1. Know the Rules
If you camp in national parks, you won't be able to gather your own firewood. Even if you trip over a big piece of dead wood that's sitting right next to your campfire, you're not allowed to burn it in a fire. You'll have to bring your own wood if camping at a national park. If you camp at a national forest, they'll usually let you gather dead wood, but only in posted locations. You won't be able to chop down trees for wood though. State parks don't usually allow you to gather your own wood, though there are exceptions. Talk to park rangers for more information.
2. Choose the Right Wood for Your Needs
Hard wood such as almond, oak, mesquite, cedar and eucalyptus burns longer than soft wood. However, soft wood burns fast and splits easily. If you don't need your fire for long, a soft wood may be best for you. Soft woods include pine and pinyon. Cedar and oak woods produce the best smelling smoke whereas eucalyptus smoke can bother some people with allergies.
3. Gathering Firewood for Camping
It may be best when gathering your firewood to wear gloves. You never know what kinds of insects are living in wood, and gloves can also prevent against annoying splinters. In addition, you should check to make sure any animals such as snakes aren't living close to, in, or beneath the wood. The last thing you want to do is disturb an animal or reptile that really doesn't want to be disturbed. Make sure you don't go too far from your campsite when looking for wood. You'll have to carry it back to your campsite. In addition, you don't want to get lost when hunting for wood; not only is it embarrassing to explain to the park rangers, but it's a huge safety issue.
4. Avoid Traveling With Your Firewood
When you bring firewood you gathered while camping into your home, you may end up bringing dangerous insects into your house that don't belong there or in your neighborhood. If you take your firewood to other campsites, you may end up bringing pathogens and insects such as the Emerald Ash Borer to campgrounds that can infect animals and plants. Burn the firewood you gather or leave it for the next camper.
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