How to Build a Campfire

Essential Skills for Your Next Glamping Trip

Let there be light

There’s just something magical about gathering around a crackling campfire – it connects you to something ancient, grounding, and totally satisfying. And let’s be honest, it’s the best excuse to eat marshmallows in bulk.

But building that perfect fire? It’s more than tossing some logs in a pile and hoping for the best. If you’re ready to master the art, our guide on how to build a campfire will walk you through everything you need — whether you’re whipping up fireside coffee or grilling the catch of the day. We’ve got you covered with tips for campfire success.

Step 1: Gather your firewood like a pro

A roaring fire doesn’t just magically happen (unless you’re a wizard… in which case, carry on). You’ll need three key ingredients: tinder, kindling, and fuel wood.

Tinder
Every good campfire starts with tinder. It catches fire easily but burns out quickly. Look for dry leaves, bark, wood shavings, or dry grass. Feeling crafty? Whip up some homemade fire starters before your trip. Or, if DIY isn’t your jam, swing by the Camp Yellow Cardinal camp store for some ready-to-go tinder packs.

Kindling
Tinder’s best buddy. It keeps the flame alive long enough to ignite the big stuff. Small, dry twigs about pencil-thick are best. Got damp wood? No problem. Just whittle away the wet bark with your trusty pocket knife.

Firewood
This is the powerhouse of your fire. But don’t go tossing giant logs on just yet – start smaller and work your way up. Guests are welcome to bring their own seasoned firewood or pick up a bundle or two from our camp store. Pro tip: Gather twice as much tinder, kindling, and fuel wood as you think you’ll need; fires are hungrier than you’d expect!

Step 2: Pick your fire style

Now that you’ve got your materials, it’s time to channel your inner architect. Here are three classic setups that’ll have you basking in a fireside glow in no time.

Tipi Fire
The OG of campfires – simple, reliable, and great for quick heat and light. Stack your kindling and tinder in a cone shape, leaving space for airflow (and your match). Build a small tipi with kindling inside a larger tipi of fuel wood for a fast, fiery start.

Lean-to Fire
Dealing with windy or damp conditions? The lean-to is your hero. Create a windbreak with larger logs, set up your mini tipi on the sheltered side, and lay longer sticks against the windbreak. This setup keeps the fire breathing while protecting it from gusts. Bonus: the windbreak reflects heat, making it perfect for cooking.

Log Cabin Fire
Want a fire that’s as pretty as it is practical? The log cabin fire’s symmetrical structure is great for building a solid bed of coals – ideal for roasting marshmallows, hot dogs, or tin-foil dinners. Stack larger logs in a square around your kindling tipi, like Lincoln Logs. Light it from the bottom, and watch it burn evenly from the inside out.

Step 3: Light it up

Use a long match or lighter to ignite the tinder at the base. Let the fire catch gradually – this is not a “bigger, faster, stronger” situation. Rushing it usually results in smoke, frustration, and the faint scent of defeat.

Once the kindling is burning well, slowly add larger logs one at a time. Don’t suffocate the fire – air is just as important as fuel.

Step 4: Channel Your Inner Campfire Whisperer

A good fire is alive. Check on it, stoke it gently, and add wood gradually to keep the flames going strong. Don’t overdo it – our fire pits are sized for relaxation, not bonfires visible from space.

Keep a bucket of water nearby just in case, and when it’s time to turn in, douse your fire thoroughly until the coals are cool to the touch. That’s part of being a good guest—and a good steward of the land.

Step 5: Safely Extinguishing Your Fire

The fun’s over, but don’t leave your campfire smoldering – putting it out properly is a must.

Start Early
Fires take longer to extinguish than you’d think. Start about 20 minutes before you’re ready to hit the hay or head out.

Sprinkle, Don’t Pour
Always keep a bucket of water nearby (we’ve got you covered at Camp Yellow Cardinal). When it’s time to douse the flames, sprinkle water over the embers – don’t flood the pit. Future you (or the next camper) will thank you.

Stir Things Up
As you sprinkle, stir the ashes with a stick or shovel to make sure everything gets wet. No steam? No hissing? You’re almost there.

The Touch Test
No need to stick your hand in the ashes – we’re glamping, not branding cattle. Just hover the back of your hand over the embers. If it’s still warm, keep adding water and stirring. Cool to the touch? You’re good to go.

Fire Safety Tips (Because We Love Our Forests)

Only build fires in designated fire pits – they’re there for a reason!
Clear the area of anything flammable, like dry leaves or grass.
Each fire pit comes with a bucket of water and sand. Check them before you start, and grab more from the bathhouse if needed.
Never leave a fire unattended – not even for a quick s’mores refill.
Don’t burn trash or fallen wood from the surrounding forest.
Always, always extinguish your fire completely before leaving.

And there you have it, your Smokey-the-Bear-approved, go-to guide for building the perfect campfire at Camp Yellow Cardinal. Now grab those marshmallows, kick back, and enjoy! 🔥✨