What are some activities you can do around a campfire?

Here are some of the campfire program topics at various parks: Adapted Campfires: Children with disabilities and their families gather 'round the campfire for storytelling, traditional campfire songs and making s'mores. Meet a live animal highlighted in one of the stories.

How do campfires start?

Fire needs air to grow, so don’t just stack your wood in a dense pile. One way to start is by laying larger pieces of wood in a cross-hatch pattern, making a small tower. Then, place plenty of kindling (e.g. dried leaves, small twigs, etc.) and firestarter (e.g., paraffin-soaked cotton balls, shredded paper, etc) in the gaps between the wood.

What are some safety tips for having a campfire?

Keep the fire in a contained unit such as a burn barrel, barbecue unit, hibachi or a small pit with rocks around it. Building a fire directly on the ground without barriers can allow the fire to spread underground through root systems or decaying material. Never leave a campfire unattended.

What do campfires do?

A campfire is a fire at a campsite that provides light and warmth, and heat for cooking. It can also serve as a beacon, and an insect and predator deterrent. Established campgrounds often provide a stone or steel fire ring for safety. Campfires are a popular feature of camping.