Guide To The Perfect Outer Banks Bonfire

Fall means cozy sweaters, hot coffee, changing leaves, and bonfires of course! What could be better than a bonfire on the beaches of the Outer Banks?! Our Perfect Outer Banks Bonfire Guide will help you have a safe, fun bonfire for all to enjoy this fall season.

1 // Know The Rules

Bonfires are not permitted in Corolla, Duck, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills. In Nags Head, bonfires are allowed with a permit! You can get your permit from Fire Station 16 at milepost 14.5, Fire Station 21 at Milepost 18, or online. The southern beaches (Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Hatteras, and Ocracoke) also allow beach bonfires with a permit!

2 // Have Your Supplies

You can’t have a bonfire without proper supplies. Make sure you’re burning natural materials like leaves, branches, or other plant growth. It’s illegal to burn anything other than natural materials including lumber scraps and trash. Make sure you have enough skewers or sticks to roast your marshmallows and hot dogs and a cooler packed with drinks for everyone! Bring a bucket to fill with ocean water to extinguish your fire when you’re done. Recyclable shopping bags make great trash bags to tote your trash to the can once you clean up.

3 // Grab Some Recipes

There’s more than one way to make a s’more! Get creative with cookies like oreos, fudge stripes, and the classic graham cracker. Reese’s Cups, classic Hershey bars, and even fruit can add different sweet twists to your creation!

5 // Have Fun

Bonfires are a great way to spend time with friends and family you love. Crank up the music, laugh until you cry, and make memories on the Outer Banks that’ll last a lifetime.

6 // Put It Out

When you’ve had enough bonfire fun, make sure the fire is thoroughly put out and there are no embers still lit. Douse the fire with water then cover with dry sand. Make sure you clean up all trash and foreign objects you brought with you. Leave nothing but footprints on our beaches!