Campfire Cooking 101: Easy Meals for First-Time Campers

Written By Justin Phelps

Cooking over an open fire is one of my favorite parts of camping. There’s just something about that smoky flavor, the crackle of the flames, and the simplicity of it all that turns even a basic meal into a memorable experience.

If you’re new to camping, don’t worry—you don’t need fancy gear or chef-level skills to enjoy great food outdoors. With a little preparation and the right tools, you can create easy, delicious meals that make your camping trip even more enjoyable.

Here’s your guide to simple campfire cooking that’s perfect for beginners.

Know Your Heat Source

Most campgrounds give you a few options:

If you’re cooking over a campfire, let the flames die down until you’ve got glowing coals—that’s your sweet spot for even heat.

Must-Have Camp Cooking Gear

You don’t need a full kitchen. Start with the essentials:

Pro Tip: Do some prep at home—like chopping veggies or pre-marinating meat—to save time and effort at the campsite.

Easy Campfire Meals to Try

1. Foil Packet Dinners

The ultimate beginner meal. Wrap your ingredients in heavy-duty foil and cook over hot coals for 20–30 minutes.

Try this combo:

  • Chicken or sausage

  • Bell peppers, onions, and potatoes
    Pro Tip: prep your veggies at home and bring them to your camp site pre-chopped

  • Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder (or your favorite seasoning)

Wrap it all up, toss it on the fire, flip once or twice, and boom—dinner is served.

Pro Tip: Use heavy duty aluminium foil to better protect the food.

2. One-Pot Pasta

Bring a pot, boil water, and toss in noodles and sauce. Add in precooked meat or canned beans for protein. Top with shredded cheese and enjoy.

3. Grilled Sandwiches

Think grilled cheese or ham and cheese, cooked in a pan or wrapped in foil. Add a spread like mustard or pesto to upgrade the flavor.

Pro Tip: Use a pie iron if you’ve got one for extra crispy, melty goodness.

Bonus: Campfire Dessert
A pie iron also doubles as an excellent tool for a quick dessert. Place a slice of buttered bread (butter side down) on one side, add a large spoonful of canned apple or cherry pie filling, and top with another slice of buttered bread (butter side up). Close the iron and cook over the fire until the bread is golden and the filling is heated through.

4. Campfire Quesadillas

Tortilla + cheese + beans or leftover chicken = quick win. Cook on a skillet or grate until golden and gooey.

5. No-Cook Options

Don’t want to cook at all? No problem:

  • Peanut butter and jelly

  • Tuna or chicken salad wraps

  • Trail mix and fruit

  • Yogurt with granola

These make great backup meals or quick breakfasts.

Don’t Forget the Coffee

A simple pour-over setup or instant coffee packets can save your morning. Bonus points if you bring a camp kettle and French press. COLETTI has a nice coffee percolator for your camp site.

Cleanup Tips for Happy Campers

  • Bring biodegradable soap and a scrub brush

  • Scrape off food scraps before washing

  • Dispose of waste properly—never dump food or grease in the woods

  • Pack out everything you bring in
    Pro Tip: This one is super important. Leave your campsite better than you found it. Pick up after yourself. If others left trash, pick it up. Be sure to protect our natural lands.

Campfire Wrap-Up

For me, there’s no better way to end a day of hiking, exploring, or just relaxing in nature than by gathering around the fire for a hot meal. Campfire cooking brings people together—it’s warm, satisfying, and always a little bit fun.

As a beginner, start with the basics, don’t stress the small stuff, and focus on enjoying the process. Because trust me: even if dinner turns out a little charred, you’ll remember it fondly—and probably laugh about it later.

Keep it simple, cook with confidence, and most importantly, enjoy every bite under the stars.

Justin Phelps
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How to Build a Campfire (the Right Way)