← Massachusetts burn ban rules›Campfire Rules
Massachusetts Campfire Rules (2026)
Conditional: Outdoor cooking fires are allowed year-round statewide.
Outdoor cooking fires are allowed year-round statewide. Recreational (non-cooking) fire pits are treated as open burning and subject to season/permit limits; cooking fire pits must be kept reasonable in size, in a non-flammable enclosure, away from combustibles, and tended by an adult 18+.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Campfire Rules in states bordering Massachusetts
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- ConnecticutConditional
Campfires/bonfires aren't defined by CT statute, but many towns require a permit and set size/setback rules. Burn only clean unprocessed wood; fire must not create a nuisance. Check your local Open Burning Official or Fire Marshal.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: portal.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
- New HampshireRestricted
Campfires/cooking fires (Category I ≤2 ft, Category II ≤4 ft) require a written fire permit unless the ground is snow-covered. Fires must be in a fire-resistive ring, attended, and ≥25 ft from structures. Permits obtainable online (NHFirePermit.com) or from the local Warden.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: nhdfl.dncr.nh.gov · Full New Hampshire rule →
- New YorkPermitted
Campfires and small cooking fires under 3 ft high and 4 ft wide are allowed statewide year-round, using only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, unpainted wood. Never leave unattended; check the fire danger map and local rules first.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dec.ny.gov · Full New York rule →
- Rhode IslandConditional
Attended fires in fireplaces, incinerators, or rubbish burners are exempt from the permit rule, but Mar 15–May 15 such burning without a permit must occur before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. DEM bans outdoor fires at state campgrounds/parks during high danger.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dem.ri.gov · Full Rhode Island rule →
- VermontConditional
A burn permit from the Town Forest Fire Warden is required for open burning; small recreational/cooking campfires are commonly allowed, but wardens can ban open burning during high fire danger. State parks have their own designated-fire-pit rules.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: fpr.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →
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