11 Best Campfire Starter Ideas for 2024 + Making a DIY Kit

LOOKING FOR THE BEST CAMPFIRE STARTER IDEAS FOR YOUR CAMPING ADVENTURES?

You are in the right place!  We have traveled in our RV since 2010 and bring you the best information, guides and products for your RV but in all reality have been camping since we can remember.

I’ve been a camper since I was a Boy Scout in kindergarten, and I can’t wrap my mind around how to build a fire without a campfire starter. Sure, I can create a fire out of nothing, but who wants to go through all that trouble? It sucks.

The best campfire starters, however, usually get a roaring fire quickly and easily. They also work in any conditions, which is great in less-desirable weather. Even if you use a propane firepit, it is a good idea to keep some matches around for emergencies and other uses.

Want to know what are some of the best options? I’ve scoured the internet to find the best campfire starters. I’ve also compiled a detailed buying guide to help with the selection and even shared how to start a fire in a fireplace using DIY fire starter logs to make starting a campfire during your next camping trip a breeze.

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Top 11 Campfire Starter Ideas

1. UST BlastMatch Fire Starter

For user versatility and usage, the UST BlastMatch Fire Starter comes at the number one position in our list of the best campfire starters.

A signature benefit of the UST Fire Starter is that you can operate it with one hand. It’s a nice feature if you have an immobilized or injured arm. It’s also perfect for seniors with less nimble hands.

But that’s not the only advantage; the flint-based Firestarter can generate a brilliant shower of hot sparks, which makes it an ideal option in inclement weather. It generates sparks estimated at 3000 degrees, which means it can perform well in marine, arctic, desert, and jungle environment. 

Another nice feature is the spring-loaded flint bar, which easily rotates 360 degrees, so you’re not using the striker against one area all the time. It’s a nice feature to prevent uneven wear and extend the ire starter’s longevity. Plus, if it gets wet, simply wipe the water off the rod, and use it immediately.

The UST fire starter weighs a measly 2.7 ounces and is compact. It lets you pack the starter on every adventure without making your backpack bulky.

▶ SHOP UST BlastMatch Fire Starter

2. Zippo Mag Strike Fire Starter – Premium Pick

The Zippo Mag Strike Fire Starter is our favorite campfire starter and a great gift for RV owners. It’s a pretty good product, and it has worked for me.

It’s available in a 5/16-inch rod of Ferrocerium, an alloy designed to create hot sparks with friction. The rod, built for years of use, gives a good quantity of short-lived sparks, and you could trust this fire starter to get your fire roaring in the shortest time possible.

The Zippo rod slides into a protective ABS plastic casing when not in use. While moisture doesn’t affect the rod’s ability to strike, the ABS plastic casing prevents rusting in the rod.

Using the Zippo Mag Fire Starter is also easy. A ½” of plastic triangular molding, securing the rod to the handle, gives you good access and better leverage. The solid triangular structure is also textured for better striking control.

Finally, a snap-lock and compact design let you store the Zippo Starter conveniently when not in use. There’s also a handy lanyard hole, which lets you connect the fire starter to your backpack to avoid misplacement.

My only concern with the Zippo is the rod arrives with a layer of coating, which needs scraping before drawing any decent sparks.

▶ SHOP Zippo Mag Fire Starters

3. überleben Zünden Fire Starter – Best Sparker

The überleben Zünden, made with traditionally-inspired materials, is ready to fire up your adventures in different places effortlessly.

It’s constructed with a proprietary Sånft-kors ferrocerium rod, which can create molten spark showers and lights up like a Christmas tree at 5500 degrees Fahrenheit. It makes igniting fire more fun at any altitude or weather you get caught, even when wet.

And the best part is the starter offers a six-function multi-tool scraper that works excellent for striking and scraping any tinder. The weatherproof facilities mean it’s also easy to ignite a fire in any condition.

The Ferrocerium rod can last up to 1200 strikes, enough to last several camping sessions, while a rustic wood handle provides a naturally textured grip. It’s not to mention it’s available in different sizes; it’s lightweight and comes with a long-enough lanyard, so you can wear it as a necklace, which is kinda fun.

