Campfire Cooking Done Right: Here’s How

Camping Stoves

A camping stove is the most versatile type of cooking device for camping. You can cook just about any kind of food in pots and pans over the burners, with models ranging from single-burner to multi-burner units. These portable stoves are easy to use and rely on widely available fuels. They can also be used when campfires aren’t feasible, such as during rainstorms, extreme winds, or fire bans.

Camping Grills

Propane grills and griddles make a great addition to any camp kitchen. Portable and easy to set up, they let you cook your foods directly on the grill at a very high heat. This makes a propane grill ideal for searing steaks, cooking burgers, and roasting vegetables.

Smokeless Fire Pits

Whether you’re roasting hotdogs or cooking your fresh catch, a smokeless fire pit lets you bring your bonfire wherever you go, while keeping your fire safely contained. Many smokeless fire pits can accommodate either charcoal or firewood, eliminating the need for fuel canisters and canned heat. Some models even feature bluetooth technology for use with your mobile device.

Thermoelectric Generator Stoves

There’s no need to rough it with an innovative thermoelectric generator camp stove. Capable of burning twigs, sticks or biofuel pellets, these unique units also feature an onboard battery that is charged by thermoelectric combustion technology. It literally turns fire into electricity. The USB output allows you to charge your mobile device, flashlight, or other accessories while cooking.

Cooking Fuels

Before heading out on your next camping trip, you’ll want to estimate the amount of fuel you’ll need. As a general rule, bring enough fuel to boil one litre of water per person per meal, and factor in your stove’s burn time. It’s also important to store cooking fuels safely in their original containers away from potential dangers. Depending on your cooking device, be sure to stock up on:

Small Propane cylinders
Kerosene
Butane
Canned heat
Vehicle power adapter for electric grills

Food Storage

If you’re packing perishables, it’s important to choose the right camping coolers and food storage containers to keep everything chilled and safe for consumption. Hard coolers can stand up to more wear and tear, while lightweight, compactable soft coolers are ideal for hiking. You should also keep all your food in the trunk of your vehicle to prevent it from attracting animals. If you’re camping without a vehicle, use paracord to wrap your food in a waterproof tarp, and hang it from a high tree branch away from your campsite. There are plenty of cooler options available including:

Wheeled coolers for convenient carting of foods to and from your campsite
Water coolers and can coolers to keep beverages frosty
Insulated cooler bags for space-saving travel
12-volt car coolers to keep food cold while travelling
Reusable ice packs keep foods cool without melts or messes

How to Pack a Cooler

Make sure to pack your camping cooler properly to keep perishable foods safe to eat. Here’s how:

Prep foods and marinades ahead of time and portion them into small containers or sealable bags to maximize space
Freeze foods before packing them in your cooler
Pack twice as much ice as food and drinks
Fill any air gaps between food and drinks with ice
Pack raw meats separately from beverages

Water Jugs

It’s important to stay well hydrated outdoors, especially when spending time in the sun. You can use large refillable drink jugs to keep water handy at your campsite for cooking and washing, and portable water bottles to stay hydrated on the trails. Whether you’re hiking the backcountry or setting up in a campground, it’s best to bring a portable water filtration system or water purification tablets for access to safe drinking water.

Camp Cooking Safety Tips

Gathering around the campfire is a great way to bond, stay warm and enjoy meals, but it’s important to be responsible around outdoor fires. Here are some simple tips to stay safe:

Follow the fire ban rules and regulations in your area
Build campfires in designated fire pits and supervise them at all times
Ensure children and pets keep a safe distance from open fires
Wash your hands often when cooking outdoors to avoid foodborne illnesses
Use separate containers and utensils for raw and cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold
Drink potable water only (avoid drinking from lakes and streams)

Camp Cooking Essentials

Nothing tastes better than food cooked over a crackling campfire. But you can take your campfire cooking to the next level with the right essentials. These must-have items will make your camping experience even more enjoyable:

Grill baskets are great for cooking burgers and fish over the coals
Skewers and roasting forks let you make everything from sweet smores to savoury kebabs
A campfire popcorn popper makes late-night campfire snacks a cinch
Enamel or melamine mugs, bowls, and plates make outdoor dining enjoyable and eco-friendly
Grilling accessories, cutting boards, and digital meat thermometers let you cook and handle meats safely
Matches, lighters, and fires starters make campfires quick and easy
A coffee percolator lets you meet every morning with the perfect cup

Cleanup & Waste Removal

Leave your campsite as beautiful as you found it by packing the right cleaning supplies. Keeping your camp kitchen clean is easy with a collapsible sink and biodegradable dish soap. It’s also important to dispose of food waste properly, so prep food ahead in reusable containers to minimize waste, and seal and remove garbage bags to keep animals away. Camp trash cans and recycle bins will help keep clutter contained. A portable camping shower can help you wash up after a day of hiking. And when it comes to nature’s call, a portable toilet or chemical toilet will help ensure that you leave no trace.