace ethic and clean the area of all trash before leaving the beach.