One of the best things about camping is cooking over an open fire.
As there is just something about open fire cooking that brings you back to a simpler time when life felt more authentic and satisfying.
However, if you’re going to cook over an open fire, not just any cookware will do, because of the harsh conditions and extreme heat of a campfire.
Because of this, we have chosen some of the best camping cookware for open fire and campfire cooking.
What is the Best Camping Cookware for Open Fire?
In order to accommodate different outdoor cooking situations, we’ve organized our list of the best open fire and campfire cookware by material.
Separating the cookware into the four most popular materials used for camping cookware, which include cast iron, stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium.
Providing the best cookware options for each type.
(To jump directly to a specific type of camping cookware, click the links below.)
Best Cast Iron Cookware for Open Fire
There is perhaps no better metal than cast iron when open fire cooking.
As the heavy thick nature of cast iron makes it a perfect conductor of heat and provides even heat distribution.
Cast iron can also be a healthier option to cook with compared to modern non-stick pans that can contain PFCs or Perfluorocarbons, which can be toxic.
As cast iron cookware typically uses natural seasoning, such as vegetable oil for its non-stick properties.
One major drawback of cast iron cookware though is its heavy weight, as cast iron weighs substantially more than the other popular metals used for cookware.
Making cast iron cookware less than ideal if portability or weight is a concern.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
- Price: $13 – $50 (Depending on Size)
- Available Sizes: 3.5″, 6.5″, 8″,9″, 10.25″, 12″, 13.25″,15″
- Material: Cast-Iron
- Ideal For: Searing, Sautéing, Baking, Broiling, Braising, Frying, Grilling
- Why It’s Great: Top Quality Cast Iron, Pre-Seasoned, Can Be Used On All Cooking Surfaces
An essential piece of camping cookware for anyone cooking over an open flame is a quality cast iron skillet.
As a cast-iron skillet can accommodate pretty much any style of cooking over an open fire, including searing, sautéing, baking, broiling, braising, frying, or grilling.
Allowing you to cook a wide variety of foods, including everything from steak and vegetables to eggs and pancakes.
And without a doubt one of the best and most popular cast iron skillets is the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, which is available in a variety of sizes and is pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil.
Lodge Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven
- Price: $70 – $100 (Depending on Size)
- Available Sizes: 2QT, 4QT, 5QT, 6QT, 8QT, 10QT
- Material: Cast-Iron
- Ideal For: Baking, Roasting, Simmering
- Why It’s Great: Top Quality Cast Iron, Seasoned Cast Iron, Made in the USA
Another great option for cooking over an open fire is a quality cast iron Dutch oven.
Which are perfect for baking, roasting, and simmering a variety of foods, including everything from casseroles and stews to pies and bread.
And when it comes to cast-iron Dutch ovens, it doesn’t get much better than the Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven, which is available in a variety of sizes and is pre-seasoned with all-natural cooking oils and never synthetic chemicals.
This Lodge cast iron dutch oven is also one of the most versatile Dutch ovens on the market.
As it can be used as a griddle as well, thanks to its unique flanged lid that can be used to either hold hot coals or flipped over to function as a small griddle.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle
- Price: $35
- Size: 16.75″ x 9.5″
- Material: Cast-Iron
- Ideal For: Frying, Grilling, Searing, Baking, Broiling, Braising
- Why It’s Great: Top Quality Cast Iron, Pre-Seasoned, Dual Handles for Better Control
If you’re looking for a quality and versatile piece of cast iron cookware that can be used for a variety of cooking methods, then the Lodge Reversible Grill/Griddle is a great option.
This reversible grill/griddle measures 16.75″ x 9.5″ and is made from high-quality cast iron that is pre-seasoned with all-natural vegetable oil.
In addition, the Lodge reversible grill/griddle also features dual handles that makes it much easier to control when cooking over an open flame or campfire.
Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker
- Price: $50 – $60 (Depending on Size)
- Available Sizes: 10.25″, 3QT, 5QT
- Material: Cast-Iron
- Ideal For: Searing, Sautéing, Baking, Broiling, Braising, Frying, Grilling, Roasting, Simmering
- Why It’s Great: Top Quality Cast Iron, Seasoned Cast Iron, Assist Handle for Better Control, Made in the USA
If you’re looking for a piece of cast iron cookware that is both versatile and durable for cooking over an open fire, one of the best options on the market today is the Lodge Cast Iron Combo Cooker.
As this top-of-line cast iron pan can pretty much cook it all, thanks to its unique combo cooker design.
That can be combined or separated to accommodate just about any style of cooking, including searing, sautéing, baking, broiling, braising, frying, grilling, roasting, and simmering.
And like all Lodge cast iron cookware, this combo cooker is pre-seasoned with 100% natural seasoning for a durable chemical-free non stick coating.
To see even more quality cast iron cookware great for outdoor cooking, check out our article “Best Cast Iron Outdoor Cookware Every Camper Needs“.
Best Stainless Steel Cookware for Campfires
While cast iron is perhaps one of the best types of cookware for open fire cooking, as mentioned above, there are drawbacks to cast iron, most notable of which is its heavy weight and bulky size.
Because of this, there are several other popular cookware options you can use when cooking over an open fire that is much lighter and less bulky compared to cast iron.
And one of those options is stainless steel cookware, which is durable, non-stick, and safe to use over open flames.
Wealers Stainless Steel Camping Cookware Set
- Price: $75
- Number of Pieces: 4 Piece Set
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Ideal For: Baking, Roasting, Simmering
- Why It’s Great: Durable Stainless Steel, Complete Set of Pots, Nesting Storage Design with Carrying Tote
Wealers Stainless Steel Camping Cookware Set is a rugged, all-in-one cookware set perfect for all your outdoor cooking needs.
As the stainless steel body on these pots are capable of handeling extreme weather and climates.
In addition, all the pots feature an oversized slotted handle that make them easy to hang on a cooking tripod or crane, for easy over the fire cooking.
And the stainless steel cleans easily for quick and effortless cleanup once the meal is over.
MSR Alpine Stainless Steel Stowaway Camping Pot
- Price: $20 – $30 (Depending on the Size)
- Available Sizes: 475mL, 750mL, 1.1L, 1.6L
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Ideal For: Poaching, Simmering, Boiling, Stewing
- Why It’s Great: Lightweight, Quality Stainless Steel, Versatile Design Doubles as Storage Container
While there is perhaps no better cookware for cooking over an open fire than cast iron, because of its large size and heavyweight it’s not always the best option for every camper.
So if you’re looking for a lighter and more compact cooking option for cooking over an open fire, we really like the MSR Alpine Stainless Steel Stowaway Camping Pot that comes in a variety of sizes, including 475mL, 750mL, 1.1L, and 1.6L.
This pot is made with stainless steel providing a durable and long-lasting cooking surface that can stand up to the rigors and extreme heat of campfire cooking.
In addition, this stainless steel pot by MSR is also very easy to care for and keep clean around the campsite.
And packs away easily, thanks to the hinged foldable handle that locks the lid in place while stored.
Stanley Adventure Stainless Steel Fry Pan Camp Cook Set
- Price: $35
- Number of Pieces: 9 Piece Set (Frying Pan Size 7.25 Inch)
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Ideal For: Poaching, Simmering, Boiling, Stewing, Searing, Sautéing, Frying, or Grilling
- Why It’s Great: Lightweight, BPA-Free 18/8 Stainless Steel, Provides Everything You Need for a Simple Meal, Lifetime Warranty
Stanley is one of the most respected and sought-after brands in outdoor camping cookware.
As they have been turning out quality well built food and drinkware since their founding in 1913.
Making them one of the oldest outdoor brands in existence today.
And this 9-piece Stanley Adventure Stainless Steel Fry Pan Cook Set designed for two is a perfect example of their commitment to quality well made cookware.