▶ SHOP überleben Zünden Fire Starter

4. UCO Sweetfire Strikable Fire Starter

We’ve used UCO products for years, and from experience, they provide quality and dependable matches that can work in different conditions.

The UCO Sweetfire Strikable Fire Starter isn’t any different. It’s an environmentally-friendly product designed to assist in lighting and building campfires and wood stove fires.

It’s easy to use, and if you’ve ever used any match, you’ll know the gist of using a UCO fire starter. I also love how UCO’s extended burn time, 7 minutes, to be precise. It’s infused with vegetable wax for longer burn times, which is enough to get your fire going.

The UCO Sweetfire Strikable Fire Starter also burns super-hot. It lights up like a rocket, keeps burning, and feels hotter than other matches or strikable sources we’ve tried. The convenience is so amazing as we can always get my campfire going without fuss.

Our biggest concern with the UCO Strikable fire starter is that it doesn’t perform as well as alternative options in adverse weather conditions. It wouldn’t be our go-to option if I were anticipating inclement weather.

But here’s the thing, UCO is straight-up with this and doesn’t claim that the Sweetfire is a waterproof fire starter or windproof. This is one of the best fire starters as long as it is not in inclement weather.

▶ SHOP UCO Sweetfire Strikable Fire Starter

5. UCO Stormproof Match Kit – Best Campfire Matches

The UCO Stormproof Match Kit has some of your biggest matches. An extended match length is handy for safety and keeping your fingers from burning. And the good thing is they’re not bulky and not more than a backpacker would need for their adventures. They easily fit in a backpacking back, and you’ll hardly notice their presence.

I’ve not used the UCO matches in emergencies, but I like how they strike with little effort, and we do keep them around because of how easy they are to use. Furthermore, the burn is intense and will last in high wind. They also relight after submerging in water, which is sufficient to get your campfire roaring in most outdoor conditions.

The UCO match kit contains 25 matches, three cardboard strikers, and some cotton. I also like the waterproof, durable ABS plastic case flats that keep all the contents dry and protected. In short, everything on the UCO Stormproof match kit is intentional and works.

We also use the little plastic containers for small items we don’t want to get wet, like extra cash or paper.

▶ SHOP UCO Stormproof Match Kit

6. Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter – Most Compact Campfire Starter

The small and compact Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter is ready to travel with you on all your outdoor adventures and survival kit situations.

It features a Ferrocerium rod and a metal striker to create ferocious sparks instantly so you can ignite fire anywhere. The plenty of sparks are also hot enough to start even a small amount of wet tinder and will get your dry tinder smoldering after one flick.

Furthermore, it provides a longer sparking ability for 8,000 strikes. Unfortunately, you can always tell how much of the rod wears out after every strike, so it’s not an excellent option for long-term use.

The Geber Bear Fire Starter is also convenient to carry. A lanyard hole makes it easy to carry the starter, while a waterproof compartment keeps everything dry. There’s also a small plastic whistle; for its size, it packs a decent volume of ear-splitting rescue goodness.

▶ SHOP Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter

7. Rutland Safe Lite Fire Starter Squares – Most Ecofriendly Campfire Starter

We sometimes rely on our woodstove for winter heat, and the Rutland Safe Lite Starter Squares come in handy for our daily fire.

I’m a big fan of these great fire starters for several reasons. One, they’re made from recycled wood chips and candle wax, making them a sustainable option. They’re also less damaging to the environment.

Furthermore, you only need to use a block or two of the Rutland campfire starter log, making them an excellent choice that is economical. Performance-wise, they check all the boxes; they burn nicely and are much better than lighting paper. They also burn for a long time, and there’s no flare-up or anything. They’re non-toxic, too, so they could also find purpose indoors!

▶ SHOP Rutland Safe Lite Fire Starter Squares

8. Zippo Tinder Shreds Fire Starter – Best Fire Starter for Extended Burn Time

The Zippo Tinder Shreds are excellent starter kindling to get your fire going in your outdoor adventures. They’re simply little coils of pine shavings soaked in paraffin and work perfectly.

My attraction to the Zippo Tinder Shreds Fire Starter is how long they burn. The 15 shredded tinder shreds have a long burn time, ensuring you can get a good flame going, even with some wet wood.

