You always see it in TV shows and movies.
A nice stone ring built around fires.
But what’s the deal with it?
There are actually quite a few reasons to put stones around campfires.
Here’s why!
Stones Prevent The Spread Of Fire
You know the old Smokey the Bear saying?
“Only you can prevent forest fires.”
Well that’s one of the main reasons stones are built around a fire.
They help keep the ash, burnt coals, hot cinders, and flames from spreading.
It’s not just stones either.
You can use other fireproof materials, such as store bought fire pits, fire rings found in campgrounds, or even stone pavers in your own backyard.
Creating a barrier around the fire pit helps keep the fire tame.
Camping tip: a stone circle is a great start to help prevent fires from spreading. Just to be on the safe side, make sure your tents are a safe distance away in case any stray embers come falling down and putting a whole in them.
To Designate A Spot For The Fire
Keeping on the topic of making sure everything stays put, not having a designated spot can lead to stepping on hot coals if not careful.
By having a fire inside a stone circle, you are letting everyone know where the hot coals and sharp sticks are so they can be avoided.
A Funnel For Smoke
Building a stone barrier around your campfire will help to funnel the smoke upwards.
Smoke going upwards = no smoke going towards your face.
See?
Not only is building a barrier safer, but it also protects you from having teary eyes while sitting by the fire.
Win win!
Blocking The Wind Helps Make Lighting Easier
Stone circles help to block your fire from the wind.
Wind can grow your fire out of your control if you aren’t careful.
Not only does this again help prevent it from spreading, but it also helps you to light your fire.
It’s not super easy to keep a tiny flame going in the wind (and near impossible without dry tinder), so build a stone circle and get that fire going!
Makes For A Good Base For Cooking
Having a stone ring around your fire will allow you to prop up cooking equipment such as grills or rotisseries.
Depending on the size of the stones you use, you could lay your grill across the stones and have it be the perfect height above the flame.
No other assembly required.
Having the fire in a designated area will also allow you to establish the cooking zone inside of your camp.
A Place To Prop Your Feet Up
Some nights it gets pretty cold while spending time in the wilderness.
Warm your toes by placing your feet on the stones.
Just be sure your shoes aren’t close enough to the fire to melt.
Bonus: To Warm/Dry Clothes!
Setting your clothing on the stones will help to warm or even dry your clothes.
Just make sure to keep your clothes from getting too close to the fire!
What Should You Do If You Don’t Have Any Stones?
If you don’t have any stones to form a barrier around your firepit, you can dig an actual firepit.
Digging a pit is recommended for most situations anyways, unless the rocks you use are fairly large.
This will help with holding the fire inside the circle just as good as if you built a stone circle around it.
What Other Reasons Do You Use Stone Rings?
These are just a few of the reasons that stone rings are built around fires.
Are there some that we left out?
Help your peers by letting us know so we can add it to the article!