How to build a campfire

Struggling to put together a campfire that roars like in the movies? Here’s how to quickly and safely build a campfire, whether you’re adventuring in the UK or further afield.

How to build a campfire

There’s nothing more magical than the sound of crackling logs at camp. Skewering marshmallows on branches, sat under the stars on a chilly night, warmed by a merry blaze. 

A campfire’s merits are twofold – it provides warmth (crucially allowing you and your camping mates to hang out outside together well into the evening), and it can be used to cook your food. Why is it that food cooked outdoors tastes better than anything you could whip up at home, and often better than what you’d get in a restaurant?

While some hardy souls can produce a blaze by rubbing two sticks together, building a campfire can be significantly easier than what you’ve seen on survival programmes – provided you’ve got the know-how and the right materials. Here’s how to safely build a campfire that would have you voted straight into the final. 

Editor’s notes

Exercise caution when building fires. Make sure you’ve always got a way to extinguish the fire and keep it at a manageable size and under control. 

Before you get started

There are a few basics you need to know before starting to build your first campfire:

  • Are you allowed to light a fire? Many campgrounds do not permit campfires, and you’ll risk a fine if you flout the rules. 
  • Use your common sense. Do your surroundings look like a tinderbox ready to go up in flames? Don’t start a campfire in the middle of a forest during a drought. Devastating fires have been started by careless campers. 
  • Have a bucket of sand or water to hand. Always make sure you’ve got a way to put out your campfire. 
  • Never leave your campfire unsupervised. Fire can spread quickly and a stray spark can have huge consequences. The same applies to when you go to sleep. Extinguish your campfire before you get in your tent and never leave it burning overnight. Fire embers can stay hot for hours, particularly if you’ve built a campfire on the beach. Lifeguards and swimmers alike regularly get injured by stepping on still-smouldering logs semi-submerged in the sand.
  • Leave no trace. Wait until the ashes are cool, and scatter or bury them. You want to leave your campsite just the way it was when you arrived so that other adventurers can enjoy it.

Equipment to build a campfire

It’s obvious that you will need firewood to start your campfire –  large logs, smaller twigs (kindling) and something to catch the fire is recommended. But what else will help on your quest to stay warm?

Firestarter

Firemaking has evolved somewhat from the Stone Age so unless you’re a glutton for punishment, there are easier ways to start a flame than striking two flints together. To start your fire, pack a lighter or matches in a waterproof matchbox. We recommend the stormproof matches from Lifesystems

Lifesystems Stormproof Matches

Must haveLifesystems Stormproof Matches

The Lifesystems Stormproof Matches are our must-have item for building a campfire on a backpacking trip. With 25 extra-long, quick-light matches, striking a reliable flame will never be an issue.

Some people like to use a flint striker – we recommend the Gerber fire starter. Flint starters last for years and it doesn’t matter if they get wet, but they’re significantly harder to use than a lighter or matches. Make sure you’re comfortable using a flint starter before setting off on your adventure, or take a backup pack of matches with you just in case.

Fuel

It’s a good idea to pack firelighters to help get your blaze started. If you don’t have firelighters, a dry, flammable material (dry leaves, bracken or paper) works as a good substitute. If you have the space, a firepit is a great way to keep your fire contained and avoid mishaps. 

Using your campfire for cooking

The smoky, chargrilled flavour you get from cooking over an open flame is delicious, but how do we avoid camp food that’s cremated on the outside and raw on the inside? 

To become the perfect campfire chef, you need to wait until your flames are low. If you’re barbecuing, wait until the coals or logs are turning white. Use a barbeque grill – we recommend the Wolf Grizzly compact backpack grill.

Our pickWOLF GRIZZLY – Compact Backpack Grill

The WOLF GRIZZLY Compact Backpack Grill is our top pick for cooking over a campfire when on a backpacking trip. Built to endure, the quality grill set offers maximum portability and adjustability – perfect for any campfire cookout.

Wrapping food (e.g. potatoes, fish, whole bulbs of garlic) in aluminium foil to cook in the embers is another great option, but make sure you put something protective over your hand or use tongs when removing food from the fire.

If cooking over open flames, cast iron cookware is best. This is heavy, so you’re more likely to use it if camping in a van or close to home, but the density of the metal allows the heat to distribute evenly.

FAQ: How to build a campfire

Have a question about building a campfire that you just can’t find the answer to? Check our FAQ below where we’ll (hopefully) answer the top questions about building a fire when camping. 

Yes, but it’s more difficult. If you can, try to shelter your fire from the elements using a tarp, overhanging rock or tree. Collect dry kindling if you can. If all the branches you find are wet, split them open with a penknife to find the dry wood inside.

Fire can spread fast in the wind, so make sure your fire is contained. Build a circular fire pit using stones or dig a shallow hole to contain and protect your campfire. Make use of natural windbreaks, such as rocks, and when lighting, place your body between the wind and the fire as a windbreak.

Haven’t managed to find exactly what you’re looking for? Don’t be afraid to reach out to the team – we’re always happy to help over on Twitter, Instagram or via email!

Weekly deals delivered directly to your inbox?

Our mailing list offers exclusive deals on adventure gear from Osprey, Blacks, Millets & more!

Other posts you may like