Best Campfire Cooking Kits
It’s easy to conjure up images of campfire cooking while watching the sunset in front of you, relaxing in the springtime of Montana. You’re toasty because of the fire, and the meal you’re making is making your mouth water. And if your campfire cooking set couldn’t take the heat or any number of other issues, the moment would be completely ruined.
Thats why Phil and I tasked ourselves with finding the best campfire cooking kits available. We wanted to know our cooking equipment could handle the heat and handle it often because we’re full-time RVers and we eat fireside every week. We also wanted to share our findings to help other camping cooks make their trip extra magical.
Check out our complete buyers guide below!
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Best Campfire Cooking Kits
Showing all 10 results
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RV Kitchen Accessories
Fire-Maple Feast 2 Camping Cookware Set
Check PriceThe Fire-Maple Feast 2 Camping Cookware Set is made of durable materials that will last you for years to come. This set includes everything you need to prepare delicious meals on your next adventure: a stainless steel pot with a lid, a kettle with a lid, a griddle pan, two bowls, a cooking paddle and a sponge. The lids feature drain-holes and all items fit inside the mesh bag with drawstring closure.
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RV Kitchen Accessories
MSR Flex 4 Camping Cook Set (Good for Groups)
Check PriceThe MSR Flex 4 Group Camping Cook Set is a full-featured cook set that is perfect for any camper or outdoor enthusiast. The cook set includes two pots (5.3 liters each), two pans (one aluminum and one non-stick), four mugs, and four plates. The cook set also comes with a strainer lid and a folding Talon handle. The set is easy to use and is made from durable materials.
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RV Kitchen Accessories
Pinnacle Campfire Cooking Set from GSI Outdoors
Check PriceThe Pinnacle Camper Cooking Set for both backpacking trips and camping is the perfect addition to your backpack. This set includes everything you need to cook and eat while on the go, including four plates, four insulated mugs, four bowls, a 2 liter pot with strainer lid, a 3 liter pot with strainer lid, a fry pan, a foldable handle, and a sack/wash basin. The set is made from durable polypropylene that will last you for many adventures to come.
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RV Kitchen Accessories
Sanheshun Campfire Cooking Kit
Check PriceThe Sanheshun Camping Cooking Set is the perfect way to prepare meals while you’re out on the go. This set includes a non-stick pot, pan, kettle, and four plates (two of which are stainless steel) along with two forks, two spoons, two table knives, and four cow leather cup sleeves. The set is designed for three to four people and features thermal-insulated handles that keep your fingers safe from the heat. The anti-slip design provides a firm and comfortable grip in your hands. The set is made of high-quality silicone for durability and easy cleaning.
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RV Kitchen Accessories
Shellkingdom Camping Cooking Kit Portable Non-Stick Picnic Pot and Bowl
Check PriceThe ShellKingdom Outdoor Camping Cooking Kit is a complete kitchen setup that includes everything you need to get cooking. The aluminum cookware is durable and easy to clean, while the stainless steel fry pan is fast and efficient. The set also includes a soup spoon, a meal spoon, and two plastic bowls. The cookware is perfect for hiking, camping, or cooking in an outdoor fireplace.
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RV Kitchen Accessories
Snow Peak Compact Campfire Cook Set
Check PriceThe Snow Peak Multi Compact Cookset is perfect for those who want to enjoy cooking in a lightweight and durable cookset. Made of titanium, this cookset is resistant to rust, corrosion, and chipping for a lifetime of use. The cookset features five different pieces that can be used to cook various foods, from ramen to soups to meats to vegetables. The cookset has a lid, plate, and saucepan that can all be used together or separately.
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RV Kitchen Accessories
Stanley Adventure 2 Person Stainless Steel Camping Cooking
Check PriceStanley Adventure Camping Cooking Set has everything you need to prepare a delicious dinner for two in a stainless steel pot that is 1.0 liters in capacity. This cook set is long-lasting and resistant to rust because it is constructed of high-quality stainless steel that is food-grade. In addition to a saucepan made of stainless steel that has a lid, this set also comes with two bowls and two sporks, both of which have lids. This set is simple to travel and assemble, making it the ideal item to bring along on your next camping trip. This set is built to survive for many years to come thanks to its sturdy construction and sophisticated end result. It doesn’t matter if you’re roughing it in the woods or just throwing some burgers on the grill in the backyard; this set will make your food stand out in a good way.
