Camping Without a Campfire?

[swordmetal]

I'm heading out this weekend with the whole family-wife, 2 year old son, 3 month old daughter and all the in laws, grandparents etc. Typically when we/I go, it's primitive camping all the way (paying to use the outdoors just seems wrong to me). This time we're doing the campground thing though. The bad news is I just found out that campfires are a no-no right now due to fire danger. With no campfire, what do we do at night? That is my favorite part of camping-cold beer, hot fire and good company! Short of watching a movie in my bro in laws trailer (thumbs down, I would just stay home if I wanted to do that) or setting up shop next to the lantern with a book, I'm not really sure what to do. Suggestions please!

 

[joeyumbra]

Maybe the authorities would allow these?

Link

 

[1leglance]

We have very serious burn restrictions almost year round here in the desert southwest...
that is why I have a Fire Dancer portable propane fire pit. I can use it anywhere regardless of burn issues and while it is only enough for the family it is perfect for that.
Also we can have a quick morning fire then pack it up and go.

 

[RU55ELL]

Kids enjoy playing around with flashlights. You could do scavenger hunts, hide and seek, etc. You just have to use your imagination.

 

[Desert Dan]

Look at the stars.

Sometime when in dry fire prone areas I don't have fires (even if allowed). I don't want to worry. I like to BBQ but usually have a stove top or no cook dinner option if fires aren't allowed.

 

[RockyMtnFamily]

Kids enjoy playing around with flashlights. You could do scavenger hunts, hide and seek, etc. You just have to use your imagination.

Glowsticks are cheap at Oriental trading company or on Ebay and are good for hours and hous of fun. They also double as nightlights once playtime is over.

Kevin

 

[Moody]

You can cut them open and let the kids paint with the liquid. Good times for sure. It stains clothes so be aware of that.

 

[Chili]

We bought a Camp Chef portable propane fire-pit before going to Colorado back in July, and were very happy with it..

Ours was this: http://www.amazon.com/Camp-Chef-Red...&keywords=camp+chef+portable+propane+fire+pit

 

[craig333]

Are you sure they're prohibited in developed campgrounds? Its rare here, and California has been burning just fine, to outlaw them in developed campgrounds.

"Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited except in designated developed campgrounds. A California Campfire permit is still needed for use of a gas stove or grill". Current restrictions as of today.

 

[bobDog]

Glowsticks are cheap at Oriental trading company or on Ebay and are good for hours and hous of fun. They also double as nightlights once playtime is over.

Kevin

O yeah....glow sticks and a campfire are a lot alike.....I remember sitting around the old glowstick pile talking to friends ....maybe a beer ...... then putting the glow sticks in the cooler for the next night. Those were the times!

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[BorregoWrangler]

Take 'em on a snipe hunt...

 

[AA1PR]

I use the LED laterns when wood is not available or is prohibited
something like this:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunt...s-lanterns/_/N-1100173&WTz_l=SEO;cat104428080

 

[bobDog]

I use the LED laterns when wood is not available or is prohibited
something like this:
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Hunt...s-lanterns/_/N-1100173&WTz_l=SEO;cat104428080

You have a way to make the led lights 'flicker' so that you can be mesmerized? Then there's the warm feeling.

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[78Bronco]

Flashlights and long exposure with a DSLR. Be creative. Camp fire in a can is a good option.

 

[DrSaabaru]

There are plenty of campfires up there in the sky. Sure, they're kind of far away, but a basic telescope makes them a lot easier to see:
http://www.telescope.com/Telescopes/Dobsonian-Telescopes/Mini-Dobsonians/FunScope-76mm-Tabletop-Reflector-Telescope/pc/1/c/12/sc/28/p/9766.uts?refinementValueIds=4543&refineByCategoryId=28