From warming your hands by the flames on a chilly morning to falling asleep to the soft sound of crackling in the dark, when you’re camping, the day begins and ends by the fire. Some of my most vivid and nostalgic memories of camping as a child revolve around the campfire. Through all these memories, there is always one constant: the food.
Cooking by campfire is as primitive as you get in the camp kitchen. It is an art form to master the heat of an open flame – which takes finesse and patience – but when understood, campfire meals can be some of the most scintillating and scrumptious foods!
Here are some campfire recipes that are fun and enjoyable for the whole family. And if you’re looking for a quick, kid-friendly bite, check out Easy Camping Meals for Kids.
Breakfast
Campfire French Toast by This Lil Piglet
Pie Iron Eggs in a Nest by Get Out Camping
Breakfast Burritos by Do It Yourself RV
English Muffin w/ Apples and Peanut Butter by Eating Richly
Cast Iron Pancakes by Fresh Off the Grid
Lunch
Pie Iron Grilled Cheese by Trek SW
Spider Dogs by 50 Campfires
Mac N Cheese by Nellie Bellie
Grilled PB & J by Twin Dragonfly Designs
Dinner
Dutch Oven Campfire Pizza by the Light Family Farm
Dutch Oven Nachos by Adventures of Mel
Chili Cheese Fries by Life with 4 Boys
Pigs in a Blanket by Delish
Loaded Campfire Potatoes by Twin Dragonfly Designs
Dessert
Campfire Cones by Chowhound
Banana Boats by Fresh Off The Grid
Popcorn by Delish
S’More Variations by Campfire for Foodies
Orange Cake by Chowhound
Fire safety when camping
It is important when cooking by fire to follow these safety tips:
- Use only the designated spaces for campfires. The pits/rings should be on gravel or dirt.
- Campfire sites should be 15 feet away from tent structures, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects.
- When building a campfire, begin by adding tinder, then kindling and, finally, logs. Wood should be a maximum of 10” around.
- Keep flames small and contained (2’ x 2’ x 2’).
- Place extra wood upwind from the fire.
- Never use flammable liquid to ignite your fire!
- Bring a set of pot holders for cooking with cast iron.
- Never leave a campfire unattended.
- Always keep water and a shovel nearby and know how to safely extinguish a fire.
Important note: Be sure to call the forestry service which oversees the area where you’ll be camping in advance to check on burn restrictions!
Do you have a favorite fun and kid-friendly recipe that you’d like to share? Post a comment below!
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Photos by Deanna Curry.
