You’ve just hiked miles to your campfire site. The sun is setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. You’re exhausted, a little dirty, but completely satisfied from the adventure. And then hunger hits. What’s the plan? Cold sandwiches? No way.
When I first started camping, I thought campfire cooking was way too complicated. I’d picture Instagram-perfect meals cooked over a fire and think, “That’s not for me. I’ll probably burn everything.” But over time, I realized it’s not about perfection—it’s about enjoying the process. The smoky flavor of fire-cooked food, the crackling wood, the chance to bond with friends or just soak in the quiet—there’s nothing like it.
I’ve gathered some of my favorite go-to recipes that are so easy, you don’t need to be a pro. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too. Let’s jump in!
10 Easy Campfire Recipes for Beginners 2025
Why Campfire Cooking Feels Different
Here’s the thing about campfire cooking: it’s raw and honest. You don’t need a spotless kitchen, fancy gadgets, or a Pinterest-worthy setup. You just need a fire, some basic tools, and ingredients you probably already have at home.
I’ll be real—your first time might be messy. I’ve burned marshmallows into blackened rocks and dropped more than one hot dog in the dirt. But honestly? Those mistakes are part of the charm. The simplicity of cooking over a fire makes it forgiving. Burn the veggies a bit? Call it “smoky flavor.” Forgot the ketchup? Try mustard or even nothing at all. Campfire cooking is about going with the flow.
My Essential Tools for Campfire Cooking
I learned the hard way that having the right tools makes a huge difference. Here’s what I never leave behind:
Cast iron skillet: This thing is a game-changer. It handles fire like a champ, and it lasts forever.
Foil: If you hate doing dishes, foil packets are your best friend. They’re magical for veggies, potatoes, or even desserts.
Tongs: Forget using sticks or your fingers like I did once—burns are not worth it.
Grill grate: This isn’t essential, but it makes life a lot easier for cooking anything flat.
Prep gear: A sharp knife, a cutting board, and reusable bags for pre-chopped veggies save so much hassle.
10 Easy Campfire Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Try
Cooking over a campfire isn’t just about eating—it’s about the memories you make while doing it. I’ve burned a few marshmallows, dropped my fair share of hot dogs, and even managed to explode a potato once (don’t worry, I’ll teach you how to avoid that). But through trial, error, and a lot of laughter, I’ve found some campfire recipes that not only taste amazing but also add to the magic of being outdoors.
1. Hot Dogs (with a Twist!)
Hot dogs might be a camping cliché, but they’re popular for a reason. Want to elevate them? Try this twist: wrap crescent roll dough around your hot dog like a spiral and roast it over the fire.
How to Make It:
- Take a hot dog and a strip of crescent roll dough.
- Wrap the dough around the hot dog, leaving the ends peeking out.
- Roast it over the fire, turning frequently, until the dough is golden brown. It takes about 5–7 minutes.
The first time I tried this, it was kind of hilarious watching everyone try to achieve the “perfect golden brown.” But let me tell you, even the slightly burnt ones disappeared fast.
2. Foil Packet Veggies
I’m not going to lie—I’m all about low-effort, high-reward recipes, and this one nails it. You get perfectly cooked veggies with almost no cleanup.
How to Make It:
- Chop zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
- Toss them in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap the veggies in aluminum foil, sealing it tightly into a packet.
- Place the packet directly on the coals for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
The first time I made this, I forgot the salt. Big mistake. Bland veggies don’t hit the same. Now, I always double-check the seasoning—and sometimes add a little balsamic glaze before serving. It’s a game-changer.
3. S’mores (Because Duh)
Let’s be real—you can’t talk about campfire recipes without mentioning s’mores. They’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
How to Make It:
- Spear a marshmallow on a stick or skewer.
- Roast it over the fire (golden brown or charred—your call).
- Sandwich it between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate in the middle.
Pro Tip: Swap the chocolate bar for a Reese’s peanut butter cup. Trust me, it’s life-changing. And don’t stress if your marshmallow catches fire—burnt marshmallows have their own charm.
