How to make a campfire: a step-by-step guide

How to make a campfire: a step-by-step guide

Our detailed and easy-to-follow guide to building a campfire will ensure you enjoy a satisfying and safe campfire while camping

Some people claim to be experienced arsonists - just as some people claim that they don't need to ask for directions...

Alpha male or not, nothing should stand between a camper and a glorious night around the campfire under the stars. This step-by-step guide to building a campfire will persuade even the most hesitant city dweller to embrace this long-standing wilderness tradition.

How to make a campfire

Follow our eight-step guide on how to make a campfire:

• SCHRITT 1: POSITIONIEREN SIE IHR LAGERFEUER
• SCHRITT 2: ERSTELLEN SIE IHR FEUERBETT
• SCHRITT 3: ERSTELLEN SIE EINEN FELSENRING
• SCHRITT 4: SAMMELN SIE IHR HOLZ
• SCHRITT 5: LEGEN SIE IHR FEUER
• SCHRITT 6: ZÜNDE DEIN FEUER
• SCHRITT 7: AUFBAUEN UND IHREM FEUER HINZUFÜGEN
• SCHRITT 8: LÖSCHEN SIE IHR FEUER
• HINTERLASSE KEINE SPUREN

Step 1: Set up your campfire

First things first: Place your campfire at least 3 m (10 feet) away from flammable objects like your tent or overhanging trees. Ideally the area is sheltered from the wind, but always leave enough distance to protect yourself and the environment.

Look for flat ground on which to build your campfire to prevent burning embers from rolling down the slope.

alt="A campfire away from a tent">DreamtimeLook for flat ground on which to build your campfire

Step 2: Create your fire bed

If your campsite has designated fire pits, always use them. If you are wild camping, use an existing fire bed if possible. Of course, there are occasions when you need to make your own.

Your fire bed should be on exposed soil and not on grass (especially dead grass). If you cannot find such an area, you can dig away grass and plant material or pile some soil on a small platform (always check local guidelines first).

Give your fire plenty of space by creating a large bed for it, as dry grass, branches and plant material can pose a hazard.

alt="A used, existing fuel bed">DreamtimeIf possible, always use an existing fire bed

Step 3: Create a stone ring

It is a good practice to use a ring of stones to contain the fire. Use dry stones about the size of a clenched fist and place them at a distance to allow some air to circulate at the bottom of the fire.

Do not build your fire against large boulders or objects as this will leave unsightly marks. Also avoid using damp or wet stones as they can spit out moisture and even crack when heated.

alt="Use dry wood to make a campfire">DreamtimeAvoid using damp or wet stones

Step 4: Gather your wood

It goes without saying that you want dry wood. Avoid anything that's green, too wet, or that bends without breaking—it almost certainly won't burn well. Try to only use fallen wood - it's better for the environment and also burns more efficiently.

Always collect more tinder and kindling than you think you'll need; It burns quickly and if you go out early your fire will never get started.

Tinder:Every good campfire starts with good tinder. Campfire tinder should catch fire easily and burn quickly. Materials like dry leaves, grass, bark, and wood chips all work well. If you're a smart camper, bring your own tinder like dryer lint, charcoal cloth, or firelighter.

alt=“Make a campfire with tinder”>DreamtimeEvery good campfire starts with good tinder

Firelighter:A survivalist might scoff at the suggestion of firelighters, but a smart camper will pack them anyway. These handy burning cubes save time and effort and weigh next to nothing in your backpack.

If it's wet underfoot and you can't find dry tinder, you won't have a campfire. Lightweight, heavy-duty fire starters like Zip give you the best chance of a successful campfire. Use them alongside or instead of Tinder.

Kindling:You cannot go straight from tinder to your main fuel like logs as this will smother your fire. Like tinder, campfire kindling needs to be as dry as possible or it won't burn as easily. Try to find small twigs and branches that are about the length and width of a pencil.

If you're having trouble finding dry kindling, you can use your pocket knife (of course you have a pocket knife) to carve larger damp twigs and branches to get to the drier wood underneath.

alt=“How to make a campfire with kindling”>DreamtimePencil-sized twigs make ideal kindling

Fuel:Unlike tinder and kindling, you can get away with it if your firewood is a little damp. A well-built fire will dry it out (but it's still not ideal). For your primary fuel, you'll need a range of different sized branches and logs - not just logs the size of a lumberjack.

Gather a series of branches and tree trunks about the width of your wrist or forearm.

alt=“How to make a campfire with logs”>DreamtimeUse trunks that are about as wide as your wrist or forearm

Step 5: Start your fire

There are different campfire building techniques depending on what your needs are. Almost all of them start with either a teepee or a fire pit.

Tipi:Place a bundle of tinder in the center of your fire bed, then use your kindling to build a teepee around and over it. Leave a small gap for lighting and to let in air.

Build this up little by little with kindling and then add some of your smaller firewood. For both kindling and firewood, try to keep the thicker ends down.

alt=“How to Build a Campfire – the Tipi Type”>DreamtimeThe tipi is a popular campfire

Lean:Stick a long piece of kindling into the ground at about a 30 degree angle - this will be your support stick. Instead, it can also be leaned against a larger tree trunk.

Bundle tinder and some smaller kindling under the support stick before placing the kindling around the outside of it. Add another layer.

Now stand back and admire your work for a moment. You now know how to make a perfect campfire.

alt=“How to make a campfire – the lean-to type”>DreamtimeLeaning is another popular campfire setup

Step 6: Light your fire

When you light your campfire, you want to light the tinder right in the center as quickly as possible. Matches can get wet and blow out easily outdoors.

Lighters are not good for getting straight into the tinder bundle. I use Zippo's Flex Neck Utility Lighter, which has a wind-resistant flame, ideal for lighting campfires in all conditions.

alt=“How to make a campfire with a windproof lighter “>ZippoTo get direct access to the tinder, a windproof lighter is ideal

Step 7: Build and Add to Your Fire

Once your fire is burning, it's time to build it. You have a number of options depending on your needs. Whatever method you choose, build your campfire slowly and steadily, working your way through your fuel from the thinner branches to the larger trunks.

I rarely cook on my campfires, so I either stick with the teepee or the lean-to and continue building them using the same method. When I cook, I choose the log cabin that offers the best support.

alt="An infographic showing four types of campfires">DreamtimeThe four best ways to build a campfire

Step 8: Put out your fire

This is the saddest part of an evening around the campfire, but also crucial. Give yourself plenty of time and start putting out your fire at least 20 minutes before you want to get into your sleeping bag. Hopefully you've let your campfire die down so it won't roar anymore.

Lightly sprinkle water on the fire bed and stir the embers and ashes with a stick. Test the fire for heat by holding the back of your hand close to it. If it's too hot to leave your hand there, the fire is still too hot to leave. Continue sprinkling water and stirring until it is safe to do so.

alt="An extinguished campfire">DreamtimeSad but crucial part of our campfire guide

Leave no trace

Finally, every campfire facility must follow the Seven Leave No Trace Principles and repair any disturbed soil. Most importantly, always know and follow the fire safety regulations of the area you are visiting.

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Main image: Stas Tolstnev/Shutterstock

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