Love campfires? Here’s our 5-point plan to ensure your next camp is a cosy one. Campfires can be the absolute centrepiece of a cracking camp – particularly if you’re travelling through winter – but they’re not always a given. Find our top tips to ensure you’re right to go!

1. Can I Light It?

Campfires aren’t always permitted wherever you go. While Total Fire Bans are widely publicised, some councils, venues or regions may also ban them during drought even if there are firepits onsite. Always check!

2. What Do I Bring?

In other times, rules may apply depending on where you’re camping. Do I need to bring in wood, firestarters and kindling? Do I need a portable fire-pit, or are there dedicated pits where fires are only allowed? Know before you go.

3. Setting It Up

Before lighting a fire, clear the site of flammables ensuring your fire is no closer than 2 metres to your van. Choose dry, seasoned firewood and kindling. Never use river stones nor pour fuel on a fire.

4. Mend Your Fire

Campfires pose risks when left unattended, so always ensure there’s an adult within 50 metres of your campfire and within line of sight.

5. Putting It Out

Always extinguish your fire with water – never soil – as the ashes can retain heat for days. A 10L jerry-full or bucket should do the trick. Keep it near the fire too, in case you need to extinguish it quickly.

Expert Tip

The Wonderland RV crew prepare an expert fire at camp at Camp Greenup in Coolmunda during the What’s Up Downunder Ultimate Adventure with Club 4X4 Insurance. Catch their top tips: “Invest in good quality wood,” says Ana Pepa for Wonderland RV.

“You’ll spend less time fiddling and more time roasting marshmallows! Pack a bottle of your favourite red wine- the best way to unwind in the evening.”

“And remember to pack lots of marshmallows for the kids and let the roasting commence!”

Words and Photos by: WUDU Team / Wonderland RV