Figuring out how much firewood do i need for camping is one of those classic trip-planning questions. Get it right, and you have a perfect campfire; get it wrong, and you might be going to bed early or hauling heavy leftovers home.
This guide will walk you through everything, from calculating the right amount to choosing the best wood. We’ll cover campfire types, cooking needs, and crucial safety tips so you can plan with confidence.
How Much Firewood Do I Need For Camping
There’s no single answer, as it depends on several factors. But a good starting rule is to plan for about 5-7 medium-sized logs per person, per night for a typical social campfire. This assumes a fire lasting 3-4 hours in the evening.
Let’s break down the main things that will change your calculation.
Key Factors That Change Your Firewood Needs
Your firewood needs swing wildly based on what you want to do. A small fire for ambiance needs less than a big bonfire for a group.
- Campfire Purpose: Is it just for atmosphere, for cooking all your meals, or for serious warmth on a cold night?
- Duration & Frequency: Will you have a fire just at night, or also in the morning? How many hours each session?
- Group Size: More people usually means a larger fire pit and longer burn time to keep everyone warm.
- Weather Conditions: Cold, damp, or windy weather requires significantly more wood to maintain heat and dry out the fuel.
- Firewood Type & Size: Hardwoods like oak burn longer than softwoods like pine. Kiln-dried wood is more efficient than green or wet wood.
- Local Regulations: Many parks ban bringing in outside firewood to prevent pests. You may have to buy it there, which affects quantity and quality.
The Standard Campfire Calculation Method
Use this simple method to estimate. First, define your “fire bundle.” One bundle is often what you’d buy from a campground store or gas station.
- Determine Fire Type:
- Small Ambiance Fire: For a couple, 1-2 hours. Needs about 3-5 logs per night.
- Standard Social Fire: For a group, 3-4 hours. Needs about 1 standard bundle (6-8 logs) per 2 people, per night.
- Primary Cooking Fire: If cooking most meals, plan for 1.5 to 2 bundles per day for a group of four.
- All-Day/Weather Fire: For cold or all-day warmth, double or triple the standard social fire amount.
- Multiply by Nights: Take your nightly estimate and multiply by the number of nights.
- Add a Contingency: Always add an extra 25% to your total. It’s better to have a little left over than to run out.
Example Calculation
Two people, 3 nights, standard social fires each evening.
- Nightly Need: 1 bundle for 2 people.
- Total for 3 Nights: 3 bundles.
- Add Contingency (25%): 0.75 bundle.
- Total to Bring/Buy: ~4 bundles.
Choosing the Right Type of Firewood
Not all wood burns the same. Knowing the difference helps you plan better and have a safer, more enjoyable fire.
Hardwoods vs. Softwoods
- Hardwoods (Oak, Maple, Hickory, Ash): Dense, heavy, and slow-burning. They provide long-lasting heat and great coals for cooking. Ideal for main fire fuel. You’ll need less volume compared to softwood.
- Softwoods (Pine, Fir, Cedar): Less dense, lighter, and fast-burning. They ignite easily and are great for kindling or a quick, hot fire. They produce more sparks and smoke, so are less ideal for primary fuel.
Wood Condition is Critical
Always, always use seasoned (dry) wood. Green or wet wood is incredibly difficult to light, produces tons of smoke, and provides little heat. It’s basically a waste of space. Kiln-dried wood from a store is the most reliable, though sometimes more expensive.
A common mistake is underestimating how much wet wood can ruin a trip. If you’re collecting wood locally (where permitted), look for dead, dry wood off the ground. Test it by banging two pieces together; dry wood makes a hollow “clack,” not a dull “thud.”
Step-by-Step: Planning and Packing Your Firewood
- Check Campground Rules FIRST: Before anything else, see if outside firewood is allowed. Many areas have quarantine zones to stop invasive insects.
- Decide: Bring or Buy? If you can bring, sourcing from home may be cheaper. If you must buy locally, research vendor locations near the campground.
- Calculate Your Amount: Use the method above based on your group, nights, and plans.
- Pack it Properly: Use sturdy containers like milk crates or firewood bags to keep your car clean. Never use plastic bags, as they can suffocate and promote mold.
- Store it Smart at Camp: Keep your wood off the ground and covered with a tarp if rain is expected, but leave the sides open for airflow.
Campfire Cooking and Wood Quantities
Cooking over a fire changes the game. You don’t just need logs; you need the right stage of the fire.
- Coals are Key: Most cooking is done over hot coals, not open flames. This requires a bed of embers from burned-down hardwood.
- More Wood, More Time: Building a cooking fire takes more wood and more time (about 45-60 minutes) to create a good coal base.
- Estimate for Cooking: For a group of four cooking dinner, plan on using a full bundle of hardwood just to create the cooking coals. Have extra on hand to maintain heat if cooking multiple items or for a long time.
Essential Campfire Safety and Leave No Trace
Having enough wood is pointless if you can’t have a fire safely or legally.
Safety First
- Only build fires in designated pits or rings.
- Keep water and a shovel nearby at all times.
- Never leave a fire unattended, even for a minute.
- Extinguish completely: drown with water, stir the ashes, drown again, and feel for heat with the back of your hand.
Leave No Trace Principles
This is crucial for protecting the outdoors. Always follow these rules:
- Buy It Where You Burn It: Prevent spreading tree-killing insects.
- Keep Fires Small: Use existing fire rings and only sticks that can be broken by hand.
- Burn All Wood Completely: Reduce everything to ash if possible.
- Pack Out Trash: Never burn plastic, foil, or food scraps. These don’t burn completely and create litter.
- Scatter Cool Ashes: Once cold, scatter ashes over a wide area away from camp.
What to Do With Leftover Firewood
You followed the contingency rule and have wood left. Great! Here’s what to do:
- Offer it to Neighboring Campers: A friendly gesture that’s always appreciated.
- Leave it in a Designated Spot: Some campgrounds have community wood piles. Check with the host.
- Take it Home: If you brought it from home and its pest-free, you can take it back for next time.
- Never Leave Stacked at Your Site: This encourages the next camper to have a fire, which they might not be prepared for or allowed to have.
FAQ: Your Firewood Questions Answered
How many pieces of firewood per night?
For a standard evening fire, plan for 5-7 medium-sized logs per person. This equates to roughly half to three-quarters of a standard pre-wrapped bundle.
Is it cheaper to buy firewood at the campground?
It can be more expensive, but it’s often the only legal option. Campground wood also guarantees it’s local and seasoned. Weigh the cost against the risk of spreading invasive species.
How much firewood for a weekend trip?
For a typical 2-night weekend with social fires, a group of four should plan for 3-4 standard bundles. Always add that extra 25% contingency, so rounding up to 4-5 bundles is smart.
Can I gather firewood at my campsite?
Only if the campground explicitly allows it. In most state and national parks, it’s prohibited. Collecting deadwood disturbs the natural ecosystem that insects and animals rely on. Always check the specific rules.
How do I know if the wood is dry enough?
Look for cracks on the log ends, grayish color, and light weight. It should make a clear “crack” when two pieces are hit together. Bark that falls off easily is another good sign.
Final Tips for Perfect Firewood Planning
Mastering your firewood supply makes camping more relaxing. Start with the 5-7 logs per person rule, then adjust up for cold, cooking, or long fires. Always err on the side of bringing a little extra—running out of wood is a sure way to dampen spirits on a cool night.
Remember, the best campfire is a safe and responsible one. Check those local rules, buy local wood, and put that fire out completely every single time. With this guide, you’ll never have to guess about your firewood needs again, and you can focus on enjoying the flames.