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RV Kitchen Accessories
Swiftrans Aluminum Foldable Outdoor Camping Cookware Set
Check PriceThe Swiftrans Aluminum Outdoor Camping Cookware Set is perfect for those who want to cook up a storm. This set includes a medium pot, frying pan, teapot, and two pans with mesh bags for storage. The pots and pans are made from heavy-duty aluminum that is resistant to high temperatures and wear. The set also comes with a portable plastic handle that is easy to use.
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RV Kitchen Accessories
Trangia 27 Campfire Cookset (Alcohol Burning)
Check PriceThe Trangia cookset is an essential item that should be included in every kitchen. This set comes with a fryer that is both 9 and 10 inches in diameter, as well as two ovens and three storage bins. The deep fryer has a construction that is entirely composed of glass, which gives it a long lifespan and makes it simple to clean. Because of their ability to seal out air and reduce reflection, these ovens are great for roasting as well as baking. The third container for storage works wonderfully for either holding food or putting away spices.
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RV Kitchen Accessories
Wealers Stainless Steel Travel Campfire Cookware Set
Check PriceThe Camping Cookware Set is a lightweight and durable cookware set that is perfect for any outdoor activity. The set includes four stainless steel pots and pans, a tote bag, and a few extra accessories. The pots and pans are made of high-quality stainless steel and are designed for durability and longevity. The Camping Cookware Set is perfect for hiking, camping, or cooking food over an open fire.
Buyers Guide For Campfire Cooking Kits
Whether it’s a weekend fishing trip, a cross-country journey, or any other outdoor adventure that involves being away from electrical conveniences like phones and laptops, having the right gear is essential. One of the most important pieces of your camping kit is undoubtedly your camping cookware. Phil and I know we will need a good set when we start our trip of visiting every national park in the US soon.
What To Consider When Choosing
We need a lot of good, hot food to help us recover from our long day of hiking and trekking. As a result, food preparation should be high on the list of priorities before setting out on a camping or hiking adventure. We require not only food, but also the utensils necessary to prepare and enjoy it. When searching for a camping cooking set, prioritize the following features:
Material
Among the many factors to consider when selecting the best cooking kit is the quality of the materials used to assemble it. The weight, ease of cleaning, and overall usefulness of a set of cookware will all be affected by the cookware’s material. Cast iron, stainless steel, or aluminum are common materials for campfire cookware. Depending on your specific requirements, each has advantages and disadvantages.
Durability
Stoves and pots used over an open fire get abused. They must be able to take rough treatment, such as being jostled around on the back of a bike or burning up on a blazing hot bonfire. It’s not practical to always upgrade to a new, pricey kitchen set.
Make sure your cookware can withstand the strains of cooking over an open fire. They must be able to withstand any kind of mistreatment, from being thrown around in the trunk of a car to sitting on a burning hot campfire. A lightweight aluminum or stainless steel pot will do for campfire cooking in the short term, but it won’t hold up over the long haul.
Weight
The campfire cooking kit’s weight is a consideration depending on how you plan to use it. When carrying a heavy backpack, even a few extra pounds can be a burden. When carrying a heavy backpack, even a few extra pounds might be a burden.
If you just need to move your pots and pans from the RV to the fire, you won’t need to worry about that at all. So we included both “heavier” sets and lightweight sets in our list.
Capacity
When picking out a campfire cooking kit, the capacity is the next factor to think about. Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all set. Some cookware sets include large pieces because they are designed to prepare a lot of food at once. While some pieces of cookware in a set may be on the smaller side, there is a limit to how much food they can hold. When deciding on a cookware set, it’s important to take the number of servings into account.
Cleaning
Find cookware that can be easily cleaned. You want to make sure that your set doesn’t have any pieces that are particularly difficult to clean, like those with lots of tiny crevices. Although cast iron may be the simplest to clean because it can be wiped down, stainless steel is also very simple to maintain.
There is nothing more frustrating than having to spend twenty minutes at a campsite sink washing off burned-on food. You are already running a tight budget with your water and the last thing you want to do is waste it on dishes that could have easily taken a few seconds to wipe down.
Convenience
Ease of use and convenience should be next on your list of priorities. The comfort of using the various cooking implements is one example of this. The best campfire cooking kits will include pans and pots that are safe to use over an open flame and have ergonomic designs for easy handling. In addition, they are easily portable – they fold up into a small package for storage and can be unpacked just as quickly.
