Building A Fire Under A Tarp

963 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Ratdog68, 2 mo ago

Chris Kinlaw

Discussion Starter · 9 mo ago

I'm trying to come up with a way of building a small campfire under a tarp. I've seen some ideas, but wasn't really crazy about any of them. What I have in mind is basically using 2 tarps to make an A frame with a little air space between them. Each tarp would make up one side of the A frame. At the peak, one of the tarps would go slightly above and past the other tarp, so from above, you could see they overlapped, but from one of the sides you could see there is a small air space between them where they overlap. It seems like that would leave a space for smoke to vent and would also keep out the rain out. I would of course use fire retardant taps, keep the tarps a reasonable distance above the flame, and keep the fire small. Has anyone tried this or does anyone has a better solution?

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Happy Joe

· #2 · 9 mo ago (Edited)

We have discussed this quite a bit around campfires; other than completely surrounding the fire with tarps (which inevitably get holes from sparks/embers); the best idea that I have had is to try using a chiminea

or a wood stove (I have, and seen) some relatively interesting ones home built, and using a chimney with spark arrester to get the smoke past the edge of the tarp/canopy.

Even with a propane fire pit I normally put the fire well beyond the edge of the tarp/canopy.
because the more beers get consumed; the bigger the fire gets....

Enjoy!

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Maria777

· #3 · 8 mo ago

Amazing

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Happy Joe

· #4 · 7 mo ago

Maria777 said:
Amazing

Welcome to the forum, Maria777!

Enjoy!

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ppine

· #5 · 4 mo ago

The classic lean to is sloped around 30-45 degrees to reflect heat with a fire in front. Good ventilation and surprisingly warm. I have used a Whelen lean to and also canvas tarps. I have a classic Moss Parawing and have built fires under it in the rain. Not as good as a lean to.

An A frame is going to have smoke problems. A lean to works even in winter in the snow. I used one successfully on overnight ski trips.

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Kullervo

· #6 · 4 mo ago

Chris Kinlaw said:
I'm trying to come up with a way of building a small campfire under a tarp. I've seen some ideas, but wasn't really crazy about any of them. What I have in mind is basically using 2 tarps to make an A frame with a little air space between them. Each tarp would make up one side of the A frame. At the peak, one of the tarps would go slightly above and past the other tarp, so from above, you could see they overlapped, but from one of the sides you could see there is a small air space between them where they overlap. It seems like that would leave a space for smoke to vent and would also keep out the rain out. I would of course use fire retardant taps, keep the tarps a reasonable distance above the flame, and keep the fire small. Has anyone tried this or does anyone has a better solution?

Maybe this one, but just smaller one?

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ppine

· #7 · 3 mo ago

Another solution is to tie a large tarp up high say 7 feet or more. This works in a forest with plenty of trees around.
The method I use mostly is to set up the frame for an overhead canopy like people use at craft fairs. I leave the top off usually and hang some canvas vertically from the frame. The canvas reflects light and heat and acts as a windbreak. Works really good.

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Ratdog68

· #8 · 2 mo ago

To the OP, this is a sound approach with an additional benefit. Since it's "open" at the top, gusts of wind will not lift it and have to fight. The increased air pressure simply goes up and out. To keep the amount of smoke down, take a look at the "Dakota Fire Pit" technique. Nature's way of a rocket stove, below ground.

I've also enjoyed my "Firebox Stove" (I have all three sizes for different needs) sitting atop my Tail-Gator Table beneath my tarp. I'll often use wood pellets during those times. I keep a large jug in the rig. My "Biolite" stove/grill combo works nice here too.

Also have my butane stoves, an alcohol stove (or two) handy. Options are GOOD.

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