Campfire Firewood: Finding, Buying, and Burning

Good firewood makes all the difference for your campfire. Here's what you need to know.

Sourcing Firewood

Buy Local

• Purchase within 50 miles of where you'll burn
• Prevents spread of invasive insects
• "Buy it where you burn it"
• Many campgrounds sell wood

Gathering

• Check regulations first (often prohibited)
• Only collect dead and downed wood
• Never cut live trees
• Leave some for wildlife habitat

Types of Wood

Hardwoods (Best)

• Oak, hickory, maple, ash
• Burns longer and hotter
• More coals for cooking
• Harder to light

Softwoods

• Pine, fir, spruce, cedar
• Burns faster
• Good for starting fires
• More sparks and smoke

Fire Starting

Tinder

• Paper, dry leaves, birch bark
• Fatwood or commercial fire starters
• Needs to catch easily

Kindling

• Pencil-thick sticks
• Small split wood
• Gradually increase size

Fuel

• Wrist-sized and larger
• Add gradually as fire grows
• Don't smother flames

Firewood Tips

• Dry wood burns better
• Split wood ignites easier
• Stack loosely for airflow
• Keep extra wood dry

Enjoy your fire! 🔥