Camping is one of America’s pastimes, with more than 50 million people taking to the great outdoors to escape the stresses of modern life every year. And for most campers, cooking over a campfire is an integral part of the experience – whether it’s making s’mores or preparing a fresh-caught trout.
That’s why we put together this post all about the best cooking gear for your next camping excursion.
The 10 Best Campfire Cooking Essentials
1. Cast iron cookware
Cast iron cookware is great for starting campfires because it retains heat well. It also gets hot enough to brown or sear meats, fish and vegetables. If you don’t have a campfire, no worries – you can still use these pots over an open fire by suspending them to avoid damaging your stove or grills.
2. Dutch Oven
Dutch ovens have been used for hundreds of years to prepare hearty, stick-to-your-ribs meals. Traditionally, Dutch oven cooking is associated with the outdoors because it usually relies on campfires. These cast iron pots and lids hold heat well and also retain moisture to ensure your food is cooked to perfection over an open flame. The best part of Dutch oven cooking is you can bring your own ingredients and cook anything you want – from apple pie to lasagna.
3. Frying Pan
If you think cooking over hot coals is limited to meat and potatoes, then think again. If you’ve never had the pleasure of eating a crispy egg or even an omelet cooked over an open campfire, then get ready for an awesome treat. Cooking with a frying pan will give your eggs a crispy shell and soft center that is delicious enough to make all your fellow campers jealous.
4. Grill grate
Campfires aren’t just for roasting marshmallows and hotdogs – if you have a grill grate, you’re ready to start grilling up all the food! Grilling is a great way to prepare meat, fish, veggies and breads. If you want to get your campfire cooking on this summer, then a grill grate is essential for getting the job done!
If you like the convenience of using charcoal grills at home, then you’ll love the versatility of a campfire grill. These grills come in all different sizes and heats and some even have adjustable grates. Whether you want a small grill with one burner or a large grill with four burners, there’s something for you on the market today.
5. Kettle
Kettles are pretty self-explanatory. They’re big pots that can be filled with water, placed on a fire, and used for boiling water for hot drinks, soups and stews. Kettles are an excellent way to heat food and drink servings. In addition to providing you with hot liquid, kettles can also be used as serving ware that’s safe enough to eat out of!
6. Stainless steel cooking pots
Stainless steel pots are great for cooking because they’re lightweight enough to carry around. They’re also tough and heat quickly – perfect for boiling water or frying up your favorite campfire side dish.
7. Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets are great because they come in all different sizes, making it possible to cook up a wide variety of dishes. Cast iron skillets retain heat well so you can get your breakfast ready without worrying about cold eggs or pancakes.
8. Dutch Oven Tongs
Dutch oven cooking requires a little more work than other types of campfire cooking. You’re typically using twigs and sticks to start your fire, so it can be tricky to move the hot lid around without burning yourself. That’s why we recommend using tongs for moving your Dutch oven around – trust us, you’ll thank us later!
9. Campfire Tripod Grill
A campfire tripod grill is used to cook everything from bacon and eggs to hotdogs, hamburgers and steaks. When you’re ready to start cooking over an open fire, this grill is essential for grilling up everything you need for a tasty meal.
10. Rotisserie Oven
Rotisserie ovens are great for cooking for larger groups of people because of their size. Usually rotisserie ovens have a grate that you can set on top or underneath your meat or veggies so it cooks evenly. Rotisserie ovens are also good to use for grilling up your favorite meats, fish and veggies!
Conclusion
Camping is all about having fun, so why not make cooking over a campfire one of the best parts of the experience? With our top ten best camping cooking gear, it’s possible to have a great time on the trail and still enjoy delicious food. Plus, you can keep your guests at the campsite guessing – homemade meals are always better than frozen desserts.
