Rules & campfires

Campground rules, campfires & the firewood rule

Here are the everyday rules you'll run into at a Missouri campground — quiet hours, where you can build a campfire, picking up after your dog, and the rule about firewood. Most of these are the state-park rules. The state parks are the biggest landlord and they post one clear set of rules, so they're the easiest place to start.

Other landlords set their own rules. National forest, the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Park Service rivers, and the conservation department (MDC) each have their own list — the details can differ. Always check the rules for the campground you're actually going to before you go.

The campground rules

These are the state-park rules, and they're a good guide for most Missouri campgrounds:

Quiet hours are 10 p.m.–6 a.m.
Campfires only in the ring or grill provided; portable fire pits only on concrete; put every fire all the way out.
Pets on a leash no longer than 10 feet (2 dogs per site); not in most buildings, swimming areas, or fishing waters except service animals.
Don't gather or cut firewood, dig holes, or hang things in trees (hammocks only with a 1-inch nylon strap).
Don't dump gray water on the ground.
No firearms, BB guns, paintball, bows, or slingshots.
Don't leave property unattended more than 24 hours.

The firewood rule

Don't move firewood more than 50 miles — buy it where you'll burn it.

The only wood that's safe to move is packaged, heat-treated firewood with a USDA shield on the label.
The emerald ash borer can emerge from cut ash wood for up to 2 years, so even "clean-looking" logs can carry it.
Leave any leftover wood for the next camper instead of hauling it home.

MDC: Don't Move Firewood →

Burn bans

In dry weather, a burn ban can shut off open fires

When it's hot and dry, agencies and counties issue burn bans that suspend open fires — even in a fire ring. A ban can come down with little warning, so always check before you build a fire. If fires are banned, plan to cook on a camp stove instead.

Missouri-summer cautions

Plan for the heat, the bugs, and bring extra water

Heat and humidity. Missouri summers are hot and sticky. Set up in the shade if you can, take it easy in the afternoon, and know the signs of heat sickness.
Ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes. Use bug spray, wear long pants on the trail, and check yourself for ticks at the end of the day.
Bring more water than you think. Many sites have no tap, and you'll drink more than usual in the heat. Pack extra for drinking, cooking, and washing up.

Pets

Bringing the dog? Rules vary by landlord

Where	Pet rule
State-park campgrounds	Leash no longer than 10 feet; 2 dogs per site; not allowed in most buildings, swimming areas, or fishing waters (service animals excepted).
State-park lodging	Only "Cabins for Canines" units allow dogs — about 30% of units, 2 dogs max; fees and rules vary.
Mark Twain developed sites	Leash generally no longer than 6 feet.
Corps, NPS & private	Pet rules vary by facility — check the campground before you go.

Before you go

Missouri Porch explains; the agency that runs your campground decides.

Last checked: 2026-06-18. Prices, dates, reservation rules, and closures change — confirm with the agency that runs your campground before you go.

This is a plain-English summary, not the official rulebook. Camping spans five different agencies, and each sets its own rules — always confirm with the agency that runs your campground before you go.

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