Inclusions
A campfire cooking kit is expected to have many more accessories than just cookware including utensils, cutlery, bags, and even cleaning supplies. These are incredibly useful and increase the overall worth of your cooking kit. Carefully consider the manufacturer you select because the quality of these add-ons varies widely.
Campfire Cooking Equipment Setup
Campfire cooking necessitates the use of pots, pans, utensils, silverware, fire starters and portable stoves. However, they are hardly the only items that really can make your time in front of the campfire stove that much more comfortable.
Including these items in your campfire cooking gear could make your time outdoors both more enjoyable and more convenient.
Campfire Cooking Pan
Cast-iron pans are the best option for campers who can only bring one item of cookware with them. These can be put right over flames, embers, or hot coal without suffering almost as much harm as you might expect.
They also heat up in an even manner and hold it for a longer period of time. Because of this, even after the heat source is turned off, our food will continue to be warm. In addition, pans made of cast iron offer a great deal of versatility, particularly those with a depth of at least two inches. These make it easy for you to prepare thick cuts of meat, stews, and even possibly some soups without much difficulty. However, you should be aware that pans made from cast iron are significantly heavier than other types of pans. They are also known to come with a hefty price tag.
Pans made from aluminum or stainless steel are also excellent options, and both are lighter and less expensive than other options.
Cooking Utensils, Plates and Cups
Cups, plates, utensils, bowls and more! Have these items be designed specifically for camping is a necessity for anyone going on a primitive camping trip. When we are by ourselves while camping or hiking, we are free to consume the meal we cooked directly from the pot or pan, however, when we are with other people, I know we all typically want to eat from our own plate with out own fork.
If you want to reduce the amount of room taken up in your backpack, opt for tableware that can be collapsed or folded up. Utilizing instruments that are both biodegradable and disposable is another good option. The paper plates and cups are more convenient for use with big parties because of their smaller weight and more compact size. Its also great that you pack gets lighter the more meals you go through. Just bear in mind that you need to bring at least one large trash bag with you in order to follow the golden rule of camping, avoid littering and maintain a clean environment.
It is imperative that you remember to pack the necessary equipment and silverware for cooking. The spatula is an absolute need when it comes to camping cooking utensils. You can fry, stir, flip, and serve any hot food all with one convenient tool.If you intend to make stews or soups, you should remember to carry ladles or spoons with you. A nice pair of tongs is an essential component of any campfire cooking gear, especially if you prefer to prepare your food on the grill.
Many campers opt to bring “sporks” rather than traditional cutlery in order to reduce the number of goods they need to bring with them. You also have the option of searching for eating utensils that fold up. Make sure that in addition to the spork, you also have a knife so that you may more easily cut up the meal.
Camp Stove
A camp stove is a necessity for easy cooking at a campsite, but there are several different ways that you can have one in your campfire cooking kit. You have the option of going the more conventional method and constructing your campfire grill using only rocks and tinder or coal. You might be able to get away without using a portable stove if you do this, because it is possible that a magnesium flint fire starter as well as some coal will be sufficient. However, if you are going camping in a wet or chilly place, where you may not have the ability to find dry enough wood for tinder, then it is in your benefit to pack a portable camp stove or a propane grill.
Camping Pot
The performance of a kettle is comparable to that of a camping pot or billycan, but a camping pot offers greater versatility. In addition to being able to prepare stews and soups, you can also heat a significant quantity of water in order to do the dishes.
Be sure to confirm that the material of the cooking pot can withstand being placed directly over flames before using it. Cooking pots made of stainless steel are rather prevalent in the camping world. If you enjoy cooking with cast-iron pans because of the excellent heat distribution they provide, you should look into Dutch ovens. These are, in essence, cast iron pans that have lids that have an exceptionally deep interior.
The mobility of cooking pots is probably going to be one of the more significant drawbacks of bringing them. When purchasing a sufficiently large pot for a gathering, you may find that it is difficult to handle due to its size. It is possible to use it as the container though, and use it to store other items related to cooking, however doing so may leave the pot overly heavy.
Collapsible Sink Bucket
When we go camping, it isn’t always possible for us to set up next to a water supply. When camping, having a sink that can be collapsed makes it much simpler to clean and wash dishes, and it also helps conserve some water. You can check out our top picks for collapsible buckets here.
Camp Kettles
You can bring water to a boil using your cooking pot, that much is true. However, having a camp kettle not only improves the overall experience but also enables us to simultaneously prepare hot beverages and soups. What we like about always having a dedicated camp kettle is that it brings the water to a boil so much faster too. We have a collapsible one that we love, but you can find out favorite camp kettles here.
