Hi REZ,
As Mentioned open fires are NEVER allowed in the Angeles National Forest outside of designated campfire rings and or BBQ grills provided in the campgrounds. As stated, gas and petroleum are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit. As Toolman stated, fire violations are taken VERY seriously in the forest. Also as mentioned there is no "bail amount" set that you can mail in like other tickets. IT IS A MANDATORY VISIT BEFORE THE U.S. FEDERAL JUDGE IN THE U.S. FEDERAL COURT BUILDING IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES. He decides your fate.
The violation is punishable as a misdemeaner by a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisionment of not more that 6 months or both. I'm told the Judge takes fire violations very seriously in light of the devestation of recent fires. Failure to appear will result in a federal bench warrant being issued for your arrest. I guess what I'm trying to say is, just follow the rules and you'll be fine. Go ahead and have fun. If a campfire is a must for your camping experience outside of a campground, you'll need to go further north, say to the Inyo National Forest. I'm partial to the Bishop Creek area myself.
There are plenty of back woods areas to camp off the beaten path. Anywhere along the PCT trail is nice. I used to like to backpack into Devil's Canyon on the backside of Mt. Waterman. The trailhead is near Buckhorn. There are also a lot of nice spots, right here around Wrightwood, with water. Try the Prarie Fork, Fish Fork areas below Camp Lupine. I also like the Blue Ridge area. While there are two campgrounds on top of the moutain, Guffy and Blue Ridge Campgrounds, there are a lot of nice areas inbetween that have very thick wooded areas. Near Frost Peak is a favorite of many and the view from up there are spectacular. With the current fire danger it is possible that the fire danger level in the Angeles National Forest will be raised from HIGH to VERY HIGH. That still shouldn't prevent gas or petroleum stoves from being used.
