How to Build a Campfire

A great campfire can be so useful!

In this tutorial we will show you the best way to build a campfire whilst leaving no real traces that you were there when your camping trip is over.

The Hole
Start by digging a circular hole about two foot in diameter and about 4-5 inches deep.  Then dig a rectangle off of the circle creating a key shape.  I always take a folding spade camping as this is very compact yet is sturdy enough to dig a hole such as this.

Carefully remove the grass and topsoil and place out of the way (you will need this at the end).

If you have stones available, place them in a circle around the inside edge of the fire pit as this will protect the ground further and keep your fire contained.

Using a firesteel to light the fire

Getting the campfire going

The Classic Key shape campfire

The Firewood
You will need three types of firewood to build your fire.

• Tinder – very dry tiny sticks
• kindling – dry small sticks
• Fuel wood – larger chunks of wood

Starting Your Fire
I prefer to use a firesteel to start a campfire.  A fire steel is a great device as it does not run out (very quickly at least) and can be used regardless of weather.

• Place your tinder somewhere in the middle of the circle
• Using your firesteel, strike it so that your sparks fall into the tinder
• You can also use a product such as ‘Maya Dust’ as your tinder – This is extremely dry flammable tinder wood.
• Once your firesteel sparks have caught start to pile a few small sticks around it in a tepee.
• Repeat the process with larger sticks being careful not to suffocate the fire.
• Next stack up larger stick wood around and up to the same height as your tepee in a square (imagine a log cabin)
• Let the fire do its work!
• You can now add wood to the fire as you need it.

What about the ‘Key’
Once the fire has generated a few hot coals, drag these into the rectangle area of the firepit.  You can now use this area as a BBQ with a wire rack for cooking and putting kettles etc on.

Packing Up and Going Home
We all hate this part, but we need to make sure that we have left no trace of our campfire!

• Pour plenty of water into the fire pit coals to make sure that it is completely cooled down.
• Dig the soil through a little with your spade to work the coals and mud together.
• Get the grass that you dug out and place it back into the hole as it came out.

Check out the campfire shop for all the camping and outdoor equipment that you need!