Backcountry firewood changes 2025

Beginning in 2025, free and unlimited firewood will no longer be provided for backcountry campsites and rustic cabins.

Backcountry campers may continue to have campfires in the metal firebox on their campsite when there are no wildfire restrictions in effect. However, campers who choose to have a campfire must purchase firewood at the Visitor Centre or Campground Kiosk and transport it to their site.

Campers are encouraged to rely on the appliance they bring with them for their cooking, heating, and entertainment needs. See a list of permitted appliances (including those allowed during a fire ban).

Why is this change being introduced?

Fire has been used on the Kejimkujik landscape by generations of Mi’kmaq, settlers, and recreationists. Today’s realities of high visitor demand and climate change call for an approach that is adapted to the present context so that future generations may continue to enjoy this experience.

While many other national parks and wilderness areas have restricted backcountry fire altogether, our approach at this time seeks to preserve the tradition by balancing the impacts of campfires with environmental and operational considerations.

Encouraging responsible fire use

Making campfires an optional, user-pay service helps promote responsible firewood use while still providing visitors the choice to have campfires when permitted. Building on the successful implementation and compliance of partial fire bans in recent years, we have an opportunity to adapt behaviour in response to our changing climate.

Redirecting resources

Firewood provision has become financially and environmentally unsustainable due to increased demand and consumption, and increased cost of goods and service delivery. Redirecting resources allows us to shift our focus to trail and infrastructure maintenance and repair, key priorities identified by visitors during management planning consultations.

Helping reduce fire risk

Reducing the amount of fire in the backcountry also reduces the wildfire risk. This change builds on the wildfire risk reduction work we’ve begun doing in the Kejimkujik frontcountry, and fosters a culture at Kejimkujik which is less dependent on campfires. 

Where can I buy campfire wood?

Firewood will be available to purchase upon backcountry camping registration at the Visitor Centre. It can also be purchased at the Campground Kiosk.

The wood is supplied by, and supports, the Friends of Keji Cooperating Association.

Can I bring my own firewood?

To control the spread of invasive forest pests, all imported firewood is prohibited and only firewood purchased at Kejimkujik is permitted. Alternatively, visitors may bring commercially available heat-treated firewood, fibre logs, or processed fire bricks in the original sealed packaging. Lumber does not meet the criteria and will not be permitted for use in campfires.

Can I burn wood from my campsite?

No. Collecting deadwood and debris from the forest is not permitted, to allow for natural processes, including forest regeneration. The collection of deadwood and debris in a national park is illegal and subject to penalty under the National Parks Act.

How does this change how I pack for my backcountry trip?

Front- and backcountry campers should always be prepared for the possibility of fire restrictions (fire bans) by bringing a camping stove and fuel, flashlight or lantern, and a sealed change of warm, dry clothes.

Alternatives to gathering by a campfire might include stargazing, storytelling, card games, art, or reading, so consider entertainment when packing.

Hikers and paddlers who intend to purchase firewood will need to factor in the volume and weight of that wood when packing for their trips.

Resources

• Stoves
• Campfire alternatives - Leave No Trace
• How to go camping without a campfire | MEC
• Fire safety