24+Delicious Outdoor Campfire Recipes for Your Next Adventure

Let’s be real. Your campfire food is a tragedy.

It’s probably that same sad, charred hot dog and a can of beans eaten directly from the can. The meal that’s more about survival than enjoyment, tasting like ash and disappointment.

You’re out here trying to have a legendary adventure, to make memories around a crackling fire, but you keep ending up with the same bland, burnt results.

Your time is too valuable for mediocre meals. Your palate deserves a promotion. You deserve ridiculously delicious campfire food, packed with flavor, and so good it becomes the best part of the trip.

This isn’t just a list of recipes. This is a culinary intervention. This is the official glow-up for your entire camping menu, and the hero of this story is a little bit of prep and a roaring fire.

This is the knowledge that separates the people who just eat at a campsite from the legends who feast there. This is your masterclass in Campfire Recipes that actually taste good.

So if you’re ready to leave the sad, burnt hot dogs in the past and enter your flavor era, keep scrolling.

The season of sad campfire meals is officially canceled.

The Unspoken Laws of Campfire Cooking

Before you even light a match, you need the secrets. These are the non-negotiable rules that separate a next-level campfire meal from a plate of mediocrity.

Master these, and you’re already ahead of 99% of people. No cap.

1. You Cook on Coals, Not Flames.
This is the number one rule. A raging fire is for warmth and stories. A bed of hot, glowing coals is for cooking. Cooking directly over flames is a one-way ticket to food that’s raw on the inside and black on the outside. Patience is a virtue. Let the fire burn down.

2. Prep at Home, Party at Camp.
Don’t try to chop an onion on a wobbly log in the dark. The pro move is to do all your prep at home. Chop your veggies, marinate your meats, and mix your pancake batter before you even leave the house. Pack everything in sealed bags or containers. This is the ultimate stress-saver.

3. Cast Iron Is Your Best Friend.
A good cast-iron skillet is the undisputed king of campfire cooking. It holds heat evenly, can go directly on the coals or a grate, and gives you a perfect sear. It’s durable, versatile, and non-negotiable for any serious campfire chef.

4. The Foil Packet Is Your Secret Weapon.
For easy, no-mess meals, the heavy-duty foil packet is a game-changer. It traps steam and flavor, cooking your food perfectly with almost zero cleanup. It’s the ultimate campfire hack.

The Lineup That Will Revolutionize Your Adventure

Alright, you’ve got the laws. You’re in the know. Now for the 25 Campfire Recipes that will make you a certified outdoor legend. This is the playbook.

The Breakfasts That Hit Different

1. Campfire Breakfast Burritos

The ultimate grab-and-go breakfast. Make them ahead, wrap them in foil, and just toss them on the coals to heat up.

Ingredients:

• 8 large flour tortillas
• 8 large eggs, scrambled
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (with microbial/vegetable rennet)
• 1 cup cooked hash browns or diced potatoes
• Salsa for serving

Instructions:

1. At Home: Cook the scrambled eggs, sausage, and potatoes. Let them cool.
2. Lay out the tortillas. Layer the eggs, sausage, potatoes, and cheese in the center of each.
3. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly into burritos. Wrap each burrito securely in heavy-duty foil. Store in a cooler.
4. At Camp: Place the foil-wrapped burritos on the outer edge of the hot coals for 10-15 minutes, turning a few times, until heated through.

2. Lumberjack Breakfast Skillet

A hearty, one-pan breakfast that will fuel you for a full day of adventure.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb diced potatoes or frozen hash browns
• 1 lb ground beef or turkey sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (with microbial/vegetable rennet)
• 2 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Place a cast-iron skillet over hot coals. Add oil, then add the potatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to get crispy (about 15-20 minutes).
2. Add the sausage, onion, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the sausage is browned and the veggies are soft.
3. Make six small wells in the potato mixture. Crack an egg into each well.
4. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the egg whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
5. Sprinkle with cheese, cover for another minute to melt, and serve directly from the skillet.

3. Campfire French Toast Sticks

A fun, dippable breakfast that’s easy to cook on a griddle over the fire.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of thick-cut bread (like Texas toast), cut into sticks
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (alcohol-free)
• Butter for the griddle
• Maple syrup for dipping

Instructions:

1. At Home: In a sealed container, whisk together the eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
2. At Camp: Heat a buttered cast-iron griddle or skillet over the coals.
3. Dip the breadsticks into the egg mixture, coating them on all sides.
4. Place the sticks on the hot griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with warm maple syrup.

