The Do’s and Don’ts of Building a Fire

Need some help to build a bigger, better fire? At Firebuggz, we like to think we are experts on the subject. Take a look at our do’s and don’ts for building the best campfire.

Do: Gather the ingredients for a fire

Before you start a campfire, you are going to have to forage for some materials to get it started. Tinder and kindling—the smallest and easiest burning components—are an essential place to start. Tinder includes dryer lint, cardboard, commercial fire starters, or wadded newspaper. This is the ingredient that will ignite your fire. What will really get your fire going are small pieces of dry wood and bark - or kindling. Search the forest floor for twigs, dry logs, and branches. Don’t forget to bring matches and lighters!

Do: Take advantage of a fire pit

If your campsite has a fire ring, clear it out before starting your own. Scoop out any existing charcoal, ash, and debris from previous fires - especially if it is damp. Fire pits make it easier to start a fire, but make sure it is ready for a new fire before you begin.

Don’t: Be intimidated about building your own pit

Clear away a decent-sized space for your fire. This typically means a 4-foot space for the fire itself and a greater circumference of 8 to 10 ft. to avoid fire-catching debris. In your pit, dig down several inches to construct the fire. As a barrier to your fire, you can compact the dirt around the circle into a mound, or use rocks to insulate the fire.

Do: Build the proper fire for your purpose

Don’t waste time building the wrong camp fire. For cooking, you will want to use a “teepee fire” or a “lean-to fire.” A “cross fire” and “log cabin fire” will be best for long-lasting bonfires, but don’t get as hot, therefore aren’t as good for cooking. Learn how to build these different fires below:

• Teepee Fire: Arrange your kindling into the shape of a teepee over the tinder. Then, build a larger teepee from firewood over the kindling. Once you light your fire, the flames will rise up through the kindling to create a roaring fire.
• Lean-to Fire: To begin, stick a long piece of kindling into the ground above your tinder at a 30-degree angle. Lean smaller pieces of kindling against the long stick to build a tent shape. Once the kindling catches fire, add more kindling followed by firewood.
• Cross Fire: A simple one to build, begin by layering kindling over tinder in a crosshatch shape. Follow with firewood.
• Log Cabin: Begin by creating a kindling teepee over your tinder, then place two logs on either side of the kindling teepee. Add two more logs to form a square. Build vertically to form a cabin-shaped fire. Add a “roof,” by using more kindling.

Do: Start and maintain your fire

Once you have the right structure in place, get your fire roaring. For best results, light the tinder from several sides, and gently blow air to build heat and intensity. Control the fire by only feeding it enough firewood to keep it going. To safely turn firewood, take a look at our Original Log Lugger. The Log Lugger is an excellent tool for turning logs and gathering kindling and firewood for the campsite.

Don’t: Forget your fire etiquette

Take caution, and don’t let the flames soar too high. Keep a fire extinguisher, extra water, and extra dirt with you at all times, and never leave a fire unattended. As a famous bear once said, “Only you can prevent forest fires.”

Do: Put your fire out

For smart and safe campfire usage in the woods, put your fire out when you are done with it. Lightly sprinkle your fire with water while stirring the coals around to ensure they are thoroughly soaked. Continue until you no longer feel heat from the fire pit. Don’t douse it with water because you or another camper may soon use it again.

A campfire can involve many elements, but by knowing the do’s and don’ts of how to build a campfire, you will soon be on your way to camping success! For more camping and campfire tips, follow Firebuggz on Twitter and Like us on Facebook!

Tasty S'mores Recipes to Enjoy This Summer

S’mores - also known as summertime’s favorite dessert - are delicious and oh so satisfying. S’mores are also foolproof to make and versatile. Have you ever substituted a Reese’s cup for chocolate or shortbread cookies for graham crackers? For even more variations on this summertime classic, check out our list of tasty s’mores recipes to try this summer:

S’mores Dip

Who doesn’t love a good summer dip? Dips are great for sharing with large crowds or summer parties. It’s the perfect addition to any potluck, but it can also jazz up any movie night on the couch. This S’mores dip looks beautiful and tastes just as delicious. Make sure to grab a bite before it’s gone, and, trust us, it’ll be gone quickly!

Lemon Pie S’mores

To get a little more outside the box, try this recipe for Lemon Pie S’mores. This summery concoction will taste exactly like a lemon meringue pie. And it’s a perfect alternative for those few who don’t like chocolate (the very few of you), but who want to get in on some S’mores action. This idea includes a recipe for lemon curd, which you can include in many recipes throughout the week!

