The state of Tennessee prohibits the entry of out-of-state firewood unless it has been certified, heat-treated and is properly labeled. This is to prevent the further spread of invasive and destructive forest pests that are known to hide in firewood such as emerald ash borer, spongy moth, and Asian longhorned beetle among others.
Within Tennessee, everyone is encouraged to use local and/or certified, heat-treated firewood.
- Campgrounds in Tennessee’s National Parks (e.g., Great Smoky Mountains, Cumberland Gap, and Natchez Trace Parkway) only allow campers to bring certified, heat-treated firewood; otherwise, outside firewood is not permitted.
- In general, campers can either buy firewood at the campground, bring certified heat-treated firewood in the original packaging, or collect downed dead wood from near the campsite (when permitted) at state or national park campgrounds.
- Some National Forests and State Forests in Tennessee allow gathering firewood for home use, although a permit may be required. Inquire with local or regional staff for additional information.
Find local and certified heat-treated firewood vendors at FirewoodScout.org.
This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 21 June 2024.
Tennessee Web Resources:
- Search for local and certified heat-treated firewood at FirewoodScout.org.
- Tennessee State Parks Camping Information (scroll down to see “Firewood Policy”)
- Plant Pests and Quarantines, TN Dept. of Agriculture
- Firewood Quarantine, TN Dept. of Agriculture Consumer and Industry Services
- Firewood Certification Page, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
- Protect Tennessee Forests, Tennessee Forest Health Management Program
- 2021 Firewood Education Poster for Tennessee
- US Forest Service Southern Region Firewood Information
- The Nature Conservancy’s Tennessee Chapter, Great Smoky Mountains Information
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park Firewood Alert
- Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area Firewood Quarantine
- Cumberland Gap National Historic Park Firewood Alert
- List of plant pest Insects, TN Dept. of Agriculture
- Imported Fire Ant Information, USDA APHIS
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