17 Campfire Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Make (Easy & Delicious)

🔥 17 Campfire Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Make

There’s something magical about cooking over an open flame. The smell of wood smoke, the sizzle of foil packets, and the laughter of family gathered around a campfire all make meals taste better. These 17 recipes are handpicked for campers who want flavor without fuss. We’ve included foil packet favorites, Dutch oven winners, and cast iron classics that work at any skill level.

Each recipe below includes a short story, cooking tips, and suggested gear to make your experience even easier. Bonus: many of them use minimal ingredients and easy prep you can do at home!

🥔 Foil Pack Campfire Recipes

1. Sausage & Veggie Foil Packs

These hearty foil packs are a go-to in our family. They’re easy to prep at home, which makes campsite setup a breeze. Combine smoked sausage slices with chopped baby potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Add olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Wrap tightly in heavy-duty foil and place over medium coals for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.

Tip: If you like crispier potatoes, parboil them first. This is adapted from KOA’s recipe collection.

2. Campfire Nachos

We first tried these on a late summer trip in the Black Hills. Layer tortilla chips, canned black beans, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños in a foil tray. Cover with foil and cook over indirect heat or a grill grate for 10–15 minutes until melty. Top with sour cream and avocado.

Gear: Bring a reusable foil pan and long tongs. Great for groups!

3. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Packets

These foil packet shrimp are perfect for coastal campsites or elevated campfire meals. Toss peeled raw shrimp with garlic, butter, lemon juice, zest, parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Seal in foil and grill for 8–10 minutes over medium coals, flipping once, until the shrimp turn pink and juicy.

Serve hot with rice, crusty bread, or your favorite campsite sides for a no-fuss, flavor-packed dinner.

Inspired by the original Lemon Garlic Foil Packet Shrimp recipe by Julia at The Roasted Root.

🥘 Dutch Oven Camping Recipes

4. Dutch Oven Chili

This bold and satisfying Dutch oven chili uses tender pork shoulder, spicy sausage, and creamy cannellini beans for a rich, flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for cool nights around the fire. Cooked low and slow over campfire coals, it gets its depth from chili powder, cumin, oregano, and fresh herbs like cilantro and scallions.

It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but goes great with cornbread or a warm tortilla on the side.

Adapted from the original Serious Eats Dutch Oven Campfire Chili by J. Kenji López-Alt.

5. Cinnamon Roll Bake

This sweet and gooey breakfast bake is a campfire classic that smells so good it might wake the whole campground. Start with a can of Pillsbury Grands! Cinnamon Rolls, and layer them in a greased Dutch oven. Pour over 1/4 cup of heavy cream, sprinkle extra cinnamon if you like, and top it off with a few slices of pre-cooked bacon for a savory-sweet combo.

Cover with the lid and add hot coals to the top. Bake over medium heat, rotating the oven every 10 minutes. After 30–35 minutes, you’ll have golden, caramelized rolls with crispy edges and melty centers — perfect for sharing around the fire.

Inspired by the Bacon-Stuffed Cinnamon Buns recipe from The Kitchen Magpie.

6. Cowboy Breakfast Casserole

This hearty one-pot breakfast is perfect for fueling up before a long hike or day on the lake. Sizzle chopped bacon and sausage in your Dutch oven, then layer in thawed frozen potatoes with peppers and onions, a mix of eggs and half-and-half, shredded cheddar cheese, and a scoop of pico de gallo. Top with crushed tortilla chips for a little crunch.

Cover and cook over hot coals for 30–40 minutes, rotating the lid every 10 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden. Prep it the night before and you’ll be waking up to a hot, savory breakfast that hits the spot.

Inspired by the original Cowboy Breakfast Casserole from The Pioneer Woman.

🍳 Cast Iron & Skillet Camping Recipes

7. Cast Iron Skillet Pizza

We were shocked at how well this turns out. Use pre-made dough, press into your greased cast iron skillet, add sauce, mozzarella, and toppings. Cover with foil and cook over a grill grate or tripod. Rotate to avoid burning. Cook for 15–20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and crust is crisp.

CleverHiker's gear guide is a great resource if you're investing in cast iron or camp stoves.

8. Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs

Marinate bone-in thighs in BBQ sauce, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar. Grill over medium-high heat, turning frequently and basting with more sauce. Cook until internal temp hits 165°F (~25 minutes). Charred edges = flavor.

9. Black Bean Quesadillas

Quick and filling. Spread mashed black beans on one tortilla, sprinkle cheese and green chiles, then top with another tortilla. Grill on each side until golden. Slice and dip into salsa or sour cream.

10. Campfire Burgers

Form patties at home with seasoning and freeze. Grill from frozen or fresh over flame, 4–5 minutes per side. Add cheese in the last minute. Toast buns over coals for bonus flavor.

🍫 Easy Campfire Desserts

11. S’mores Cones

A kid-favorite twist on s’mores. Fill waffle cones with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers. Wrap in foil and heat for 5–7 minutes over coals until gooey. Less mess, same flavor!

12. Apple Pie Packets

Core and slice apples, toss with cinnamon, sugar, and oats. Place in foil, add a pat of butter, and seal. Cook 15–20 minutes over coals. Tastes like a warm pie!

13. Campfire Banana Boats

Split a banana lengthwise, stuff with marshmallows and chocolate chips, wrap in foil, and grill for 8–10 minutes. A fun dessert for kids to make themselves.

14. Dutch Oven Berry Cobbler

Mix fresh berries with sugar and a squeeze of lemon. Top with biscuit mix and bake covered over medium heat for 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

15. Chocolate Skillet Brownies

Use a boxed brownie mix or your own. Mix in camp or prep at home. Bake over low heat for 25–30 minutes. Top with toasted marshmallows or nuts if desired.

🧁 Bonus Camping Food Ideas

16. Walking Tacos

Kids love these. Take a small bag of Fritos or Doritos, open the top, and layer in taco meat, cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and salsa. Eat with a fork—no dishes!

17. Breakfast Burrito Wraps

Pre-scramble eggs, bacon or sausage, cheese, and veggies. Wrap in a tortilla, then in foil. Warm over coals for 10 minutes. Great grab-and-go breakfast.

📌 Final Camp Cooking Tips

• Always cook meat to safe temps — see USDA’s guidelines.
• Pre-chop and portion ingredients at home.
• Use heavy-duty foil and fire-safe gloves.
• Store cold items in a cooler with ice blocks.