30 Simple Campfire Meals That Make Outdoor Cooking Easy

These campfire recipes turn outdoor cooking into a fun adventure for everyone. From hearty breakfast skillets to easy foil packet dinners, these meals work perfectly over an open fire.

Each recipe uses simple ingredients and techniques that work great in camp kitchens. Get ready to create delicious memories around the campfire.

01. Hearty Dutch Oven Campfire Breakfast

This filling breakfast combines eggs, bacon, potatoes, and cheese in one big Dutch oven. Everything cooks together over hot coals for easy serving.

The recipe feeds a crowd, making it perfect for group camping trips. Layer ingredients so everything cooks evenly in the cast iron pot.

This method works great for beginners who want to feed everyone at once. Expect plenty of leftovers for hungry campers.

02. Make-Ahead Beef Kabobs

These marinated beef skewers get prepped and frozen at home in freezer bags. Just thaw and grill when you reach your campsite.

The advance preparation saves time and keeps your cooler organized. Marinating in the bag adds extra flavor during transport.

Perfect for busy campers who want gourmet meals without camp prep work. Dinner is ready as soon as the grill heats up.

03. Wood-Fired Pepperoni Pizza

This campfire pizza uses a pizza stone over open flames for authentic smoky flavor. Bring pepperoni, cheese, and favorite toppings for customizing.

The wood fire creates amazing smoky taste that regular ovens can’t match. A pizza stone helps distribute heat evenly.

This version takes some practice but creates impressive results. Great for groups who want interactive cooking experiences.

04. No-Pot Foil Packet Stew

This clever stew cooks entirely in heavy-duty foil packets buried in campfire coals. Beef, vegetables, and broth steam together perfectly.

Double-wrapping prevents leaks and ensures even cooking in the coals. Make packets at home and store in coolers.

You can have hearty stew without bringing pots or dealing with cleanup. Perfect for long fishing days.

05. Loaded Bacon-Cheese Hot Dogs

These gourmet hot dogs get wrapped in bacon and topped with Swiss cheese and barbecue sauce. The combination creates amazing flavor layers.

The bacon crisps up while the cheese melts for perfect texture contrast. Sweet barbecue sauce balances the salty elements.

This version elevates basic camp food into something special. Takes just minutes longer than regular hot dogs.

06. Grilled Sausage and Vegetable Packets

Italian sausage cooks with potatoes and green beans in individual foil packets on the grill. Everything steams together with seasonings.

Spraying foil with cooking spray prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Each packet becomes a complete meal.

This method works great for families with different preferences. Everyone gets their own perfectly cooked portion.

07. Instant Thai Noodle Bowls

These backpacker-friendly noodles use rice noodles and freeze-dried vegetables in creamy peanut sauce. Just add boiling water and wait.

The lightweight ingredients pack easily and create filling meals on the trail. Much more flavorful than regular ramen.

Perfect for hikers who want real meals without carrying heavy ingredients. Ready in just five minutes.

08. Easy Campfire Foil Dinners

These simple foil packets contain meat, vegetables, and seasonings that cook over campfire coals. Prep at home and store cold.

The foil seals in flavors while everything steams together perfectly. No pots or pans needed for cooking.

This approach works great for campers who want minimal cleanup. Just toss the foil when finished eating.

09. Spicy Chicken Chorizo Chili

This hearty chili combines ground chicken with spicy chorizo and chili powder in a Dutch oven. Beans and tomatoes complete the mix.

The chorizo adds smoky heat while chicken keeps things lighter than beef. Simmer over coals for about an hour.

This version creates filling meals that warm everyone up on cold nights. Great for groups who like spicy food.

10. Simple Campfire Breakfast Sandwich

This basic breakfast uses just bread, eggs, cheddar cheese, and butter cooked in a camp skillet. Simple ingredients create satisfying results.

The key is getting your pan temperature right for perfect eggs. Butter the bread for extra richness.

Perfect for solo campers or quick morning meals. You can have breakfast ready in under ten minutes.

11. Hearty Campfire Soup

Ground beef and mixed vegetables simmer in tomato sauce for this filling soup. Everything cooks in one pot over the fire.

Brown the meat first for better flavor, then add vegetables and liquid. Long simmering develops rich taste.

This version provides comfort food after long hiking days. Takes about an hour but feeds everyone well.

12. Kid-Friendly Foil Meals

These simple foil packets let kids create their own meals with basic ingredients. Great way to get children involved in camp cooking.

Each child can choose their favorite vegetables and seasonings. Parents just help with the hot coals part.

Perfect for family camping trips where kids want cooking independence. Makes mealtime more interactive and fun.

13. Girl Scout Campfire Burritos

These easy burritos cook wrapped in foil over campfire coals until heated through. Fill with beans, cheese, and favorite ingredients.

The foil keeps everything contained while heating evenly. Serve with salsa and sour cream on the side.

