Build a teepee out of small dry sticks.

When people think of camping in the great outdoors, the first image into their heads is probably of a group of friends or family members gathered around a blazing campfire, talking, sharing stories or roasting marshmallows. The fire is not only the social hub of a campsite, but it's also what keeps you warm and cooks your food. But what's the best way of getting a good campfire started?

Writer Emily Hache knows all the secrets to building a good campfire. An avid back country hiker, outdoor enthusiast and camper, she offers this quick guide to starting a fire at your campsite:

• Bring waterproof matches. Dry matches are the first important ingredients in starting a fire, so make sure to bring the waterproof variety in addition to the standard cigarette lighter. "Quick start sticks," which light up with a good strong flare, are also a good choice as a starter.

• Build a little teepee. Campfires need a lot of oxygen, and the way to provide it is with the classic teepee design. Put small, dry kindling on the bottom, and then build a teepee out of small sticks above it. Light the kindling below, and the sticks in the teepee should start to burn.

• Build the fire slowly. From this point, add progressively larger sticks to the fire, always making sure that enough oxygen is getting to the wood. The first reaction might be to throw on a huge log right away, but this would probably just snuff the fire out. Instead, work your way up to bigger and bigger pieces of wood, maintaining the airflow underneath. Eventually the fire will be blazing strong, and you can add those larger logs.
  

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