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What kind of wood should you gather for a campfire?

Dead and down wood you can break by hand.

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  1. Branches cut from living trees
  2. Dead trees that are still standing
  3. Dead wood on the ground that breaks by hand ✔

Why: Leave No Trace says use only down and dead wood from the ground that can be broken by hand. Live wood won't burn well, and standing dead trees shelter birds and wildlife.

Huh, didn't know that: Leave No Trace also says burn all wood and coals to ash, then scatter the cool ashes.

The dad joke
Why don't trees like campers with saws? They're tired of being cut down.
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References

Answer: Dead wood on the ground that breaks by hand. Leave No Trace says use only down and dead wood from the ground that can be broken by hand. Live wood won't burn well, and standing dead trees shelter birds and wildlife.

  1. National Park Service: Leave No Trace Seven Principles www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
    Only use down and dead wood from the ground that can be broken by hand.
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. Smokey Bear (USDA Forest Service / Ad Council): Campfire Safety smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos/campfire-safety/how-to-build-your-campfire
    Never cut whole trees or branches
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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