Best campfire cooking kit
Stanley Adventure Even-Heat Camp Pro Cook Set
An all-around, rust-free cooking kit for a quality campfire cooking experience.
Best lightweight option
Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set
A compact, multi-purpose cooking kit, designed to fit any backpacking trip.
Most durable option
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set
An unbeatable, high-quality campfire cooking kit that’s built to last for decades.
If you love spending time outdoors, you know how great campfire cooking is. There’s something about the open flames that just makes food taste better.
While cooking on fire might seem daunting at first, it’s actually quite easy to prepare homelike, mouth-watering meals – especially if you come prepared with the right campfire cooking kit.
We tested multiple cooking kits on the market to find the tools that serve us (and our bellies) best. So, whether you’re new to campfire cooking or just looking for some inspiration – our guide will come in handy in choosing the best cooking kit for your needs.
- Why should you own a campfire cooking kit?
- Key factors to consider when choosing a campfire cooking kit
- Best campfire cooking kits for your next trip
- Runner-up campfire cooking kits
- Campfire cooking essentials to add to your campfire cooking kit
- Different campfire cooking techniques
- Recipes and meal ideas for campfire cooking
- How to build a campfire for cooking?
- How to cook different types of food on a campfire?
- Got anything to add?
Why should you own a campfire cooking kit?
For us – well-made food doesn’t have to explain itself. But there’s more than that:
- Flexibility: Campfire cooking kits are super flexible and – let’s put it that way – “fit”. They’re often multi-purpose, so you can cook different meals using a single tool.
- Easier packing: Owning a campfire cooking kit means less worrying (and work) packing. You don’t have to cram your home kitchen and transport it back and forth. Instead, the campfire cooking kit lives with your camping gear, home kitchen – stays where it belongs – at home.
- Cost-saving: As in any case, cooking yourself is far cheaper than eating out. You might want a pit stop in a restaurant on your way down to (or from) your camping trip spot, but hear us out – proper campfire cooking equipment makes cooking a more pleasant activity. Let alone that a high-quality cooking kit will most likely serve you for ages.
- Quality time: Finally, preparing your meal in open nature, on an open fire, is a worthwhile adventure. And will give you some decent memories, too. Without the need to put all your energy into scrubbing burnt cooking pots or frying pans afterward.
Key factors to consider when choosing a campfire cooking kit
Here are the aspects we’ve viewed when evaluating campfire cooking kits out there:
- Material: This one is crucial and rather determines other factors we list below. The material of which a campfire cooking kit is made impacts how good it is to cook on. how your food will taste, how easy it’s to clean, and how much weight it adds to your camping gear. Cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel cookware are typically the best choice in terms of material. We’ll discuss their ins and outs in more detail later in this article.
- Durability: A campfire cooking kit must be ready to stand through hot and cold, literally. Either you throw it into the trunk or put it into the roaring fire – it has to resist. It’s best if you can spend your money once and forget.
- Weight: While weight might not play such a crucial role if you’re a car camping enthusiast, it’ll mean everything for backpackers who carry all the weight on their shoulders.
- How easy is it to clean: You won’t be able to enjoy cooking knowing that at least an hour of exhausting pot-scrubbing awaits. The easier campfire cooking gear is to clean, the better.
Best campfire cooking kits for your next trip
Now, let’s jump straight into the winning campfire cooking kits that are a must-consider for your next camping trip!
1. Stanley Adventure Even-Heat Camp Pro Cook Set – best campfire cooking kit
Specifications
- Material: Stainless steel
- Trivet material: Silicon
- Spatula and spoon material: Nylon
- Weight: 8.2 lbs
- Package dimensions: 11.5″ x 10.31″ x 6.77″
What’s included
- 4.75QT stock pot
- 1.9QT saucepan
- 8.5-inch frying pan
- Vented lids
- Collapsible cutting board
- Spatula
- Spoon
- Two trivets
- Locking bungee
Features
- Heats evenly, multi-layer bottom
- Nests together to save space
- Dishwasher-safe
- Won’t rust or break
- Movable pan handles for easy storage
Stanley Adventure Even-Heat camping kit is a multi-purpose set that includes everything you need, nested together to save space.
Although it’s made from stainless steel, which is not that popular for its even heating, we can say this cooking set changed our minds. It features several layers at the bottom that help distribute heat while warming up.
