Nothing says you’re camping like sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows for s’mores or winding down from the day with your beverage of choice in your hand. But there’s more to building the perfect campfire than meets the eye, especially when it comes to safety. And for RV enthusiasts, being safe, responsible campers and neighbors is just a part of the unwritten RVer’s code of ethics!

Here are a few safety suggestions to ensure your next campfire is a good one!  

Observe and Obey Local Fire Safety Regulations

Long before you strike a match, do your research and find out what the fire ordinances are at whatever campground, park, or land you’re staying. In addition, know what the regulations are at the county and city level. 

Check the Weather

You check the weather each day when you’re traveling in your rig and before you begin your daily adventures, so this one isn’t a stretch. Dry conditions—when there is little to no humidity in the air—and windy days make it easier for fires to spread out of control, so avoid making a campfire on days like these. Pay attention to wildfire warnings as well. 

Use a Designated Fire Pit or Ring 

You should never build a fire outside of a designated fire pit or fire ring. Many campgrounds and parks have them at each campsite. If you don’t see one, don’t make a fire unless you have a portable fire pit to use. 

Buy or Find Wood Locally

Never bring your own wood, twigs, or other organic matter from where you live to another location. Doing so encourages the spread of invasive species. Instead, find your tinder, kindling, and wood from your surroundings or buy it from a local shop or street-side stand. If you’re collecting from the woods, never cut living trees or plants! Only use dead, fallen branches. It’s best to check what the wood collection rules are wherever you’re staying.

Keep Dousing Water Nearby

Always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby your fire so you can quickly douse the flames if you need to.

What are some of the tried-and-true campfire safety rules you follow when you’re camping? Let us know in the comments or contact us today!