If a dakota fire put is just a fire in a hole or trench, yep works great. It takes alot more skill to build a small fire then a big one, so practice and pay attention. Start a few small twigs burning, slowly carefully add more. Dont just start a big sloppy mess of loose shit on fire... seen so many people do this. Usually with pallets. It makes more light and less heat, then you've burned all your wood and need to find more. Nope, think of it as building a coalbed instead of a fire. Keep adding little stuff until you have a big glowing red pile of embers... lots of heat, it'll dry wet wood fast, much less smoke. If its in a pit, with a pile of damp earth nearby, you can hide it fast and move. I've done this in town parks and parking lots... I hear manzanita wood burns almost smokeless, check it out if it grows in your area.