← Maryland burn ban rules›Campfire Rules
Maryland Campfire Rules (2026)
Permitted: Small recreational fires such as campfires are exempt from the open air burning regulations and permit requirement, but are not allowed when a statewide burn ban is in effect.
Official source: dnr.maryland.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Campfire Rules in states bordering Maryland
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- DelawareConditional
Recreational fires — campfires (≤27 cu ft), cooking fires (≤10 cu ft), patio fire pits, chimeneas — are allowed year-round and any time of day, exempt from the Ozone-Season ban. Still prohibited on Air Quality Action Days or under State Fire Marshal/NWS red-flag bans.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnrec.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
- District of ColumbiaConditional
Recreational and cooking fires are allowed as an exception to DC's open-burning ban, but must be kept >=25 ft from structures, constantly attended, with fire-extinguishing equipment on hand (DC Fire Code).
Verified Jun 19, 2026 · Source: doee.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
- PennsylvaniaConditional
Campfires are allowed in fire rings that confine the fire in designated campgrounds. On state forest lands, fires in rings/fireplaces are prohibited March 1–May 25 and whenever forest-fire danger is high, very high, or extreme.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania 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 →
We watch the official sources behind Maryland burn bans rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.