Los Angeles County, CA Outdoor Cooking: Smoker Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed spots
- Dockweiler fire pit, RV Park, Marina shelters only
- Barbecue legs
- Must stand at least 18 inches tall
- Picnic tables
- No barbecues on tables or benches
- Parking lot cooking
- Requires a County license or permit
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, up to $500 and jail
Summary
On County-run Los Angeles County beaches like Dockweiler and Marina del Rey, open fires and barbecues are banned except in specific County-installed fire pits, RV Park barbecues, and Marina Beach picnic shelters: no self-made fire pits or coal dumping in the sand.
A.A person shall not light or maintain any fire on any beach except within the following:1.A fire pit at Dockweiler Beach installed by the Department of Beaches and Harbors;2.One of the stationary barbecues located at, or any personal barbecue brought to, Dockweiler RV Park; and3.A personal barbecue brought to the Marina Beach picnic shelters; ... D.No private barbecue shall be allowed at the Dockweiler RV Park or in the Marina Beach picnic shelters unless it has at least 18 inch legs. E.No personal barbecue of any type shall be used on any picnic table or bench.
Full Breakdown
Los Angeles County Code § 17.12.370 confines beach fires to three spots: the County fire pit at Dockweiler Beach, stationary or personal barbecues at Dockweiler RV Park, and personal barbecues at the Marina Beach picnic shelters. Self-made fire pits are banned, and hot or cold coals cannot be dumped in the sand. Any private barbecue used at the RV Park or Marina Beach shelters must stand on legs at least 18 inches tall and can never sit directly on a picnic table or bench. Cooking anywhere in a beach parking lot requires a license or permit from the Department of Beaches and Harbors.
Violations & Fines
Violating LA County Code § 17.12.370 is a misdemeanor under § 17.08.400, punishable by up to a $500 fine and up to six months in County Jail; lifeguards and peace officers may also remove violators from the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own grill to a Los Angeles County beach?
Can I dig a fire pit in the sand at an LA County beach?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California outdoor cooking overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.