How to build and maintain a campfire?

[wagne223]

In reference to a campfire, the type to sit around and talk, have a beer, roast marshmallows, ect, what type of "fireplace" do you prefer and why?

I've seen fires built on the ground, in various homemade brick, block, or rock areas and in purchased metal bowls (labeled fire pits) some open some with screens.

For visual appeal, a campfire needs to have active flame. The wife does not like when there is no flame and just very hot coals.

Do any of the above offer an easier to maintain flame?

I have experience with debris burn piles but not much experience with a campfire.

Any knowledge shared is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[/pine]

I recommend a ring similar to what the forestry service uses in public campgrounds etc... available at most outdoor stores including T.S. etc...

a step up is a cowboy cook set...

 

[plowhog]

Wood selection makes a very big difference.

Wet wood = smoke = eye irritation = unhappy campers. Soft wood like pine burns mightily for a short time then .... out.

I start my campfires with paper, kindling, and a piece or two of dry soft wood like pine or cedar. On top of that a few hardwood pieces. Once it is started-- hardwood only, dry.

 

[Fuddy1952]

Granddad piled up wood then used a tank sprayer filled with gasoline.

 

[Beltzington]

Add wood, heat, more wood when needed.

Years ago, my wife bought a large clay chiminea for our deck and we use it all the time. It is easy to start, doesn't require allot of wood and puts out a lot of even heat, also doesn't shower the area with sparks. Two or three times a month I put a metal grill on the smoke stack and it does great for grilling a couple steaks or a pack of brats.

 

[Raspy]

A perforated tub from a washing machine is a favorite, or as stated above, a forest service ring. Or just a ring of rocks.

An excellent poker is an old golf putter with a steel head. Almost can't be beat by any other design.

An easy way to get one going is with a piece of a waxy presto log. This will do the trick even in the rain. Favorite wood: cut up oak pallets. Big dry branches work well too where you can just keep dragging them in farther as the evening progresses. Another favorite is scrounging left behind wood from earlier campers. Remember, the smoke always blows toward you. Don't know why that is, but it seems to be true. :laughing:

Instead of matches or even an Aim-and-Flame propane match, a button start Mapp torch does the trick very efficicntly. :thumbsup:

 

[/pine]

...Soft wood like pine burns mightily for a short time then .... out.

Dense yellow pine actually does not burn up too fast and gives off a great "campfire" smell...

...An excellent poker is an old golf putter with a steel head....

Something that also works well is an old single rod manual weed whacker with all but a couple of inches of the blade broken off...

 

[Diggin It]

Don't forget the copper sulfate.

 

[Fuddy1952]

A great bellows is a leaf blower to get 'er really going.

 

[ZTMAN]

I must say I build a great camp fire. But I cheat, I use these:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Diamond-Strike-A-Fire-48-Count-4878911025/207113544

Works every time.

At our camp, we just have a stone ring on gravel. Use what ever wood is lying around in the forest. Sticks first, and then logs when the fire is going.

Cut a few logs long and stand on end for seats.

Love the smell of a good camp fire.