Beyond the Campfire: Designing Fire Pits that Evoke Nostalgia and Generate Ancillary Revenue
Nostalgia sells!
That’s not just a clever phrase — it’s a truth campground owners and operators can put to work. According to the 2025 Campspot Camping Trends Outlook, a staggering 88% of campers say they long for a return to simpler times. And at the top of that list is cooking over the fire pit combined with late-night storytelling — the kind of moments you simply can’t script.
It isn’t just about s’mores anymore.
Fire pits have become more than a checkbox amenity. They’re an emotional touchpoint. When done right, they trigger strong memories, spark social interaction, and create the kind of atmosphere guests are willing to pay more for.
So how can you, as a campground owner/operator, turn a simple fire ring into a powerful revenue driver and guest experience enhancer? Start with intentional design.
Location matters. Place fire pits in areas that feel private yet accessible. Too close to campsites, and guests may skip them to avoid noise. Too far away, and they become an afterthought.
Comfort drives usage. Add sturdy seating with back support. Consider gravel or paver bases for cleaner, more polished gathering spaces.
Don’t skip lighting. Low-level lighting around pathways to the fire pit increases safety and adds ambiance, especially for families or older guests.
Think beyond the flame. Provide cast-iron grates or adjustable grills for open-fire cooking, and clearly post simple recipes or cookout ideas for guests to enjoy.
You’re not just offering a place to toast marshmallows — you’re giving your visitors a space to slow down, reconnect, and relive the best parts of their childhood. These are the details that turn a stay into a story they’ll tell others about. And that’s good business.
Design with Nostalgia in Mind for Repeat Bookings
Travelers aren’t just looking for adventure — they’re chasing memories. There’s a growing movement in outdoor hospitality and Campspot has even coined a name for it, called the (Re)Creation Vacation. This isn’t about creating new experiences, it’s about bringing back the ones that mattered most.
The data backs it up:
85% of campers say they miss the thrill of discovering nature like they did as kids.
83% specifically want to recreate time spent around a campfire.
94% believe camping helps them reconnect with what matters most.
That’s more than a trend. This is a roadmap to your success.
Fire pits tap directly into this emotional territory. They’re not just physical features … they’re symbolic spaces. They’re a place where phones are put away, stories come out, and multi-generational memories are made. If you want to attract families, couples, and solo travelers alike, design fire pit areas that foster connection and relaxation.
Here’s how to design a space for a fire pit with intention:
Incorporate visual nostalgia. Use natural materials, such as stone, reclaimed wood, and vintage lanterns to create a timeless look.
Encourage slow moments. Add signage with classic campfire games or conversation starters. These little touches create lasting moments.
Promote it. Show off your fire pit experience on your Website and booking platforms. Highlight guest photos and testimonials that feature fireside moments.
Remember: you’re not just offering amenities, you’re providing memories. When people can envision themselves in your space, they’re more likely to book. Design with nostalgia in mind, and you’ll tap into one of the more powerful drivers of a satisfying guest experience.
Turn the Glow Into Growth: Fire Pits that Drive Ancillary Revenue
Fire pits aren’t just for ambiance, they’re an underused revenue engine. With a few smart upgrades and intentional design choices, they can directly increase your average nightly rate, drive sales, and turn passive spaces into profit centers.
Nightly Fire Pit Rentals
Offer fire pits as a nightly add-on for tent sites, RV pads, or Park Model RVs. Make it a plug-and-play experience by bundling in:
Preportioned firewood (cut to size)
A snack kit with branded packaging
Waterproof fire starters or match kits
Optional conversation-starter cards or simple campfire games
Guests don’t want to source firewood or fiddle with smoky setups. By handling the details, you’re adding value and boosting your per-site revenue.
Premium Smokeless Fire Pit Packages
The fastest way to level up the experience? Go smokeless. Products like Breeo (yes, they’re an investment but they last) solve common complaints: lingering smoke, damp wood frustration, and clothing that smells like camp for days. Use them to:
Upsell Glamping sites into a “premium” tier
Justify higher rates for Park Model Rvs
Offer bundled “Fire & Ice” experiences in colder seasons with fire pits and warm beverage kits delivered to-site
You’re not just solving problems, you’re selling comfort and memory-making with limited hassle.
