← Ohio burn ban rules›Campfire Rules
Ohio Campfire Rules (2026)
Permitted: 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.
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.
Official source: ohiodnr.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Campfire Rules in states bordering Ohio
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- 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 →
- 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 →
- MichiganPermitted
Recreational campfires are generally allowed and do not require a DNR burn permit, but must be kept small, contained, attended, and fully extinguished. Local rules may add restrictions and override state rules where more restrictive.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: michigan.gov · Full Michigan 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 →
- 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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