I also like that they’re coated with paraffin wax coating, which makes them water-resistant. It’s perfect to use them even when the conditions are wet. Furthermore, you can kindle them with any fire sources, including lighter matches, fire sparks, etc.

Overall, the Zippo Tinder Shreds Firestarter is a nice purchase and won’t disappoint you even in the darndest conditions.

▶ SHOP Zippo Tinder Shreds

9. Zippo Windproof Lighter – Practical Design

BIC lighters are a great choice, and I’ve used them a lot in backpacking and camping trips, but none comes closer to the Zippo experience.

BIC lighters aren’t so great in windy conditions, but a Zippo windproof lighter will keep things going even in inclement weather. A classic windproof design keeps the flame strong, even under crazy wind conditions. Of course, it’s not impervious, but it does an excellent job of keeping the flame running.

Using the Zippo Lighter is also easy. The striking wheel and flint are smooth but have enough friction to give peace of mind that it requires an intentional strike to light up the wick. It allows for a consistent level of spark, perfect for cooking a yummy camping breakfast.

Another wonderful feature of the Zippo Windproof lighter is that it feels ergonomic and easy to use. It’s available in a classic matte orange container, which feels tactile without being too tacky. It also takes the traditional Zippo styles, which makes it easy to grab without being too cumbersome to carry.

Zippos’ dimensions are also nice, making it perfect for an everyday carry in your pants pocket or backpack setup.

▶ SHOP Zippo Lighters

10. SOL Fire Lite Fuel-Free Lighter – Most Convenient Fire Starter

The SOL Lite Fuel-Free Lighter is a one-of-a-kind campfire lighter. It’s a rechargeable lighter and saves you from worrying about your refillable lighter fluid running out; perfect for ensuring you have a great fire to sit around during your campfire competitions and camping games. It’s also not affected by altitude or temperatures.

But that’s not the greatest benefit; it generates a plasma arc, effectively lighting different materials. I also love its performance on windy days.

The electric firestarter is also well-designed and works well. For example, it’s enclosed in a waterproof casing to keep elements out, while the cleverly designed ignition button can transform the lighter into a campfire starter torch.

It’s also safer than matches, and I would highly recommend the SOL electric firestarter to those introducing kids to the fire-building part of camping. Yes, burning your fingers is still possible, but the “push and point” way of starting a fire is much safer.

▶ SHOP Sol Fire Lite Fuel-Free Lighter

11. UST StrikeForce Fire Starter – Most Dependable ire Starter

The final campfire starter on our list is a rod and steel fire starter. I recommend you get this easy campfire starter if you want to remove the uncertainty of Firestarter failure. You can use the UST Fire Starter anytime and light a fire without worrying whether the fire starter kit will work.

It’s available in a compact design and protected by a waterproof container. Furthermore, it comes as a complete starter kit and includes a tinder and a reliable striker.

Mobility is also less one thing to worry about with the UST StrikeForce Starter. It’s ultra-light, and you can carry it without adding too much weight to your gear. It’s also weatherproof and can work in most weather conditions.

▶ SHOP UST Strikeforce Fire Starter

Fire Starting Devices

If you’re new to campfire starters, I’ll give you a rundown of the different categories and their best applicability in different conditions.

Ferrocenium Rod

A ferrocenium rod, also known as a Ferro rod, is a soft metal alloy made mostly from a combination of iron and magnesium.

The rod requires users to strike or scrape it with another edge metal, such as a knife, to generate a shower of sparks. It has a similar operational principle to the magnesium fire starter kit and flint & steel.

I’m a big fan of Ferro rods because they’re usually ultra-lightweight, compact, and fit anywhere in any pack. But that’s not the greatest benefit; a Ferro rod is perfect for adverse weather conditions as it’ll never freeze. You’ll also never wear the rod out.

With all the positives of a Ferro rod, there are a few negatives. Number one is that it requires the use of two hands. You must also understand the materials around you. It’s important to pick natural tinder sources into which you can strike the sparks to effect a flame.

Matches

Matches are crucial fire-starting devices, and they’re essential because they provide an immediate flame. They’re also easily packable, and everyone can use them. They are reliable and useful to have when enjoying a campfire under your awning lights.

