I cook with a wood fire, well actually I boil water to rehydrate my food, on a
Kelly Kettle. All I use is a handful of twigs or pine cones and I don't scar the ground, don't carry any petrol.
Forget the overpopulated campsite fires, with environmental and polluton problems as Pete and others have noted. If you must, you can have a campfire in most areas of the Adirondacks. You don't need a bonfire though. Never make a fire on organic duff, or you could start an unseen underground fire that may erupt weeks later. Consider a dakota hole or other small efficient method in mineral soil, then when you are finished scatter the ashes and obliterate any trace that it or you were there.
A campfire was long known for its abilty to gather a group and to focus attention. Just watch any group of scouts or other kids and try to keep them away, especially as dusk falls into dark. But consider focusing on the natural evening environment instead. Gather along a lake shore, or someplace facing west to catch the last failing colors in the sky. Voices will soften and the days thoughts and tomorrow's plans will drift out. I'll bet you've never seen stars so bright.
A whole new set of animals comes to life at dusk, but are not likely to be seen or heard over a bright crackling fire that robs your night vision and makes them go elsewhere. Try a simple candle on the ground if you need to focus on firelight. Instead of creating a separated island of "city" lights in the wilderness visible across an entire lake, relax and become a part of the woods. Enjoy the night sky, the noises, and the sights and sounds you don't get to see at home.