4. One-Pot Campfire Chili
Chili is my go-to for cold camping nights. It’s hearty, easy to make, and feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
How to Make It:
- Brown ground beef in a Dutch oven over the fire.
- Stir in canned beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and chili spices (cumin, paprika, chili powder).
- Let it simmer for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
One rainy trip, we all huddled under a tarp with bowls of this chili. It wasn’t the picturesque camping scene I’d imagined, but it turned into one of my favorite memories.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese might remind you of childhood, but it hits differently when made over a campfire.
How to Make It:
- Butter one side of two slices of bread.
- Place one slice, butter side down, in a cast iron skillet.
- Add cheese (sharp cheddar is my pick) and top with the other slice, butter side up.
- Toast it over the fire for 2–3 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is gooey.
One time, I added a slice of tomato and some ham—instant gourmet grilled cheese!
6. Campfire Pancakes
I always thought pancakes were too complicated for camping. Then I tried making them, and now they’re a must.
How to Make It:
- Mix pancake batter (or prep it at home and pour it into a squeeze bottle).
- Heat a greased griddle or skillet over the fire.
- Pour small circles of batter and cook until bubbles form on top.
- Flip and cook for another minute or two.
One morning, I added chocolate chips to the batter. They melted perfectly, and it was like having dessert for breakfast.
7. Baked Potatoes
This one is foolproof—unless you forget to poke holes in the foil. (Yes, I learned that the hard way.)
How to Make It:
- Wrap whole potatoes in foil.
- Poke a few holes with a fork.
- Place them directly in the coals and cook for about 45 minutes, turning occasionally.
When they’re done, slice them open and load them up with butter, cheese, sour cream, or whatever toppings you love.
8. Campfire Quesadillas
Quesadillas are quick, customizable, and hard to mess up—unless you try flipping them too soon.
How to Make It:
- Lay a tortilla flat and add cheese and your favorite fillings (chicken, beans, peppers).
- Fold it in half and toast it in a greased skillet or directly on a grill grate.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes on each side, flipping carefully.
The first time I made these, half the filling ended up in the fire. Now, I’ve mastered the slow and steady flip.
9. Banana Boats
This dessert is pure joy—gooey, sweet, and so satisfying.
How to Make It:
- Slice a banana lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through.
- Stuff it with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers.
- Wrap it in foil and place it near the fire for 5–10 minutes.
One bite of this, and you’ll understand why it’s my favorite way to end a campfire meal.
10. Veggie & Sausage Skewers
Skewers are fun, easy, and packed with flavor.
How to Make It:
- Cut sausage, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions into bite-sized pieces.
- Thread them onto skewers, alternating between veggies and sausage.
- Grill them over the fire, turning every few minutes, until the veggies are tender and the sausage is charred.
Pro Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand to keep them from burning.
There you have it—10 easy campfire recipes that’ll make you the hero of your next camping trip. Have you tried any of these? Let me know what worked for you—or if you’ve got a favorite recipe I should add to my list!
My Top Tips for Campfire Cooking
I’ve learned a lot (mostly through trial and error), and these tips will save you some rookie mistakes:
Don’t cook over roaring flames: Let the fire burn down to hot coals—it’s way better for cooking.
Prep at home: Chopping veggies and marinating meat ahead of time makes everything easier.
Keep it simple: You don’t need gourmet meals—focus on hearty, satisfying food.
Be ready to improvise: Ran out of olive oil? Butter works. Forgot a spatula? Use tongs or a stick (clean it first, obviously).
Let’s Wrap This Up
Campfire cooking doesn’t have to be intimidating. It’s not about perfect meals or Instagram-worthy pictures—it’s about creating memories and enjoying the experience. Whether you’re making s’mores with your kids or cooking chili with friends after a hike, these recipes will help you make the most of your time around the fire.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your gear, pack those ingredients, and try one (or all) of these recipes on your next trip. And if you have a campfire recipe you swear by, I’d love to hear it—share it in the comments!
