One of the most iconic RV camping activities is building a fire, which can be challenging, especially for novice campers. That’s why it’s useful to know some camping fire hacks that can make building and maintaining a campfire easier and more efficient.
These hacks can range from using simple household items to creative cooking techniques that can enhance your camping experience.
Read on to learn more about our camping fire hacks that can help campers feel more confident and comfortable around fires, while also minimizing the risks associated with outdoor fires.
How Can You Control Fire During Camping?
Controlling fire during camping is essential to prevent wildfires. Uncontrolled fires can spread quickly, cause significant damage to the environment, and endanger human life.
By following proper fire safety measures, campers can enjoy a safe and enjoyable camping experience.
Here are some ways to control fire during camping:
- Choose a designated fire pit or use a portable fire pit: Many campsites have set fire pits, but you can bring a portable fire pit if they don’t. A designated or portable fire pit will help contain the fire and prevent it from spreading.
- Clear the area around the fire pit: Clear away any leaves, grass, or other flammable materials around the fire pit. It will help prevent the fire from spreading beyond the fire pit.
- Use the right kind of wood: Use only dry, seasoned wood for your fire. Green or wet wood can create excess smoke and sparks, which can be dangerous. Never burn trash or other debris in your fire pit.
- Keep water and a shovel nearby: Always have a bucket of water and a shovel nearby to extinguish the fire quickly. Never leave the fire unattended, and fully extinguish it before leaving.
- Observe fire restrictions: Check with the local authorities for any fire restrictions in your camping area. Fire restrictions may be in place during high fire danger, and campfires may not be allowed.
Following these tips, you can enjoy your camping trip while being responsible and safe with your campfire.
Camping Fire Hacks
Building a camping fire is a staple of any outdoor adventure, providing warmth, light, and a gathering place for campers.
A campfire can be used for cooking food and boiling water, making it an important source of sustenance in the wilderness.
Check out these camping fire hacks that RV campers can use to enhance their camping experience.
Use a Potato to Start Your Fire
- Cut a potato in half and then make a small indentation on the cut side.
- Put a small amount of lighter fluid or kindling in the indentation, then place the potato halves over the kindling and light it up.
- Wait until the potato is burning slowly, providing a steady flame that will help ignite the larger pieces of wood.
Use an Egg Carton as a Fire Starter
- Fill the cups of an egg carton (if you don’t have much, you can actually buy egg cartons) with dryer lint or shredded paper, then pour melted wax over the top.
- Let the wax cool and solidify, then cut the cups apart.
- When you’re ready to start your fire, place one of the cups under your kindling and light it up.
Make or Bring Your Own Fire Pit
If the campground doesn’t provide fire pits, you can bring your own portable fire pit, or if you want a larger one, you can create your own.
For this RC camping fire hack, dig a shallow pit, then surround it with rocks. This will help contain the fire and keep it from spreading.
Use a Dutch Oven to Cook Over the Fire
Dutch ovens are versatile cooking vessels that can be used to make a wide variety of dishes over the campfire.
You can use them to make stews, chili, bread, and even desserts.
Just place the Dutch oven on a bed of hot coals, then add your ingredients and let them cook. How convenient, right?
Check out my favorite Dutch oven camping meal recipes to make at the campground!
Use a Shower Cap to Keep Your Firewood Dry
If it’s raining and you don’t have a shelter for your firewood, use a shower cap to cover it.
This will help keep the wood dry and make it easier to start your fire.
Use a Metal Coffee Can as a Portable Grill
Cut off the top and bottom of a metal coffee can then make several small cuts around the bottom edge. Fold the cuts inward to create legs, then place the can over hot coals.
You can cook hot dogs, burgers, or even grilled vegetables on the can grill. You can thank me later!
Use a muffin tin to make individual servings of campfire meals
Line the cups of a muffin tin with foil, then fill each one with your favorite ingredients. You can make mini pizzas, breakfast sandwiches, or even omelets.
Just place the muffin tin on a bed of hot coals and let them cook.
Download Our FREE RV Kitchen Checklist
More RV Camping Resources
- RV Checklists For Every Need
- RV Campgrounds Throughout the Southeast
- Camping Meals You Will Love To Prep
- RV Camping Organization Hacks For The Whole Camper
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