Cooking over a campfire is one of the oldest and most primal ways of preparing food. Beyond its practicality, it offers a sense of magic—the opportunity to spend time outdoors, surrounded by friends, with the aroma of wood smoke filling the air.

For many, it’s a way to reconnect with simplicity and take a break from the conveniences of a modern kitchen. If you’re eager to try your hand at campfire cooking but aren’t sure where to begin, this guide will help you prepare for your first outdoor culinary adventure.

Preparing Your Campfire Site

Before you can start cooking, you need to find a suitable place to build your fire. Always choose designated fire pits—this ensures safety and adherence to local regulations. In forests and parks, you’ll often find specially prepared fire rings. If you’re building a fire on private property, make sure you have plenty of space away from flammable objects, vegetation, and buildings.

Tips for Preparation

Choose a flat, cleared area – Remove dry leaves, sticks, and any other debris.
Prioritize safety – Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
Build a stone ring – Arranging stones around the fire helps control the flames and prevents the fire from spreading.

How to Start a Campfire

To cook successfully over a campfire, you need a steady, long-lasting fire. The key is to build a layered fire, starting with small twigs and gradually adding larger logs.

Step-by-Step

Tinder: Use dry grass, birch bark, wood shavings, or fire starters to ignite the fire.
Small sticks: Arrange thin, dry sticks (about the size of your finger) in a teepee shape on top of the tinder.
Medium-sized wood: Once the fire starts to catch, add slightly larger branches.
Large logs: After the fire is burning steadily, add thick logs for long-lasting heat.

Choosing the Right Firewood

The type of wood you use for your fire greatly affects the cooking process. The best wood burns well, doesn’t produce too much smoke, and imparts a pleasant flavor to the food.

Hardwood (oak, beech, birch): Burns slowly, produces a lot of heat, and creates less smoke, making it ideal for cooking.
Softwood (pine, fir, spruce): Burns quickly but produces more resin and smoke, which can negatively affect the taste of food. Best used only for starting the fire.

Choosing Cookware for Campfire Cooking

Not every type of cookware is suitable for cooking over an open flame. The best options are those that can withstand high temperatures and are easy to clean.

Cast iron Dutch oven: Perfect for stews, soups, and one-pot meals. Cast iron retains heat well and distributes it evenly.
Cast iron or steel skillet: Great for frying meat, vegetables, or eggs.
Grill grate: Ideal for grilling sausages, vegetables, or fish over an open flame.
Aluminum foil: Wrap potatoes, vegetables, or fish in foil and toss them directly into the embers for a simple, delicious meal.

Best Foods to Cook Over a Campfire

Cooking over a campfire can be just as versatile as using your home kitchen. Here are a few classic dishes that work perfectly over an open fire:

Sausages: A campfire staple. You can either roast them on a stick or grill them over a grate.
Baked potatoes: Wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in the hot coals for a simple, hearty side dish.
Dutch oven stew: A traditional campfire dish, perfect for cooking in a cast iron pot. Meat, vegetables, and spices simmer slowly over the fire, resulting in a flavorful meal.
Grilled fish: Fresh fish grilled over an open flame with herbs and lemon tastes incredible.
S’mores: A classic dessert made with roasted marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers—a perfect sweet treat to end your campfire feast.

Cooking Techniques Over a Campfire

Depending on what you’re cooking, you can use various campfire cooking methods. Here are a few:

Grilling: Place a grill grate over the fire and cook meats, veggies, or fish. It’s simple and effective.
Slow cooking: Use a Dutch oven or cast iron pot to cook over low heat. This method is great for stews or chili.
Baking in the embers: Place foil-wrapped potatoes, vegetables, or fruit directly in the coals. This allows the food to cook evenly with a smoky flavor.
Frying: Use a skillet over the flame to fry anything from breakfast bacon to evening snacks. Just be mindful of the heat, as it can get quite hot quickly.

Staying Safe While Cooking

While campfires are enjoyable, they can also be dangerous if not handled with care. Always follow basic safety rules to ensure a safe cooking experience:

Never leave the fire unattended – Always monitor the flames and manage the size of the fire.
Wear appropriate clothing – Avoid loose, synthetic fabrics that could easily catch fire.
Maintain a safe distance – Keep pots, pans, and other items at a safe distance from the flames to avoid overheating and accidents.

Extinguishing the Fire

Once you’re done cooking, it’s essential to properly extinguish the fire. Never leave it burning unattended. Use water or sand to fully put out the fire, and make sure there are no glowing embers before you leave the site.

Campfire cooking offers a unique and rewarding experience that connects you with nature and the essence of simple living. With the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can create delicious meals and enjoy quality time outdoors. For beginners, it’s a perfect way to explore the world of outdoor cooking and rediscover the joy of crafting meals in a traditional way.