Confidently build a campfire that burns consistently and safely with these campfire tips and tricks.                                                                 

Check the restrictions 

Always be aware of current campfire regulations, which will often vary from region to region. Check to see if any fire bans are in place before you head to your destination. And if there is a ban, read through our tips for camping without a campfire.

Choose the best firewood 

Be sure to choose dry logs for your fire. Wet wood will smoke more, and will be harder to keep alight.

It may be tempting to hunt around for small sticks to use as kindling to start your fire, but this is prohibited in most campgrounds. Instead, grab your hatchet and split some firewood into skinny pieces.

Safety first 

Always use a fire ring when available. If you must create your own fire pit, clear away any vegetation and mound dirt or rocks in a ring around the pit.

Bring fire starter  

Some sort of fire starter will help you get the fire going, allowing the kindling and then the logs to catch. You can purchase specially made fire starter, or use newspaper, dryer lint, or egg cartons, or try out a DIY fire starter recipe.

Follow the right order 

Beginning with your chosen fire starter at the center, next add the small pieces of kindling in a teepee over top. After that, larger logs are set up, spaced to encourage airflow. There are different ways to build up your logs, with two of the most popular being the teepee or log cabin styles.

Build it up gradually 

Once your logs are set, light the fire starter. When your fire is going, resist the urge to pile on too many logs, and instead add them slowly as the fire burns. Too many at once can smother the flames, but slow additions will keep your flame consistent.

Put the flames out 

Never leave a campfire unattended. Have water on hand for dousing the flames before you leave or head to bed. Give the ashes a good stir to ensure the fire is completely out.

While you’re enjoying the fire, try out one of these surprising things you can cook over the campfire, and share it with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

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Campground etiquette is about being a good neighbour and taking care of the beautiful surroundings we’re there to enjoy. Here are the campground etiquette rules we follow to ensure everyone enjoys their time, and our campsites are left even better than we found them.

Enjoy the tranquility of quiet time 

Respecting campground quiet hours helps everyone have a good night’s sleep, both those turning in early, and the night owls that want to sleep in the following morning. 

Pack In, Pack Out

Be prepared to bring home everything that you bring to the campsite, especially if you’re camping in more remote or undeveloped spots. In developed campgrounds you’ll generally find garbage bins, but not every campground offers recycle bins, so pack along a few bags to sort your recyclables into for the trip home. 

Mind your pets 

Most campgrounds require pets to be on a leash at all time, so be sure to consider a comfortable set up at the campground. A long leash will allow some freedom at the campsite or a portable pen for smaller dogs.  

Consider the local wildlife 

Keeping a clean site with food packed away is important to protect the local wildlife as well as your dinner! You don’t want to invite squirrels, chipmunks, or even bears into your site to help themselves to your food. 

Bring a wash bucket 

Don’t use the campground’s bathroom sinks to wash dishes or do your laundry. Be sure to bring a wash bucket or two (it’s handy to have one for rinsing!) so you can wash them at your site, and use biodegradable soap.  

Don’t forage for campfire wood 

Picking through the trees around your campsite for wood to burn is generally prohibited in campgrounds. Leave the forest ecosystem undisturbed and purchase wood from the camp store. 

Put your fire out completely 

Don’t leave your fire to smoulder if you’re heading out on a hike or in to bed, keep a jug of water handy to put it out completely.  

Mind your speed 

Watch for pedestrians out for a stroll, kids playing, and wildlife as you roll through the campground. 

Leave your site cleaner than you found it

Give nature a hand! Walk your site before you leave, picking up any trash you find left behind by you or previous campers.

What campground rules do you live by? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

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If you’re planning to take a long RV trip this summer, whether that be a few weeks or several months, make sure you leave home completely prepared. From packing everything you’ll need, to leaving your home secure, we’re sharing our tips for planning an extended RV trip. 

Consider home maintenance and security

When you’re leaving home for an extended trip, consider a house sitter or even just a friend or neighbour that will check in periodically. If you have a yard to take care of, arrange for someone to cut the grass and water plants. A home security system that allows you to check in remotely also provides peace of mind. 

For longer trips, if you don’t have someone collecting your mail for you, use Canada Post’s Hold Mail service to temporarily stop mail delivery while you’re away. 

Pack smart

It can be overwhelming to pack for a long trip, especially if your trip spans different seasons and climates. Stay organized with a packing list, and follow our packing tips.

Trip planning

Work out your route and make campground reservations. Many private campgrounds offer monthly rates for long-term stays, while others, like popular provincial parks, may have time limits for stays, so look into the campground policies. When it comes to planning your drive, check out our tips for planning a great RV trip route.

Mind the seasons  

Look into the long-range forecast for your destination, as well as along your route. If you will be traveling through higher elevations or outside the summer season, be prepared for cold snaps and winter conditions.

Budget for your trip

Fuel costs and site fees are generally the largest expense on an RV trip. If you’re planning on sticking to a budget during your extended time away, check out our advice for RV vacation budgeting, as well as our money saving tips.

Download our app

Download the RV Care app before you hit the road! As an RV Care member, you’ve got the RV Care network ready to help with any unforeseen repairs or supplies on your travels. Our app will help you locate the nearest dealer.

Enjoy your trip! Share your journey with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.