Georgia Campfire Rules (2026)

Permitted: Campfires and barbeques are exempt from EPD's summer open-burning ban and need no GFC burn permit.

PermittedVerified Jun 18, 2026

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Campfires and barbeques are exempt from EPD's summer open-burning ban and need no GFC burn permit. Attend the fire until fully extinguished, keep clearance from structures/woodlands, and follow any local ordinances.

Official source: epd.georgia.gov →

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

Campfire Rules in states bordering Georgia

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

AlabamaConditional
Recreational fires under 1/4 acre and not within 25 ft of natural fuels need no AFC permit, but a Governor-declared Drought Emergency ('No Burn Order') bans campfires; only charcoal/masonry/gas grills for cooking remain allowed.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: forestry.alabama.gov · Full Alabama rule →
FloridaPermitted
Recreational campfires, bonfires and contained outdoor cooking/heating fires using vegetative debris or untreated wood need no Florida Forest Service authorization, but must be attended at all times and never left while flame or smoke is visible; clear setbacks and local bans still apply.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: fdacs.gov · Full Florida rule →
North CarolinaPermitted
Campfires, outdoor cooking fires and bonfires are permitted (burning only vegetation/firewood) unless prohibited by local ordinance or a temporary burn ban. Fires must be controlled and never left unattended.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: deq.nc.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
South CarolinaConditional
Campfires/recreational fires are allowed but, since 2017 law (H.3719), can be prohibited under a State Forester's Burning Ban. Cooking fires and fires in approved enclosures (fire pits, chimineas) are exempt from such bans (SC Code 48-35-55).
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: scfc.gov · Full South Carolina rule →
TennesseePermitted
Campfires are generally allowed without a state debris-burn permit, but a state or county burn ban (proclaimed by the Commissioner of Agriculture or Governor) prohibits all open-air burning including campfires and cooking fires. Check local ordinances.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →

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