> Canonical: https://caparks.org/guides/firewood-and-vessel-inspections
> Content revision: 2026-10-20T20:49:51.410Z

THE FIELD GUIDE

# Firewood and boat rules that protect California parks

Check destination-specific firewood restrictions and vessel inspection requirements before moving between parks.

Reviewed Oct 20, 2026 · California Parks

## Review firewood restrictions before packing

Palomar Mountain’s notice prohibits bringing oak firewood into the park because of the threat of goldspotted oak borer spread in San Diego County. It says wood is sold when the kiosk is open and identifies other wood species visitors may bring. This is a specific park rule: confirm the current notice and kiosk arrangements before relying on purchased wood being available when you arrive.

[Official visitor information](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=637)

## An exit inspection has a particular purpose

Silverwood Lake’s notice requires an exit inspection for all vessels after mussels were found there. It directs boaters to remove all plugs and drain live wells before inspection, and describes checks for debris on boats and trailers. The same notice says Silverwood is no longer conducting entrance inspections or providing inspection seals. Entrance and exit procedures are different; do not assume one replaces the other.

[Official visitor information](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=650)

## Check the next launch site as well

The Silverwood notice says vessels launched there may need a dry-out period before entering another water body. It also identifies reinspection requirements for previously sealed vessels heading to Lake Perris or Diamond Valley Lake, and directs boaters to their next destination for that destination’s dry-out or decontamination rules. Plan the sequence of lakes before travel; this guide does not prescribe a universal waiting period.

[Official visitor information](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=650)

## Documented current impacts

These notices are shared with affected park pages. Regional guidance is labeled separately.

Visitor advisoryPests & invasive species

### Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area: Vessel exit inspections

Park-specific information

- Vessel exit inspections

Following mussel detection, the lake requires vessel exit inspections and no longer supplies entrance inspection seals. Check the destination lake’s dry-out or decontamination requirements before taking a vessel elsewhere.

[Read the official notice: California State Parks visitor directory ↗](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=650)Source checked Oct 20, 2026

[Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area ↗](https://caparks.org/parks/silverwood-lake-state-recreation-area)

Visitor advisoryPests & invasive species

### Palomar Mountain State Park: Incoming oak firewood

Park-specific information

- Incoming oak firewood

The agency prohibits bringing oak firewood into the park because of the goldspotted oak borer threat. Check current park firewood and fire restrictions; this does not establish an infestation at a particular campsite.

[Read the official notice: California State Parks visitor directory ↗](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=637)Source checked Oct 20, 2026

[Palomar Mountain State Park ↗](https://caparks.org/parks/palomar-mountain-state-park)

## Sources & further reading

- [www.parks.ca.gov: official resource ↗](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=637)

- [www.parks.ca.gov: official resource ↗](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=650)

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