How To Build A Campfire: Types of Campfires

There are a few different styles of campfires. But wait! A fire is a fire, right? Well, yes, but the foundations are different. Some are easier to light—A-frames and log cabins—while others are a little more difficult. For this blog, we’re sticking with the A-frame and log cabin bases.

For an A-frame fire, you’ll need three pieces of kindling and tinder. You make an “A”  on the ground with the kindling. Place the tinder in a criss-cross pattern over the top. With a match (or long lighter), light the tinder from underneath in multiple places. If the tinder catches, immediately place more tinder in the same pattern as before. The reason for the criss-cross pattern is to leaves holes for the fire to breathe.

As the fire gains strength, begin adding kindling as it eats the tinder. The kindling will catch. It’ll take a little longer for the kindling to catch; be patient. Keep placing the wood in a criss-cross pattern. As the fire gains strength, you can add fuel. Let the fuel burn down to coals.

The log cabin method has the same premise of making a structure then adding firewood in the same order as an ‘A’-frame. Log cabin fires are made using four pieces of kindling stacked like Lincoln Logs. If you’re feeling brave, you can adjust an ‘A’-frame into a log cabin structure and vice versa.

For cooking, you’ll mainly use coals. To make great coals, you just let the fire burn down on one side. Foil packets and dutch ovens work best on coals. You place them directly on the coals and cover them with more coals to get even heat!

To extinguish a fire, you have a few options. the best way is to sprinkle water and mix it.

With the water method, you take handfuls of water and sprinkle it over the fire. The first handfuls are to end the flames. Once that’s done, you use a rake or hoe to stir it. You add more water (by the handful) and keep stirring. After you believe the fire is out, place your hand all over the firepit or circle. It should be the same temperature throughout. If there are any hotspots, then the fire isn’t out and you need to mix more water in.

The best consistency is a slushie.

By the end of this process, you should be able to place your hand directly in the pit or circle without burning yourself. If it’s too hot to do that, it’s too hot to leave it.

Check out our precursor blog on campfires below!