The Foil Packet Meals That Slap

4. Cheesy Beef and Potato Hobo Packets

The quintessential campfire meal. It’s a complete, hearty dinner in one convenient packet.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef, formed into 4 thin patties
• 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 slices of provolone cheese (with microbial/vegetable rennet)
• Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty foil.
2. In the center of each sheet, layer the sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season.
3. Place a raw beef patty on top of the vegetables. Season the patty and drizzle with Worcestershire sauce.
4. Fold the foil into a tightly sealed packet.
5. Place the packets directly on hot coals and cook for 20-30 minutes, flipping once, until the potatoes are tender and the beef is cooked through.
6. Carefully open the packets, top each patty with a slice of cheese, and loosely close for another minute to melt.

5. Lemon Herb Chicken and Potato Packets

A healthy, fresh, and flavorful meal with zero cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
• 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and chopped
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp dried oregano, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl (preferably at home), toss the chicken, potatoes, and asparagus with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Divide the mixture among four large sheets of heavy-duty foil.
3. Top each portion with a few lemon slices.
4. Seal the packets tightly. Place on hot coals or a grill grate and cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender.

6. Campfire Nachos

Yes, you can make epic, cheesy nachos over a fire. This is a game-changer.

Ingredients:

• 1 large bag of tortilla chips
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (with microbial/vegetable rennet)
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• Toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole

Instructions:

1. Create a “boat” or a large, shallow dish out of a double layer of heavy-duty foil.
2. Spread half of the tortilla chips in the foil boat. Top with half of the beans, corn, and cheese.
3. Repeat with another layer of chips, beans, corn, and cheese. Top with the sliced jalapeños.
4. Place on a grill grate over the coals (not directly on them) and cover with another piece of foil. Cook for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings.

7. BBQ Chicken and Veggie Packets

Sweet, savory, and smoky. A complete BBQ dinner in a tidy little package.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in BBQ sauce.
2. Divide the mixture among four foil packets.
3. Seal tightly and cook on the coals for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

The Skillet & Grate Dinners

8. The Perfect Campfire Smash Burge

Way better than a thick, dry burger. These are thin, crispy, and ridiculously juicy.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
• American cheese slices (with microbial/vegetable rennet)
• Thinly sliced onions
• Burger buns, buttered
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Loosely form the ground beef into 4-6 balls. Do not pack them tightly.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet over hot coals until it’s very hot. Place the buttered buns face down to toast, then remove.
3. Place a ball of beef in the hot skillet. Immediately place a piece of parchment paper on top and use a sturdy metal spatula to smash it down into a thin patty.
4. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges are brown and crispy.
5. Scrape and flip the patty. Top with a slice of cheese and cook for another minute until melted. Serve immediately on toasted buns.

9. Campfire Pizza

The smoky flavor from the fire makes this better than any delivery pizza.

Ingredients:

• 1 tube of refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (with microbial/vegetable rennet)
• Your favorite toppings: mini beef pepperoni, sliced mushrooms, olives, etc.

Instructions:

1. Lightly oil a large cast-iron skillet and place it on a grate over hot coals to heat up.
2. Carefully stretch the pizza dough and press it into the bottom of the hot skillet.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and firm.
4. Flip the crust over. Quickly spread the sauce, cheese, and toppings on the cooked side.
5. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

10. Grilled Steak and Veggie Skewers

A classic for a reason. Hearty, flavorful, and fun to eat right off the stick.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• 1 zucchini, cut into thick rounds
• 1 bell pepper, cut into chunks
• Marinade: 1/3 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp black pepper.

Instructions:

1. At Home: Marinate the steak cubes for at least 2 hours.
2. At Camp: Thread the marinated steak and the vegetable chunks alternately onto skewers.
3. Place the skewers on a grill grate over hot coals. Grill for 8-12 minutes, turning every few minutes, for medium-rare.

11. Chicken Quesadillas

Cheesy, crispy, and incredibly easy. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• Large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie is perfect)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (with microbial/vegetable rennet)
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles

Instructions:

1. Place a lightly oiled cast-iron skillet on a grate over the coals.
2. Place a tortilla in the hot skillet. On one half, layer cheese, shredded chicken, and green chiles.
3. Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is completely melted.

12. Campfire Chili

A big pot of hearty chili simmering over the fire is the definition of a perfect camping evening.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cans (15 oz) kidney or pinto beans, rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin

Instructions:

1. In a large Dutch oven over the fire, brown the ground beef and onion.
2. Stir in all the other ingredients.
3. Bring to a simmer, then move the pot to the edge of the fire where the heat is lower. Let it simmer for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve with shredded cheese and corn chips.

