Camping is an outdoor experience cherished by many families. Nothing quite compares to cooking food or making s’mores over an open flame after a day of hiking the trails. But without a plan, campfire cooking can seem like a daunting chore.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or heading out on your first trip, a little preparation at home makes for a lot more fun around the fire pit. Below, we’re sharing our favorite campfire cooking hacks to help you serve up delicious meals with less stress, fewer dishes, and way more flavor.
Plan Ahead: Prep Like a Pro
- Pre-Chop, Pre-Measure, Pre-Pack
Prep your ingredients at home before heading to the campground. Dice your veggies, portion out spices, marinate meats, and even crack eggs into a storage container for easy pouring. Use labeled storage bags or small containers for easy access and organization. And, don’t forget to pack utensils like a sharp knife, tongs, a meat thermometer, and a sturdy fork. - Foil Packets Are Your Best Friend
Aluminum foil is a campfire MVP. Wrap meals in foil packets for easy cooking directly on hot coals or firewood. Try classic combos like hot dogs and peppers, chicken with potatoes and herbs, or seasoned veggies. You can prep these packets at home, stack them in a cooler with ice packs, and toss them right into the flames when ready. - Use Parchment Paper Inside Foil
Want easier cleanup and less sticking? Line your aluminum foil with parchment paper before adding ingredients. This double layer helps seal in flavor and keeps your packets from turning into a burnt mess. - Disposable Baking Pans Save Time
Disposable pans will come in handy for larger meals. They’re lightweight, don’t take up much space, and are perfect for recipes like campfire nachos or monkey bread. Cover tightly with foil and reheat on a campfire grate or directly over hot coals.
Creative Fireside Meals to Try
- Cake in a Pumpkin
Hollow out a small pumpkin, fill it with pre-mixed boxed cake batter, wrap the entire thing in aluminum foil, and nestle it into the embers. After 45-60 minutes, you will have a warm, moist cake with a subtle pumpkin flavor. - Skewer Everything
Skewers make fireside cooking a breeze. But it doesn’t just have to be hot dogs! Try cubes of marinated steak, pineapple, and bell peppers, or tofu, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini. Pro tip: Soak wooden skewers in water before use to prevent them from catching fire. Metal skewers are an excellent option for even cooking and can be used time and time again. - Dutch Oven Delights
A cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven opens up a world of possibilities. You can bake biscuits, simmer stews, or even fry eggs and bacon for breakfast. Set it on a bed of coals, add your ingredients, and let the fire do the work. - Campfire Nachos
In a disposable baking pan, layer tortilla chips, beans, cheese, jalapeños, onions, and other add-ins as desired. Cover with foil and heat until the cheese has melted. Skip the plates and easily share with forks. - Grilled Banana Boats
A camp classic dessert, grilled banana boats are easy to make and will satisfy any camper’s sweet tooth. Slice a banana lengthwise (but don’t cut all the way through), stuff it with chocolate, marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers. Wrap in parchment paper, then foil, and set near the fire pit for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to let it cool before digging in.
Essential Campfire Cooking Toolkit
The list below covers the essential tools you need for an enjoyable campfire cooking experience. With these tools, you’ll be able to create a variety of recipes that will keep your campers happy and full.
- Cast-Iron Skillet or Dutch Oven: For frying, baking, and boiling.
- Aluminum Foil: Perfect for foil packets, covers, and makeshift lids. Be sure to pack extra!
- Parchment Paper: Great for lining foil to reduce mess and prevent sticking.
- Disposable Baking Pans: Lightweight and no cleanup.
- Knife: A sharp, all-purpose one with a cover.
- Utensils: Tongs, forks, wooden spoons, and spatulas.
- Skewers: Metal or pre-soaked wood.
- Cooler & Ice Packs: For safely storing meats, eggs, and other perishables.
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures food is safely cooked, especially over an open flame.
- Filter & Pot: For boiling water for meals like pasta or a quick cup of tea using a tea bag.
Easy Meals After a Day of Hiking
Campfire cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple with pre-marinated meats, baked potatoes, foil-packet burritos, or one-pot stews that will be delicious and satisfying. Prep at home so all you need to do at the campsite is light the fire and enjoy.
Don’t forget, your campfire meals can be just as satisfying as home-cooked dishes. With a bit of planning, your next camping trip could be full of flavor, fewer dirty dishes, and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
Bonus Tips for Campfire Cooking Success
- Start with a steady fire and glowing embers to ensure a stable cooking temperature.
- Rotate foil packets and pans regularly to ensure even and thorough cooking.
- Leave space in your foil packets as steam needs room to circulate.
- Label meals and sides with a marker on foil if you’re prepping for a group.
- Bring extra fuel—whether it’s wood or charcoal, you don’t want to run out mid-meal.
Campfire cooking isn’t just about feeding hungry campers. It’s about the stories you share with family around the campfire, the smoky scent that clings to your sweatshirt, and being able to share a delicious meal with loved ones. With these hacks and a bit of prep, your next camping trip will be one for the books.