Iowa Campfire Rules (2026)

Permitted: Recreational fires for cooking, heating, recreation and ceremonies are an exempt use and generally allowed.

PermittedVerified 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 fires for cooking, heating, recreation and ceremonies are an exempt use and generally allowed. A countywide burn ban does not prohibit grills, outdoor fireplaces, or permitted supervised burns. Local ordinances may be stricter.

Official source: iowadnr.gov →

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

Campfire Rules in states bordering Iowa

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

IllinoisPermitted
Campfires and bonfires are allowed on private property or in designated public areas, subject to local ordinance and so long as they do not create a nuisance or pollution problem. Burning of garbage is always prohibited.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: epa.illinois.gov · Full Illinois rule →
MinnesotaPermitted
Recreational campfires (cooking/warming/ceremonial) no larger than 3ft x 3ft with 5ft of cleared ground around the base do not require a permit and are allowed under permit restrictions, but NOT during a burning ban.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.state.mn.us · Full Minnesota rule →
MissouriPermitted
Campfires and fires for recreation, ceremony, or noncommercial cooking are allowed statewide and may burn only vegetative/untreated wood. Keep fires at least 75ft from buildings, small, attended, and fully extinguished; you are liable for any escape.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.mo.gov · Full Missouri 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 →
South DakotaConditional
In the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District a campfire permit is required to use a recreational/ceremonial fire on private land. On Black Hills National Forest land, campfires are allowed only in established grates at designated campgrounds; otherwise District Ranger permission is needed.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wildlandfire.sd.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
WisconsinConditional
Small campfires for warmth/cooking generally do not require a DNR burning permit, but must be attended, contained, and fully extinguished; local ordinances may apply and county/state-forest or park rules can add restrictions during high fire danger.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.wisconsin.gov · Full Wisconsin 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 Iowa burn bans rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.