← North Dakota burn ban rules›Campfire Rules
North Dakota Campfire Rules (2026)
Permitted: Campfires and other fires for outdoor cooking are a permissible category of open burning and need no DEQ variance, but must be attended/supervised and create no nuisance.
Campfires and other fires for outdoor cooking are a permissible category of open burning and need no DEQ variance, but must be attended/supervised and create no nuisance. Local burn bans override and prohibit them when active.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Campfire Rules in states bordering North Dakota
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- MinnesotaPermitted
Recreational campfires (cooking/warming/ceremonial) no larger than 3ft x 3ft with 5ft of cleared ground around the base do not require a permit and are allowed under permit restrictions, but NOT during a burning ban.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.state.mn.us · Full Minnesota rule →
- MontanaConditional
Recreational campfires are generally permitted but become restricted or banned under DNRC/agency fire restrictions during dry conditions. Always check current restrictions and county burn closures before lighting any fire.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: mtfireinfo.org · Full Montana rule →
- South DakotaConditional
In the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District a campfire permit is required to use a recreational/ceremonial fire on private land. On Black Hills National Forest land, campfires are allowed only in established grates at designated campgrounds; otherwise District Ranger permission is needed.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wildlandfire.sd.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
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