Campfire Heat Calculator
Heat Output
Estimate campfire heat from size and wood type
Wood Needed
Calculate how much firewood to bring camping
Formula
Wood Needed (lbs) = Burn Rate (lbs/hr) × Duration (hrs) | BTU = Wood Weight × BTU per lb (6,000-8,600 depending on species)
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot is a campfire?
A typical campfire reaches 600-1200°F at the core and 900-1500°F in the flame tips. The hottest part is in the bed of coals, which can exceed 2000°F. At the standard sitting distance of 4-6 feet, you feel pleasant warmth of about 100-120°F radiant heat.
How much firewood do I need for camping?
Plan for 3-5 lbs per hour for a small cooking fire, 8-10 lbs per hour for a medium social fire, and 15-20 lbs per hour for a large fire. For a typical 2-night camping trip with 4-hour fires, bring about 60-80 lbs (3-4 store bundles).
What is the best campfire wood?
Hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple, ash) burn hotter and longer with less smoke. For cooking, fruit woods (apple, cherry) add nice flavor. Avoid pine and spruce for cooking as they create excessive sparks and sooty smoke. Always burn seasoned (dry) wood.
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