Camp Coffee Pot
If you’re a die-hard fan of coffee, you may be interested in purchasing a coffee maker designed exclusively for use in camping as part of your collection of essential campfire kitchen items. Even though they are quite comparable to camping kettles, coffee pots often have a lesser capacity than camping kettles. Some coffee pots also have a French press that allows you to brew a cup of freshly roasted coffee even while you are out in the wilderness. Amazing.
Foldable Grill
I mean c’mon, a grill for the campfire that folds up is just a beautiful thing. There are two distinct applications for a campfire grill. You can cook your food on it by placing it right over the campfire flames, or you can use it as a rack to keep your pots and pans while you cook.
Stainless Steel Skewers
Having a set of traditional skewers made of stainless steel in your camp kitchen gear is essential if you intend to prepare food on a grill, whether it be meat, veggies, or fish. In contrast to wooden skewers that have been soaked in water, metal skewers can be reused and, if necessary, converted into a fire poker.
Grilling Basket
Despite the name, this grilling gadget does not resemble like a basket. Instead, it looks more like tongs and has specialized holders that can handle hot dogs and corn on the cob in a way that is both easy and convenient.
Aluminum Foil
They can be used as food warmers, to keep your meal hotter for a longer period of time, create a clean environment for cooking, and even wrapping food for left overs. Additionally, it comes in handy while cooking food on the grill.
Fire Poker
When traveling in cold/wet weather, this straightforward tool can prove to be a useful asset. It enables you to contribute to keeping your campfire going and to make any necessary adjustments to the flames. And when you are trying to get the fire just right so you can get your water to boil, this is a game-changer.
Types of Campfire Cooking Kits
Camping is all about being outside, and that means you should be equipped to cook some delicious meals. Whether you’re going camping for a night or planning an entire trip, it’s important to have the proper gear. We’ve rounded up our top picks for each type of camping kit below.
By Camping Style
For Backpacking
The best backpacking cooking set includes everything you need to make simple, hearty dishes while traveling long distances into remote areas. It should come as no surprise then that this collection features plenty of stove tops, burner rods, pots, and other essential pieces necessary to feed yourself while on the go. The trick with any good backpacker meal set is keeping things light and easy-to-carry. That starts with choosing your equipment carefully. You don’t want to add weight to your pack by carrying unnecessary extras like cast iron skillets or dutch ovens. Keep your options small and lightweight so they won’t weigh down your shoulders and hips when you start moving again. This also means avoiding bulky containers filled with freeze dried food and dehydrated dinners. Those are great ideas in theory but not practical for day-to-day use. Instead, focus on getting the most amount of nutrition you can from the foods you will carry with you. Prepackaged freeze dried food is heavy because of its packaging. If you are going ultralight, try eating more frequently instead of waiting until dinner time to eat. Also, keep snacks simple and avoid anything too messy or hard to prepare at home.
For Car Camping
Car camping refers to spending the night near one’s car. Most people do this during summer vacation when the kids are out of school. Car camping presents several advantages. First, you can stock up on gas before leaving town. Second, you’ll be close enough to run errands after dark. Finally, there’s nothing quite like sleeping under the stars except maybe for staying inside a heated tent. Of course, you can always bring along something to grill if you prefer. But why bother? There’s just as much flavor and variety in what Mother Nature has to offer. Plus, you’ll appreciate having a backyard barbecue every now and then.
For Hiking
If you plan on doing a lot of hiking, taking a lightweight camping set with you could save lots of trips to the trailhead later on. For example, say you want to hike the Appalachian Trail (AT) from Georgia to Maine. On average, hikers travel about 20 miles per day. Lets conservatively estimate that you’ll cover 10 miles a day, five days a week, for the next three months. At $20/gallon gas, that adds up to $1,200 spent on fuel alone. Not including food, tents, and other incidentals, you’re looking at another $1,800 gone the first thing you should consider bringing along is a lightweight camping set. Now, we know what you’re thinking – you’re already carrying a sleeping bag, pad, and tarp; how much extra weight am I talking about here? Well, let us walk you through your options.
