DIY: HOW TO Build A Campfire

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Check local regulations to determine if a permit is required for building a campfire. Choose a flat, level spot at least 15 feet from your tent or sleeping area, free of brush or vegetation. Clear the area of leaves, sticks, and debris. If no fire ring exists, arrange large rocks in a 3-foot-diameter circle to create one.

2. Step 2.

   Place a large bucket of water and a shovel nearby for extinguishing the fire. If the fire becomes too large, pour water over it and carefully shovel dirt onto the flames.

3. Step 3.

   Place tinder (e.g., dry brush, leaves, fire starter balls, or a golf ball–size pile of dryer lint) in the center of the fire ring. Arrange a few pieces of kindling (small dry twigs and sticks) around the tinder in a teepee or log-cabin shape.

4. Step 4.

   Light the tinder with a match, lighter, or flint. Blow gently on the tinder or fan it until both the tinder and kindling catch fire. Slowly add more kindling, leaving space between pieces for oxygen, until you have a consistent flame.

5. Step 5.

   Once the kindling is burning well, add firewood (thicker dried branches or logs) in a teepee or log-cabin pattern around the kindling. Start with the smallest pieces, then gradually add larger ones as the fire grows.

6. Step 6.

   Keep feeding the fire with new wood to maintain a manageable size. For cooking, allow the fire to burn for 30–45 minutes until good coals form. Test readiness by holding your hand about 3 inches above the flames; if you can't hold it for a count of three, the coals are ready.

7. Step 7.

   To extinguish the campfire, drown all embers with water until they stop hissing. Mix the ashes and embers with soil using a shovel, ensuring everything is wet. Check with your hands—if any part is still hot, continue adding water and stirring until the fire is completely dead out.