Mastering the Campfire: Tips, Tricks, and a Delicious Recipe

Gathering around a crackling campfire is a quintessential part of the camping experience at Jellystone Park™. Whether you're roasting marshmallows, sharing stories, or simply enjoying the warmth, a well-built fire enhances the outdoor adventure. In this post, we'll explore various methods to start a campfire, discuss the challenges of igniting wet wood, inform you about Illinois firewood regulations, and share a mouthwatering foil packet recipe perfect for campfire cooking.

Starting Your Campfire: Techniques and Tips

Creating a successful campfire requires the right materials and technique. Here are some popular methods:

1. Teepee Method: Arrange kindling in a conical shape, leaving space for airflow. Place tinder in the center and light it. As the fire grows, add larger logs around the teepee.​

2. Log Cabin Method: Stack logs in a square, alternating directions with each layer to resemble a cabin structure. Place kindling and tinder in the center, ignite the tinder, and let the fire spread to the logs.​

   
   

3. Lean-To Method: Lean kindling against a larger log that's placed on the ground. Place tinder beneath the lean-to structure, light it, and as it burns, add more kindling and logs.

Dealing with Wet Wood

Wet wood can be challenging to ignite, but it's not impossible. Here are some strategies:

• Use Fire Starters: Commercial fire starters can provide a sustained flame to help dry out and ignite damp wood. At Jellystone Park™, we offer a variety of fire starters for sale to assist you.​

• Gather Dry Tinder and Kindling: Look for dry materials under dense trees or use bark from dead branches. Even in wet conditions, some materials remain dry enough to catch fire.​

• Split Larger Logs: The inner wood of larger logs may be dry even if the exterior is wet. Splitting logs exposes this drier material, making it easier to ignite.​

Illinois Firewood Regulations

To protect our forests from invasive pests, Illinois has specific regulations regarding firewood: You can learn more here: https://agr.illinois.gov/insects/pests/emeraldashborer/firewood-regulations.html

• Prohibited Transport:​

  • Moving uncertified firewood out of several counties in Northern Illinois is prohibited due to spongy moth infestations and quarantines in those areas. ​

  • The Illinois Department of Agriculture bans walnut firewood from states with known infestations of thousand canker disease. ​

• On-Site Firewood Availability:​

  • To comply with these regulations and ensure your convenience, Jellystone Park™ provides firewood for purchase on-site.​

Enhancing Your Campfire Experience

To make your campfire even more enjoyable:

• Fire Starters: We offer a variety of fire starters to help you get your fire going quickly and efficiently.​

• Color-Changing Packets: Add a magical touch to your campfire with our color-changing packets, which create vibrant hues in the flames.​

Safety Note: When using fire starters or color-changing packets, it's advisable to wait until the chemicals have completely burned off before cooking over the fire. This ensures that no residues affect your food.​

Campfire Cooking Recipe: Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packets

Enjoy a delicious and easy-to-make meal with this foil packet recipe, perfect for campfire cooking.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined​

• 1 lb smoked sausage , sliced into rounds

• 1 lb baby red potatoes, halved

• 2 ears of corn, each cut into 4 pieces​

• 1 onion, chopped​

• 2 carrots, sliced​

• 4 cloves garlic, minced​

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted​

• 2 tablespoons olive oil​

• 3 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning​

• Salt and pepper to taste​

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)​

• Lemon wedges (for serving)​

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the halved potatoes and corn pieces; cook for about 10 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.​

2. Assemble the Foil Packets:

   • Cut four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil.​

   • Divide the shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn, onion, carrots, and garlic evenly among the foil pieces.​

   • Drizzle each with melted butter and olive oil.​

   • Sprinkle Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top.​

   • Toss gently to combine, then fold the foil over the mixture, sealing the edges to create packets.​

3. Cook the Packets:

   • Place the foil packets on a preheated grill over medium heat or on hot campfire coals.​

   • Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.​

4. Serve:

   • Carefully open the foil packets (beware of steam).​

   • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.​

This flavorful meal combines the savory tastes of shrimp and sausage with hearty vegetables, all seasoned to perfection. It's a campfire favorite that's sure to delight everyone.​

Enjoy your camping experience at Jellystone Park™, and make the most of your campfires with these tips and recipes!