Campfire Stories and S’mores: The Heart of Papoose Pond

There’s something timeless about campfire stories and s’mores—they connect generations, spark imaginations, and remind us why we love camping in the first place.

At Papoose Pond, we believe every great day should end with a good story, a crackling fire, and sticky marshmallow fingers. Whether it’s your family’s first camping trip or a long-standing tradition, our fire pits have hosted thousands of memories, and yours could be next.

Why Campfires Matter (Especially in a Fast-Paced World)

Between screens, schedules, and school prep, slowing down is harder than ever. That’s why campfires are sacred here. It’s where the conversations get real, the laughter gets louder, and the stars shine a little brighter.

Even after a day packed with swimming, gaga ball, pickleball, basketball, and pool tournaments, the magic doesn’t end when the sun goes down. It shifts to the flicker of flames and the storytelling circle around it.

The Tradition of Campfire Stories at Papoose Pond

Ask any longtime camper at Papoose Pond what they remember most, and you’ll hear the same answer: the firelight moments.

Maybe it was a ghost story that made your cousin scream. Or the time grandpa shared a true tale from his childhood in the woods. Or the moment your shy kid told their very first joke—and everyone laughed.

At Papoose, we’ve seen everything from silly made-up legends to heartfelt family traditions. And some nights, the best stories are just retellings of that day’s boat race or your s’mores mishap.

Want to keep your story time respectful? Check out our Camping Etiquette: Tips for a Safe and Fun Stay to learn about quiet hours, noise levels, and fire safety reminders.

How to Build the Right Campfire for Your Night

You don’t need to be a survival expert to build a good campfire. In fact, part of the fun is choosing the style of fire that fits your vibe.

Here are three camper-favorite fire-building techniques:

The Teepee Fire

Best for: Quick lighting and high flames

How it works: Stack kindling and firewood like a cone. The structure encourages airflow and makes a dramatic show as it burns. Great for those big storytelling nights.

The Log Cabin Fire

Best for: Longer-lasting, steady burn

How it works: Lay alternating layers of firewood like a square cabin. Put tinder in the middle. This burns slower and is perfect for long evenings with marshmallows.

The Lean-To Fire

Best for: Windy conditions or damp weather

How it works: Lean kindling and firewood at an angle over your tinder base. Lights easily and helps direct the flame upward while shielding it.

Papoose Pond Tip: Firewood is available for purchase at the camp store, so you don’t have to lug logs from home. And please remember: only burn locally sourced firewood to protect Maine’s trees from pests and diseases. Any firewood from outside the state of Maine is against the law. 

For full guidelines, visit our campground policies to stay safe and respectful.

The Perfect S’mores Setup (and Secret Add-ons)

A campfire without s’mores? Unthinkable.

Of course, the classic combo: graham cracker, marshmallow, chocolate—never fails. But over the years, we’ve seen some next-level creations at Papoose Pond.

Try one of these crowd favorites:

• Peanut Butter Cup S’more: Swap in a peanut butter cup for the chocolate square
  
• The Cookie Swap: Use chocolate chip cookies instead of graham crackers
  
• Berry Burst: Add a thin slice of strawberry before topping it off
  

Pro tip: Let your marshmallow catch fire just once. Blow it out, give it a second to melt the inside, and then smoosh! But of course, we know that S’mores are very PERSONAL, so make it the way you love it, and you can’t go wrong! 

Looking for inspiration? Read The History of S’mores from Smithsonian Magazine.

Fireside Fun All Season Long

At Papoose Pond, we go beyond the flame. You’ll find entertainment around the fire nearly every night through August 23rd: from karaoke and talent shows to live music and magician performances. Or keep it simple and share stories under the stars with your loved ones.

No matter the vibe, our fire pits are ready for your next memory.

Final Thoughts: Campfire Stories and S’mores Make It Stick

It’s easy to forget the details of a busy trip. But no one forgets the smell of woodsmoke, the taste of toasted marshmallow, or the way a story sounds under a canopy of stars.

At the heart of every great stay at Papoose Pond are campfire stories and s’mores—and we’d love to help you create your own this season.

Book your site now and end your summer around the fire with us.