Depending on what you cook, this cooking set might give some hassle in cleaning it by hand, but a scrubbing sponge does the job just fine. Stanley Adventure Even-Heat is dishwasher-safe, so you can quickly get rid of the dirt back home without worrying about the pan getting rusty.
- Be careful when cooking on an open fire – metal components can heat extremely. Use a cooking glove for handling products.
- Don’t leave camping utensils in heat. Although they’re somewhat heat resistant, they can be damaged if left on high heat for a while.
- Avoid direct contact with open fire when using aluminum or stainless steel products. Place your cookware on the rock nearby or use campfire cooking grates to keep them above the flames.
2. Winterial Camping Cookware and Pot Set – best lightweight campfire cooking kit
Specifications
- Material: Cast iron, aluminum oxide
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Package dimensions: 6.75″ x 6.75″ x 3.5″
What’s included
- 1QT tea kettle and a lid
- 1QT 1.25″ x 6.5″ frying pan
- 2QT 4.5″ x 6.5″ sauce pot and a lid
- Spatula / spoon
- 2 serving bowls
- Folding ladle
- Cutting board / plate
- Sponge
- Storage bag
Features
- High-temperature and friction-resistant
- Non-stick teflon coating
- Ultralight
- Nests together to save space
Winterial Camping Cookware set was designed with backpackers in mind. This lightweight cooking kit packs into one package that’ll easily find space in every backpack.
It’s a practical set that includes multi-purpose tools like a spatula that serves as a spoon and a camping cutting board that works as a plate for your delicious meals.
The whole kit will stand firm through all camping or backpacking conditions, as it’s built to resist high temperatures, bumps that might occur on the way, and easy cleaning and durability thanks to quality non-stick coatings.
3. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set – best for durability
Specifications
- Material: Cast iron
- Handle material: Silicone
- Weight: 28 lbs
What’s included
- A 10.5-inch griddle
- 10.25-inch pre-seasoned cast iron skillet pan
- 10.25-inch grill pan
- A cavernous dutch oven with a matching lid
Optional care kit:
- 6-ounce seasoning spray
- Pan scraper
- Silicone handle holder
- Scrub brush
- Use and care booklet
Features
- Cast iron cover features self-basting tips
- Easy-grip handles for secure control
- Unparalleled heat retention and even heating
Optional care kit:
- Polycarbonate pan scraper with assorted angles for easy cleaning
- Silicone handle holder protects from heat up to 500° F
- Pan scraper and handle holder are dishwasher safe
The pans heat up gorgeously without creating distinctive hot spots. You can use it for nearly any meal – from a juicy steak to a quick breakfast omelet.
Cast iron is a heavy, sturdy material that takes space – so you won’t bring this cooking set to a backpacking trip. Though, if you’re up to car or RV camping, Lodge is worth every inch and will serve years if taken care of.
The best part – this cast iron set is very easy to clean. Lodge cookware comes pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, making it non-stick. For better results, we season them again before cooking.
Cast iron is unsuitable for dishwashers and should be washed by hand, without any soap. A dishwasher will remove the seasoning and make your cookware rusty.
Also, don’t use cooking utensils like metal forks or knives that can scratch your pans.
We suggest buying the Lodge care kit together – this cast iron cookware clean-up equipment will guarantee you keep enjoying Lodge cookware for ages.
Runner-up campfire cooking kits
There are also other campfire cooking kits, each with great features to capture every outdoor chef’s needs. Let’s see what’s in there!
Specifications
- Material: Stainless steel
- Weight: 5.7 lbs
- Package dimensions: 11.06″ x 10.9″ x 6.1″
What’s included
- 3.7QT pot, vented lid
- 7″ 3-ply frying pan
- Cutting board
- Spatula
- Serving spoon
- 6″ plates
- 4 22oz bowls
- 4 sporks
- Dish drying rack
- Heat resistant trivet
- Locking bungee
Features
- Nests together to save space
- Strong, scratch proof and rustproof
- No maintenance other than washing
- Basic cleaning with soap and warm water or a paper towel
- Steel wool can be used for deeper cleans
Stanley Base Camp cooking set includes everything you need for a camp kitchen set – from pans and pots to utensils. Bringing this set all together will serve a company or a family of 4 people.