As this stainless steel skillet is made from BPA-free 18/8 stainless steel ensuring that the camping pot never rusts or breaks.
In addition, the lockable handle on this frying pan also allows you to store everything conveniently inside, thanks to its nesting design, saving you valuable packing space.
And perhaps best of all, this cookset comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know you can always count on it.
Best Aluminium Camping Cookware for Open Fire
Another type of cookware great for open fire cooking is aluminum cookware, thanks to its rugged durability and lightweight characteristics.
Which makes it a perfect choice for backpackers and hikers that need a compact lightweight option.
Plus, as an added bonus, aluminum is also very easy to clean and will never rust.
Redcamp Anodized Aluminum Camping Cookware Mess Kit
- Price: $20
- Number of Pieces: 11 Piece Set (Frying Pan Size 5.7″, Post Size 5.3″)
- Material: Aluminum
- Ideal For: Poaching, Simmering, Boiling, Stewing, Searing, Sautéing, Frying, or Grilling
- Why It’s Great: Weighs Less than 1 Pound, Made From High-Quality Anodized Aluminum
This Redcamp Camping Cookware Mess Kit is perfect for your next outdoor excursion.
Made of high-quality anodized aluminum, this mess kit is lightweight and easy to transport, weighing less than one pound.
The 11-piece set includes a frying pan, pot, pot cover, two bowls, one soup spoon, tool card, ladle, stainless steel folding spoon, loofah, and an Oxford storage bag.
Ensuring that this mess kit includes everything you need to prepare basic and simple meals while backpacking or camping in the backcountry.
In addition, this versatile mess kit from Redcamp also comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Yodo Anodized Aluminum Camping Cookware Set
- Price: $40
- Material: Aluminum
- Ideal For: Frying, Searing, Sautéing, Poaching, Simmering, Boiling, Stewing
- Why It’s Great: Lightweight, Cooking Set Allows You to Cook for Larger Group
Thanks to the various pot and pan sizes in the Yodo Anodized Aluminum Camping Cookware Set, this lightweight cookware offers a lot of versatility when cooking around the campfire.
The cookware set also features a nesting design with fold-away handles for easy storage and offers an assortment of cooking accessories.
Making it easy to prepare just about any meal while at the campsite.
In addition, this cooking set is made from anodized aluminum, which provides a much lighter option compared to cast iron, making it a good solution if portability is a concern.
As a word of caution though, while this product claims to be non-stick, many customers have complained that after using the cookware they had stuck on food at the bottom of the pan.
So if you discover this to be an issue, using an ample amount of cooking oil while cooking should solve this problem.
All-Clad Hard-Anodized Fry Pan Cookware Set
- Price: $70
- Number of Pieces: 2 Piece Set (Fry Pan Sizes 8″ & 10″)
- Material: Aluminum
- Ideal For: Poaching, Simmering, Boiling, Stewing, Searing, Sautéing, Frying, or Grilling
- Why It’s Great: Made From Top Quality Heavy-Gauge Hard Anodized Aluminum, 3 Layers of PFOA-Free Nonstick, Large Stainless Steel Handles
If size and weight are not a major concern and you’re looking for high-quality frying pans, you should definitely check out the All-Clad Hard-Anodized Fry Pan Cookware Set.
As this cookware set from All-Clad offers two full-size frying pans that can accommodate much more food, allowing you to cook much larger meals, while camping.
And because these frying pans are made from heavy-gauge hard-anodized aluminum, they also provide much more evening heating compared to thinner aluminum cookware.
In addition, these frying pans also offer three layers of PFOA-free nonstick, for long-lasting easy release while cooking.
Best Titanium Camping Cookware for Campfires
The final type of cookware that’s great for open fires and campfires is titanium cookware, which is one of the best lightweight options out there.
As titanium is 45% lighter than steel, and is stronger than aluminum, plus it’s corrosion-resistant and inhibits bacterial growth.
