Campfire Smoking Laws: What You Can and Can't Do on UK Campsites

When you're sitting by a campfire, a controlled outdoor fire used for warmth, cooking, or ambiance at campsites. Also known as open fire, it's a core part of the camping experience—but lighting up a cigarette or vaping nearby isn't always allowed. Campfire smoking laws, local rules that restrict or ban smoking near open flames to prevent wildfires and ensure public safety vary by location, land type, and even the time of year. In the UK, you can't assume it's fine just because you're on private land or in a remote forest. Many sites explicitly forbid smoking within 10 meters of a fire, and some national parks have total bans during dry seasons.

These rules aren't just about being polite—they're backed by real risk. In 2023, over 120 wildfires in England were linked to discarded cigarettes or lighters. Wild camping regulations, legal guidelines that govern where and how you can camp without formal permission often include fire safety clauses, and breaking them can mean fines up to £1,000. Even if a campsite doesn't have signs up, the UK camping rules, national and local policies that determine legal camping behavior still apply. Many councils and landowners treat smoking near a campfire the same way they treat leaving a cigarette butt on the ground: it's a fire hazard, and they'll treat you like one.

It's not just about the fire itself. Smoke drifts. It gets into tents. It clings to gear. It scares off wildlife and annoys other campers. Some sites, especially family-friendly ones, have no-smoking zones that include the whole area around fire pits. Others ban smoking entirely after 9 PM. And if you're in a woodland or heathland area during summer, you're more likely to be asked to put out your cigarette before you even light the fire. The safest move? Always ask the site warden or check the official website before you pull out your pack. If you're unsure, wait until you're away from the fire, downwind, and in a designated smoking area—if one exists.

What you'll find below are real stories and rules from UK campers who’ve been fined, turned away, or narrowly avoided disaster because they didn’t know the difference between a quiet evening smoke and a breaking-the-law moment. From Dartmoor to the Lake District, we’ve pulled together what actually happens when you ignore these rules—and how to enjoy your fire without the risk.