Sitting by the campfire telling stories, or quietly allowing yourself to be mesmerized by the flames, make for some of the best camping trip moments.
Of course, there is an art to the campfire. Preparation is key. We’ve probably all been caught, at least once, without our best campfire setup during perfect campfire conditions.
To help you always be ready for the perfect campfire, here’s a list of must-have campfire accessories for your next camping trip.
1. Multi Tool or Knife
A vital component of building a campfire is tinder. Ideally, you use something like dry grass or dead pine needles. Of course, there are times, especially at some very developed campgrounds where there are none to be found. While there are many hacks out there, a multi tool with a knife guarantees you’ll have tinder without the need to find or remember anything––well except for your firewood or logs!
Grab your bundle of firewood and take out one of the logs in the bundle. Using the knife in your multi-tool, carefully shave off small pieces of the wood. Wood shavings make great tinder.
2. Fire Starter
You can’t have a perfect campfire if you can’t start the fire!
Once you have your tinder, kindling, and logs set up, it’s time to start the fire. Matches are certainly tried and true, especially waterproof matches. Be sure to pack some before your trip. A lighter works well too.
Speaking of fire starters you can also get a bit of help with the tinder step, and use fire starter sticks or fire starter squares. Duraflame logs are also popular. Avoid using lighter fluid. It smells foul and is dangerous.
3. Fire Poker and Bellows
To avoid burning your fingers and hands––surely not part of a relaxing campfire experience––use a fire poker to move the wood in the campfire around. Don’t be that person quickly reaching into the fire to shift a log over with their hand. While you can use a stick, you may not find one in more developed campgrounds, not to mention a fire poker will keep you at a safe distance from the flames.
And, speaking of safe distances. An important step to building the perfect campfire is blowing at the base of your fire. Safely add oxygen at a distance with a bellows. These often pocket-sized expandable metal tubes help you safely blow on your fire as long as you follow good fire safety practices. (Like don’t inhale through the tube, etc.)
4. Comfy Camp Chairs
You can stand around a fire sure, but after a long day, there’s nothing like sitting by the campfire. Be sure to pack some comfy camp chairs. If you’re up for it, go all out with reclinable camp chairs.
Sitting around the campfire invites conversation and bonding. You might even get inspired to whip out the ukulele or guitar and sing songs. If you happen to be tight on space, or you’re camping with kids who prefer to sit on the floor, an RV patio mat can be a nice spot to enjoy the campfire from too.
5. Marshmallow S’more Sticks & Mugs
Whether it’s cold or not, a campfire isn’t complete without some snacks. Be prepared for some marshmallow roasting with marshmallow s’more sticks.
If it’s chilly out, a hot mug of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa will nicely complement your campfire. Be sure to pack some mugs for your next trip. If it’s not chilly, try an adult beverage instead. And if you’re not into drinking wine from a mug––who are we to judge––go ahead and bring wine glasses.
6. Collapsible Bucket
This is a must. Being a responsible camper and campground RV neighbor means putting your fire completely out when you’re done.
Keep water in your bucket, and at the end of the night (or after breakfast) pour water on your fire until it no longer hisses at you.
7. Smokeless Campfire Option
A smokeless campfire option is a must-have for anyone wanting to upgrade the campfire experience. We all love sitting around the campfire, but how many of us truly love the campfire smoke.
That campfire smoke tends to envelop you as your drifting off to sleep at the end of the night. It’s smell can linger on your clothes or in your hair. And of course, how many of us have had nights where the smoke chases you around the fire until sitting around the campfire becomes a game of musical chairs?
For those of who want to skip the smoke, we recommend Biolite’s Smokeless Fire Pit. You still get to use wood and keep all the joys of a campfire without the smoke. It even doubles as a hibachi grill.
And if you want to skip building a fire and using wood altogether, try a portable propane fire pit. This is a great option for those of us that were never camp scouts! And, you’ll be able to enjoy a consistent, smokeless campfire. We promise you’ll still enjoy sharing life stories while sitting around it.
With just a few simple accessories your on your way to your perfect campfire.
Do you have any tips for the perfect campfire? Leave a comment below!
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