Campfires are often the highlight of camping trips, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere to relax with friends and family. But for RV campers, understanding the basics of campfire safety and etiquette is essential—not only for your enjoyment but for the safety of everyone around you. Knowing how to build, maintain, and properly extinguish a campfire, especially in shared RV campgrounds or while boondocking, helps create a safe environment and preserves nature for everyone to enjoy.
This guide will walk you through essential campfire safety tips, covering everything from choosing the best location to properly extinguishing the fire before turning in for the night. Whether you’re camping in a busy RV park or exploring remote boondocking spots, following these guidelines will keep your camping experience safe and enjoyable.
Choosing the Right Location for a Campfire
Stick to Designated Fire Pits
Many campgrounds provide designated fire pits that are specially designed to contain flames and embers. Using these established areas not only helps with safety but also protects the surrounding environment. If you’re boondocking, make sure to select a location away from vegetation, overhanging branches, and, of course, your RV.
Check for Clearance and Wind Conditions
Position your campfire with at least 10 feet of clearance from your RV, trees, and any flammable materials. Wind can carry embers, so assess the direction and speed of the wind before starting a fire. This is especially important in dry or forested areas. If conditions are too windy, consider skipping the campfire until it’s safer.
Campfire Safety Essentials for RVers
Always Have Fire Suppression Tools Ready
Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, or sand nearby. This quick-access safety measure is essential when you’re far from emergency services or in boondocking areas. For more on how to be fully prepared while boondocking, see our Boondocking 101 Guide.
Keep Fire Size Manageable
It’s tempting to build large fires, but smaller, controlled fires are much safer, especially around RVs and other campers. A fire that’s too large can easily spread embers, while smaller fires are easier to monitor and extinguish.
Etiquette Tips for Shared Campgrounds
Minimize Smoke and Respect Neighbors
Position yourself so that smoke doesn’t blow directly toward neighboring campsites or other RVs. You can do this by adjusting your seating or fire position as the wind shifts. Also, be mindful of quiet hours in shared campgrounds, keeping conversation volume and noise to a minimum around the fire after hours.
Respect Firewood Policies
Many campgrounds have firewood restrictions to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect local ecosystems. Use firewood purchased locally or provided by the campground. Avoid burning trash or other materials that could release harmful chemicals into the air.
Limit Fire Time and Noise
In RV campgrounds, maintaining a peaceful environment is important for all campers. Avoid late-night fires if quiet hours are in effect, and be cautious with bright lights or loud conversations that could disturb neighbors. For more on maintaining good relationships with fellow campers, check out our article on RV Camping Etiquette.
Properly Extinguishing a Campfire
Douse the Fire with Water
When you’re ready to call it a night, pour water directly onto the fire, soaking every area with visible flames or embers. Listen for hissing sounds, which indicate that hot spots are cooling. Repeat this process until no smoke or steam is visible.
Stir Ashes with a Shovel
After dousing the fire, use a shovel or stick to stir the ashes and ensure every last ember is out. Pour more water over the stirred ashes until they are cool to the touch. This double-check prevents lingering embers from reigniting overnight.
Conclusion
Practicing campfire safety and etiquette ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for you, your family, and fellow campers. By being mindful of your fire’s impact, from smoke control to fire size, you help create a welcoming atmosphere that keeps the environment safe. The memories made around a safe, well-tended campfire will be some of your most cherished camping experiences.