This method requires minimal cleanup and works great for groups. Kids love making their own custom burritos.

14. Campfire Roasted Potatoes

Small potatoes roast perfectly in foil packets over campfire coals. Top with sour cream, chives, and crumbled bacon when done.

Using smaller potatoes ensures they cook through evenly over open flames. Season well before wrapping in foil.

This side dish works great with any campfire meal. Choose potatoes that are similar sizes for even cooking.

15. Boil-in-Bag Omelet

This clever omelet cooks in a sealed bag placed in boiling water. Beat eggs with fillings, seal, and boil.

The bag method eliminates pan cleanup and prevents sticking. Everyone can make custom omelets simultaneously.

Perfect for groups who want hot breakfast without multiple skillets. Cleanup is just tossing the bags.

16. Fresh Corn Chowder

Sweet corn kernels cook with potatoes and peppers in a Dutch oven to create creamy chowder. Best when corn is in season.

The natural corn sweetness makes this soup special during summer camping. Add cream or milk for richness.

This version showcases fresh ingredients when available. Takes about forty minutes but creates restaurant-quality results.

17. Campfire Scalloped Potatoes

Sliced potatoes layer with cheese sauce in a Dutch oven for this classic side dish. Add bacon for a complete meal.

The cast iron creates crispy edges while keeping centers creamy. Cover tightly and use coals on top.

This method works as either side dish or main course. Takes longer but creates impressive campfire comfort food.

18. Kielbasa Cabbage Skillet for Groups

Polish sausage cooks with cabbage and potatoes in smoky tomato sauce. This one-pot meal feeds large camping groups easily.

The cabbage becomes tender while absorbing all the flavors. Use a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven.

Perfect for feeding crowds without complicated preparation. Store spices in small containers to save space.

19. Foil Packet Salmon Dinner

Fresh salmon fillets cook with potatoes and vegetables in individual foil packets. Everything steams together with herbs and butter.

The foil seals in moisture while creating perfectly cooked fish. Each packet becomes a complete balanced meal.

This version works great for special camping occasions. Cooking time depends on packet size and coal temperature.

20. Shelf-Stable Clam Pasta

This pasta uses canned clams, dried mushrooms, and shelf-stable ingredients that don’t need refrigeration. Linguine gets tossed with Old Bay sauce.

Everything packs easily without taking cooler space. The Old Bay adds authentic seafood flavor to canned ingredients.

Perfect for longer trips where fresh ingredients aren’t practical. Creates gourmet taste from pantry staples.

21. Dutch Oven Campfire Chili

This traditional chili recipe works perfectly in cast iron Dutch ovens over campfire coals. Ground beef, beans, and tomatoes simmer together.

Long, slow cooking develops rich flavors that taste amazing on cold camping nights. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

This version feeds groups and tastes even better the next day. Great for weekend trips with leftovers.

22. Campfire Vegetable Beef Soup

Ground beef and mixed vegetables create this hearty soup in a Dutch oven. Use frozen vegetables if fresh aren’t available.

The slow cooker version adapts perfectly to campfire cooking. Just adjust liquid levels for open flame cooking.

This method works great for rainy camping days. Warm, filling soup improves any outdoor situation.

23. All-Day Breakfast Skillet

Bacon, potatoes, and eggs cook together in one large cast iron skillet. Great for breakfast or dinner around the campfire.

Cook potatoes first, then add bacon and eggs at the end. Everything stays warm in the iron pan.

Perfect for campers who want hearty meals any time of day. Provides plenty of energy for outdoor activities.

24. Dutch Oven Cowboy Casserole

This hearty casserole layers bacon, ground beef, and beans with biscuits on top. Everything bakes in a Dutch oven with coals.

Canned biscuits turn golden and flaky while the bottom bubbles with savory flavors. Use coals on top for browning.

This version creates impressive one-pot meals that feel authentic. Takes practice but delivers amazing campfire comfort food.

25. Make-Ahead Campfire Stew

This traditional stew gets partially prepared at home for easier camp cooking. Brown meat and onions before packing.

Pre-cooking saves time and fuel at the campsite. Transport browned ingredients in sealed bags until ready.

Perfect for organized campers who like efficient meal preparation. Reduces cooking time and camp kitchen mess.

26. Four-Ingredient Foil Packets

Ground beef, onions, carrots, and potatoes cook in individual foil packets over campfire coals. Simple ingredients create satisfying meals.

Each packet becomes a complete dinner with minimal preparation. Season well before sealing in heavy-duty foil.

This method works great for beginners who want foolproof results. Cleanup is just throwing away the foil.

Final Thoughts

These campfire recipes prove that outdoor cooking can be both simple and delicious. From quick foil packets to hearty Dutch oven meals, there’s something for every camping style.

Start with easier recipes and work up to more complex dishes as your campfire skills improve. Happy camping and great eating!