I should imagine that there are many people who just love going camping, whether it be in the wilderness or down the road.
Such adventure requires a campfire pit to roast those marshmallows on.
So where to start...
camping fire, backyard campfire pit.
What is a Campfire Pit For?
A fire pit can vary in great ways…
Whether it be a pit dug in the ground to an elaborate gas burning structure of brick, stone, or even metal.
There is not just one definition but we can see that originally the campfire pit was the style that was dug in the ground.
We could go on to the man-made campfire pits but I want to get down to the basics of the campfire pit that started it all off.
Or you could say our ancestors started it of course and going back even further the caveman.
So the first and most important function of a campfire pit’s design is to prevent the fire from spreading, especially to the surrounding areas.
The last thing you want is the fire that you built spreading from your campsite and running amock in a forest for instance.
Now that would be bad in a very big way.
I can hear the yells, panicked voices, then the sirens of the fire truck and then the groan as you have to pay a hefty fine.
Not a good result is it?
So containing a campfire is a must if you want to enjoy your camping trip right?
With these sorts of campfire pits, you need to make sure that you bring along the marshmallows unless you do not like them.
But how could that be?
Anyway…
You could use the old barbeque, but you are camping here…
So why not make it original, you know, the whole sitting on logs as seats and stuff.
This not only gives you a sense of satisfaction, but you will enjoy the sense that you are doing it the old-fashioned way.
I have sat around many campfire pits in my time, and to just stare at the flames that are keeping you warm late at night, is a feeling that you can not get from any man-made barbeque.
A campfire pit is not only coming to give you the light and warmth for a gathering, but it is also going to be a source for your cooking needs.
And f you have ever tasted food that has been cooked on an open fire, with that smokey taste to it.
It is really something else…
If you have never thought about your cup of tea boiled in the coals of a campfire pit before, you should try it.
Or you could always invest in a tripod, this being three metal rods that tie together and erected above the fire pit to hang your teapot on or you could always get a fire grill to do the same job.
Or…
You could always just set the teapot on the fire itself.
Not right in the middle of the flames.
I am talking bout shifting some burnt remains of logs and sitting it on them but in the fire pit itself.
Remember we want the fire contained.
So How do You Build a Campfire Pit?
How to Build Your Campfire
Firstly– you need to make sure that you have a source of water near to you.
The last thing you want is to light a fire with no water around.
What were you thinking?
Anyway…
You need the water to put out the fire properly when finished right. You could use the dirt as well. But water should always be there.
You should also have a bucket and shovel nearby at all times. So do not forget to put these in your car before you go camping.
Dig a hole, not too shallow or too deep. Just enough that you know the logs are not going to fall out and the fire then gets away from you.
Find substantial rocks and place them beside each other just outside the pit that you have dug.
You do not have to go for boulders, not that you could move them anyway.
And not stones…
But sized rocks that are going to make sure that the biggest of logs are not going to get past them when they fall.
And they will fall as they are turned into burnt charcoal and break up.
Make sure that the rocks are placed up against each other, I know that when you are forming the rocks around the campfire pit you have to lay them in a circle.
But with diligence, you will get those rocks to butt up against each other.
Do not build a campfire pit on uneven ground, make sure that you have found a good place to build it, and do not go building your campfire pit under any trees.
You do not want the heat or flames of the fire to catch hold of the tree’s leaves and catch fire.
Make sure that you have good even and clear areas to build your campfire and you might ask when putting it out should you just leave your rocks where you have put them in the circle.
Well…
The archaeologists are not going to come along and think that they have discovered an ancient campfire you know…
So the answer is…
Yes, you could leave them, but I would put them back where you go then from or near about, and do not leave the campfire pit till you know for sure that that fire you built is out completely.
What Can I Burn in a Campfire Firepit
You may well ask…
It is recommended that you use using hardwoods, such as:
- ash
- oak
- beach
These are the best for heat when you want to cook, and they will also provide a long burn and you will get that smoky flavour in your food as well.
If you want to add a little flavour to your food and if you have any of these woods around in your area.
The Applewood gives off a fantastic flavour or you can try adding a little hickory at the end of cooking for that extra smokey taste.
But it also depends on what country you live in and what sort of wood you have of course.
So…
The campfire pit… Are you ready to go camping and enjoy the delights of what this most basic of campfires can give you?
Even if you have a go in your backyard if you are not a camper.
At least that way you do not have to deconstruct it and leave it for another round of gathering near your own campfire pit at home.