I feel that everything tastes better when made over a campfire. If you’re itching to light that campfire and create the type of meals that can only be savored out in nature, consider adding a few new pieces of cooking equipment to your camp kitchen collection.
While campfire cooking equipment varies widely these days, selecting the right pieces for your camping needs just got easier. I’ve broken down the campfire cooking essentials that you need to make a variety of delicious meals. Or, upgrade your camp kitchen with fun accessories from toasters to pie irons to make the most elaborate meals while camping.
Essential Campfire Cooking Equipment
1. Dutch Oven
If there is one piece of campfire cooking equipment that you need above all others, it’s the Dutch oven. I personally love my Lodge Combo Cooker (pictured above) that can be used as either a Dutch oven or individual cast iron skillets. Or if you want something a bit larger for bigger groups, opt for one of these, such as the Lodge 5-Quart version.
Perfect for stews, casseroles, and even baking bread, a Dutch oven is indispensable for campfire cooking. Its heavy lid helps to distribute heat evenly, making it ideal for slow-cooking meals.
Recipe Idea: Dutch oven enchiladas are a tasty and easy Dutch oven meal while camping.
2. Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet is a must-have for any camp kitchen. Its versatility allows you to fry, sear, and bake right over the campfire. Plus, it retains heat well, ensuring your food cooks evenly.
Recipe Idea: Try making a skillet breakfast hash with potatoes, bacon, and eggs. Here’s a great recipe to follow: Campfire Skillet Mountain Man Breakfast
3. Campfire Cooking Grate
Elevate your cooking pans and food above the flame with a campfire cooking grate. Set your percolator and skillet on top to create a perfect campfire breakfast, or set hotdogs and burgers directly on top for roasting. Look for one with collapsible legs for ease and convenience. These are relatively inexpensive, so it never hurts to have one on hand, even if your campsite already has a grate.
Recipe Idea: Grill some marinated chicken breasts or vegetables on your cooking grate. Here’s a recipe for grilled veggies: Campfire Grilled Vegetables.
4. Campfire Tongs
One of the most important items you can take on any camping trip or to any campfire is a durable pair of tongs. You’ll want to find one with an extra-long reach to avoid burning yourself while tending to your hotdogs on the grill or anything wrapped in foil and placed in the hot coals. One you might want to try is the stainless steel Weber 1610, although it is slightly higher in price than other tongs on the market.
5. Percolator
For those who can’t start their day without coffee, a percolator is a campsite essential. It brews a robust cup of coffee right over the fire, so you can enjoy your morning joe in nature. Consider adding the GSI Outdoors Enamelware 8-Cup Percolator to your campfire cooking kit. This double-coated enamel steel percolator not only brews up some of the best coffee, but it is also easy to clean. Another option is to purchase a percolator and mugs combination set like the Stansport Enamel Percolator Mugs.
6. Gloves
Whether you have one skillet or several pieces of campfire cooking gear, don’t forget a good pair of cooking gloves. Protect yourself from serious burns with well-fitting ones that allow you to easily pick up skillet handles and remove pots with ease. The heat-resistant BBQ Gloves are a great choice. They not only look sharp but are less expensive than many others on the market.
7. Outdoor Kitchen Set
I like keeping things organized and a campfire cooking kit keeps things both simple and organized!
24 pieces are included: 4 forks, 4 spoons, 4 knives, a collapsible whisk, pivot spoon, pivot spatula, utility knife, spice shaker, 2 condiment containers, cutting board, scrubber, camp towel, and a ballistic outer case. Pretty much everything you need at your site for most meals.
It also comes in a travel bag, which makes it easy when packing, using, and moving it while camping. In addition, it is very lightweight and includes waterproof salt and pepper shakers. The cutting board is small if you have much chopping to do, but I recommend prepping chopped ingredients at home if you can!
Fun Items to Add to Your Camp Kitchen
While these items aren’t essential for campfire cooking, they certainly add a fun twist to your outdoor culinary adventures. Incorporating these tools can make your campfire meals more exciting and enjoyable for everyone.
8. Popcorn Shaker
Popcorn is fun wherever you are, and cooking it on a campfire is an added bonus. So why not add a popcorn popper to your next outdoor adventure? Simply add kernels and place it over the flames. The Camp Chef Popcorn Popper will make enough for the entire group to enjoy.
9. Pie Iron
Perfect for making toasted sandwiches, pies, and more, pie irons are a fun addition to your campfire cooking gear. They allow for creative and delicious meals with minimal effort.
Recipe Idea: Make some savory campfire pizza pockets. All you need is dough, cheese, sauce and toppings of your choice!
10. Waffle Iron
Surprise your campmates with fresh waffles in the morning. This waffle iron is meant to be used over your camp stove but you can position it over hot coals too in your fire.
Recipe Idea: Cook up some campfire waffles and top with fresh berries.
11. Roasting Forks and Campfire Sticks
These are essential for roasting marshmallows, hot dogs, and other goodies. They’re simple tools that make campfire cooking fun and engaging for everyone.
12. Rotisserie
If you want to get fancy, a campfire rotisserie lets you cook meat evenly over an open flame. It’s perfect for chicken, ribs, and other meats, giving you a professional touch in the wild.
Recipe Idea: Try a simple rotisserie chicken with herbs.
13. Toaster
While you can’t use this over the fire – it is for your campstove only – it is one of the “extra” cooking items we use nearly every camping trip. Eggs and toast are one of our favorite quick camp meals and without this toaster, the toast would be… just bread.
Other Campfire Cooking Essentials
14. Spices
Don’t forget to bring a selection of your favorite spices. They can turn a simple meal into a gourmet experience. Pack them in small containers to save space. Or DIY your own spice organization system. Here’s my full post on camping and backpacking with spices.
15. Collapsible Sink
Cleaning up after a meal is much easier with a collapsible sink. It provides a convenient way to wash dishes and utensils without taking up much space. I recommend this 2-pack – you have one sink with soapy water and one sink for rinsing.
Always remember to Leave No Trace! To wash dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap.
16. Water Jug
Don’t forget to pack plenty of water. Reduce your waste and invest in a water jug (vs. buying gallons of water). It’s easier and more convenient too!
Conclusion
Equipping your camp kitchen with the right gear enhances your outdoor cooking experience. From essential items like cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens to fun additions like popcorn shakers and waffle irons, each piece of equipment adds to the joy of cooking in nature. Plus, with the suggested recipes, you’ll be able to impress your campmates with delicious meals. So next time you head out, make sure you’re prepared to whip up some tasty dishes under the open sky.
Happy camping and happy cooking!
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