How Do I Build a Fire Pit for Cooking While Camping?

Cooking of grilled pork image by Olga Sapegina from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

If you plan to cook food over a campfire, making the cook fire inside a fire pit is the safest method. A fire pit lessens the chances of starting a brush or forest fire. If your campsite does not have a fire pit, as most developed sites do, you will need to build one. You'll find most of the needed materials in or near your campsite. Before long, you will be enjoying your fire-cooked meal, sitting next to your campfire.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Rake
Shovel
Rocks
Stones
Measuring tape
Grill rack
Bricks
Green wood

Step 1

Set up your fire pit at least 10 feet away from tents, vegetation and other flammable objects, including low-hanging limbs. Position it in a protected area not affected by wind, which can create a fire hazard by blowing sparks.

Step 2

Rake the area clean of leaves, twigs and other flammable debris. Clear a circle approximately 10 feet in diameter around the fire pit area.

Step 3

Dig a small hole or pit, approximately 6 to 12 inches in depth and 1.5 to 2 feet wide, with a shovel. Consider the size of your grill, when building the pit.

Step 4

Encircle the hole with rocks, placing the largest one at the back of the hole. It will direct any smoke the fire emits, in its direction.

Step 5

Place a layer of small stones inside the fire pit hole, scattering them evenly along the bottom and sides. This keeps the area's temperature hot for longer, which is beneficial when cooking your food.

Step 6

Measure the size of your cooking grill, to know where to create a structure on the sides of the fire pit to hold the grill. The grill will hold your food or cookware over the campfire for cooking.

Step 7

Pile rocks, bricks or green wood on the fire pit's sides to support your grill. Space both sides so that the grill will sit securely on top.

Tips & Warnings

Build the fire pit in an area safe from the activities of children and pets.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

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