There’s something timeless about the smell of woodsmoke curling from a cabin chimney or a campfire glowing against the cool mountain night. In Yellowstone Country, firewood has always been more than fuel—it’s part of how people connect to the land. Whether it’s stacked high for a long Montana winter or gathered for a weekend camping trip, firewood keeps us warm, cooks our meals, and adds a rustic rhythm to life here.
A Tradition Rooted in the Land
For generations, residents of Yellowstone’s gateway communities have relied on nearby forests to fill their woodpiles. In places like Gardiner, West Yellowstone, Cooke City, Cody, and Livingston, firewood harvesting is both a seasonal ritual and a practical necessity. In a region where winter can stretch for half the year, a well-stocked shed isn’t just comfort—it’s survival.
Today, the tradition continues. Locals head into national forest lands in the fall, permits in hand, to cut their supply. Visitors too can take part in this practice, provided they follow the rules and regulations that protect the health of Yellowstone’s forests.
Where and How to Harvest
Firewood cutting is not allowed within Yellowstone National Park, but surrounding public lands—including the Custer Gallatin, Shoshone, Beaverhead-Deerlodge, and Caribou-Targhee National Forests—offer opportunities for personal use.
• Permits are required, and most national forests allow you to buy them online or at ranger district offices.
• Downed or dead trees are typically fair game, while live cutting is often restricted to certain areas.
• Forest roads and weather conditions can vary greatly—always check current updates before heading out.
Why It Matters
Firewood permits don’t just provide fuel; they also help manage forest health. Removing dead and downed timber reduces fire danger and clears space for new growth. Plus, harvesting wood locally means fewer fossil fuels burned transporting heating sources.
Gathering Safely and Responsibly
If you’re planning to cut your own firewood in Yellowstone Country:
• Bring the right gear: chainsaw, safety equipment, gloves, and a sturdy vehicle.
• Be mindful of your surroundings: wildlife and weather can change conditions quickly.
• Leave no trace beyond your stacked pile—pack out trash and respect habitat.
• Plan ahead: know the regulations for your specific forest district.
A Warm Tradition
Whether you’re a local filling a winter’s worth of logs or a visitor enjoying a crackling campfire on a cool August night, harvesting firewood in Yellowstone Country ties you to a tradition as old as the mountains themselves. It’s about warmth, self-reliance, and respect for the land.
So the next time you breathe in the sharp, resinous scent of pine smoke in the air, remember—you’re experiencing one of the quiet, enduring ways people have always lived in step with Yellowstone Country.