The Snacks, Sides & Apps

13. Campfire Queso Dip

A skillet of molten, spicy cheese dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb block of pasteurized cheese product, cubed (like Velveeta)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles, undrained
• 1/2 lb ground beef or turkey sausage, cooked and crumbled

Instructions:

1. Place a cast-iron skillet on a grate over low-to-medium coals.
2. Add all the ingredients to the skillet.
3. Stir frequently until the cheese is completely melted and the dip is smooth and hot.
4. Serve directly from the skillet with tortilla chips.

14. Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread

Also known as “campfire crack bread.” It’s buttery, cheesy, garlicky, and completely addictive.

Ingredients:

• 1 large, round loaf of crusty bread (sourdough is great)
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (with microbial/vegetable rennet)
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Instructions:

1. Do not cut all the way through the bread. Cut the loaf into a 1-inch grid pattern, leaving the bottom crust intact.
2. Mix the melted butter and garlic. Drizzle it into all the cracks and crevices of the bread.
3. Stuff the shredded cheese into all the cracks.
4. Wrap the entire loaf in a double layer of heavy-duty foil.
5. Place on the coals for 15-20 minutes, turning once, until the cheese is melted and the bread is hot. Unwrap and sprinkle with parsley.

15. Loaded Campfire Potatoes

Like a loaded baked potato, but better, because it’s cooked in a skillet over the fire.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby potatoes, quartered
• 4 strips beef or turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (with microbial/vegetable rennet)
• Green onions, chopped
• Sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Toss the potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them in a cast-iron skillet.
2. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and place it over the coals. Cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and crispy.
3. Uncover, top with the shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Cover again for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
4. Serve topped with green onions and a dollop of sour cream.

16. Campfire “Baked” Sweet Potatoes

The easiest side dish ever. The coals steam the potatoes perfectly inside their foil jackets.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes
• Butter
• Brown sugar and cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Scrub the sweet potatoes and pat them dry. Pierce them several times with a fork.
2. Wrap each potato tightly in a double layer of heavy-duty foil.
3. Place the wrapped potatoes directly in a bed of hot coals.
4. Cook for 45-60 minutes, turning them every 15 minutes, until they are completely soft when squeezed (use tongs!).
5. Carefully unwrap, split open, and top with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

The Desserts You’ll Dream About

17. The Perfect S’more

It’s not camping without s’mores. But there’s a right way to do it.

Ingredients:

• Large marshmallows (check for beef/fish gelatin or use plant-based)
• Graham crackers
• High-quality chocolate bars (not waxy candy)

Instructions:

1. This is about technique. Don’t shove the marshmallow into the flame.
2. Hold the marshmallow on a long stick near the hot coals, not in the fire.
3. Rotate it slowly and patiently until it’s evenly golden brown and puffed up. The inside will be perfectly melted and gooey.
4. Place the toasted marshmallow on a piece of chocolate between two graham cracker squares and gently press.

18. Campfire Banana Boats

A warm, gooey, and customizable dessert that’s secretly pretty healthy.

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas
• Toppings: mini chocolate chips, mini marshmallows (suitable gelatin), chopped nuts, caramel sauce

Instructions:

1. Take a banana, still in its peel, and slice it lengthwise down the middle, but don’t cut all the way through the bottom peel.
2. Gently open the slit and stuff it with your favorite toppings like chocolate chips and marshmallows.
3. Wrap the entire banana in foil.
4. Place it on the coals for 5-10 minutes, until the chocolate is melted and the banana is soft. Eat it right out of the peel with a spoon.

19. Apple Crumble Foil Packets

All the flavor of a warm apple crumble, but made with zero fuss in a foil packet.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, cored and chopped
• Topping: 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 3 tbsp cold butter (cubed).
• Caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions:

1. At Home: Mix all the topping ingredients with your fingers until a crumbly mixture forms. Store in a sealed bag.
2. At Camp: Divide the chopped apples among two foil sheets. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
3. Seal the packets and place them on the coals for 15-20 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden. Drizzle with caramel sauce.

20. Cast-Iron Skillet Cookie

A giant, warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie baked over the fire. This is a show-stopper.

Ingredients:

• 1 tube of store-bought refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
• Vanilla ice cream (if you have a good cooler!)

Instructions:

1. Grease a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with butter.
2. Press the entire tube of cookie dough into the bottom of the skillet in an even layer.
3. Place the skillet on a grate over medium-hot coals. Cover with a lid or foil.
4. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey.
5. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve scoops directly from the skillet, topped with ice cream if you have it.