Making titanium cookware the perfect companion for anyone looking for ultra-lightweight and durable cookware.
However, the one downside of titanium cookware is that tends to be much more expensive compared to other types of cookware, such as cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Because of this, titanium cookware is typically only used by the most extreme of outdoor adventures, such as mountaineers or thru-hikers, that are willing to spend the extra money to buy the ultimate lightweight cookware.
Keith Titanium Pot and Pan Cook Set
- Price: $60
- Number of Pieces: 3 Piece Set
- Material: Titanium
- Ideal For: Poaching, Simmering, Boiling, Stewing, Searing, Sautéing, Frying, or Grilling
- Why It’s Great: Made from Premium Pure Titanium Grade 1, Offers Lifetime Warranty to Original Owner, Dishwash Safe
Keith Titanium Pot and Pan Cook Set are made of premium pure titanium grade 1 without any linings or coatings.
Which makes this titanium cookware tasteless, odorless, and dishwasher safe.
The handles on these pots and pans are also insulated with silicone tubes, which makes them much safer to handle around heat sources and campfires.
And as added bonus, this cookware set comes with a custom-made mesh storage sack, which makes storage and transport simple and easy.
Wild Peak Titanium Lightweight Pot and Pan Mess Kit
- Price: $55
- Number of Pieces: 3 Piece Set
- Material: Titanium
- Ideal For: Poaching, Simmering, Boiling, Stewing, Searing, Sautéing, Frying, or Grilling
- Why It’s Great: Made from Premium Titanium, Compact Nesting Storage,
Wild Peak Titanium’s Lightweight Pot and Pan Mess Kit offers ultralight titanium construction for both strength and multifunctionality.
This kit includes a 27 ounce pot, a 40.5 ounce pot, and a 13.5 ounce frying pan that allows for a lot of versatility and cooking options despite its smaller size.
In addition, the pots and pan in this mess kit nest together to form a double boiler, which allows you to heat food or boil water faster, saving both time and fuel.
And thanks to the mess kit’s nesting design and included nylon mesh storage bag, storage and transport are a breeze.
Other Essentials Needed For Cooking Over an Open Fire
Texsport Heavy Duty Over Fire Camp Grill
- Price: $25 – $50 (Depending on Size)
- Material: Alloy Steel
- Why It’s Great: Made From Heavy Duty Welded Steel, Legs Fold Up for Easy Storage
If you’re going to be cooking over an open flame a lot, then you need some sort of grate or stand to place your pots and pans on.
We really like the Texsport Heavy Duty Camp Grill, which is made from heavy-duty welded steel and is available in different sizes to meet various campfire cooking needs.
Also, thanks to its angle iron design and heavy-duty steel mesh top, it can hold the heaviest of pots and pans with ease, including cast iron.
And as an added bonus the steel legs also fold up, making moving and storing the camp grill an easy endeavor.
Stansport Heavy-Duty Steel Cooking Tripod
- Price: $30
- Material: Cast Iron
- Why It’s Great: Heavy Duty Steel Construction, Sturdy Three Leg Design for Stability
A must-have if you plan on doing a lot of cooking over a campfire is a cooking tripod.
As cooking tripods allow you to hang Dutch ovens, coffee pots, as well as teapots at just the right distance from the fire, giving you greater control over the heat while cooking over an open fire.
And one of the best cooking tripods on the market today is the Stansport Heavy-Duty Steel Cooking Tripod, thanks to its sturdy three-leg design and solid heavy-duty steel construction.
Which when paired with its robust nickel-plated chain and large “S” hook allows you to cook with confidence no matter what you’re cooking.
What Kind Of Cookware Can You Use on an Open Fire?
Camping cookware comes in variety of sizes and materials to accomidate different cooking situations and styles.
For example, a camper that is backpacking might choose a smaller and lighter option compared to someone that is car camping, because size and weight are a bigger issue for them.
