There’s nothing quite like gathering around a crackling campfire after a day of outdoor adventures. But let’s face it—getting that fire started can sometimes feel daunting, especially if you’re new to camping or a bit out of practice. The good news? Setting up a campfire doesn’t have to be stressful! In this post, we’ll guide you through a simple, efficient campfire setup that’s easy to follow and sure to keep you warm and toasty all night long.
Watch the video below to see the setup in action:
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Step 1: The Log Layout
The foundation of a great campfire starts with the right log placement. For this setup, you’ll want to arrange your logs in a crisscross pattern, resembling a pound sign or hashtag (#). Start with two logs laid parallel to each other on the ground. Then, place two more logs perpendicular on top. This structure allows for excellent airflow, which is crucial for keeping your fire burning strong.
Step 2: Preparing the Kindling
Next, you’ll need to add kindling—smaller pieces of wood that catch fire easily. In this guide, we use a mix of pre-cut kindling from the campground and pieces we bring from home. These are laid on top of the log structure. To give your fire a head start, add a few pieces of fatwood—a resin-rich wood that ignites quickly and burns hot.
Step 3: Igniting the Fire
Here’s where the magic happens. Light the fatwood in the center of your kindling pile using a stick lighter. You don’t need to babysit the fire; just light it, and you’re good to go. The fatwood will ignite the kindling, which in turn will ignite the larger logs. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a roaring fire without much effort.
Step 4: Maintaining the Fire
After about five minutes, you’ll notice the kindling and fatwood have fully ignited, and the larger logs are beginning to catch fire. Once the fire has a strong base, you can add larger fuel logs as needed to keep it burning. The key to a long-lasting fire is maintaining those red-hot coals at the bottom. As long as you have those coals, you can easily keep the fire going by adding more wood.
Step 5: A Few Tips from Experience
Remember, a good campfire isn’t just about the flames—it’s about the coals. By starting with a solid base of logs and kindling, you ensure that your fire will produce the hot coals necessary to keep it going for hours. And if you’re ever in doubt, just add another piece of wood to the fire. It’ll ignite on its own, thanks to those glowing coals at the bottom.
My campfire setup is a result of trial and error—initially struggling with more primitive methods, I found that this straightforward approach works best. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the experience, this method will have your campfire blazing in no time.
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