This compactly-designed 21-piece kit nests together into a 5.7 pounds-weighting package that’s easy to carry, making it a great companion to take on a backpacking trip.
Stanley Base Camp cooking kit requires little maintenance – you can wash it with soap and warm water or just use a paper towel to quickly remove the dirt.
Specifications
- Material: Stainless steel
- Weight: 2.9 lbs
- Package dimensions: 12″ x 10″ x 4″
What’s included
- 8.25″ x 2″ frying pan and a lid
- 1.9QT 6.75″ x 4.6″ pot and a lid
- 1QT saucepan
- Storage bag
Features
- Aluminum-clad frying pan bottom for even heating
- Nests together to save space
- Foldable handles
Primus campfire cooking kit just shouts quality. It’s a well-built set made of premium stainless steel, and it actually feels when it comes to cleaning – even after cooking on an open fire, it washes up without effort.
It’s fairly lightweight and packs up into a well-designed, sturdy carrying bag for easy transportation. Primus cookware set is a perfect choice for two-person camping adventures.
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum, utensils and cups – stainless steel
- Weight: 4.4 lbs
- Package dimensions: 8.86″ x 8.78″ x 6.77″
What’s included
- 4.2QT 7.9″ x 5.5″ pot
- 8.7″ x 2″ non-stick pan and a lid
- 1.6QT kettle
- 4 dishes
- 4 9.6 oz cups
- 4 spoons
- 4 forks
- 2 small bags
- 1 large carry bag
Features
- Nests together to save space
- Non-stick teflon coating
- Foldable handles
- Dishwasher-safe
Odoland campfire cooking kit is all-inclusive and will serve 4-person companies or families for all types of cooking – searing, frying, baking, and other.
Like not so many other cooking sets, it includes four stainless steel cups with silicone protectors for pleasant morning coffees or dinner soups.
It’s a dishwasher-safe, easy-to-clean cooking set that won’t leave you scrubbing for ages. Odoland is a space-saving, lightweight kit that nests together and is a go-to option for a backpacking trip.
Specifications
- Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
- Package dimensions: 6.6″ x 6.3″ x 3.8”
What’s included
- Pot
- Pot cover
- Pan
- 2 bowls
- Folding stainless steel spork
- Soup spoon
- Wooden spoon spatula
- Cleaning sponge
- Travel bag
Features
- Available in different pot sizes – 1, 2.1, or 3.1QT
- Non-stick coating
- Ultralight
- Nests together to save space
MalloMe is one more kit that collapses into a tiny bundle for easy storage and transportation. It’s a super lightweight option that definitely won’t put too much weight on your shoulders – MalloMe weighs as little as 1.1 pounds – and is a go-to choice for a solo camping trip.
It’s not suitable for dishwashers, but handwashing with soap shouldn’t cause the hassle, as non-stick coatings make it easy to clean.
MalloMe aluminum cooking set shouldn’t be placed on an open fire. Instead, put it onto the rock nearby to prevent plastic handles and food from burning.
Specifications
- Material: Stainless steel, bowls – silicone
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Package dimensions: 7.76″ x 7.64″ x 4.25”
What’s included
- 1.5QT 7.48″ x 2.75″ pot and a lid
- 1.11QT 6.7″ x 2.36″ pot
- 0.5QT 7.17″ x 1.18″ frying pan
- 3 6.06″ x 1.18″ in plates
- 3 knives
- 3 spoons
- 3 forks
- 3 bowls
- 3 carabiner hook stand -76℉ to 482℉
Features
- Nests together to save space
- Dishwasher-safe
- Heats evenly
The KingCamp cooking set is collapsible and lightweight, so is yet another backpacking-friendly option. It includes everything you need for cooking and eating at a budget price. Like other stainless steel-made cooking gear, it’s easy to clean and can be washed to perfection when you’re back home, as it’s dishwasher-safe.
The storage bag has extra space, so you won’t struggle trying to pack the cooking kit after usage. The carabiners it features come in handy for hanging the cookware on your backpack for a more convenient carriage.
One thing we find missing and recommend bringing additionally is a pot lid to boil water quicker.
Campfire cooking essentials to add to your campfire cooking kit
As we’ve seen, what’s included in campfire cooking kits varies per set. But if you want to build your camp kitchen to the fullest, we’ve compiled a list of campfire cookware you should consider adding to your campfire cooking kit.
