Few things capture the spirit of camping more than gathering around a warm, glowing campfire. It’s a place to share stories, roast marshmallows, and create lasting memories. But with that tradition comes the responsibility of ensuring safety—for yourself, your family, and the environment. Every year, unattended or improperly managed campfires lead to injuries and wildfires that could have been prevented with simple precautions. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about campfire safety so you can enjoy those cozy moments responsibly and confidently.
Choose a Safe Location for Your Campfire
Before striking a match, the first step is selecting the right spot. If you’re at a campground like Campark, always use designated fire rings or pits provided at your site. These areas are specifically chosen to minimize risk and help contain the fire.
If you’re camping in a more rustic setting, be sure to pick a location that is away from overhanging branches, dry grass, tents, and other flammable materials. The fire should be built on bare soil or gravel, not on a bed of leaves or pine needles. Clear a 10-foot radius around the fire pit of any debris to create a safe zone.
Build Your Fire the Right Way
Starting your campfire safely is just as important as where you place it. Begin with small kindling like dry twigs or wood shavings, and gradually add larger pieces of wood as the fire grows. Avoid using flammable liquids such as lighter fluid or gasoline—these are dangerous and unnecessary for a proper campfire.
Keep your fire small and manageable. A modest flame is easier to control, requires less fuel, and is just as enjoyable for cooking or gathering around. Make sure your fire stays within the boundaries of the fire ring or pit and never let it grow larger than necessary.
Never Leave a Fire Unattended
One of the most important rules of campfire safety is to never leave your fire unattended. Fires can change rapidly with wind or shifting wood, and what seems like a controlled flame can quickly become dangerous. Always have an adult monitoring the fire, even during calm conditions.
When it’s time to step away—whether for a short hike, bedtime, or just a trip to the restroom—fully extinguish the fire before leaving. Assigning fire watch duties can be a helpful way to make sure someone is always keeping an eye on it during your camping activities.
Keep Safety Tools Nearby
Always be prepared for the unexpected by keeping fire safety tools within arm’s reach. A bucket of water, a shovel, or a fire extinguisher should be on hand anytime a fire is burning. These tools can help control flare-ups and are essential for quickly extinguishing a fire in case of emergency.
It’s also a good idea to keep extra water nearby not just for emergencies, but for routine safety like dousing embers or cooling down hot areas around the fire pit. Even if you’re in a campground that provides fire rings, your own tools add an extra layer of precaution.
Educate Kids on Campfire Safety
Campfires can be fascinating for kids, but it’s important to teach them clear safety rules. Establish a “no-go” zone—usually three to five feet from the fire—where children should not enter. Make sure they understand that fire is not a toy, and demonstrate how to behave responsibly around it.
Supervised participation, like roasting marshmallows with long sticks or helping with fire prep at a safe distance, can be a great way to involve kids while reinforcing the importance of caution. Setting a good example as an adult is the best way to teach safe fire habits.
Extinguish the Fire Properly
When you’re done enjoying your campfire, it’s critical to put it out completely. Start by allowing the fire to die down until the flames are gone and the wood has turned to glowing embers. Then, pour water over the fire slowly and thoroughly. Stir the ashes and embers with a shovel to expose hot spots and douse again with water.
Continue this process until everything is cool to the touch—use the back of your hand close to the ashes to test for any remaining heat. Never leave a fire site until you’re certain it is completely extinguished. A single unnoticed ember can reignite and spread long after you’ve left.
Follow Campground and Local Regulations
Each campground and region may have different rules about when and where fires are permitted. Always check fire regulations before building a campfire, especially during dry seasons when bans may be in effect. Campgrounds like Campark will have clear signage and guidelines about fire use, and it’s essential to follow them for your safety and the protection of the surrounding environment.
Respecting these rules not only helps prevent wildfires, but it also ensures that everyone at the campground can enjoy a safe and pleasant experience.
Keep the Glow, Lose the Risk
Campfires are one of the most cherished parts of camping, offering warmth, entertainment, and a deep connection to the natural world. But with that enjoyment comes the responsibility to ensure that your fire is safe from start to finish. By choosing the right location, keeping tools nearby, supervising closely, and following safety practices, you can relax and enjoy every flicker of the flame—without worry.
Planning a camping trip where safety and fun go hand in hand? Visit Campark’s Contact Page to book your stay and experience nights by the fire with peace of mind.