When I first started camping, I quickly realized that making a good campfire is one of the most crucial aspects of ensuring a memorable trip. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate campfires not just for cooking and warmth but as a perfect gathering spot for my group at the end of each day.
Throughout my camping adventures, I’ve experimented with various campfire styles using my trusty fire starter kit. I’ve learned that understanding different types of fires can significantly enhance your camping experience. Let me share some insights I’ve gained about the most common types of campfires and how to use them effectively.
Teepee
The teepee fire has become my go-to style when I need quick warmth. I remember a chilly night in the Rockies when my clients were shivering uncontrollably. I quickly set up a teepee fire, and within minutes, we were all basking in its warmth.
To build this fire, I start by arranging kindling and small branches in a circle at the center of the fire pit. Then, I create a large teepee shape around it using logs. While it’s great for keeping warm, I’ve learned the hard way that it’s not ideal for cooking. Once, I tried to grill some burgers over a freshly built teepee fire – let’s just say we ended up with more ash than meat on our plates! Now, I always wait for the teepee shape to collapse before attempting any cooking.
Log cabin
The log cabin fire has saved me on many occasions when I needed a long-lasting, low-maintenance fire. During a week-long camping trip in Yellowstone, I taught a group of first-time campers how to build this fire. They were amazed at how it kept burning steadily throughout the night with minimal attention.
I create this fire by stacking logs in a square shape, leaving the center open for air circulation. Then, I place kindling in the center and light it. The flame gradually spreads to the outer logs, providing a slow, steady burn.
Platform
The platform fire has become my favorite for cooking. I recall a camping trip where a family was struggling to cook their meals evenly. I introduced them to the platform fire, and they were thrilled with how easily they could prepare their food.
This fire is similar to the log cabin, but I pack the logs more closely. I build up the logs and light the top, allowing the flames to travel downward. This creates a flat surface of coals perfect for cooking.
Burning from the top creates a flat platform with coals that allow you to cook easily on the fire.
Star
I discovered the value of the star fire during a camping trip in a remote area where wood was scarce. A couple in my group was worried about running out of firewood, so I taught them this technique.
To create a star fire, I start with a small teepee and then place the ends of four or five logs into it, with the rest sticking out like star points. As the logs catch fire at the center, they slowly burn towards the ends. I always remind campers to keep an eye on this fire and push the logs further into the center as they burn.
Final thoughts
Through my years of camping and guiding others, I’ve found that these campfire techniques can handle almost any situation you might encounter in the great outdoors. Each time I camp, I’m reminded of the joy and warmth a well-built fire brings to the experience. Whether you’re cooking a meal, staying warm, or simply enjoying the company of friends and family, mastering these campfire styles will undoubtedly enhance your camping adventures.
