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) as well as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District 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 trees 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 14 August 2023.
Tennessee Web Resources:
- Search for local and certified heat-treated firewood at FirewoodScout.org.
- Tennessee State Parks Camping Information (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
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Firewood Policy
- 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
Pest Specific Information for Tennessee:
- List of plant pest Insects, TN Dept. of Agriculture
- Emerald Ash Borer Regulations in Plain Language, TN Dept. of Agriculture
- Imported Fire Ant Information, USDA APHIS
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