Everything You Need to Know About Starting a Campfire
Camping and fire go hand in hand: after all, there’s no better way to cook your meals, or enjoy a cozy night under the stars. With more than 20 years of experience of camping and camping with my amazing kiddos, I can tell you that starting a campfire isn’t as hard as you might think. From the best materials for kindling to the three key steps of the perfect campfire, read on to discover everything you need to know about starting a campfire when camping!
[recommendations keyword=’how-to-start-a-fire-when-camping’]
Gathering the Right Materials
The first thing you’ll need to do to start a campfire is to gather the right materials. The kindling should be small enough that it will light quickly and easily, but also the right size and material to burn for a while — you don’t want your fire to burn out before it has time to really get going! Here are the top materials to use for kindling:
- Small twigs and wood shavings
- Cotton fabric and lint
- Dry leaves, newspaper, and paper
Prepare the Fire
To build your fire, start by forming a teepee structure with the kindling: place two sticks in the dirt to act as the base, then lean other pieces of kindling against the base. After you’ve done that, light the fire with a match, such as a campfire starter stick or tea light, and you’re ready to go.
Finishing Touches
Once your fire is lit, it’s time to set the stage for a cozy night around the campfire. Depending on the kind of fire you’re looking to create, there are several things you can do to keep it going for hours to come!
- Add fuel such as logs or twigs every 30 minutes to keep the fire burning.
- Move the logs and fuel around, pushing the burning wood into thicker logs and pile fresh logs in the centre.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby in case it gets out of control, or you need to put out the fire quickly.
Check Out This Video For Step-By-Step Instructions:
Starting a campfire is a fun and easy skill to master, and one that will provide hours of fun during your camping trips. With the right materials, basic prep, and some patience, you can get a campfire burning in about 5 minutes. So once you’ve got the hang of things, why not share your newfound knowledge with your kids and have some fun around the campfire?
Campfire Safety
Campfire safety must always be a priority when starting a campfire. Make sure you have a bucket of water nearby, in case the fire needs to be put out quickly. And never leave a fire unattended: always keep an eye on your campfire while it’s still burning, and be sure to put it out completely when you’re done.
Finally, make sure your campfire is built in a safe location. Check for any trees or branches that could catch fire, and keep away from shelters and tents.
With the right materials, knowledge, and safety in mind, starting a campfire is a camp skill that you can learn and teach your kids. Keep these tips and tricks in mind next time you go camping, and you’ll never have to worry about not having a fire at your campsite.