Roasted Berry S’mores

This fruity twist on a classic summer treat looks like a gourmet confection. With the addition of vanilla, cardamom, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, this recipe will blow your campground dessert standard out of the water! Try this recipe when you have some fancy friends to impress or an occasion to celebrate.

S’mores Snack Mix

Want a more mobile way of eating s’mores? Try this simple recipe for S’mores Snack Mix. This recipe combines the classic sweetness of the s’mores combo with the saltiness of pretzels. Pack a bag of it in your child’s lunch bag to celebrate the last few days of school. Include a jar of it in your Father’s Day gift. This treat is easily transportable, but be careful - you are going to want to carry this around with you all summer!

Oreo Peanut Butter S’mores

This recipe hits the trifecta of a mind-blowingly delicious dessert. It can easily be made at home or out at the campground. Roast your marshmallow with a Firebuggz Crank-Eez. This colorful and easy-to-use campfire roaster is the perfect tool to help you create the Oreo Peanut Butter S’more. Likewise, the Firebuggz Fire Fishing Pole is a fun and exciting way for your little one or favorite fisherman to roast a marshmallow or hot dog.

For more ideas on s’mores recipes, check out these simple fixes.

• For the adults of a camping group, roast a Bailey’s dipped marshmallow for an extra warm and tasty treat.
• Not only can you incorporate s’mores into new desserts, you can combine it with some simple ingredients to create a s’mores milkshake.
• Use a banana or waffle cone as a new vessel for your s’mores concoction. Just wrap it in foil, and place it on a cooking rack over your campfire.
• Limit the messiness of s’mores by making s’mores in a bag. Start with a mini bag of teddy grahams, add some roasted marshmallows (depending on size) and toss in some melted chocolate chips or fun-sized bars.

These versatile recipes—ranging in taste from delicious to tantalizing—are so satisfying that you are sure to find an occasion to try each one.

Don’t forget to check out all our campfire accessories at Firebuggz.com.

The 6 Best Places to Camp in Minnesota

In Minnesota, there are thousands of lakes to go fishing and swimming, but what about the many amazing campsites near and around these lakes? We dug up the fresh spring soil (or internet data) and found the 6 best campsites in the land of 10,000 lakes.

St. Croix State Park

With 34,000 acres of trees, rolling hills, and wildlife the St. Croix State Park makes the top of the list. And of course, this expansive site comes with access to the St. Croix River. With everything from bicycle paths to trails for horseback riders, this site is appealing for the majority of explorers.

Flour Lake – Grand Marais

Feeling more adventurous? Head up near the Great Lake Superior. Hop into a canoe and paddle through the streaming Boundary Waters Canoe Area. You will get plenty of “me” time with 3 million acres around you to leave your stresses and worries. However, you don’t have to get lost in the wilderness to have a good time. There’s a grocery store nearby, boat rentals available, and even laundry facilities. So, whether you want to “live off the land” or camp like kings and queens, you can do both.

Whiteface Reservoir

If you’re looking for a place to turn up the knots, feel the wind in your hair, and catch a feast of fish with the family, then head over to Whiteface Reservoir. This park is perfect for the whole family. Fish off the boat or dock, swim in the refreshing water off the beach, or have a family picnic - it’s all available for you.

Fall Lake

Contrary to its name, Fall Lake is perfect for early spring. With an early May opening, fishermen and women come to enjoy the walleye fishing season. Just like with Flour Lake, there are 3 million acres of wildlife and water surrounding you.

Minneapolis Northwest Koa

Looking for a more modern day camping experience? Minneapolis Northwest Koa offers free Wi-Fi and is minutes from many shopping centers. Play a game of basketball or a round of mini-golf and then cool off in the pool.

Mississippi River Pool No. 2

Mississippi River Pool No. 2 is a portion of the Mississippi River located above the dam at Hastings and extends upstream to the Ford Dam. Watch the lock operations and view towboats and barges from their observation deck. This state park is a quick drive from the Twin Cities and it is easy to plan a day trip with plenty of restaurants nearby.

Minnesota is a prime state to go camping with the family. Grab your gear, pack your set of Fire Fishing Poles, and head out for an adventure in the wild. For easy packing, put your poles in a Fire Fishing Pole bag and your treats in a Snacklebox. View the rest of the state parks and the full description of them here.