Can I have a campfire during a burn ban in Texas?

No. An active county burn ban prohibits open fires, including campfires, throughout the county on public and private land. Propane fire pits and stoves are usually still allowed — check the county order.

Are propane fire pits allowed during Texas burn bans?

Usually yes. Most county burn ban orders and state park fire bans allow LP-gas (propane) appliances with a shutoff valve, since they produce no embers. Confirm against your county's specific order.

Do Texas state parks allow campfires?

When no fire ban is in effect, yes — in designated fire rings. Parks can impose their own fire bans during high fire danger, separate from county burn bans. Check the park's alerts page or call before your trip.

Can I have a campfire on my own land in Texas?

Generally yes on rural private land when no county burn ban is active, but you're responsible for controlling it and liable for damage if it escapes. Cities commonly prohibit open fires inside city limits.

How do I put out a campfire properly?

Drown it with water, stir the ashes, and drown again, repeating until everything is cold to the touch. Most escaped campfires reignite from embers that felt 'out.'

Texas burn bans › Campfire Rules in Texas: Burn Bans, State Parks, and Safe Fires

Campfire rules in Texas — burn bans, state parks, and private land

By Burn Ban Texas · Updated July 25, 2026 · 86 of 254 Texas counties currently have a burn ban

Whether you can have a campfire in Texas depends on where you are and what's in effect that day. There are three layers to check: county burn bans, land-manager rules (state parks, federal land, private campgrounds), and basic fire safety law.

County burn bans and campfires

An active county burn ban prohibits open fires — including campfires — throughout the county, on both public and private land. Violations are Class C misdemeanors with fines up to $500. Check your county's status before your trip, and check again the day you light: bans are enacted and lifted on short notice.

Texas State Parks

Texas State Parks set their own fire rules, which can be stricter than the county's. A park may ban ground fires while still allowing fires in containment rings, or ban all open flame during high fire danger even without a county ban. Check the "Alerts" section on your park's page at tpwd.texas.gov or call the park before you go. Where fires are allowed, use the provided fire rings only.

Private land and campgrounds

On private rural land with no burn ban, recreational campfires are generally legal — but you remain responsible for keeping the fire controlled, and liable if it escapes. Private campgrounds and RV parks set their own rules and often prohibit ground fires year-round.

What's usually still allowed during a ban

Propane fire pits and stoves — most county orders and park fire bans allow LP-gas appliances with an on/off valve, making a propane fire pit the reliable drought-season substitute for a wood campfire.
Enclosed cooking devices — camp stoves and enclosed grills are commonly permitted; open charcoal fires often are not.

Always confirm against the specific order or park alert — exceptions vary.

Safe campfire checklist (when legal)

Use an established ring or clear a spot down to dirt, 15+ feet from tents, brush, and overhanging limbs.
Keep it small, and keep water and a shovel within reach.
Never leave it unattended, even briefly.
Drown, stir, and drown again until it's cold to the touch before you leave or sleep.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a campfire during a burn ban in Texas?: No. An active county burn ban prohibits open fires, including campfires, throughout the county on public and private land. Propane fire pits and stoves are usually still allowed — check the county order.
Are propane fire pits allowed during Texas burn bans?: Usually yes. Most county burn ban orders and state park fire bans allow LP-gas (propane) appliances with a shutoff valve, since they produce no embers. Confirm against your county's specific order.
Do Texas state parks allow campfires?: When no fire ban is in effect, yes — in designated fire rings. Parks can impose their own fire bans during high fire danger, separate from county burn bans. Check the park's alerts page or call before your trip.
Can I have a campfire on my own land in Texas?: Generally yes on rural private land when no county burn ban is active, but you're responsible for controlling it and liable for damage if it escapes. Cities commonly prohibit open fires inside city limits.
How do I put out a campfire properly?: Drown it with water, stir the ashes, and drown again, repeating until everything is cold to the touch. Most escaped campfires reignite from embers that felt 'out.'