Illinois

To prevent the spread of harmful forest pests, the state of Illinois asks residents and visitors to abide by the following rules and recommendations when handling firewood:

  • Buy local firewood for home heating and camping use
  • Make sure your firewood clearly displays a certified, heat-treated label

Moving firewood out of several counties in Northern Illinois is against federal law due to a spongy moth infestation and quarantine in those areas. Also, the Illinois Department of Agriculture bans walnut firewood from states with known infestations of thousand canker disease.

The following additional firewood information applies to Illinois forests, parks, and protected areas:

  • Shawnee National Forest asks campers to purchase firewood locally and NOT bring it from outside Southern Illinois.
  • National and State Forest areas in Illinois often allow firewood gathering around the campground, however, a permit may be required. Ask forest staff for additional information.
  • Cook County Forest Preserve offers the first bundle of firewood free of charge to encourage campers to use the local firewood.

Finally, many states have laws prohibiting the movement of firewood across their borders; see the firewood map for the rules in other states before taking firewood out of Illinois.

This summary is accurate to the best of DMF staff abilities as of 17 June 2021.

Illinois Web Resources:

Pest Specific Information

Firewood Business Related Information

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