Percolator
Real coffee lovers will agree – coffee isn’t only a drink but an experience. And it doesn’t have to be different when you’re off camping. There are coffee percolators that brew delicious, homelike coffee over an open fire.
Enameled Steel Percolator GSI Outdoors Percolator features three-ply construction for maximized heat distribution. It’s designed to withstand high temperatures while looking at your coffee being made through a resin cap.
For serious coffee lovers, we have a detailed review of the best camping coffee makers for every camping style and taste.
Cook stand
A cooking stand is a campfire cooking tool that’s built to suspend your cookware over the open fire at various heights. It’s a universal supply that’s suitable for different sizes of fire.
Bruntmor Grill Swing Campfire Cooking Stand consists of a central cooking pole with collapsible legs and grates for cooking. It’s a durable alloy steel grate that easily folds for compact transport.
Camping cooking grate
A campfire grill grate is a must-add tool to your camp cooking equipment if you’re using aluminum and stainless steel that shouldn’t go in direct contact with open flames. It adds extra comfort in cooking with cast iron tools, too.
Amazon Basics Portable Outdoor Folding Campfire Grill grate is made of high-quality welded steel and a steel-mesh top. It’s super stable and foldable for easy transportation.
Rotisserie
A rotisserie is a cooking tool that rotates food over the fire for a wholly-roasted flavor. If you’re up to fishing while camping, rotisserie can be your go-to supply to roast your catch. Just make sure the flame isn’t too close and there are enough charcoals in your campfire.
Grizzly Spit Rotisserie is easy to set, built from durable alloy steel and features a motor that runs 20 hours without replacing batteries. Plenty of time for a delicious, fancy-roasted dinner.
Campfire tongs
Strong and sturdy campfire tongs come in handy if you want to handle your campfire without constantly jumping back and forth because your face or hands are burning.
Amagebeli Firewood Log Tongs made from heavy-duty wrought iron will save you from heating while managing your campfire. They are perfect for gripping small to medium-sized logs.
Spatula
Some cooking kits we’ve reviewed already include spatulas, which are vital tools for cooking.
But if there’s no spatula in the kit, there are plenty of options to choose from to buy separately. Just keep in mind that a campfire spatula should be suitable for high temperatures and have a heat-resistant handle in order not to melt or burn your hands!
GSI Outdoors Pivot Spatula combines required sturdiness, comfort, and heat resistance into one. It’s also a compact choice that’ll fit easily into your backpack with its ½ foldable design.
Popcorn shaker
Yes, you can get great popcorn (or even greater) even on your camping trip. It’s a pretty niche food while in the woods, but hey, why not?
Great Northern Popcorn Pit Popper will make you 4 quarts of popcorn in minutes and will require little cleaning – just wipe with a paper towel and store for your next outdoor popcorn party.
Pie irons
If you’re into toasting as we are, a pie iron will be an excellent addition to your campfire cooking kit.
Toas-Tite Sandwich Grill is one of the go-to handheld cooking devices that’ll let you enjoy terrific toasted snacks and desserts like grilled cheese, omelets, popcorn – you name it.
Roasting forks and campfire sticks
Roasting forks are a great and convenient tool if you’re a marshmallow-lover (or any other snack you’d usually find a wooden stick to put your food onto). Store-bought roasting sticks are often more sturdy, longer, and help you keep a safe distance from the fire.
Coghlan’s 9195 Camp Fork is made of heavy-duty chrome plated steel and serves ideally in cooking hot dogs, marshmallows or vegetables around a fire.
Campfire tripod
It’s a helpful tool for hanging dutch ovens or coffee pots for cooking over fire. Like many camping gear, a campfire tripod can get multi-purpose quickly if you hang your clothes, camping lanterns, or water jugs on it.
Stansport Heavy-Duty Steel Cooking Tripod is our go-to tripod made of heavy-duty steel that’s unbeatable in sturdiness and durability.
Fire bellows
Fire bellows are a must if you want to save your face from fire while adding oxygen to make it burn better.
Epiphany Outdoor Gear Pocket Bellows are ultralight, collapsible, stainless steel fire bellowing tools that serve great in soaking wet or dry firewood into roaring fires.
