We’ve seen lots of ideas for homemade firestarters from our campers and thought we’d share some of them here. Of course, crumpled newspaper is used most often but it can be unpredictable and sometimes flares up and dies out quickly. Some other, longer lasting possibilities are listed below:
Cardboard Squares
These can be made ahead of time and packed for your trip. Cut lots of 3 x 3 squares from a piece of sturdy cardboard. You can then dip them in wax and lay on paper towel to dry. These will last for a long time in storage and are handy for making a fire.
Cotton Pads
The circular cotton makeup removal pads are sold at most general stores. They can be dipped in wax and are a fast, economical way to set yourself up for plenty of healthy campfires the next time you go camping.
Twisted Newspaper Sticks
Newspaper can be very effective if instead of crumpling it up for a fire starter, you twist it tightly into a stick. You can roll a sheet of newsprint tightly, fold it in half and roll again. The end result will be a condensed paper firestarter that will burn slow and hot to get your fire going.
Dryer lint
You can pack dryer lint inside toilet paper tubes to create a very handy firestarter. It helps to then roll it in waxed paper and twist the ends. You’ll get the slow burn you are seeking and it won’t really cost any money at all.
These are just a few, low cost ways to create your own firestarters for camping. We hope you have wonderful nights under the stars in front of a cozy campfire.
