How to Build an All Natural Lean-to Wood Fort

Basic Shelter

• 1

  Choose two trees about six to eight feet apart that both have a Y, or branch joint about six feet above the ground to serve as your support structure.

• 2

  Find a straight log, at least four inches thick and with no branches along it, that is long enough to fit between the two Ys, overlapping on each side. Lift it up and set it in the Y on each side, so that it stretches between the two trees.

• 3

  Gather enough 3-to-6 inch thick branches, that are long enough to lean up to the cross log you installed, at about a 45 degree angle down to the ground. Start against one tree and lean the branches against the cross log, with any extra length above the cross log. Fit the branches side-by-side along the cross log until the space between the trees is filled.

• 4

  Cut several green branches, less than an inch thick with needles still on them, that are long enough to cover the logs of your shelter's roof, with a pocket knife. Strip small vines of their leaves and tie them to the branch ends of the evergreen boughs.

• 5

  Tie the vines to the overhanging top ends of your roof logs, so that the evergreen boughs drape over the logs, covering the chinks between them for better shelter. Cover the entire roof in at least one layer of evergreen.

• 6

  Dig a trench about six inches wide and eight-to-10 inches deep along the front of your shelter. Find logs between four and six inches thick and stand them up in the trench, leaning slightly, against the cross log. Cut them off as needed with a bow saw, so that they extend just to the top of the cross log.

• 7

  Fill the front of the shelter with standing logs, leaving an opening in the center about 24 inches wide, for a door.