For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, bonfire parties are a highlight of summer. We’ve put together the ultimate bonfire checklist with essential tips and fun ideas to help you make the most of your night. Bonfires are a great way for everyone to relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family.
Bringing the right stuff is essential if you’re invited to a bonfire. With so many creative options, preparing for the event can feel overwhelming—but we’ve got you covered. Below is a list of must-have items to help create the perfect bonfire experience.
Table of Contents
Supply List
Firewood
This one is obvious. You can't have a big, beautiful bonfire without fuel wood, so why not bring some yourself? The host may already have firewood, but having extra can't hurt.
To build the perfect campfire, you need three types of wood: wood shavings (you can also use dry leaves or dry bark), small twigs, and larger pieces of wood or big logs.
Firewood is usually cheap, and it helps ensure the host won't have to use their entire supply in a single night. When in doubt, ask.
Bug Spray
You’ll all sit outside for a long time, so bug spray is a good idea. Bring your favorite brand to protect against flying insects and ticks.
Mosquitoes like to ruin all the fun and will most likely be drawn to where the bonfire is held. Unless you want to get bitten everywhere by these annoying insects, ensure you have enough bug spray.
Food
Good food and fire go hand in hand, so most people bring tasty treats to a bonfire. It's a given on any bonfire checklist.
Ask the host if they have any ideas for a dish. If they don't, you can check Google or Pinterest for popular campfire snacks. Look up some fun ideas and prepare a delicious dish everyone loves.
One good idea is hot dogs, which you can cook well on an open fire. (Make sure to cook them for a long time if you haven’t been able to build up a good campfire).
Speakers
Nobody wants to go to a boring bonfire. You may already sit in enough silence at home, or during a typical day.
Speakers are a must at a bonfire party. Before you bring any, contact the host, ask what they have, and see if they need help setting them up beforehand. If you have better speakers, you could take them and liven up the party.
If you don’t have any, you could always tell ghost stories over hot chocolate or bring a good book!
Blankets
Many people underestimate the power of blankets at a bonfire. They think that because it’s summer, they will not feel cold. Besides, there’s also the fire to keep them warm, right? Not really.
In reality, even if you are sitting by the fire, it can feel good to have some blankets near you. Temperatures can be very unpredictable.
Even during summer nights, temperatures can drop considerably. This is especially true in the desert and mountains. It doesn’t take much effort to bring some blankets with you. This way, you don’t have to ask the host, and you’ll be warm all night.
Drinks
Drinks are also a must on every bonfire checklist. Contributing to the “drink inventory " will make many people, including the host, happy.
It’s important to remember that adults and children can attend a bonfire party, so you must bring drinks for both groups. Kids will enjoy a nice soda, especially if you purchase a popular one.
Meanwhile, you have more options for the adults, and you can bring something they'll enjoy, such as local craft beer. Don’t just assume, though. Before you buy anything, you should ask your friends what they prefer to drink.
Maybe some of your friends will want to enjoy a natural hemp CBD drink. Make a list of their preferences and then go shopping. Everyone at the party will love you.
Camping Chair
If you’re unsure whether there will be enough seats for everyone, bring a camping chair. Bring chairs for yourself and your partner, as well as a toddler camping chair if you have a little one.
If you’re going with your family, securing a spot for everyone is essential. This will also leave some other places for people who didn’t bring chairs, so there won’t be any problems with the host or between the guests.
When scouting your bonfire location, it's also useful to bring a serving or picnic table or find a public one. Bear in mind that, in peak season, someone else might already be using it.
Marshmallow Skewers
Let’s be honest: would a bonfire party be complete without some delicious, toasted marshmallows?
If the party is big, there may not be enough skewers for everyone, so why not bring some more? The host will thank you, as will those who were not fast enough to get their own.
If you have skewers at home or want to buy some, don’t hesitate to bring them. You could also bring another snack, like Graham Crackers, to eat them on.
S’mores
Everyone loves s’mores, so why not bring some to the bonfire? They’re great for both children and adults, and they’re not expensive either.
You can either prepare them yourself or get some ingredients when you go to the host’s place and prepare them there. They're a treat for everyone. Bring the right tools, like roasting sticks and extra towels, in case things get messy.
Important Considerations
Remember to look up local laws before making your backyard bonfire. Your local fire department may have recommended a fire ban, and local governments often mandate burn bans in at-risk areas.
City bonfires are often also prohibited, but you may be able to use a fire pit table, a campfire ring, or an outdoor fire pit.
If your bonfire is legal, pay attention to fire safety. Follow the bonfire code by having a fire extinguisher on hand and leaving enough space between the fire and any seats or other items.
Don’t bring the wrong items, either. Keep anything particularly flammable (like an adult beverage containing alcohol) away from the flames.
Don't show up to a bonfire empty-handed! Many of the things on this bonfire checklist are always welcome. Include them on your list, but always double-check with the host to see if they need anything else. This will ensure that your upcoming bonfire is a great success.
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This story is brought to you in partnership with CanRelieve.
Flora says
Hi Gary!
This is my first time here and I found your blog very useful. thanks for sharing informative content with us.
Other things I want to add to this checklist are Cooler, Plastic silverware, plates, cups, Napkins because I found these items very useful and nice to have on a bonfire.