With a strike of a match, you have a flame, and in case you choose the stormproof match, you could still have an open flame source, even in adverse weather conditions.

 The downside with matches is the limited burn time. Once you ignite your match, you only have until the flame burns out. And if you carry a pack or container of matches, you only have so many. So, unlike a Ferro Rod, a match is limited “in quantity.”

Lighter

The lighter is probably the go-to campfire starter for most campers. You may even already have one as part of your RV kitchen essentials. It’s straightforward to use and has an excellent, long burn time, making it easy to pull up your camp chairs and enjoy a nice fire.

The only downside of lighters you need to be aware of is they can run low on fluid; they can crack and freeze & get wet and get disabled.

Things to Consider When Looking for A Campfire Starter

The section below will look at the important elements to consider when selecting a campfire starter. Accounting for these features will ensure you pick a campfire starter that fits your camping needs the most.

Cost

It’s easy to find campfire starters online. There’re different brands available and at different costs. However, I’m yet to find cheap campfire starters that live up to my standards.

As with any other purchase, you get what you pay; cheap campfire starters are usually flimsy and will generally disappoint you when you need them most. For example, the cheap varieties from Walmart aren’t wind-resistant; they barely generate a meaningful flame and will require multiple tries to get the fire started.

But you shouldn’t go for the most expensive item either. My rule is to consider how much you’re willing to spend on a new campfire starter.

If money is a non-issue, I’d recommend the pricier options. But if you’re on a tight budget, choose the one fitting your needs and budget. Compare the available options, and see which offers more value for your money.

Where You Will Be Camping

Your camping location will also likely determine the type of campfire starter to choose.

For example, when going camping recreationally, pulling up your car to a local state park, and setting up a campfire for fun, a lighter is probably your best choice. A lighter is simple and easy, and you can keep it dry in your car. You also don’t have to worry about it; you can carry multiple of them, and they’re going to work every time, and you won’t have to fuss at all with your fire.

On the other hand, if you’re going backcountry camping in Utah, and maybe it’s winter, and maybe it’s going to be cold and windy & snowy. You might want to carry multiple pieces of fire-starting equipment.

In an emergency, campers in the backcountry might want to have a lighter to get a fire going. But what if the lighter goes dead, they need an alternative to fall back on, and having multiple pieces of camping equipment is crucial.

Lastly, let’s look at the trail runner who’s going camping in late fall. They don’t have a lot of room in their backpack and don’t want to carry a lot of extra equipment. So, carrying some store matches is going to be one of the best ways. Lighter matches can be stowed away and forgotten until you need them.

Therefore, before any outdoor adventure, you need to ask yourself why you need a Firestarter, how skilled you’re with each campfire starter, and how the starters fare in different weather conditions.

Convenience

When buying a campfire starter, you must ensure that it’s easy. Ideally, the perfect campfire starter shouldn’t have difficulty lighting it up.

While some campfire starters look great, they’re not ergonomic to handle and usually get too complicated to use, especially for your expertise and knowledge.

I recommend you choose a user-friendly campfire starter so that anyone without much skills and expertise with the starters can use it without any issue.

Burn Duration

The burn duration refers to the longevity of an open flame before it dies out. The burn duration is important because it determines how quickly and effectively you can affect fire.

In most cases, the ability of a campfire starter to produce a large, hot flame or sparks for an extended period is usually a mark of a high-quality starter.

Ideally, you should look for fire starters with a longer burn duration to get the fire going. If you’re using it as the primary heat source, your fire starter should have a long enough burn duration to boil water, warm your hands, or for whatever activity you use.

Wind and Water Proof

A good fire starter should be waterproof and windproof for good measure. It should be able to stand up to inclement weather.

It’s an essential feature for any campfire starter because, in the woods, you’re more than likely to come across less-desirable weather conditions. And therefore, your campfire lighter should be able to provide an easy and quick way to make fire even in the most severe weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or high winds.

Size

The product size matters when choosing the right campfire starter, especially for backpackers. See, most backpackers are all about lightening their carry luggage and saving maximum space.

Therefore, their ideal campfire starter size should be ultra-lightweight, not be a burden, and sizeable enough to fit in their backpacking gear and leave more space for the extra gear.

