I agree about open/rock fire rings. The fire hazard is much less in the east, but they become trash magnets and are laughably too soggy to light most of the time.

I’d rather pack the appropriate clothes and techniques.

Not every area has shelters with chimneys, either. I’d argue that’s more like a hut trip at that point. (Which I certainly enjoy in winter!)

Thanks for sharing!

Nice to know that you got all of your campfire days out of your system, sucks for the new young hikers. But you already got your fill of the experience so who gives a shit.

Trash in the fire pits seems to beget more trash in fire pits. All that partially burned trash is now even more unsightly. With so many fires started by a garbage disposal, it is another issue for sure.

Thanks for the kind words and support. Every person doing their part helps with changing this culture.

Here in Arkansas, we don’t have the same level of wildfire conditions as some areas, but I definitely wouldn’t miss the “campfire experience.” I see fire rings scattered everywhere no matter HOW far I go from a road, it seems, and what strikes me the most is that there’s trash (some half burned, some not burned at all) in the majority of them. It seems like a fire ring has become the unofficial “dumpster” in the woods. I won’t say that I never have a campfire, but I CAN say that the number is no more than 3 or 4 over 300+ miles of hiking in the last year. Then, you get popular trails like Eagle Rock Loop, where there’s an established campsite and a fire ring every time you turn around. Not only does it detract from the experience, but the trash is attracting the critters. I had an experience with a rather bold raccoon just last week. I removed the trash from in and around the fire ring, but I’m sure it won’t be long before it reappears. Sad.

I moved to Colorado from the Midwest five years ago. Experiencing the Cameron Peak fire last year has truly shifted my perspective. We need more education around fire safety and when it is/is not appropriate to have a campfire.

Wowsers!