The knowledge of how to make a successful campfire a key skill for any overnight camping trip.
While there are many ways to make a good campfire one of the simplest and most effective techniques is the pyramid/tepee method of starting a campfire.
0.
Find an appropriate place for the fire.
If there's an existing fire pit use it rather then starting a new fire pit.
The fire pit should be built in an area that's not going to catch the surrounding area on fire.
Ideally this is on a large rock or sandy area.
Using large stones to fence in your fire is an excellent idea to help ensure you don't start a forest fire.
1.
Start with a few handfuls dry kindling such as dry grasses, leaves or anything else easily flammable.
2.
Using twigs, form a basic pyramid over the kindling.
Leave an opening so you can access the kindling later.
3.
Using small branches, add onto the exterior of your twig pyramid.
Leave an opening so you can access the kindling later.
4.
Using large branches, add onto the exterior of your pyramid.
Leave an opening so you can access the kindling later.
5.
Light the kindling in the middle of your pyramid.
The fire from the kindling should catch the small twigs on fire and on the chain will continue.
6.
If it's a windy day, be sure that it's not blowing strongly on your kindling or else it may blow it out.
Conversely, if there's no wind getting to it, blowing gently on your fledgling fire will help it along.
Be sure to collect plenty of firewood before dark.
If your really smart you'll collect a lot of burning logs prior to starting your fire so this way your not scrambling to keep it going.
If your burning softwood such as birch or pine, you'll go through firewood quickly so make sure you have a good pile.
All that's left to do now is enjoy your camping trip.
Break out the Marshmallows, Hotdogs & Smores! If by chance your feeling more adventurous and want to cook something more elaborate such as fish or a steak but do not have a pan, consider using a flat stone.
This stone can be placed on the side of the fire, on ashes of a fire or overtop of it using a fire bridge.
See this video for demonstration of starting a campfire and cooking on a fire bridge.
Consider that there are many different ways to start a campfire.
Another method similar to this is to build a lean-to (have the branches lay against a rock) with the kindling at the bottom, then twigs followed by larger branches and logs on top.
While there are many ways to make a good campfire one of the simplest and most effective techniques is the pyramid/tepee method of starting a campfire.
0.
Find an appropriate place for the fire.
If there's an existing fire pit use it rather then starting a new fire pit.
The fire pit should be built in an area that's not going to catch the surrounding area on fire.
Ideally this is on a large rock or sandy area.
Using large stones to fence in your fire is an excellent idea to help ensure you don't start a forest fire.
1.
Start with a few handfuls dry kindling such as dry grasses, leaves or anything else easily flammable.
2.
Using twigs, form a basic pyramid over the kindling.
Leave an opening so you can access the kindling later.
3.
Using small branches, add onto the exterior of your twig pyramid.
Leave an opening so you can access the kindling later.
4.
Using large branches, add onto the exterior of your pyramid.
Leave an opening so you can access the kindling later.
5.
Light the kindling in the middle of your pyramid.
The fire from the kindling should catch the small twigs on fire and on the chain will continue.
6.
If it's a windy day, be sure that it's not blowing strongly on your kindling or else it may blow it out.
Conversely, if there's no wind getting to it, blowing gently on your fledgling fire will help it along.
Be sure to collect plenty of firewood before dark.
If your really smart you'll collect a lot of burning logs prior to starting your fire so this way your not scrambling to keep it going.
If your burning softwood such as birch or pine, you'll go through firewood quickly so make sure you have a good pile.
All that's left to do now is enjoy your camping trip.
Break out the Marshmallows, Hotdogs & Smores! If by chance your feeling more adventurous and want to cook something more elaborate such as fish or a steak but do not have a pan, consider using a flat stone.
This stone can be placed on the side of the fire, on ashes of a fire or overtop of it using a fire bridge.
See this video for demonstration of starting a campfire and cooking on a fire bridge.
Consider that there are many different ways to start a campfire.
Another method similar to this is to build a lean-to (have the branches lay against a rock) with the kindling at the bottom, then twigs followed by larger branches and logs on top.
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