Community Forums

SRS-Ohio · 04-08-2019, 02:09 PM

My wife and I are relatively new to RVing. We've stayed at dozens of private, state and county facilities. One thing I don't understand is the purpose of campfires in RV parks. Like many, and I know this is somewhat of a controversial subject, I don't enjoy the smoke smell. A little bit is okay, but often it's overpowering and never ending, especially when sites are tight and the campfires are many. Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks!

Steve

69Stang · 04-08-2019, 02:21 PM

I enjoy sitting around a fire. Smore's aren't the same cooked on a gas grill

You're only option is to change where you camp. Maybe you're an RV Resort type?

Dennis123 · 04-08-2019, 02:35 PM

It's right in the manual. Campfires have been at campsites for 100 years. Most motels and hotels do not aloud campfires, You really should call before you book a room to see if they are aloud.

windsorbill · 04-08-2019, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRS-Ohio

My wife and I are relatively new to RVing. We've stayed at dozens of private, state and county facilities. One thing I don't understand is the purpose of campfires in RV parks. Like many, and I know this is somewhat of a controversial subject, I don't enjoy the smoke smell. A little bit is okay, but often it's overpowering and never ending, especially when sites are tight and the campfires are many. Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks!

Steve

Just the other day, I overheard my son telling my 2 grandchildren how much fun he had when he was very young and we were camping with a campfire. I had no idea that it meant that much to him. His kids were very excited to repeat the experience.

We always try to use common courtesy and not have smoke blow directly into someones open window or door.

Mojim · 04-08-2019, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRS-Ohio

My wife and I are relatively new to RVing. We've stayed at dozens of private, state and county facilities. One thing I don't understand is the purpose of campfires in RV parks. Like many, and I know this is somewhat of a controversial subject, I don't enjoy the smoke smell. A little bit is okay, but often it's overpowering and never ending, especially when sites are tight and the campfires are many. Can anyone enlighten me? Thanks!

Steve

keeps Bears and Lions away..

gerdutch · 04-08-2019, 02:42 PM

Lot of Rv Sites are only 25' wide. I can understand both sides of the discussion. Seems like considerate neighbors get it too.

Wally61 · 04-08-2019, 02:43 PM

Cooking super,lunch,camp pies and just sitting around it.

FL420 · 04-08-2019, 02:53 PM

Kids in particular are fascinated by fire, especially since they are a forbidden fruit. Camping allows them to get up close and personal. Parents can use campfires as an opportunity to let the kids have the experience of learning about fire under controlled conditions. Hopefully they don't get to see Dad spray charcoal lighter fluid on the fire or do something else stupid unless he doesn't get away with it. If Dad gets burned then the kids get to learn a valuable lesson without getting hurt themselves.
Of course, many kids grow up to be bigger but not necessarily smarter.

I like a campfire as long as someone else builds it. Arthritis has robbed me of many things I used to enjoy.

Skoit · 04-08-2019, 02:56 PM

Steve,

Plan to get a lot of negative feedback on this. However, know that you are not alone in your views.

My husband and I have, on a couple of occasions, lit a campfire and roasted some corn or other foods, but only if we were sited far away from any other campers. We get it that people like to sit around campfires, but it’s inconsiderate when campers light a fire near us and don’t consider the direction the wind is blowing their smoke. It’s especially bad — dangerous even — when a campground is located in a valley and there’s an inversion effect that thickly saturates the campground air with campfire smoke. Such air quality conditions are clearly unhealthy, yet we’ve seen campers insist on still having their campfires. It defies common sense.

Christine

poppyof5 · 04-08-2019, 03:03 PM

I dont think anyone enjoys the smoke. Alot of it falls on the wood. Drier is better. Other than that what can you do ? The wind will blow smoke will move. My wife and I enjoy a drink in the evening around the fire. Grandkids love them and for them it is part of the experience camping with us.
I would have a hard time spending my money somewhere that tells me I can't have a small safe campfire.

MSHappyCampers · 04-08-2019, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skoit

Steve,

Plan to get a lot of negative feedback on this. However, know that you are not alone in your views.

My husband and I have, on a couple of occasions, lit a campfire and roasted some corn or other foods, but only if we were sited far away from any other campers. We get it that people like to sit around campfires, but it’s inconsiderate when campers light a fire near us and don’t consider the direction the wind is blowing their smoke. It’s especially bad — dangerous even — when a campground is located in a valley and there’s an inversion effect that thickly saturates the campground air with campfire smoke. Such air quality conditions are clearly unhealthy, yet we’ve seen campers insist on still having their campfires. It defies common sense.

Christine

Hi Christine! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

You summed it up very well! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Lifemember · 04-08-2019, 03:16 PM

Because a shared fire lowers our defenses in the best of ways, we can story tell, and truth tell, and spread the warmth of hope and grace and reassurance. Gathering around a flame is primal and precious and perfectly healing and while it’s dangerous to play with matches, it’s life-changing to campfire.

MOST IMPORTENT: The smoke drives the mosquitoes away

Dennis123 · 04-08-2019, 03:16 PM

I like it when the kids poke the fire and the embers fly near my awnings.

momdoc · 04-08-2019, 03:25 PM

It is all part of the ambiance of camping. Some of my favorite rmemories of my youth are sitting around the campfire with my parents and brothers on family camping trips.

To this day we have a campfire on at least 1/2 of our camping nights, and we are 62 and 69 years young.

I understand that some do not like the smoke and i can only say that if you don't like this aspect of camping then choose to stay in RV resorts many of which do not allow fires.

For me.......bring on the music, wine, snacks and CAMPFIRE!