How to Make Campfire Starters at Home

Camping season is in full swing. To enjoy the best possible campfire, take the time to make these nifty campfire starters, at home. You'll be glad you did!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paraffin
• Pine Cones
• Charcoal
• Paper Egg Cartons
• Wax Paper Bathroom Cups
• Cotton Cord
• Sawdust
• Pencil Sharpener
• Lighter Fluid

1. Melt paraffin in a double boiler. Dip small pine cones, to completely cover. Place on wax paper, to harden. Store in a ziploc bag.

2. Soak charcoal pieces in lighter fluid. Dip each piece in melted wax and allow to dry. Store in airtight container.

3. Cut cotton cord into 4 inch pieces. Place one piece in a small wax bathroom cup (like Dixie Cups), allowing one inch to hang over the edge. Fill cup almost 3/4 full of sawdust. Finish filling the cup with melted wax.
   
   The extra cord will act as a wick, when lit.

4. Place a piece of charcoal in each section of a paper egg carton. Cover charcoal with melted. To use, tear off individual sections as needed.

5. Pack a pencil sharpener, along with other supplies. It works wonders 'twisting' small sticks into shavings.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace sawdust with dryer lint, pistachio shells or dried pine needles, when making Dixie Cup starters, if desired.
• Never attempt to melt paraffin in anything other than a double boiler. It is extremely flammable.
• Never add lighter fluid directly to a fire.

[moonsun55]

on 8/28/2009 good info.

[wcs40110]

on 3/25/2009 Reminds me of girl scouts!

[motherNN]

on 2/22/2009 We did this at Summer camp. Great craft for supervised kids and lighting outdoor fires!5*****

[DirkMcFergus]

on 2/11/2009 You are just a treasure trove of great ideas - I will definitely try this one since my wife and I are setting out to camp across America next month.

[Devero]

on 12/27/2008 Nice ideas. I always save dryer lint to start fires, too. Charcoal is a great idea. Thanks.