← South Dakota burn ban rules›Campfire Rules
South Dakota Campfire Rules (2026)
Conditional: In the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District a campfire permit is required to use a recreational/ceremonial fire on private land.
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.
Official source: wildlandfire.sd.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Campfire Rules in states bordering South Dakota
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- 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 →
- 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 →
- 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 →
- North DakotaPermitted
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.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: deq.nd.gov · Full North Dakota rule →
- WyomingConditional
When county fire restrictions are in effect, campfires are typically allowed only in designated/improved fire rings (often 15+ ft from burnable material) or enclosed stoves/grills; open fires in unimproved areas are banned. Otherwise allowed with caution. Federal lands have separate rules.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wsfd.wyo.gov · Full Wyoming rule →
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