# Campfire: Free Open Source Alternative to Campsite, Chanty, Slack

Canonical: https://caniforkit.com/fork/campfire
Last updated: 2026-11-07

Campfire (Open Source, Open Source) replaces Campsite, Chanty, Slack, Zoho Cliq. Install your own group chat system with @mentions, DMs, and mobile support. One-time purchase, no monthly fees. Includes full source code for customization.

## Tool Specifications
- **Tool Name**: Campfire
- **Type**: Open Source Project
- **License**: Open Source
- **Official Website**: https://once.com/campfire
- **GitHub Repository**: https://github.com/basecamp/once-campfire
- **GitHub Stars**: ★ 4.8k
- **Runs On**: Self-host
- **Maintenance Status**: nov 2026
- **Platforms**: web, self-hosted, docker to self-host
- **Data Storage**: All application data and configuration live on your own server or local database.
- **Installation**: Clone https://github.com/basecamp/once-campfire or deploy with Docker Compose
- **Setup Requirements**: Deploy via Docker or binary release from GitHub and configure environment variables.
- **The Catch / Limitation**: Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Campsite.

## Paid SaaS Applications Replaced (4)
Replacing these paid tools with Campfire saves up to $60/mo ($720/yr) in software subscriptions:

| Replaced Software | Category | SaaS Price | Comparison Guide |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Campsite](https://caniforkit.com/campsite) | [community](https://caniforkit.com/category/community) | $15/mo | [Compare Campsite vs Campfire](https://caniforkit.com/vs/campsite-vs-campfire) |
| [Chanty](https://caniforkit.com/chanty) | [community](https://caniforkit.com/category/community) | $15/mo | [Compare Chanty vs Campfire](https://caniforkit.com/vs/chanty-vs-campfire) |
| [Slack](https://caniforkit.com/slack) | [community](https://caniforkit.com/category/community) | $15/mo | [Compare Slack vs Campfire](https://caniforkit.com/vs/slack-vs-campfire) |
| [Zoho Cliq](https://caniforkit.com/zoho-cliq) | [community](https://caniforkit.com/category/community) | $15/mo | [Compare Zoho Cliq vs Campfire](https://caniforkit.com/vs/zoho-cliq-vs-campfire) |

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is Campfire free and open source?
Campfire is an open source tool licensed under Open Source that runs on self-host. Install your own group chat system with @mentions, DMs, and mobile support. One-time purchase, no monthly fees. Includes full source code for customization.

### What is the trade-off or limitation of using Campfire?
Requires self-hosting setup, updates, and server maintenance compared to managed Campsite.

## Related

- [Self-Hosted Open Source Directory](https://caniforkit.com/self-hosted)
- [All Paid SaaS Alternatives Index](https://caniforkit.com/alternatives)
- [Software Categories Directory](https://caniforkit.com/categories)
- [Homepage](https://caniforkit.com)