Cooking over a campfire is an age-old tradition that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for centuries. It’s also one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy a meal outdoors, as it creates memories that will last a lifetime. But in order to have the best experience possible, you need the right tools and supplies.
That’s why we’ve put together the absolute best campfire cooking kit – perfect for camping trips with friends or family.
Our carefully chosen set includes everything you need for grilling up delicious meals on your camping adventures: from cast iron skillets and dutch ovens to fire starters, utensils, seasonings, and more.
With this complete kit at your disposal, you can be sure that no matter what type of food you want to cook over the flame, our selection has exactly what you need. Whether you’re a campfire cook or just doing some car camping on the weekend, you can rest assured that these kits have all the tools you need to make your campfire cooking experience one of the best it can be.
Essential components for all campfire cooking kits.
When you’re getting ready to head out on your camping trip, you’ll want to have the absolute best campfire cooking kit. Whether you’re looking to make a meal with your friends or just need to whip up some quick and easy snacks, having the right tools makes all the difference.
However, getting all of these components in a single set is really tough to do so you might have to piece together your kit.
Here are some essential components for campfire cooking kits—
- A good set of cooking utensils. You’ll want a variety of spoons, forks, spatulas, tongs, knives, a serving spoon and other tools to make cooking over your campfire easier. Look for items that are heat-resistant and durable enough to withstand the fire.
- Cooking pans and pots. If you plan on making a big meal, you’ll need something larger than just a skillet or fry pan. Invest in something like cooking pots that can handle a large pot of stew or chili, as well as baking potatoes and vegetables. You can often get away with a big pan or a big pot that can pull double-duty.
- Campfire kettle. For those of us that thrive on coffee, camping kettles are an essential part of your campfire cooking equipment. They come in different sizes and are great for making coffee, tea, oatmeal, or anything else that needs some boiling water. If you have a camping kettle and a hot campfire, you won’t need to bring a coffee pot.
- Wood or steel skewers. These are great for kabobs and other easy-to-make meals. Everyone loves kabobs, right? Look for long, steel skewers with sturdy handles so they won’t bend while you’re cooking over the fire. Keep in mind some stainless steel cookware sets will include skewers.
- Campfire grill. If you want to be able to cook on a flat surface, opt for a campfire grill. This allows you to place your pans and pots directly over the fire without worrying about them tipping or spilling. However, there is something to be said about cooking over an open fire, so if you want to skip on the grill we get it.
- Charcoal briquettes. These are great for adding flavor and smokey notes to your meals. You can also look into wood chips or chunks for grilling, but charcoal briquettes are a classic.
- Campfire starter. This is an absolute must-have if you plan on cooking over a campfire or open flame. Sure, it’s not technically campfire cookware, but it’s a necessity. Look for something that won’t give off toxic fumes or smoke, like a non-toxic fire starter cube or gel fuel.
With all these components, you’ll be ready to start cooking up a storm over your campfire.
As we mentioned, your kit will really depend on what you plan on doing. Do you want to cook over an open fire? Maybe something you can set up quicker, like a portable camp stove? Whichever you choose, make sure you have all the components you need to get the job done right.
What makes a good campfire cooking kit?
We’re about to get into our list of the best campfire cooking kits, but first, let’s talk about what makes a good kit. After all, you don’t want to buy something that’s not going to do the job you need it to do.
Material.
One of the first things we looked at is the material. A good campfire cooking kit is made out of durable, heat-resistant materials that can withstand the heat and flames of a campfire. This might be the classic stainless steel or even cast iron, but there are also some other materials that are fairly durable as well.
Functionality.
Another important factor to consider is functionality. You want something that has all the tools you need for food preparation, as well as easy setup and cleanup. This factor may vary from person to person or even based on your camping trips.
Durability.
Of course, you want your kit to be able to withstand the elements and last a long time. Look for something made out of solid materials that won’t rust or corrode over time.
Price.
Finally, we looked at the price. We know most camping trips are on a budget, so our list includes items that are all affordable and of great quality. We found that it’s a balance between quality, completeness of the outdoor cooking kit, durability, and price. It’s tough to find all of them in a single camping cooking kit.
Now that you know what to look for in a good campfire cooking kit let’s take a look at some of the best ones available.
What do you plan on cooking?
One of the biggest factors when it comes to choosing a campfire cooking kit is what camping food you plan on cooking. If you want to make simple meals like burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches, then you don’t need an extensive set of utensils or equipment.