Spark Time

The spark time refers to the number of uses a lighter can provide. Generally, the perfect lighter should last several weeks on average use before requiring refilling or disposal. Choose a lighter with a longer spark time if you need it to serve you longer.

However, it’s always important to have a backup solution with you in case one dries up in the middle of the woods.

FAQ: Campfire Starter 

What is a good campfire starter?

In my opinion, the best campfire starter ultimately depends on your campfire starting needs. However, the perfect option should have a reliable flame, a longer spark time, be easy to use, and be inexpensive. It should also be weather-resistant to allow usage in inclement weather.

For most people, weatherproof matches or a Zippo lighter with some extra fuel are going to be your easiest and best options.

Even if you use a propane fire pit, it is a good idea to bring some campfire starter in case of emergencies.

What items should be included in a basic campfire starter kit?

Relying on a single campfire-making technique isn’t advisable, especially if you’re dispersed camping away from civility.

I suggest you bring different starter options; some of the essentials you should never miss in your campfire starter kit include:

• Ferro rod
• Lighter
• Candles
• Watertight container
• Fresnel lens
• Cotton balls

How can I make a campfire starter kit?

There’re different ways to make fire starter kits for survival. Two of my popular techniques include:

Cotton Balls and Petroleum Jelly: Work petroleum jelly on your cotton balls to make them flammable. You could also dip them in melted wax and store than in a dry Ziplock bag.

Hand Sanitizer: Squeezing a good supply of hand sanitizer on dry wood or wood shavings makes starting the campfire much easier. You must ensure your sanitizer has alcohol content.

What household items are good fire starters? (DIY fire starters for camping)

You could use numerous natural fire starter materials to create fire, including dried grass, birch bark, and resin. However, having some homemade fire starters in your backpack as backup is always a good idea.

Some of the household DIY campfire starter items include:

• Dryer lint campfire starter and egg cartons
• Cotton balls and petroleum jelly
• Duct tape

How long do Ferro rods last?

The longevity of Ferro rods depends on several different factors. But generally, a Ferro rod lasts between 8,000 and 12,000 strikes under normal usage. For an average user, this is a lifetime. You could go camping several times a year and use a single rod for the rest of your time.

There’re, however, other factors that determine the longevity of a Ferro rod. For example, Ferro rods made of softer metal alloy wear much faster than those constructed from thicker metal alloy.

The other factor determining the longevity of a Ferro depends on the user. Beginners are likelier to wear their rod quickly because they often dig deep, thinking it gets more spark. An experienced user, on the other hand, applies less pressure and achieves the same results.

All in all, the real factor determining how long your Ferro rod lasts depends on how well you keep it. Ferro rods are small and compact and, therefore, easy to misplace.

What are flint and steel?

Flint and steel are a traditional, or rather primitive fire-making technique and are as old as the campfire starter sticks. It dates back to the iron age when steel was first available and was used until lighter matches were invented.

To effect fire using this technique, you need a flint, a type of hard rock such as quartz, and a steel rod. The rod is struck against the flint, and the process generates sparks. Fire develops if the sparks are caught in charred material such as tinder or cattails.

A drawback of the flint and steel fire-making technique is the sparks created are generally dull and usually require charred materials to effect a fire.

Is a Ferro rod the same thing as flint and steel? 

Ferro roads aren’t the same as flint and steel, but they use the same striking technique to generate sparks, affecting fire.

However, there’s also a difference in the intensity of the sparks generated between these two fire-making techniques. Ferro rods create more sparks than flint and steel strikers. But Ferro rods wear out quicker and are more likely to snap or break than the flint and steel strikers.

Conclusion: Campfire Starter 

We hope this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make sure you have your own fire starters. It is a great feeling when you are prepared, even if you are only making fires in outdoor fire pitsc. We love bringing some outdoor games to enjoy around the campfire after a fun day of adventuring.

Fire starters are a great way to get your fires going, and some people will keep these on hand for indoor fireplaces, also. There’re numerous options to pick from but ensure you consider our buying guide section to ensure you get the right option for your camping needs.

You should also keep in mind that there are some good natural materials that can make your fire-starting process easier. These materials include pine needles, dry kindling or branches, pine cones, small branches, and other natural items. Stay prepared on your trips, and you set yourself up for success.

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