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How to Build a Campfire

A close up image of a campfire

There’s something so soothing about sitting around a flickering flame, listening to the crackling sounds, feeling the warmth of fire, and smelling that distinctive campfire smell!

Campfires were once a necessary part of survival- providing heat, helping with hunting, warding off predators, providing light, and helping with cooking. It was also a place for making friends and relaxing.

For many of us now, a campfire is a tradition and has become the centerpiece of our outdoor gatherings. To learn how to start a campfire, follow the directions below.

What Do I Need to Start a Campfire?

There are three essentials you'll need in order to start a fire.
A man making kindling from a log using a knife while wearing protective gloves

Tinder

Dry bark, pine needles, leaves, dryer lint, or cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly (basically anything that catches fire easily)

Kindling

Small sticks that burn longer than tinder and help ignite the fuel wood

Fuel Wood

Larger logs that keep the fire burning for longer periods of time

Popular Types of Campfires

 

 
An illustration of how to create a teepee style campfire

Teepee

Step 1:

Make a small cone of kindling around a few handfuls of tinder.

Step 2:


Once the fire is going, you can begin to add larger logs in a standing formation, much like a teepee.

An illustration of how to create a log cabin style campfire

Log Cabin

Step 1:

Place two larger pieces of firewood parallel with space in between them. Then add two more logs on top, perpendicular to the first set, making a square.

Step 2:

Add tinder in the center of the square, adding a few more layers of logs so that it starts to resemble a log cabin.

Step 3:

Top off the square by adding tinder and kindling, and now you’re ready to light the fire.

An illustration of how to create a pyramid style campfire

Pyramid

Step 1:

Place 3 or 4 large logs side-by-side, making a bottom layer.

Step 2:

Add a second layer of smaller logs facing the opposite way of the first layer.

Step 3:

Repeat this process a few more times, then add tinder and kindling on top.

How Do I Start a Campfire?

After you've placed your tinder, kindling, and logs in the fire pit, it's time to light your fire with a match or lighter. After it catches fire, blow at the base of the fire to provide it with oxygen and increase the flame to other logs in the fire.

In this video, outdoor experts at 50 Campfires explain how to build a campfire using five of the most popular types of campfires, including a teepee, log cabin, and pyramid fires.

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Eco Forest fire starters are the secret to a perfect fire, every time. Each product lights easy and delivers a long and thorough burn through, which is essential when it comes to building a fire. Homeowners from city to country love Eco Forest fire starter products because of their beauty, ease of use, aroma, clean and quiet burn, magnificent flame, and overall performance! Order yours from doitbest.com, or pick one up at your local Do it Best store!

While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.

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