Cooking at a Campsite: Tips, Gear & Easy Wins for Tasty Outdoor Meals

1. Choose Your Heat: Campfire, Stove, or BBQ?

Each has its own vibe:

• Campfire cooking is all about that smoky flavour — perfect for foil-wrapped meals, roasted veggies, or marshmallows.

• Portable stoves are quick, clean, and reliable, especially in places where open fires aren’t allowed.

• Charcoal or gas BBQs are awesome for grilling and feeding a group.

💡 Pro tip: Check campsite rules before you go — some spots have restrictions on open flames or gas use.

🍲 2. Keep It Simple (But Delicious)

You don’t need a full pantry to cook well outdoors. Focus on easy, one-pot meals, prepped-ahead ingredients, and versatile staples.

Try these ideas:

• Breakfast burritos – pre-cook your fillings at home, wrap in foil, and reheat.

• Chili or stew – hearty, filling, and even better the next day.

• Quesadillas – easy to cook in a pan or on a grill.

• Grilled halloumi and veg skewers – fancy, fast, and fire-friendly.

🛠️ 3. Must-Have Gear for Camp Chefs

Here's your essential kit list:

• Portable stove or grill

• Cookware – a frying pan, pot, and kettle will do nicely

• Utensils – don’t forget a spatula, tongs, and can opener

• Chopping board & knife

• Reusable plates and cutlery

• Cooler or fridge box for perishables

• Washing-up tub & biodegradable soap

👉 Bonus gear: collapsible sink, spice rack, and a compact prep table if you want to go gourmet.

[Check out our full camp cooking gear here → Shop Camp Kitchen Essentials]

🧼 4. Keep It Clean and Leave No Trace

Nobody wants to wake up to a raccoon rummaging through last night’s dishes. Clean up immediately after meals, store food securely, and leave your site better than you found it.

✔️ Use biodegradable soap
✔️ Pack out all rubbish
✔️ Never dump food scraps near your tent

🥄 5. Add Some Fun to Mealtimes

Make it an experience, not just a task:

• Have a themed night (Taco Tuesday, Pasta Party, etc.)

• Get kids involved with easy prep or marshmallow roasting

• Light up the area with lanterns or fairy lights

• Play some music while you cook — vibes matter!

🌄 Final Thoughts: You Can Eat Well Outdoors

With a little planning and the right gear, cooking at a campsite becomes one of the best parts of the trip. It’s where memories are made, bellies are filled, and everyone gathers around for stories, laughs, and seconds.

So fire up that stove (or campfire) and cook something amazing out there.