Ahhh, camping and backpacking! The great outdoors, the fresh air, the peacefulness… and the food! Let’s be real, one of the best parts of camping is getting to cook and eat delicious meals in the great outdoors. With so many options for camping stoves, grills, and other cooking gear, it can be overwhelming to decide what to bring and how to cook your meals. Fear not, my friends! I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to the best ways to cook while camping. If you’ve found any must-have camping meals, let us know in the comments below.
Campfire Cooking
First up, we have the classic and beloved campfire cooking. There’s just something about cooking over an open flame that brings out the inner caveman in all of us. Not only is it fun and satisfying, but the smoky flavor it imparts on your food is truly something special. Plus, it’s the perfect way to bond with your camping buddies as you gather around the fire and share stories while your food cooks.
Some popular campfire cooking methods include grilling, Dutch oven cooking, and skewering. For grilling, all you need is a metal grill grate to place over the fire, and you’re good to go. Dutch oven cooking involves using a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid to cook stews, soups, and other delicious dishes. Skewering is classic and a great way to cook small items like vegetables, kebabs, hotdogs, and smores. Just be sure to bring a pack of skewers.
Backpacking Stoves
Next, we have backpacking stoves. These are small, lightweight stoves that can be easily carried in a backpack and are perfect for backcountry camping or for use in locations where campfires are prohibited. They burn various types of fuel, including propane, butane, and wood. They are great for cooking up simple meals like instant noodles or dehydrated meals. They are also super easy to set up and pack away, making them a convenient option for on-the-go camping.
This Foldable Titanium Camping Wood Stove is fueled by wood and twigs, making it an environmentally-friendly option for outdoor cooking and heating. It can pack into your back pocket and all you need is some small twigs and a fire started. Perfect for the backpacking minimalist.
If you want something with a dedicated fuel source, check out the Jetboil Flash Cooking System. It boils water in a lightning-quick 100 seconds.
For a comparable, but more affordable option, check our the Widesea Cooking Stove & French Press we offer in our shop.
Portable Grill
If you’re more of a grill master, then camping grills are the way to go. Portable grills are perfect for car camping or RVing, and can be powered by propane, charcoal, or wood. They are easy to set up and are great for cooking a variety of foods, including burgers, hot dogs, and vegetables. Just be sure to bring enough fuel or charcoal to last the duration of your trip.
Blackstone has become a popular choice to cook while camping as they are made with heavy-duty materials and come with a large flat top griddle that’s perfect for any meal. The flattop also makes for any easy cleanup. Check out their Adventure Ready collection.
Camping Oven
Another option, more unique option to cook while camping is to use a camping ovens. These are similar to portable grills but come with a lid, which allows you to bake foods. It’s a great way to switch things up from the usual camping meals and enjoy some warm, comforting dishes.
If you enjoy baking and want to make more complex meals like casseroles, breads, and pies, then a camping oven might be a good option for you.
These are bulky, so they really only make sense when car camping or to bring along in an RV. Kind of unnecessary really.
Solar Cooking
Finally, for the eco-conscious campers out there, solar cookers are a sustainable and eco-friendly way to cook food while camping. They collect and concentrate the suns heat to cook food and require no fuel, making them a great option for camping in remote locations. They can take longer to cook food than other methods, but the delicious, sun-baked flavor is well worth the wait. Some also come with a backup energy source in case there just isn’t enough sun.
There are a variety of options but they typically use reflective surfaces, glass, and other heat-absorbing materials to generate high enough temperatures to cook most types of foods.
The GoSun Sport Solar Cooker uses compound parabolic reflectors and tubular design convert nearly 80% of all sunlight entering the refectories into usable heat. This cooker is so efficient that it works on partly cloudy and overcast days.
More Helpful Camp Cookware.
Utensil Set
7pcs Camping Kitchen Utensil Set – This 7-piece kitchen utensil set is the perfect addition to your outdoor cooking gear. Each utensil is made with durable stainless steel, making them strong enough to handle any camping cooking task.
4-in-1 Camping Utensil – Versatile and essential tool for any outdoor adventure. This compact and lightweight utensil features a fork, knife, spoon, and can/bottle opener all in one convenient design.
Pot & Pan Kit
4 Person Outdoor Cooking Set (14pcs) – The 4 Person Aluminum Outdoor Cooking Set is the perfect addition to your camping and outdoor cooking gear. With this set, you’ll have everything you need to cook delicious meals while enjoying the great outdoors.
Overall
Overall there are many ways to cook while camping, and the best method for you will depend on your camping style and the type of food you want to prepare. So, whether you’re a grill master or a backpacking stove pro, grab your camping gear and get ready for some delicious meals in the great outdoors!