Tiered Pricing that Feels Like a Choice
Give guests a reason to purchase an upgrade package. Basic sites might include a simple fire ring, while your upgraded offers:
Smokeless fire rings
Level paver bases or gravel pads
Comfortable seating from commercial vendors like Grosfillex
Cozy add-ons like wool blankets or lanterns
This kind of tiering helps you increase both occupancy and ADR (Average Daily Rate) while providing guests value they can use.
Central Fire Lounge as a Community Hub
A shared fire pit area isn’t just for aesthetics, it can anchor your brand. Design a fire lounge with:
Mood lighting (tree lights, uplighting, or concealed solar spots)
Curated playlists or acoustic music
Soft fencing or landscaping to create a sense of enclosure
Optional on-site food or drink service (think local partnerships or a coffee pop-up)
Use this space for scheduled programming, such as cooking demos, storytelling nights, or guided stargazing. These moments give guests a reason to come back again for repeat bookings.
Frame the Experience
Small design details add up. Consider:
Defined zones: Use natural fencing, stones, or planters to create clear fire pit spaces
Comfort and access: Provide wide paths with low-level lighting and sturdy, back-support seating
Safety first: Add clear signage, tools for tending fires, and extinguishing stations nearby
Guests enjoy an outdoor fire, but they need to feel safe.
Add-On Sales that Make Life Easy
Firewood should never be an afterthought. Sell bundles:
At the time of booking as a pre-arrival add-on
From a central location with signage and pricing
Such as quality cut wood for the fire along with a bag of ice for the cooler in warmer weather, replaced by warm beverages during the cooler seasons
That (name your price) bundle could be one of your easiest upsells.
Bottom line? A thoughtfully designed outdoor campfire experience can increase guest satisfaction and profitability at the same time. When guests gather around the glow, you’re not just creating warmth, you’re creating moments that are worth paying for.
Bonus: Fire Pit Experiences that Build Connection
When you think about what guests remember most, it’s rarely the site dimensions or Wi-Fi speed – It’s moments like sitting around a campfire: late-night laughter, and stories between friends and family. It’s the warmth (literal and emotional) of gathering around a fire.
That’s where you, as the host, can take things a step further. Beyond simply offering the fire pit itself, you can curate the experience around it.
Campfire Cooking Nights
Host a weekly or monthly night centered around fire-based cooking. Keep it simple, such as foil pack meals. You can:
Offer pre-packed cooking kits for purchase with ingredients and instructions
Bring in a local outdoor chef to lead a session
Share popular family recipes with other guests
Not only does this create memorable times, it’s also a great upsell opportunity.
Storytelling Circles & Fireside Music
People crave connection. Give them a space to enjoy it.
Invite local storytellers or acoustic musicians once a week to lead a fireside session
Let guests sign up to share their own stories or travel adventures
Use these gatherings to gently promote your other on-site activities
This kind of low-cost programming builds community and often encourages longer stays or repeat visits.
Fire Pit Prompt Cards
Keep things simple, thoughtful, and a little playful.
Create or purchase conversation decks with campfire questions (e.g., “What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?” or “Describe your perfect day in the woods.”)
Offer these as part of your fire pit kits or leave them in shared spaces in weatherproof containers
Encourage guests to share their answers on social media or tag your campground online
Sometimes, people just need a little nudge to spark something special.
Fire pit programming doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. When you infuse these spaces with intention, you give guests something deeper than just a place to warm up. You give them an experience worth remembering (and recommending).
Conclusion: Real Connection Starts Around the Fire
In a world overflowing with screens, algorithms, and digital noise, your guests are searching for something they can feel. The campfire delivers a timeless, tactile, and deeply human connection. When you design your fire pit areas with care, you’re not only increasing guest satisfaction, you’re creating tangible opportunities to drive revenue and repeat bookings.
The right fire pit strategy can:
Differentiate your campground from competitors
Encourage longer stays and repeat bookings
Increase your ADR through premium experiences
Generate ancillary revenue for your campground