21. “Brownie in an Orange”

A classic, magical camping trick where an orange peel becomes a tiny, single-serving oven.

Ingredients:

• 4 large oranges
• 1 box of brownie mix, prepared according to package directions

Instructions:

1. Slice the top 1/3 off each orange. Carefully scoop out the fruit from the inside, leaving the hollow peel intact. (You can eat the fruit!)
2. Fill each hollow orange peel about 2/3 of the way with the prepared brownie batter.
3. Place the orange “lid” back on top.
4. Wrap each orange tightly in a double layer of heavy-duty foil.
5. Place the foil balls directly into the hot coals. Cook for 25-30 minutes, turning once. The brownie inside will steam-bake to perfection and be infused with a hint of orange.

22. Campfire Cones

A less-messy version of s’mores that’s infinitely customizable.

Ingredients:

• Waffle cones
• Fillings: mini marshmallows (suitable gelatin), chocolate chips, sliced strawberries, banana slices, chopped nuts

Instructions:

1. Fill each waffle cone with a mix of your favorite fillings.
2. Wrap each cone tightly in foil.
3. Use tongs to place the cones on the coals for 5-7 minutes, until everything inside is melted and gooey.

23. Cinnamon Roll-Ups on a Stick

A warm, gooey cinnamon roll cooked right over the fire.

Ingredients:

• 1 can of refrigerated crescent roll dough
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar (sugar mixed with cinnamon)

Instructions:

1. Unroll the crescent dough and separate the triangles. Press the seams together to form a rectangle.
2. Brush the dough with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
3. Cut the dough into long, thin strips.
4. Wrap one strip of dough around the end of a long stick or skewer in a spiral pattern.
5. Toast the dough over the hot coals, turning slowly, until it’s golden brown and cooked through (about 5-10 minutes).

24. Campfire Strawberries

Grilling strawberries brings out their sweetness and makes for a simple, elegant dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Instructions:

1. Gently toss the strawberries with the sugar and balsamic vinegar.
2. Thread the strawberries onto skewers.
3. Grill for 1-2 minutes per side, just until they get a light char and start to soften.
4. Serve on their own or with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream.

25. Campfire Popcorn

The perfect end-of-night snack to enjoy while telling stories around the fire.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup popcorn kernels
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• Salt and melted butter

Instructions:

1. You can use a special campfire popcorn popper or make your own heavy-duty foil packet.
2. If using a packet, place the kernels and oil in the center of a large piece of foil. Seal it into a large, puffy packet with plenty of room for the popcorn to expand.
3. Use long-handled tongs to hold the packet over the hot coals, shaking it constantly.
4. Once the popping slows down, carefully remove it from the fire. Open the packet away from your face to avoid steam. Drizzle with melted butter and salt.

The Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know

You have the recipes. But the legends know it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. This is the intel that separates the good from the unforgettable.

Why Your Campfire Food Burns
Let’s be real. It’s a tragedy. You put your food directly over the bright, licking flames. Fire is for creating coals; coals are for creating heat. The secret is patience. Wait for the wood to burn down to a bed of glowing red embers. That consistent, radiant heat is what cooks your food perfectly instead of just incinerating it.

The Ultimate Prep Hack You’re Missing
Don’t just chop your veggies at home. For marinades, mix them in a freezer-safe plastic bag with your meat. At camp, all you have to do is open the bag and skewer the meat. For pancakes or eggs, pre-mix them and store them in a clean, empty water bottle. Just shake and pour. It saves space, time, and dishes.

The “Leave No Trace” Cleanup Secret
The ultimate host move at a campsite is an easy cleanup. The secret is heavy-duty foil. Before you cook anything in your skillet or Dutch oven (like chili or queso), consider lining it with foil. When you’re done, you can just lift the foil out, and your pot is almost clean.

The Truth About S’mores
The secret to a legendary s’more isn’t just a perfectly toasted marshmallow; it’s the chocolate. Instead of a basic chocolate bar, use a peanut butter cup, a piece of a caramel-filled chocolate bar, or a few chocolate-covered caramels. It melts better and creates a far more decadent and unforgettable dessert.

Conclusion: You Are Now a Campfire Cooking Legend

There it is. The complete playbook.

You are no longer the person bringing a sad bag of chips to the campsite. You are now equipped with an entire menu of legit, delicious, and impressive campfire recipes for any adventure.

You understand the laws. You have the lineup. You know the secrets that 99% of people miss.

Go forth and conquer your campfire. You’ve earned it.