However, if you’re not just cooking dinner, but instead a feast over the fire, then you’ll need something that has a larger variety of tools and equipment.
We’ll cover all of this later in this article, but it’s something to consider as we highlight the best camping cookware.
The contenders.
Here are what we think are some of the best campfire cooking kits on the market. We broke them down into a few different categories since there are so many out there.
- Best quality campfire cooking kit. If you’re looking for something that will last, this is the kit for you.
- Best budget campfire cooking kit. For those on a budget, this is the kit for you.
- Most complete campfire cooking kit. If you want something that has everything you need in one package, this is the kit for you.
- Best open-fire cooking equipment. This is the perfect kit for cooking over an open fire.
- Best cast iron cookware. Of course, we had to include this one. Cast iron is durable and can hold up over a campfire.
- Best dutch oven. Lastly, it wouldn’t be camping without the iconic dutch oven. So here’s one of our favorite picks.
Without further ado, let’s get into the best campfire cooking kits.
No matter which kit you choose, you will have a great time cooking with it. Whether you’re grilling burgers or making a dutch oven lasagna, you can rest assured that your meals will be delicious and your campsite experience unforgettable. So grab one of these kits and prepare for your next outdoor adventure.
Best quality campfire cooking kit: Wealers Compact Stainless Steel Campfire Cooking Pots and Pans.
We’re starting off our list with quality. After all, when you’re roughing it in the great outdoors, you’ll want a campfire cooking set that can stand up to whatever you can throw at it. This 4-piece cookware set by Wealers is made of stainless steel and has a carrying bag so it’ll hold up to all of your camping trips.
Lightweight and portable, it’s perfect for taking on long treks, field trips, beach days, and more. This kit includes vertical stacking pots that fit neatly into a travel bag, this combo kit provides maximum storage space and convenience.
Plus, it’s designed with perforated pot handles for hanging over open fires, plus easy-to-clean non-stick surfaces.
When you want something that is solid, durable, and going to last the test of time, this stainless steel campfire cooking kit is the one you want.
Best budget campfire cooking kit: Odoland Camping Cookware Mess Kit.
Camping shouldn’t break the bank and this outdoor cooking mess kit won’t cost you too much. We’ve seen it online for as low as $40, which is a great entry-level price. The 15-piece camping cookware set by Odoland is a perfect choice.
It comes with a pot, fry pan, kettle, stainless steel plates and cups, and two sets of dinner cutleries. All pieces are made from lightweight and non-toxic anodized aluminum with a non-stick coating for easier use and cleanup.
In addition, each piece has foldable handles for safer storage. Best of all – it all fits into one compact package that weighs just 2.75lbs. That’s on the lighter end when it comes to a campfire cooking set.
Most complete campfire cooking kit: GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set.
We found that GSI Outdoors has the most complete campfire cooking kit. The Pinnacle Camper 23-piece campfire cooking kit is the perfect solution for camping and backpacking. However, it is on the pricier side of the house.
This all-in-one set includes four plates, mugs, bowls, two pots with strainer lids, and a frying pan. The durable and anodized aluminum cookware is coated with non-stick Teflon technology, while the dishes are made from long-lasting Infinity Clear Polypropylene. It’s also designed with a removable and lockable folding handle that fits into the exterior brackets of the pots and pans.
Best of all – this set is crushproof, heat resistant, and won’t deform when packed. It could easily be a contender for the most durable, but we’ll leave it at the most complete because it has everything you need.
Best open-fire cooking equipment: Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet Set.
When you’re cooking over an open fire you’ll need something durable that can take the direct heat. That’s where Cuisinel comes into play with their 4 piece cast iron camping cooking set.
Constructed with precision and superior craftsmanship, this all-purpose fajita skillet is designed to provide even heat distribution and improved cooking and frying on grills, stoves, or induction cooktops.
It’s also versatile; you can use it for frying, baking, grilling, broiling, braising, and sautéing meats and vegetables!
It also has silicone hot handle holders to keep your hand safe while cooking or serving food. If you’ve ever burnt yourself using cast iron pans, then you’ll know how essential this is.
You’ll also enjoy peace of mind knowing that it’s covered by a lifetime warranty. That’s a big deal when it comes to cast iron cookware.
Best cast iron cookware: Bruntmor Camping Cast Iron Set.
