5 Must-Have Tools for Cooking Over a Campfire

Campfire Cooking Made Easy: 5 Must-Have Tools for Delicious Outdoor Meals

There’s just something magical about campfire cooking. The smell of wood smoke in the air, the soothing crackle of flames, and the unmistakable taste of fire-roasted food—it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience. Whether you're camping deep in the woods or relaxing at a scenic RV resort like Prairie Junction, cooking outdoors connects you with nature and awakens something primal in all of us.

But let’s be honest: cooking over a campfire isn’t always as dreamy as it sounds. Without the right gear, your rustic dinner can quickly become a frustrating, charred mess. Burnt sausages, dropped burgers, undercooked potatoes—we’ve all been there.

That’s why we’re bringing you a guide to the five must-have tools that will transform your campfire cooking from stressful to sensational. These aren’t gimmicks; they’re practical, time-tested essentials that every camper—whether in a tent or an RV—should have in their outdoor kitchen.

Let’s dive in.

1. Cast Iron Skillet: The Campfire Workhorse

If there’s one piece of cookware that deserves a place in your camping kit, it’s the mighty cast iron skillet. Known for its durability and versatility, it’s a favorite among seasoned campers for a reason.

Why It’s a Must:

• Even heat distribution over an open flame or glowing coals

• Tough and nearly indestructible—with proper care, it can last generations

• Naturally non-stick (if seasoned right), making cleanup a breeze

You can fry eggs, sear steaks, bake skillet cornbread, or sauté veggies all in one pan. It holds heat beautifully, which is exactly what you need when cooking in unpredictable outdoor conditions.

Pro Tip:

Season your skillet at home before your trip. Rub it with a thin layer of oil and bake it upside-down in the oven for an hour. Once it’s ready, wrap it in a towel to prevent rust and you’re good to go.

2. Grill Grate: Your Makeshift Campfire BBQ

Missing your backyard grill while camping? Bring the next best thing—a portable grill grate. It instantly turns any campfire into a working barbecue.

Why It’s a Must:

• Lets you grill meat, fish, or veggies right over the fire

• Keeps food elevated and safe from falling into the ashes

• Collapsible and compact options are easy to carry and store

Whether you're making flame-grilled corn on the cob or perfectly charred kebabs, a grate gives you control over your cooking surface. Look for models with adjustable legs or foldable sides, so you can manage your food’s distance from the heat for perfect results.

3. Long-Handled Tongs and Spatula: Safe and Sizzling

Cooking over fire isn’t the same as using a kitchen stove. The heat is intense, unpredictable, and definitely not finger-friendly. That’s where long-handled tools come in.

Why They’re a Must:

• Keep your hands a safe distance from flames and hot surfaces

• Allow precise flipping, turning, and lifting of hot food

• Made to handle heavier cuts and tougher jobs than standard kitchen tools

Look for stainless steel options with heat-resistant, rubberized handles. Bonus: if they come with hanging loops, you can easily store them on a hook near your camp kitchen.

Don’t Skimp:

Invest in high-quality tongs and a sturdy spatula. Cheap ones may bend or melt—not a risk you want to take when your dinner’s on the line.

4. Dutch Oven: The One-Pot Wonder

Want to impress your fellow campers with hearty stews, baked bread, or cobblers straight from the fire? The cast iron Dutch oven is your best bet. It’s basically a kitchen in a pot.

Why It’s a Must:

• Withstands direct fire and coals with no problem

• Perfect for baking, stewing, roasting, and slow cooking

• Lid traps heat and moisture, locking in rich flavors

A Dutch oven can sit on a grate or go right into the coals, making it incredibly versatile. You can slow-cook a chili all afternoon or bake a cinnamon apple cobbler for dessert.

Pro Tip:

Use parchment liners or foil when cooking sticky meals. It makes cleanup so much easier—because nobody wants to scrub out baked-on cheese with cold creek water.

5. Roasting Sticks or Skewers: Not Just for S’mores

Yes, roasting sticks are perfect for making gooey s’mores. But they’re also great for cooking hot dogs, sausages, kebabs, and even cinnamon rolls wrapped around the stick. It's part meal, part activity—and a lot of fun.

Why They’re a Must:

• Easy and fun to use, especially for kids

• Extendable and heat-safe, keeping hands safe from flames

• Reusable and easy to clean—a sustainable option compared to wooden sticks

Double-pronged roasting sticks with insulated handles offer better grip and control. No more watching your dinner plop into the fire.

Bonus Tool: Aluminum Foil – The Camp Kitchen Superhero

Not exactly a “tool,” but heavy-duty aluminum foil is indispensable. Wrap up potatoes, fish, or chopped veggies with herbs and olive oil, toss them into the coals, and let the fire do its magic.

You can also use foil to:

• Cover leftovers and keep them warm

• Line your Dutch oven or skillet for easier cleanup

• Create makeshift lids or windshields for heat control

It’s light, cheap, and endlessly useful. Always pack a roll!

Extra Gear to Consider (Because You’ll Thank Yourself Later)

While the five tools above are absolute musts, here are a few more campfire cooking helpers that can level up your outdoor culinary game:

• Fireproof gloves: Essential for handling hot pots and lifting grates

• Camp kitchen table: Gives you a clean space to prep, serve, or organize tools

• Cooking tripod or hanging chain: Great for suspending Dutch ovens over the fire

• Meat thermometer: Prevents undercooked or overdone meals—especially useful for thick meats

Campfire Cooking Safety Tips

Let’s not forget that fire can be unpredictable. Follow these tips to stay safe:

• Never leave your fire unattended while cooking

• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby—just in case

• Use fire rings or pits when available

• Make sure your tools are dry to avoid burns from steam or sizzling moisture

• Extinguish your fire completely when you’re done

Remember, safety first—then seconds.

Wrapping It Up: Eat Like a Campground King (or Queen)

Campfire cooking doesn’t have to be a chaotic mess or just beans and instant noodles. With a few essential tools—a cast iron skillet, grill grate, Dutch oven, long-handled utensils, and roasting sticks—you can cook meals that rival your kitchen creations, all while surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Whether you're camping at a rugged tent site or relaxing in an RV at Prairie Junction RV Resort, these tools will help you enjoy the full outdoor cooking experience. It’s more than just making food—it’s about gathering around the fire, sharing stories, and enjoying the taste of something cooked with care under the stars.

So next time you pack your gear, don’t forget these must-haves. Your stomach (and your fellow campers) will thank you.

Happy cooking—and don’t forget the marshmallows.