Majority of readers not fond of campfire smoke

I deplore snooty people in their big motorhomes who don’t like dogs, kids or campfires. Stay home or stay in hotel.

Smoke may smell good, but it’s not good for you. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles, also called fine particulate matter or PM2.5. These microscopic particles can get into your eyes and respiratory system, where they may cause burning eyes, runny nose, and illnesses, such as bronchitis. https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/wood-smoke-and-your-health

For everyone who feels that people who enjoy breathing clean fresh air instead of smoke are somehow aberrant needs to read about the harm of wood smoke–especially for those whose have allergies. Why should the people who don’t want to or can’t breath smoke be denied the pleasures of camping just because you insist upon having a campfire. Campfire free camp sites should be made available.

Compromise. Do not be so conceited to think that what you like will be everyone’s cup of tea.

On the subject of campfires, I had to sit and think about it. I don’t want to be a inconsiderate neighbor. But then again I have had to put up with more then my share of neighbors who unthinking, do things that irritate me. When I take my grandkids on a trip with us during the summer, the first thing they ask for is is a campfire, so they can make s’mores. It seems to be one of the things that we all did as kids. I make sure my campfire isn’t a bonfire and I only use cured or dried wood, it burns with much less smoke. I also use only use hardwood. Now with that said I favor CG’s having a campfire free zone upwind of the area approved for campfires. The community campfire doesn’t work for me, because I see someone who doesn’t like campfires purposely docking next to the community fire area, just so they can complain. That mantra “live and let live”, has died. As it has been suggested here that those who want a campfire, boondock out in the wilds. Well Those of us who like campfires are paying the same money to dock in an RV park, so why don’t you take your own suggestion. There has to be a middle ground. As someone once said, there are those who would complain if they were hung with a new rope!

The problem is some people think they have to have a bonfire, not just a campfire. Maybe the RV parks could just have a community campfire in one area of the park. After all, they say it is all about sitting around the fire and visiting and relaxing. What better way to meet new people!

Well with Marijuana/Pot becoming legal in quite a few states now we’ll be smelling a different kind of smoke around the campfire, I also switched to a nice propane fire pit, I also use a 7 gallon propane bottle which last a bit longer…cheers….

My wife and I are alergic to the wood smoke. Alergy alert. So many times in our 35 years of comping and now full time have we seen people in 80 and90 degree summer weather come out of there camper in the daytime stoke up the campfire and then go back in the camper where the air is on leaving the smoke to come into our rv and we have to then turn on our air. No consideration to others.

You can have your ‘cake and eat it too’ when it comes to wood fueled campfire. There’s a bit of science in burning propane but not really when one uses a traditional wood fueled fire pit.

Solid fuels burn when heat turns the log to gaseous and particulate components. Most of that escapes the traditional fire pit as smoke. It doesn’t turn to flame because of several reasons; the smoke is too cool to ignite in the cooler air above the fire and there’s not enough hot air to allow the smoke to ignite.

Search the phrase “wood gasification fire pit” and you’ll find some well thought out solutions to a smokey traditional fire pit. I bought one in the winter and, once at operating temperature in a short 5-15 minutes, there’s very little visible smoke or smokey smell. In all cases, good etiquette should be our guide to a good time by all.

Campfires have become a big problem for me and my wife. WE have had the best of full time rving, we started in 92 and stopped in 2010 due to health issues. I have copd and Asthma and can not breathe wood smoke. I understand how folks like their fires but the campgrounds sites are just to small for fires. I think parks should offer sections with no fire ,pets or kids , that way we could all enjoy them. In our time on the road I have seen it all . In one c.g. dog poop a foot from my entry step. Next park kids throwing baseball hitting my coach. Last park start a roaring fire with fire wood from telephone poles, left to go to the store 20 minutes after starting the fire. In one park campers started a fire that burned 800 acres. I could write a book . I do not hate kids I just do not want them in my site playing ball. and if you try to speak with the parents you become the bad guy. Also Rv with outside entertainment centers for you football fans 15 feet from my unit. I hate football.

Jim, you are absolutely correct. Switching to propane is the answer for those who have a need for a fire pit. I found one that is inexpensive at Home Depot. Works great and keeps several people warm sitting around it. No Smoke, No Mess!

Wood fires are part of camping. This is what is passing for “camping” these days. People who want everyone to bend to their rigid ideas. Please, sell your 45 ft. motorhome with the dishwasher and bathtub and 7 tv’s and stay at the Hilton. That way you won’t be near the plebs who love the outdoors with it’s bugs, woodsmoke, laughing children, smores and lots of fun.

One suggestion for those that still enjoy the evening “camp fire” is to
use a propane fire pit. After using wood for many years for a camp fire, we finally broke down and bought a pit. Best move ever! NO SMOKE, still cozy and when you turn off the propane tank, the fire is out. Also, most campgrounds ask that you NOT bring wood from out of the area due to possibly transporting tree beetles and diseases.
And some campgrounds and RV parks allow ONLY propane fire pits.
Yes, it is one more thing to pack and haul, but it’s worth it to us.
Amazon offers a variety of sizes along with reasonable prices.

What’s a camp without a campfire. The campfire is traditionally the gathering place for relaxing, telling stories and friendly conversation. The “Fire Master” is the person charged with starting and maintaining the fire which is a responsibility that is revered and an honor to hold. Call me old school but at 70 years of age I wouldn’t trade the smell of a good wood campfire for propane. As far as I’m concerned people that are put off by campfire smoke should just stay home. The campfire is a traditional part of camping and it wouldn’t be the same for me without it.

I agree, Jim. Thanks for writing!
Deanna

This is a you can eat your cake and have it, too kind of issue these days. It’s super easy and affordable and safe to replace those old fashioned wood campfires with propane fireplaces. Easy on/off, absolutely no smoke and just as warm and pleasing as other campfires. Our camping group (varies from 6 to 10 RVs switched to propane 3 years ago and no one misses wood fires one bit. Give it a try! I bet you’ll be glad you switched, too.