← Colorado burn ban rules›Campfire Rules

Colorado Campfire Rules (2026)

Conditional: Recreational campfires are exempt from the CDPHE smoke permit, so they're generally allowed on private land, but are subject to county sheriff fire bans/restrictions and federal (USFS/BLM/NPS) rules on public land.

ConditionalVerified Jun 18, 2026

Burn bans change week to week.Track burn bans in the free LawLert iPhone app and it alerts you when one is imposed or lifted where you live or where you are. No account.Get the app

Recreational campfires are exempt from the CDPHE smoke permit, so they're generally allowed on private land, but are subject to county sheriff fire bans/restrictions and federal (USFS/BLM/NPS) rules on public land. Always check current local restrictions first.

Official source: cdphe.colorado.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Campfire Rules in states bordering Colorado

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ArizonaConditional
Campfires on state land are allowed normally and in developed sites under Stage I restrictions, but Stage II bans all campfires, charcoal, and wood stoves (LPG/propane devices with on-off valves stay exempt). Full closures bar public access.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dffm.az.gov · Full Arizona rule →
KansasPermitted
Small recreational fires, campfires, barbecue grills, fire pits and smokers are allowed and are not restricted by the state open-burning rule or the April county burn ban; local ordinances may still apply.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: kdhe.ks.gov · Full Kansas rule →
NebraskaConditional
Recreational fires are allowed but open burning is broadly banned by statute; permits are issued locally by the fire chief. Governor-issued statewide burn bans can suspend all permit issuance during drought.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: sfm.nebraska.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
New MexicoConditional
Campfires are permitted when no fire restrictions apply, but statewide/area fire restrictions frequently prohibit campfires, smoking and fireworks during high wildfire danger. Federal, tribal and municipal lands may have separate rules.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: emnrd.nm.gov · Full New Mexico rule →
OklahomaConditional
Campfires and outdoor cooking fires are permitted; use established fire rings and keep fires small. Campfires are prohibited under an active county or Governor's burn ban. Check with park staff in state parks.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ag.ok.gov · Full Oklahoma rule →
UtahConditional
During the closed fire season (June 1–Oct 31) a burn permit is required for burning anything except campfires in improved/established fire pits. Always notify the local fire department, keep a water supply, and fully extinguish before leaving.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ffsl.utah.gov · Full Utah rule →
WyomingConditional
When county fire restrictions are in effect, campfires are typically allowed only in designated/improved fire rings (often 15+ ft from burnable material) or enclosed stoves/grills; open fires in unimproved areas are banned. Otherwise allowed with caution. Federal lands have separate rules.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wsfd.wyo.gov · Full Wyoming rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Colorado burn bans rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.