← Missouri burn ban rules›Campfire Rules
Missouri Campfire Rules (2026)
Permitted: Campfires and fires for recreation, ceremony, or noncommercial cooking are allowed statewide and may burn only vegetative/untreated wood.
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.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Campfire Rules in states bordering Missouri
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- ArkansasConditional
Campfires are allowed when no county burn ban is active. During a burn ban, all outside burning—including campfires—is prohibited within that county for the ban period or until the county judge lifts it.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: portal.arkansas.gov · Full Arkansas rule →
- 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 →
- IowaPermitted
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.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: iowadnr.gov · Full Iowa 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 →
- KentuckyConditional
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.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: eec.ky.gov · Full Kentucky 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 →
- 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 →
- 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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