After a day spent in the outdoors, nothing rivals the comfort and allure of a warm, crackling campfire. Campfires have an irresistible pull that draws people together, creating a focal point for warmth, storytelling, and culinary adventures. However, building the perfect campfire is not as simple as just tossing some logs in a pit and striking a match – it’s an art that demands patience, experience, and a splash of knowledge. If you’re wondering how to build the perfect campfire, you’re in luck! In this guide, we’ll explore essential materials, and the different types of campfires, and finally go through a step-by-step process to build the campfire of your dreams!
Different Types of Campfires
Teepee or Cone Fire
Most commonly referred to as a teepee campfire, this classic campfire is one of the oldest and most trusted designs out there. Begin by placing your tinder in the middle of your pit, then place around 15 pieces of kindling around it in the shape of a teepee. Light your fire-starting material, and be ready to add larger pieces of wood as the kindling catches and the fire grows. This is the perfect campfire to build in a fire pit.
Log Cabin Fire
For a long-lasting and easily maintainable fire, the log cabin arrangement is perfect. Stack two larger pieces of wood parallel to form the base, then add two smaller pieces perpendicularly on top. Repeat this process until the desired height is reached, placing your tinder in the centre square, and some tinder and kindling on top of that. Light your fire-starting material, and get ready for a beautiful, long-lasting fire. Similarly to the teepee design, the log cabin is a great campfire to build in a fire pit.
Platform or Upside Down Pyramid Fire (Perfect For Cooking)
If you want to know how to build a campfire for cooking, this fire is perfect for you. The platform fire involves stacking logs closer together and starting the fire at the top. Similarly to the log cabin fire, you’ll want to start with larger pieces of wood at the bottom and continue stacking smaller pieces perpendicularly until you have a platform on which you can place your tinder and kindling. As the fire burns down, it creates a flat platform of hot coals, perfect for cooking directly over the fire. If you’re looking to cook a meal in foil or a cast iron skillet, this fire type is for you!
Star Fire
When wood supplies are limited, the star fire is a practical solution. It utilizes whole, un-split logs burned slowly at the ends, creating a long-lasting and efficient fire. Arrange logs like the spokes of a wheel around a small teepee fire in the centre, pushing them closer to the centre as they burn. This type of fire is efficient and effective with minimal material.
Lean-To Fire
Ideal for windy conditions, the lean-to-fire uses its own wood as a windbreak to protect the flames. Lay a thick log on the ground, lean your tinder against it, and stack kindling over the tinder. As the fire grows, gradually add larger sticks and introduce another full-sized log once the fire is substantial.
Essential Materials for Building a Campfire
Before embarking on your camping trip, ensure you have the necessary supplies for a successful campfire. Always be sure to check your campsite’s policies to avoid damaging the environment.
Tinder
- Cardboard strips or pieces
- Wadded up paper
- Woodchips or shavings
- Dryer lint
- Dry pine needles
- Dry leaves or grass
- Commercial fire starters
Kindling
Small twigs or branches, or thinly chopped pieces of firewood. If you’re creating your own kindling, aim for 1cm × 1cm maximum. The thinner your kindling is, the easier it catches fire.
Firewood
If foraging for your own firewood, ensure you only gather dead wood. Not only will it light more easily, but you can rest assured that you’re not harming the environment. If purchasing firewood, many gas stations and grocery stores sell bundles of precut, dried firewood. Many campsites have firewood available for sale as well. At all of our Glamping Resorts locations, we offer the first bundle of firewood for free!
Spark or Flame Source
There are many ways to light a fire, including flint and steel, matches, or a lighter. For tough conditions, with excessive wind or wet firewood, a fire-starting aid such as fatwood can be a lifesaver.
Just like that, you know how to build the perfect campfire. While it’s not exactly rocket science, campfires can be trickier than you think, so arming yourself with this knowledge is a great start. For an unforgettable experience, why not test your campfire-building skills at one of our luxurious Glamping Resorts locations? Check out our site for more information!