Charcoal for campfire??

[Mrs. V]

Can you use charcoal in a firepit instead of wood for cooking? It would eliminate some of the "wood across state lines" issues. Although I did learn I can bring kiln dried wood to a venue from where I live..picking up pieces parts so we can cook when we are not with the battery.

 

[DixieRifles]

It would eliminate some of the "wood across state lines" issues.

I'm sure what that means. But sure --- charcoal would make it easier to get a fire ready for cooking. Not sure how they would transport it?


It reminds me of something I read in "Rising Tide" by John M. Barry about The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. Somewhere in it he says there was a train full of coal parked on a bridge across one of the tributaries of the Mississippi River. The river was so swift that it shook the bridge causing the coal to ignite.

 

[Lincoln56]

It would eliminate some of the "wood across state lines" issues.

I'm reading this literally to mean what it says. This is a thing in some parts of our country? I've honestly never heard this. Please expand on the explanation if you don't mind. Not trying to be difficult, am genuinely curious and interested in learning more.

 

[Kurtlg]

I'm reading this literally to mean what it says. This is a thing in some parts of our country? I've honestly never heard this. Please expand on the explanation if you don't mind. Not trying to be difficult, am genuinely curious and interested in learning more.

I know in Michigan you are only allowed to use firewood from local areas. You cannot transport it within the state or out of it. This is to prevent the spread of disease and insects such as the emerald ash borer

 

[Old Soldier]

As a complete outsider, I see the main objection to this would be the cost of charcoal vs wood. Charcoal has always been used as a source of heat, but it needs careful processing - and that costs money - or the right conditions to do it yourself.

 

[EHParks]

Can you use charcoal in a firepit instead of wood for cooking? It would eliminate some of the "wood across state lines" issues. Although I did learn I can bring kiln dried wood to a venue from where I live..picking up pieces parts so we can cook when we are not with the battery.

USDA certified kiln dried wood is definitely the way to go. No hassle and completely legal across state lines. You can use charcoal and wood, (or wood chips) together in cooking fires (if you aren't aware already from smoking or grilling). Personally I think I would go for the combination for the overall lower cost, ease of transportation and handling.

We used to do this on extended camping trips as a Boy Scout into the Shenandoah at Goshen on Lake Merriwether. It made cooking with a Dutch oven much more efficient to handle and use with briquets on top of the oven to bake instead of wood coals. Much easier also to bank the fire for later which I think you mentioned in another post. The flavors are as good as just wood and you don't get that overwhelming charcoal and fuel smell.

I hope you have a wonderful experience! Don't sweat the small stuff after you get there. Just enjoy.

 

[7thWisconsin]

To help eliminate the spread of the emerald ash borer, in the Northeast several states require that wood be bought locally (within 50 miles of a campsite). It can also be a citable offense to transport out of state wood. I have never actually known anyone to have been ticketed for it, but there´s always a first.
I used to use charcoal in my brazier all the time. Easy to transport. Maximum heating. Look for natural hardwood charcoal. I used to use a brand called ¨cowboy charcoal.¨ I just transported it in the bag it came in and hid it in the car. I suppose if you really wanted to deep dive, you could cover the bag with a feed sack cover.

 

[Lincoln56]

This is to prevent the spread of disease and insects such as the emerald ash borer

To help eliminate the spread of the emerald ash borer, in the Northeast several states require that wood be bought locally (within 50 miles of a campsite).

Thanks to you both for these explanations. I truly did not know this is a thing but it makes sense.

 

[Mrs. V]

Thanks everyone for your input. We'll be bringing kiln dried wood and maybe some charcoal. I will see what I can get. Also, my car is only so big..(Honda CRV)..so packing is..umm..jenga. But I cannot wait. We are going to try to do some period cooking..No ragu sauce allowed!

 

[7thWisconsin]

Good for you. Good luck.