Cooking over an open flame is one of camping’s greatest joys. The sizzle of food, the smell of smoke, and the sound of crackling wood bring a comfort that no restaurant can match. Campfire cooking doesn’t have to be basic, just creative. From smoky breakfasts to decadent desserts, these twenty recipes combine simplicity, flavor, and fun, proving that great meals can happen anywhere, even under a blanket of stars.
1. Campfire Breakfast Skillet
This hearty classic fuels your whole crew. Toss diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers into a cast-iron skillet with sizzling bacon. Once crisp, crack eggs and stir gently as they cook in the smoky fat. Add cheese just before serving for a melty finish. It’s simple, savory, and satisfying, the kind of breakfast that sets the tone for an adventurous day outdoors.
2. Foil Packet Chicken Fajitas
Bright, colorful, and bursting with flavor, these fajitas are campsite perfection. Combine sliced chicken, onions, and peppers in foil with olive oil and taco seasoning. Seal tightly and cook near hot coals for twenty minutes, flipping halfway. When done, unwrap to steamy, tender fajitas ready for tortillas. Add cheese, salsa, and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate campfire feast.
3. Campfire Pineapple Boats
Cut a fresh pineapple in half lengthwise and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a sturdy shell. Fill the cavity with a mix of marshmallows, chocolate chunks, and shredded coconut for a tropical, gooey treat. Wrap each half in foil and place near glowing coals for 15 to 20 minutes, letting the sugars caramelize. The vibrant yellow pineapple, melted chocolate, and toasted coconut make it visually stunning, fragrant, and irresistible, a perfect sweet finish for any campfire evening.
4. Loaded Campfire Nachos
This crowd pleaser is pure fun to make and eat. In a cast-iron pan, layer tortilla chips with cheese, beans, peppers, jalapeños, and cooked meat. Cover with foil and heat until the cheese melts. The result: crispy, smoky, gooey perfection. Top with sour cream, salsa, and avocado. It’s a shareable snack that turns any campfire into a party under the stars.
5. Cast Iron Pizza
Who says pizza needs an oven? Spread dough in a greased cast-iron skillet, add sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then cover with a lid or foil. Set over medium flames until the crust crisps and cheese bubbles. The fire adds a hint of smoke that makes each bite unforgettable. It’s quick, customizable, and guaranteed to impress your camping crew.
6. Campfire Mac and Cheese
Rich, creamy, and nostalgic, this version takes a childhood favorite to the great outdoors. Cook pasta beforehand and mix it with cheese sauce, butter, and milk. Transfer into a foil pan, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and warm it over low coals until bubbling. The smoky edges give it that camp-cooked flavor that tastes even better than home.
7. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Nothing beats the smell of corn roasting over a fire. Peel back the husks, brush the corn with butter and seasoning, then wrap it back up. Lay it beside the embers, turning occasionally until the kernels are golden and slightly charred. A sprinkle of lime and chili powder at the end adds a delicious southwestern twist to this summer staple.
8. Sausage and Veggie Foil Packets
Perfect for minimal cleanup, this one is a camper’s favorite. Slice smoked sausage, potatoes, peppers, and onions, then toss them in olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Wrap tightly in foil and cook over the fire for 25 minutes. The result is a smoky, caramelized mix that smells incredible. It’s hearty, simple, and the definition of comfort camping cuisine.
9. Dutch Oven Lasagna
Yes, you can make lasagna outdoors, and it’s amazing. Layer precooked noodles, sauce, cheese, and cooked meat inside a Dutch oven. Cover and bake with coals on the lid and base for about 40 minutes. The result is a bubbling masterpiece with a crisp top and gooey center. It’s the ultimate surprise dish that turns any campsite into a gourmet kitchen.
10. Fire Roasted Kabobs
Colorful skewers of meat and veggies make the perfect campfire meal. Thread chunks of chicken, beef, or shrimp with peppers, onions, and pineapple. Brush lightly with marinade and cook over open flames, turning often until slightly charred. The smoky flavor enhances every bite, and cleanup is practically nonexistent. Serve with rice or bread for a full campfire dinner.
11. Campfire Quesadillas
These cheesy, crispy treats come together in minutes. Fill tortillas with cheese, beans, and any leftovers you’ve got; chicken, steak, or veggies work great. Fold, wrap in foil, and place near the fire’s edge. After a few minutes, they’re hot, melted, and golden. Cut into triangles, top with salsa, and enjoy that perfect gooey crunch under the night sky.
12. Cowboy Stew
A classic camp favorite, cowboy stew is hearty and soul-warming. In a Dutch oven, brown sausage and ground beef, then toss in potatoes, beans, corn, and tomatoes. Simmer it low and slow until everything melds together in a smoky, savory broth. It’s rich, filling, and tastes even better when shared with friends around a glowing fire.
13. Campfire Garlic Bread
This easy side adds a touch of home-cooked comfort. Slice a loaf of French bread, spread garlic butter between each cut, and wrap it tightly in foil. Place it near the coals, turning occasionally until crisp and fragrant. The butter melts through every slice, filling the air with that irresistible garlicky aroma. Serve it with chili, pasta, or soup for extra warmth.
14. Grilled Lemon Herb Fish
Fresh fish and campfires are a match made in heaven. Season fillets with lemon, garlic, and herbs, then wrap them in foil with a pat of butter. Cook gently over medium heat until flaky. The result is tender, smoky, and bright with citrus flavor. It’s a light, healthy option that feels gourmet despite being cooked under open skies.
15. Campfire Burgers
Juicy, smoky, and endlessly customizable, burgers taste better outdoors. Form patties and grill them over the grate until perfectly seared. Add cheese, onions, and toasted buns for that satisfying crunch. Top with pickles, sauce, or anything you love. There’s something about a burger cooked by firelight that makes every bite taste like freedom.
16. Campfire Tacos
Easy, fun, and full of flavor, these tacos come together fast. Cook ground beef or chicken with seasoning in a cast-iron pan over the flames. Pile it into tortillas with beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Warm the shells near the edge of the fire for a smoky touch. It’s the kind of simple meal that brings everyone to the table instantly.
17. Campfire Chocolate Berry Pockets
Take crescent roll dough or puff pastry and place a few chocolate squares and fresh berries in the center. Fold and seal the edges carefully, then wrap each pocket in foil. Place near hot coals for 10 to 15 minutes until the dough is golden and the chocolate melts into a luscious, gooey filling. The vibrant red berries oozing with warm chocolate make it visually stunning and irresistible. These handheld desserts are perfect for sharing under the stars, combining sweetness, freshness, and a smoky campfire aroma.
18. Apple Crisp Foil Packets
This cozy dessert captures the taste of fall in the wilderness. Mix sliced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and oats, then wrap in foil and set near the coals. After 15 minutes, you’ll have tender apples and a golden, crunchy topping. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. It’s simple, fragrant, and irresistibly comforting.
19. Campfire Hot Cocoa
End your night with this creamy classic. Warm milk or water in a camp pot, stir in cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream for that extra touch. The smoky air makes every sip richer. It’s the ultimate fireside comfort, perfect for chilly nights when laughter lingers long after the flames die down.
20. Campfire Cones
A fun treat for kids and adults alike. Fill waffle cones with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and berries, then wrap in foil and warm near the coals. After a few minutes, the inside turns molten and sweet. Unwrap and enjoy a handheld dessert that’s easier and less messy than s’mores. It’s the perfect ending to a night under the stars
