How to Make a Sweat Bath in the Wilderness

Last Updated: March 8, 2023

Want to build your own steam room in the wilderness? These simple instructions will tell you how to do so for relaxation or a thorough cleansing while roughing it. It's actually very easy and fun if done safely.

Disclaimer: It is very, very dangerous for a beginner to build and use a sweat lodge, as the rocks can be toxic or explode, and the tent canvas can burn. Additionally, any sort of unattended burning fire can start a wildfire.

Steps

1
Select a suitable open area. Find a level spot, preferably rocky (to avoid a muddy mess), with enough space for a four-person (or larger) tent and a large fire several feet away. It should also be near a clear stream or pond if possible.
2
Cut the bottom off of an old dome tent. Leave a 6–12 inch (15.2–30.5 cm) border around the bottom so that the tent will hold its shape better when assembled.

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3
Assemble the tent. Set it up the same as you would if it had a bottom. You may need to stack rocks at the corners of the tent to hold the poles in place.
4
Collect rocks. Find several large igneous rocks. DO NOT use rocks from a river or creek, as they will shatter and burn your body badly. (see Warnings below)
5
Heat the rocks. Build a large fire several feet from the tent (see Warnings below). Once the fire has built up a lot of hot coals, place several of the rocks in the bed of coals and continue to fuel the fire around them for 30-45 minutes.
6
Build a rock-ring inside the tent. Make sure that nothing hot will touch the side of the tent or the people in it. (See Warnings.) Place a pan of cold water next to the rock ring.
7
Transfer the rocks. Use heavy leather work gloves and a pitchfork (or a sturdy camp shovel if no pitchfork is available) to remove the red-hot rocks from the fire pit and place them carefully into the rock-ring inside the tent. It's a good idea to sweep and/or blow on the stones to remove any ash, dust and embers that might go into the lodge and then into your lungs.
8
Get inside the tent. Zip it shut from inside, leaving a small air hole.
9
Make Steam. Pour water slowly over hot rocks to create steam. Repeat until the tent is hot and steamy. Enjoy your sweat bath for 15 - 20 minutes.
10
Bathe in cool water. (Optional) Exit your sweat bath and jump into a pool of clean, cool water and enjoy the marvelous cleansing effect. This may be the cleanest you'll ever feel in the wilderness, even without soap.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I breathe in the steam?

Community Answer

Place a towel over your head, approach the steam bowl, and inhale slowly through your nose for 4 seconds. Exhale using your mouth for another 4 seconds. Repeat inhale/exhale for 5 minutes. You will feel your lungs expanding as you relax. It's a good idea to ask a doctor if it is safe for you to breathe the steam.
Question

How can I put out the fire without making dangerously hot steam?

Community Answer

Build a fire only as big as you need. Place more flat rocks around the fire like a pyramid to cover it.

Warnings

It is very important to get fresh air into the tent; there have been cases of people not surviving in a sweat lodge due to having the tent closed up too tight.

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Rocks which have been immersed in water for a long time can trap water inside them, which can cause the rock to explode when heated to high temperatures. Avoid using ANY rocks that have been soaking in river or streams.

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Don't stay in the hot steam too long, as this can be dangerous past twenty minutes.

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Make sure you're not breaking any fire codes or other restrictions in the wilderness area where you are.

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Be careful handling the hot rocks. Don't burn yourself or anything else in the process.

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Avoid alcohol or heavy meals before entering steam bath.

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Be careful building a fire. Learn how to start a fire safely and properly.

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Use only smooth, non-porous river rocks. Porous or cracked rocks could split and shatter from the extreme heat changes.

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Be careful selecting rocks! Many Native Americans use volcanic rocks, but not other types (see below).

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Be sure to return the rocks to the places where you found them to preserve the natural features of the setting and incredible pristine beauty of the wilderness.

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Keep the fire far enough away from the tent to make sure it doesn't catch fire.

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Remember to rehydrate with plenty of water.

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