When we plan our big camping trips, meal planning usually takes the backburner to the sightseeing and sleeping arrangements. Your next camping trip will be a culinary adventure with nine pieces of equipment that make campfire cooking a breeze.
#1: CAMPING LIGHTERS
We prefer camping lighters over matches (who wants to deal with matches on a wet and windy day?!?!). With one click, you’ll have your kindling burning so you can prepare campfire meals for hungry mouths quicker than ever.
#2: CAST-IRON PIE IRONS
Grill decadent french toast or a gooey grilled cheese with pie irons for camping cast iron. It’s one of the best tools for campfire cooking because you don’t need a grate to use it. Simply pop the iron in the fire and wait.
#3: CAMPING KETTLE
Whether you need hot water for a warm cup of earl grey as the sun rises or boil and sanitize some drinking water, a camp kettle is a must-have to bring along on every camping trip. You can brew some coffee or wash up after dinner with a sturdy stainless steel option.
#4: GRILL FIRE PIT
A cooking grate is an essential campfire cooking tool, and though these grates take up a relatively big space, most are collapsible so squeezing them into your trunk or trailer for transport will never be an issue.
Simply place the grate in the fire with your kettle, skillet, or pot on top—you can even place some foods directly on the grate itself (depending on the type of grate you have).
#5: HEAVY-DUTY COOLER
Before you cook your meals, you need a great way to keep them cold. Invest in a heavy-duty cooler with solid insulation, so your food can safely last in there for days, and you can avoid a bout of food poisoning at the worst time possible.
Find one with a strong locking system to keep bears and other wildlife out of your provisions.
#6: COFFEE PERCOLATOR & MUGS
An energizing, freshly-brewed cup of joe can start a day of adventure off right. A percolator can help you brew on a grill with ease, and it makes a surprisingly delicious vacation coffee.
#7: ROASTING STICKS
Finding and cleaning the right sticks to roast marshmallows or hot dogs can be difficult in some camp settings; plus, they’re not exactly sanitary. A set of stainless steel roasting sticks are handy to grab for a quick campfire snack, and just as easy to clean up in some hot, soapy water.
#8: CAST-IRON DUTCH OVEN
A Dutch oven acts as an all-purpose cooking pot and a cast-iron version is 100% campfire safe. From soups to pasta, you can even bake bread and cinnamon rolls in a dutch oven pot. Take the lid off and you even have a make-shift skillet.
#9: OVEN GLOVES & LONG-HANDLED TONGS
Campfires get very hot, so a set of fire-resistance gloves is necessary for a safe cooking experience in the wilderness. Since you’ll be handling food and tools that often sit directly in the fire, you’ll also need a pair of sturdy long-handled tongs to keep your hands safe.
With this list in hand, you’re all set to pack your cooking tools for your next big wilderness adventure. Enjoy!