ON STATE OWNED LAND
a. The Agency of Natural Resources has the following policy in regard to camping and campfires:
Camping is allowed at developed areas (excluded are areas such as beaches, boat launch sites, picnic areas, and roadside turnouts). In developed areas fires shall be built only in fireplaces or charcoal grills provided on the site.
There are a number of areas of state forests and parks that have been designated as "primitive camping" areas for those people who wish to "rough it" rather than camp in an established campground. Different rules apply to campfires in these areas.
b. VERMONT STATUTES ANNOTATED; ACT 86 of 1971 -
An Act Pertaining To Overnight Camping On Public Lands:A person shall not use any part of a public highway right-of-way, or any public land not designated by the agency, department, or municipality having control of same as an overnight camping area for the purpose of overnight camping.
A person who violates this act shall be fined not more than $50.00 for each day he is in violation.
ON GREEN MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST LAND
Camping is permitted on Green Mountain National Forest Land. Campers are encouraged to use designated sites where proper facilities have been provided. Campfires should be built in facilities when provided. In locations where fire facilities do not exist, fires must be built in a safe location where they will not escape. A person starting a campfire is responsible for preventing its escape. It is a violation of federal regulations to leave a campfire without completely extinguishing it.
ON ALL PRIVATE LAND
This is entirely the concern of the individual landowner as outlined in 19 V.S.A. Campfires are regulated by 19 V.S.A., Ch. 11, Sec. 1504(b)..."No one shall build a fire in the woodlands of another without the permission of the owner..."
The actual enforcement of these laws is a matter for the State Police or local law enforcement officers.
It is our understanding that a person must receive a warning before any action can be taken under general trespass laws. The posting of rules and regulations is considered warning.