By Cooking Style
Mess Kits
It’s ideal for campers who have access to all amenities and a sizable RV in which to store their kitchenware. This type of cooking set is so comprehensive because it includes not only cookware but also tableware and drinkware. The kits also include extras like a Dutch oven or grill grate. Therefore, you should think about doing so if you plan on traveling with a large group of friends. These kits are typically made for a single user. In terms of kitchenware, they typically have a few essentials: a pan, a pot, and a cup. This is the barest minimum required to prepare and enjoy a basic meal. These sets are easy-to-use, small, and inexpensive.
Cook Kits
These are geared more toward the cooking equipment, but they do offer a way to eat. A pot lid that doubles as a plate or a disposable plastic bowl are both examples of such items.
Eating Kits
Various kits focus solely on food. Rather than having pots and pans, they offer a wide selection of dishes and cutlery. These are brilliant for campers who already have cooking utensils or who plan to bring pre-made meals while traveling in large groups.
All-Inclusive Sets
A basic kit with a pot or pan and a few utensils might be all you need. Furthermore, these are a more cost-effective option than full kits and are practical if you don’t want to bring everything with you. It is the intention of these kits to provide you with everything you need to prepare and enjoy a full meal, plus some. Their large size and bulk make them more suited to car camping than backpacking.
How We Chose Our Campfire Cooking Kits
We started by searching for the best camping cooking kits on various e-commerce websites including Amazon, Cabela’s, REI, and others. During our search we noted a variety of factors to help us choose the top cooking sets. We looked at:
Material
We focused primarily on lightweight, durable materials such as aluminum or magnesium with some exceptions for items that were more specific to certain activities like hiking food kits. However, we did include a few items made from high-quality stainless steel which is known for its durability.
The quality of a cookware set can be judged in large part by the materials it’s put together with. How well it cooks, how easily it can be cleaned, how heavy it is, and many other factors are all affected by the material from which it is made.
Cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum are the most prevalent materials for campfire cookware. Depending on your specific requirements, each has advantages and disadvantages.
Capacity
Most people need somewhere between 1 and 2 quarts in their campsite kitchen area so we paid close attention to how many pots/bowls/plates each kit came with and if there was an option to buy additional accessories with reusable plastic utensils.
Value
For most people, a campground cooking kit isn’t cheap per se but when you consider all the money they’ve saved on dining out, airplane tickets, and gas during their stay, it can be well worth the cost. So we made sure to find campfire cooking kits that held up their value over time (and after many uses over a campfire).
How We Chose Our Top Picks
Camping pots, pans, and dish sets are widely available now, but most of them require some modifications for use over an open flame. We understand that this is not a fun response for someone whose ultimate goal is to purchase a single campfire cooking kit and be done with it. After much searching, we’ve settled on some products that really deliver the goods. We looked at material, weight, durability, capacity, ease of cleaning, convenience of use, and the included items to determine the best campfire cooking kit.
FAQ’s
What kind of pan can I use over a campfire?
If you have access to cast iron skillets, use them; otherwise, any double-layer pan, such as one made of aluminum or stainless steel, will do.
What equipment is necessary for campfire cooking?
You will need a grill grate, long metal utensils, grilling gloves, and the right cookware to get started. A meat thermometer, log grabber, skewers, and a kettle are some other useful items for campfire cooking.
How should I clean my campfire cooking kit?
All campfire cooking utensils and implements should be washed down with soap and water after each use. A cast-iron skillet needs to be used and seasoned before each use. The rust on the skillet will be slowed down if you do this.
Can regular cookware be used in a camp kitchen?
No, regular kitchen utensils cannot be used over an open fire because they aren’t designed for that. Using them will probably ruin them. You can either take the chance or buy a set of cookware meant for use over a campfire.
Is it safe to cook with aluminum pots and pans while camping?
Camping cookware made of aluminum is safe, yes. However, aluminum foil can cause food to stick, so it’s not the best choice for cooking.
How do I use my aluminum Dutch oven?
You need to preheat a Dutch oven made of aluminum before using it. Once it’s heated up, you can put in your food and let it cook as instructed.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous variables to think about when shopping for a campfire cooking set. Select the cookware set that is ideal for your needs, such as a complete cast iron set, which has all the things you need. Conveniently, dishes and cutlery are provided as well. Flavor is also preserved when using sturdy pots.
We’re confident that you’ll get a lot of use out of whichever campfire cooking kit you decide to purchase, and no matter where you travel too: RV Parks, RV Resorts, State Parks, or National Parks.
If you’re looking for a way to make your next backwoods adventure a little less primitive, check into one of these top campfire cooking kits. They have a good way of turning your average camping experience into a glamping experience!