Different campfire cooking techniques
As you might’ve guessed from this whole variety of campfire cooking equipment, campfire cooking is a world of tricks, methods, and techniques.
From grilling to sautéing, there are many ways to cook food over an open fire. Here are some of the most popular techniques:
Grilling
Grilling is probably the most casual campfire cooking method that involves cooking meals directly over the open flames, usually using a grate or a camping grill. It’s suitable for every type of food – from meats and fish to vegetables and fruits.
To start grilling, build a fire and let it burn down to a bed of hot coals. Spread the coals evenly under the grill. A campfire ring or fire pit will help you contain the coals and regulate the heat.
It’s essential to oil the grill with high-heat oil like canola or grapeseed oil before cooking to prevent it from sticking. Tongs or spatula will be handy for flipping and moving the food around the grill.
Roasting
Roasting is another method of cooking over a fire with dry heat. Here, you place the food on a skewer or a stick and constantly rotate it over the flames to cook evenly.
Roasting is a great way to cook marshmallows, meats, poultry, fish, and vegetables, and it’s perfect for preparing large cuts of meat or whole poultry.
Baking
Baking is a cooking technique that involves cooking food in an enclosed space, such as an oven, using dry heat. For campfire cooking, baking can be done using Dutch or reflector ovens.
These are special pots or ovens designed for use over a fire. They have a lid that can be closed to trap heat and moisture inside and cook the food slowly. This allows the food to cook evenly and absorb the smoky flavors of the fire.
Frying
Frying is a type of cooking where you use hot oil or fat. For campfire cooking, frying can be done using a cast iron skillet or a Dutch oven over an open fire. Putting the right amount of oil to submerge the food entirely is essential.
Sautéing
We can view sautéing as something similar to frying; the main difference is that you quickly cook the meal in a small amount of oil or fat over high heat. Like in frying, a cast iron skillet or a Dutch oven plays a role.
Boiling
Boiling speaks for itself – it’s a cooking method that involves submerging food in a pot of boiling water or broth over an open fire. You’d often use it for pasta, rice, vegetables, or eggs.
When boiling over an open fire, it’s essential to use a camping pot with a tight-fitting lid and enough water or broth to submerge the food thoroughly.
Recipes and meal ideas for campfire cooking
When it comes to campfire cooking, the options are endless. Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a delicious dinner, there’s a recipe for every occasion. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite campfire recipes that are sure to please any plate.
Check out our blog posts on for some delicious inspiration:
- Campfire breakfast
- Campfire lunch recipes
- Campfire dinner recipes
- Campfire foil meals
- Camping desserts
- Vegetarian camping food
How to build a campfire for cooking?
We talked a lot about the ins and outs of campfire cooking and cookware, but let’s not forget the basics – starting a decent campfire.
Building a fire involves choosing the right location, gathering the necessary materials, and following camping safety guidelines. Of course, the leave no trace principles should always be at the top of your mind, too.
Learn how to start a campfire easily and safely in our blog post, where we covered different types of campfires and explained how to build them step-by-step based on your skill level.
How to cook different types of food on a campfire?
Fire temperature is one of the most important factors to consider when cooking on a campfire. Different types of food require different temperatures to cook correctly. For example, delicate fish and vegetables should be cooked over a lower heat, while thicker cuts of meat require a higher heat.
Here are some tips on how to cook different types of meals on a campfire:
- Meat: Cooking meat on a campfire requires high heat to sear the outside of the flesh and lock in the juices. It’s a good idea to use a thermometer to check for doneness.
- Fish: Fish is a delicate protein that requires a lower heat for cooking. Again, if you have a thermometer at hand, it’ll be helpful to use it to check if it’s done.
- Vegetables: Vegetables are a great addition to any campfire meal and can be cooked using various techniques. They can be grilled, roasted, or even wrapped in foil with butter and herbs and placed in the ember of the fire. Cook them for around 15-20 minutes or until they’re tender. It’s essential to use a lower heat when cooking vegetables to prevent them from burning.
To better understand the temperature of your campfire, check out our blog post on campfire temperatures, which covers the different types of campfires and temperature ranges for various types of meat.
Got anything to add?
Have any experience to share or questions to ask about campfire cooking kits? Leave a comment below.
Happy campfire cooking!
