Things You'll Need:
- Clear area outdoors, at least 50 yards away from a building structure
- Large rocks or landscaping stones
- Kindling and logs for burning
- Small saw
- Watering hose with control nozzle
- Newspaper
- Rake
- Matches or lighter
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Step 1
Begin by choosing a safe, appropriate location in your back yard at least 50 yards away from any structure to make your backyard campfire. The location should have a clear view of the sky, not obstructed by tree branches.
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Step 2
Use a rake to remove leaf litter and other debris away from the site. Clear a large enough area for the fire ring and seating for your guests. Remove leaves all the way to the top layer of the soil. Consider clearing debris for a walk way to the fire if there is some distance to travel from the house to the fire.
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Step 3
Create a three foot diameter hole in the ground by digging down approximately twelve inches. Place stones or landscape blocks around the hole. Be sure not to make the ring too large. Once you have established where to place the stones, create a small trench and place the stones partially in the ground. Pack soil around the stones. Stabilizing them will make the ring stay in tact longer.
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Step 4
Gather kindling to start the campfire and larger logs to maintain the fire once it is going. Stack the logs near the fire for easy access. Make sure there is enough wood on hand before lighting the fire to avoid searching for wood in the dark.
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Step 5
Stack the kindling in a teepee arrangement. Crumple newspaper and place under the tee-pee structure. Light the paper carefully and gently fan the flames if necessary. Continue adding kindling and larger pieces of wood as the fire becomes stronger.
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Step 6
Extinguish the backyard campfire by allowing the fire to die down towards the end of the evening. After most of the flames have died down, douse the entire pit with water. Make sure all embers are cool.