Cast iron is almost a must-have when it comes to your campfire cooking kit. The Bruntmor cast iron set is the perfect solution for your next camping trip. It’s a little pricy, but that’s typical for most cast iron cookware.
This pre-seasoned set includes a 12″ skillet, 4.5qt Dutch oven, 2.5qt sauce pot, 20″ x 9″ reversible griddle, and more; all made from high-quality cast iron for durability and easy use.
Its non-stick cast iron pan allows you to fry and grill food with any oil, and the eye-catching design ensures convenience and comfort throughout your camping experience.
If you’re in the market for cast iron cookware, this is the set for you. It’s complete, durable, and has everything you need to head out in the backwoods.
Best dutch oven: Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Dutch Oven.
Yes, Bruntmor is on our list twice. Why? Because they’re that good at what they do. They’re experts when it comes to cast iron, so they also made our list for the best dutch oven.
This durable set is made to last for a lifetime, with an overhead swinging style stand for even greater heat contact, and it only gets better with every use. You can even use the dutch oven lid lifter that is included to check on your meal.
It’s lightweight and portable, so you can bring it along on your next camping trip or picnic; plus, it sets up in seconds and is easy to clean.
With its durable design resistant to chipping and warping, this dutch oven stand will be part of your cook set for years to come.
Add to your cooking gear!
There you have it, the best campfire cooking kit you’ll find. But what about all the other cooking gear you’ll need? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered there too. From utensils to knives and cutting boards, here are some of our favorite camping cooking accessories that will help complete your camping kitchen.
Grill or camp stove.
If you’re not cooking over a glorious open flame, then you’ll need a camp stove or grill to get the job done. Whether you need a propane-fueled stove for a larger group or something more compact and fuel-efficient for the ultralight backpackers, there’s something for everyone.
Fire pit.
Maybe you do want the open flame; if that’s the case, you’ll need a fire pit. You can find plenty of portable models that offer the same heat and convenience as an open-fire cooking experience but with the added benefit of taking it anywhere you travel.
While you’re at it, don’t forget a campfire grill grate if you plan on grilling up some burgers or veggies over an open flame.
Campfire cooking tools.
Some of the campfire cooking kits we’ve mentioned include cooking tools, but if you don’t have the set, then you’ll need to buy your campfire cooking utensils separately. Look for durable and rust-resistant materials like stainless steel or cast iron. Things like tongs, spatulas, spoons and forks will all come in handy when cooking outdoors.
Fire starter kit.
If you plan on using wood to build your fire, then you’ll need a fire starter kit as you’ll want something to get the hot coals going. This includes items like waterproof matches, flint and steel, or fire starters that burn for up to 10 minutes. Many of these sets will have a storage bag to keep everything dry.
Cutting board.
Often overlooked until you need it, a cutting board is essential for any kitchen and a campfire kitchen is no exception. Look for one that’s lightweight and durable to make your cooking process easier. We generally like the thin, rollable plastic cutting boards as they are easy to store and clean. You can also find a collapsible cutting board that is great for easy storage as well.
Dutch oven lid lifter.
This is an essential tool if you plan on cooking with a dutch oven. It’s designed to lift the lid off of your dutch oven so you can check on your meal without burning yourself; plus it makes flipping and rotating your food easier too. Make sure to invest in one if you plan on cooking with a dutch oven while camping. The Bruntmor cast iron dutch oven we mentioned earlier already includes a lifter.
Durable cooler.
We should mention the importance of a good cooler when camping. Invest in a high-quality, insulated cooler that can keep your food and drinks cold for days on end; this will help you prevent food spoilage and enjoy cold beverages during your outdoor cooking experience.
What’s the best campfire cooking kit for you?
While there are a lot of campfire cooking kits out there, the best one for you depends on your needs, preferences, and camping style.
Do you prefer open-fire cooking or like the convenience of a propane stove? How much space do you need to carry everything around? Do you need a frying pan or would a cooking pot do just fine? Your answers to these questions will help you determine which outdoor cooking equipment is right for you.
No matter which kit you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy your outdoor cooking experience.
Grab a camping cooking set for your next camping trip.
With that, you now have the knowledge and tools to find the right camping cooking equipment for your next trip.
Go and check out the campfire cooking sets we outline here, or do your own research to find the best one for you. No matter what, make sure to have fun and enjoy the outdoor cooking experience.
