Extreme drought throughout Arizona has created fire danger for those weekend outdoors enthusiasts who explore the beauties of the state.

If you really need a campfire, even some developed state parks are only allowing charcoal and no wood fires. Campers are strongly encouraged to use only propane stoves and heaters this summer while they are camping to prevent accidental wildfires.

Remember, fire can travel underground along dry roots and in duff during extremely dry seasons. Also remember, it is illegal to use fireworks on public land in Arizona.

The 27 State Parks in Arizona provide many opportunities, and parks such as Lyman Lake in Northern Arizona, Roper Lake in Safford, and Alamo Lake State Park will probably not fill to capacity. Day use and historic parks have plenty of room for day trippers, and Kartchner Caverns State Park has 100 walk-up tickets each day of the weekend.

Just call each park before you leave town and check for conditions.

Fire restrictions are in place statewide, so if you are planning a trip, be sure to check www.azstateparks or www.azfireinfo.com about fire restrictions on public lands.

Many of the parks in the Arizona State Parks system have developed camping areas; however, if you cause a fire under fire restrictions, it may result in substantial fines and jail time. To keep your family and public lands safe while camping, please follow these precautionary tips:

• Bring a propane stove for cooking/heating.
• Carry a shovel in your car and use dirt and FIVE gallons of water for putting out campfires in developed sites.
• Be sure campfires are dead out and cold. Under the soil, the duff is very dry, and fire will travel underground to pop up in other areas that is why cement-based fire rings are important.
• If you smoke, don't hike. Only smoke in vehicles or designed campsite and never toss a cigarette. Check signs at each State Park for restrictions.

State Parks Campgrounds, Northern Arizona

Call ahead —

Dead Horse Ranch State Park - (928) 634-5283 - Cottonwood - 150 campsites - fish, boating, hiking (no campfires, no smoking while hiking)

Fool Hollow Lake State Park - (928) 537-3680 – 92 hookup sites & 31 campsites - (smoking and campfires restricted, no smoking while hiking)

Lyman Lake State Park - (928) 337-4441 - 61 campsites & 4 yurts / 4 cabins (campfires in cement fire rings and smoking in vehicles. No smoking while hiking.)

Homolovi Ruins State Historic Park - (928) 289-4106 - 53 camp sites, Hopi Ruins (campfires/smoking in developed areas only. No hiking while smoking)

Slide Rock State Park – (928) 282-3034 – (Closed due to the Brins fire)

State Parks Campgrounds, Southern Arizona

Call ahead —

Catalina State Park (520) 628-5798 - 48 campsites (FIRE DANGER Extreme, only propane, no smoking while hiking)

Kartchner Caverns State Park (520) 586-4100 - 62 campsites - cave tours, (Propane only. Smoking in camp area or vehicle, no smoking while hiking)

Lost Dutchman State Park (480) 982-4485 - 70 campsites (charcoal and propane fires only, wood campfires not allowed, no smoking while hiking)

Patagonia Lake State Park (520) 287-6965 – 107 campsites (campfires ok in designated grills, smoking in camp areas only, no smoking while hiking).

Picacho Peak State Park (520) 466-3183 - 85 campsites - (charcoal and propane fires ok, wood campfires not allowed, no smoking while hiking)

Roper Lake State Park (928) 428-6760 - 71 campsites - (campfires and smoking restricted to developed areas only, no hiking and smoking.)

State Parks Campgrounds, Western Arizona

Call ahead —

Alamo Lake State Park (928) 669-2088 - 250 campsites (campfires and smoking in designed areas only) waterskiing, swimming.

Buckskin Mountain State Park & River Island (928) 667-3231 – 126 campsites (campfires in designated grills, no smoking while hiking) water sports

Cattail Cove State Park (928) 855-1223 - 61 campsites (NO CAMPFIRES, smoking in vehicles, no smoking while hiking) water sports, hiking

Lake Havasu State Park (928) 855-2784 - 47 campsites – (campfires in fire-rings call for details, smoking in camp areas, no hiking while smoking) water sports.

For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (long distance: (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.gov.