How to Build a Campfire

People dancing around the campfire by their campers

Whether you’re building one for fun or function, a campfire is something you can make with little or no experience. Safety should be your top priority as fire can be uncontrollable and cause great damage. If you are properly prepared and take the necessary precautions, you can follow our guide for how to build a campfire.

What Materials Do I Need to Build a Campfire?

To build a campfire, you only need three types of wood and a flame source. One of the most important considerations when collecting materials is to forage from the ground. Cutting branches, bark, or leaves will not work as live materials don’t burn. This can also cause unnecessary harm to the natural environment. Look for these wood types in your surroundings.

Tinder - The smallest of the material types—tinder includes dry needles, leaves, and grass as well as small twigs and wood chips.

Kindling - Look for thin sticks and branches that are completely dry. Pine is a great option if available.

Firewood - This is the fuel for your fire. Use larger, dry logs about 16 inches in length.

Flame Source - Your flame source can be a match, lighter, fire stick, or it can even come from rubbing two sticks or stones together the old-fashioned way. Check out our Camp Emergency & Survival Gear selection for a variety of fire starter options.

Steps for Building a Campfire

Know the rules. Before you even think about starting a fire, you’ll need to know if campfires are permitted in the campground or area you are visiting. These rules change daily so it’s best to check with local rangers or authorities and look for posted signage.
Choose a spot that’s protected from wind and away from any flammable objects and materials. You can use an existing fire ring or build your own for a safety barrier. Keep the spot as small as possible to make your fire easier to control.
Clear a space in the ground. Make sure to clear away dry grass, leaves, and any other flammable materials. If the area allows, you may even want to dig a 1-foot pit to house your campfire.
Gather your three materials. You will need tinder, kindling, and firewood. It’s important to use only local woods as transporting firewood can spread disease and bring along tree-killing insects. A good rule of thumb is to never import wood from more than 50 miles away.
Arrange your materials. Start with the smallest, driest materials, like kindling and small twigs at the bottom, then arrange your firewood on top in your desired shape.
Expert Tip: Teepee campfires are great for cooking. Crisscross and log cabin campfires will last longer for a sustained heat source.
Ignite the tinder. Use your flame source to ignite the tinder. Continue adding more tinder to grow the fire. Blow lightly at your lit tinder base.
Add kindling and firewood in that order. Make sure to leave space for air to circulate so the fire can burn. You’ll want to add kindling and firewood slowly so you don’t smother the flame.
Extinguish the fire when you’re finished. This is the most important step. Put out the fire with a bucket of water, or by covering it with dirt. You want to drown your ashes and stir the ash-water mixture into muddy remains. Hold your bare hand above the ashes to test how they’re cooling.

Important Note: If the fire pit is too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

With these simple steps and safety precautions, you’re ready to build a secure and effective campfire! Whether you’re just planning on hanging out with friends or you’re cooking dinner on a long hunt, knowing how to build a campfire is an essential life skill. If you have additional questions about how to set up a campsite or what you need for camping, contact an Expert at your local SCHEELS.