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Kentucky Campfire Rules (2026)
Conditional: Recreational fires are generally allowed but during fire hazard seasons must follow the 150-ft / 6 a.m.–6 p.m. woodland restriction.
Recreational fires are generally allowed but during fire hazard seasons must follow the 150-ft / 6 a.m.–6 p.m. woodland restriction. Burn only natural plant matter; check local fire department before burning.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Campfire Rules in states bordering Kentucky
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 →
- IndianaPermitted
Recreational and ceremonial fires (e.g., campfire cooking, scouting) are exempt and allowed in all counties unless a local ordinance or county burn ban prohibits them. Fires cannot be used for disposal and must be extinguished if they create a hazard or nuisance.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: in.gov · Full Indiana 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 →
- OhioPermitted
Small recreational fires of clean, seasoned firewood, generally no larger than about 3 ft by 2 ft, are allowed statewide anytime with no permit or notification. Fires must not be for waste disposal; local ordinances may be stricter.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ohiodnr.gov · Full Ohio 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 →
- VirginiaConditional
During the 4 PM Burning Law (Feb 15–Apr 30) campfires count as open-air burning and are banned before 4 PM within 300 ft of woods. Allowed if covered by a 1/4-inch metal screen or kept 300+ ft from woods/brush; attend the fire and have water/rake/shovel ready.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dof.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
- West VirginiaConditional
Small fires for cooking, light or warmth are exempt from the daytime ban if all grass/brush/debris is cleared 10 ft around the fire and the fire is attended until fully extinguished. Larger debris fires follow the seasonal 5 PM–7 AM hour restrictions.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wvforestry.com · Full West Virginia rule →
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