What's the best way to ...

[Baglady]

I don't want a dark camp, but, I would like to have a low key fire, for heat and cooking a meal.
So, what is the best way to have a fire, but one that can't be seen from a distance at night.
And, is there a way to make the fire with little smoke?

[Jerry D Young]

Dakota Fire Pit, using very dry hardwood

https://search.yahoo.com/search?p=da...%3Amy%2Cm%3Asb

Just my opinion.

[OSFG]

Dakota Fire Pit, using very dry hardwood

https://search.yahoo.com/search?p=da...%3Amy%2Cm%3Asb

Just my opinion.

absolutely

[Sparkyprep]

Dakota Fire Pit, using very dry hardwood

https://search.yahoo.com/search?p=da...%3Amy%2Cm%3Asb

Just my opinion.

Agreed

[Inor]

Dakota Fire Pit, using very dry hardwood

https://search.yahoo.com/search?p=da...%3Amy%2Cm%3Asb

Just my opinion.

I agree, it looks like we have a consensus.

[Pauls]

Small fires using small pieces of dry wood either in a pit or in a container. The Dakota fire pit is a good way to cook without it being visible. You can't get away from the smell of burning wood but with a small, hot, fire you can minimize it.

If you need a fire to stay warm in very cold weather you dig a trench and burn a fire during the day and then bury the coals and sleep on top of it. That will keep you snuggly for many hours. If you find a cave, unoccupied of course, then build a small fire as far back as you can and cook inside the cave. Once dinner is done exit the cave and find a place where you can evade and escape if necessary. I like trees, sleeping in them. It is surprising that most hikers and campers don't look up when they are walking. Get yourself into the branches and then tie yourself in. It's like rocking in a cradle. Less bugs, no snakes, and no mice. Just a good nights sleep in the arms of mother nature.

[Baglady]

Small fires using small pieces of dry wood either in a pit or in a container. The Dakota fire pit is a good way to cook without it being visible. You can't get away from the smell of burning wood but with a small, hot, fire you can minimize it.

If you need a fire to stay warm in very cold weather you dig a trench and burn a fire during the day and then bury the coals and sleep on top of it. That will keep you snuggly for many hours. If you find a cave, unoccupied of course, then build a small fire as far back as you can and cook inside the cave. Once dinner is done exit the cave and find a place where you can evade and escape if necessary. I like trees, sleeping in them. It is surprising that most hikers and campers don't look up when they are walking. Get yourself into the branches and then tie yourself in. It's like rocking in a cradle. Less bugs, no snakes, and no mice. Just a good nights sleep in the arms of mother nature.

I love these sleeping idea's, Paul. Thanks!

[Inor]

If you have a rocket stove, that works pretty well too. We have a Silverfire rocket stove and I am surprised at how quickly it will bring water to a boil even in sub-zero temps. Also, because of the nature of it, the only time there is any smoke is when it is first warming up before it goes "rocket". Once it goes "rocket" there is complete combustion of the wood and no smoke and very little smell, even in the winter.

The down side is, it is a fairly bulky thing. It weighs about 8 pounds and is about the size of a 2 gallon bucket. I certainly would not want to carry it on my back all day.

[Baglady]

Great idea! Thanks guys. I will try this next time we camp.

[Jerry D Young]

Since the OP specified a low key fire in a camp, I suggested the Dakota fire pit. However, this is not always possible, depending on terrain, conditions, and timing.

One of the things that I do, actually more often than using the Dakota Fire Pit, is to stop relatively early, while still light, usually near a water source. I get my water replenished, purifying if needed and time permits, and do any open fire work I need to, such as cooking a meal, making hot drinks, etc. Then I douse and cover the fire, and move on to where my actual night camp will be, early enough to set up the camp in daylight, and do a dark/dry camp simply for sleeping, away from the trail and anything else likely to bring people close to the area. This way I get the benefits of using water sources, firewood sources, having a fire, getting hot meals/drinks, and still have a dark camp.

Just my further opinion.