Best Campfire Recipes & Outdoor Cooking Guide
Transform your camping trip with delicious, easy-to-make meals over the fire. From breakfast to dessert, we've got you covered.
Jump to Recipes ↓Campfire cooking is the heart of the outdoor experience. There’s something magical about preparing a meal over an open flame — the smell of woodsmoke, the crackling fire, and the taste of food that just seems better outdoors. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, this guide will help you master the art of campfire cooking with recipes that are simple, hearty, and sure to impress.
We’ve curated a collection of our favorite campfire recipes — from foil packet dinners to one-pot stews and gooey desserts. Plus, we’ll share essential tips on fire safety, proper campfire safety, and the best gear to make your outdoor kitchen run smoothly.
Our Top Campfire Recipes
Foil Packet Chicken & Veggies
⏱ 30 min | EasyA classic no-fuss meal. Season chicken breasts, add sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions, wrap in heavy-duty foil, and place on hot coals. Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
- Chicken breast
- Potatoes, carrots, onion
- Olive oil, garlic, herbs
Dutch Oven Chili
⏱ 1 hr | MediumWarm up with a hearty chili made in a cast-iron dutch oven. Brown ground beef, add beans, tomatoes, and spices, then simmer with the lid on for 45 minutes. Perfect for cool evenings.
- Ground beef
- Kidney beans, diced tomatoes
- Chili powder, cumin, onion
Campfire Nachos
⏱ 15 min | EasyLayer tortilla chips, shredded cheese, black beans, jalapeños, and salsa in a cast-iron skillet. Cover with foil and heat over the fire until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheddar
- Black beans, salsa, jalapeños
Grilled S'mores Skillet
⏱ 10 min | EasyTake s'mores to the next level. In a cast-iron skillet, layer broken graham crackers, chocolate bars, and mini marshmallows. Heat over the fire until gooey and golden. Serve with extra crackers.
- Graham crackers
- Chocolate bars
- Mini marshmallows
Breakfast Skillet (Hash & Eggs)
⏱ 25 min | EasyA campfire classic. Sauté diced potatoes, bell peppers, and onions in a cast-iron skillet. Crack eggs over the top, cover, and cook until eggs are set. Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
- Potatoes, bell pepper
- Onion, eggs
- Olive oil, salt, pepper
Campfire Apple Crisp
⏱ 20 min | EasyCore and slice apples, toss with cinnamon and sugar. Top with a mixture of oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar. Wrap in foil and bake over coals for 15–20 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream (if you have a cooler!).
- Apples, cinnamon, sugar
- Oats, flour, butter
- Brown sugar
🔥 Expert Campfire Cooking Tips
Great campfire meals start with good preparation and the right techniques. Here are our top tips for campfire cooking success:
- Build the right fire: Use a campfire with a good bed of coals — not open flames — for even cooking.
- Pack a camp kitchen: Bring a camp kitchen or a sturdy table, plus a camp cookset with essential utensils.
- Use heavy-duty foil: For foil packets, double-wrap to prevent leaks and burns.
- Pre-cook at home: Partially cook potatoes or rice at home to save time and fuel.
- Bring a thermometer: Ensure meat reaches safe internal temperatures, especially when cooking over fire.
- Clean as you go: Use biodegradable soap and a water filter to wash dishes responsibly.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby: Safety first — always have a fire extinguisher and water bucket ready.
- Experiment with cast iron: A campfire cooking grate and a dutch oven are game-changers for outdoor meals.
For more inspiration, check out our camp cooking guide and camping essentials list to ensure you have everything you need for a memorable outdoor feast.
Essential Gear for Campfire Cooking
Cast Iron Skillet
Perfect for frying, baking, and sautéing over the fire.
Dutch Oven
Ideal for stews, chili, bread, and even cobblers.
Long-Handled Utensils
Spatula, tongs, and fork with extra-long handles for safety.
Camp Stove (Backup)
A camping stove is great for when fire restrictions are in place.
Ready to Cook Under the Stars?
Gather your gear, pick a recipe, and head outdoors. The best meals are the ones shared around a campfire.
Shop Camping Essentials
