Types of Campfires

Campfires can serve various purposes, from providing warmth and light to cooking food and creating a cozy atmosphere. Here are several types of campfires you might encounter:

1. Teepee Fire: This is one of the most common types of campfires. It’s built by arranging larger pieces of firewood in a teepee or cone shape, leaving a space in the center for kindling and tinder. As the fire burns, it gradually collapses inward, providing a good airflow and efficient burning.
2. Log Cabin Fire: This type of fire is constructed by alternating layers of firewood, placing one layer perpendicular to the next in a log cabin pattern. The center is left empty for tinder and kindling. This design allows for a controlled burn and good airflow.
3. Lean-To Fire: In this setup, a larger log is placed horizontally as the “backbone,” and smaller logs are leaned against it on one side. The tinder and kindling are placed on the ground in front of the structure. As the fire burns, it heats the logs and causes them to collapse inward.
4. Star Fire: The star fire is formed by arranging logs or larger pieces of firewood in a star or starburst pattern with the tips meeting at a central point. This design provides multiple burning surfaces and a central area for kindling.
5. Swedish Fire Torch: A Swedish fire torch involves placing a vertically positioned log with cuts or splits at the top in a cross-like pattern. The cuts are filled with tinder, and the fire burns vertically through the log, creating a flat cooking surface on top.
6. Dakota Fire Hole: This is a more discreet and efficient type of fire, often used for cooking. It involves digging a hole in the ground and connecting it to a tunnel for airflow. The fire is built in the hole, and the tunnel helps supply oxygen, creating a hot and efficient burn.
7. Reflector Fire: A reflector fire is built with a large reflector wall behind it, usually made from logs or rocks. The wall reflects heat and light back towards the campsite, providing extra warmth and light.
8. Keyhole Fire: This fire combines a cooking area with a regular fire. It has a circular fire pit for burning and a narrow trench leading to it. The trench serves as a draft for the fire and can also be used for cooking.
9. Long Fire: A long fire is a linear fire built in a trench. It’s suitable for group gatherings, as people can sit along the length of the fire. It also provides an extended cooking area.
10. Upside-Down Fire: This unique fire is built by placing the largest logs at the bottom, followed by progressively smaller logs and kindling on top. The fire burns downward, with the larger logs acting as a base.

Remember to always follow proper safety guidelines and local regulations when building and using campfires. The type of fire you choose should match your purpose, the available materials, and the specific conditions of your camping location.

At Madison Campground, we provide fire rings at every camping site.