When campfire cooking or cooking over an open flame, the cookware must be able to withstand extreme heat, made from quality materials, and built with solid construction.
The best camping cookware for open fire or campfire cooking is made from heavier gauge metals that can withstand the extreme heat of campfire cooking.
Camping cookware also needs to be very sturdy and rugged to provide a safe and stable experience while cooking over an open flame.
Tips for Cooking on an Open Fire
Now that you know some of the best cookware options for cooking over an open fire, let’s take a look at some campfire cooking tips and tricks.
In order to ensure that your food turns out delicious every time while cooking over an open flame.
Be Prepared
As the old Boy Scout motto goes, “be prepared” when cooking over an open fire.
As the more prep you can do ahead of time when cooking over a campfire the better.
Things to prep ahead of time, include cutting up and preparing potatoes and vegetables, mixing any sauces or dressings, and making sure you have all the required cooking utensils and ingredients needed beforehand.
Start with Hot Coals
In order to cook food evenly, it’s important to start with hot coals.
If the coals are not hot enough, the food will take longer to cook and won’t be as cooked through as you might like.
Patience is Key
Don’t try and cook on a brand new fire.
When cooking over an open fire, you want to utilize a low steady heat to prevent burning food or inconsistent cooking heat.
The best type of fire to provide this lower steady heat is a fire consisting mainly of hot coals and a few burning logs.
Be prepared to wait at least 30 to 45 minutes to build a fire that will be appropriate for campfire cooking.
Use a Grate
If you’re cooking on an open fire, it’s best to use a grate.
As this will help to evenly distribute the heat and prevent the food from sticking to the bottom of the pan or pot.
Plus cooking on a grate is much easier than trying to cook directly over or on the fire.
Stir Often
When cooking over an open fire, it’s important to stir often.
As this will help to prevent the food from burning and will ensure that it cooks evenly.
Don’t Cook Everything Directly Over the Fire
While it might be appropriate to cook certain items directly over the fire not everything requires such high temperatures and might even burn if cooked directly over the fire.
When cooking over an open fire or campfire make sure to have two separate areas of the fire to provide medium and high heat for cooking different items, much like you might cook on your stovetop at home on medium or high heat.
To provide these two separate heat zones, make sure to have one area consisting mainly of hot coals to provide a medium heat source and another area directly over the flames to provide a higher heat source.
Items best suited for medium heat over coals include vegetables and potatoes in aluminum foil packets and cobbler or pies in a cast-iron dutch oven.
Items best suited for cooking directly over the fire, include boiling water, grilling vegetables, and roasting meats.
Add Water as Needed
When cooking over an open fire, you will often need to add water throughout the cooking process.
Because the heat from the fire can cause the water to evaporate while cooking rather quickly.
So make sure to keep an eye on your water levels and add more as needed.
When adding water though, make sure to do so carefully, so as not to extinguish the flames.
The best way to do this is to add a small amount of water at a time and add it slowly.
What Can You Cook on an Open Fire?
The things you can cook on an open fire or campfire is truly endless, but some of the more popular choices include hot dogs, hamburgers, smores, and breakfast foods like bacon, eggs, and hashbrowns.
However, while these classics are always great options and crowd-pleasers, don’t be afraid to get creative while cooking over an open fire.
To mix things up and keep things fresh while cooking outdoors and camping.
And if you’re looking for a little inspiration, these are some of our favorites for campfire cooking.
Skillet Meals
A great option for campfire meals is skillet meals, as there are endless possibilities.
But some of our favorites include breakfast hashes, fajitas, quesadillas, and even desserts like Dutch oven cobblers or pies.
To make a skillet meal, simply place all of your ingredients in a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, and cook over the fire until everything is heated through.
Skillet meals are a great option for campfire cooking, because they’re easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste.
In addition, they’re also a great way to use up the last of the food at the end of camping trip, by throwing all the leftovers together to make a skillet meal.
Campfire Pizza
Campfire pizzas are a great way to enjoy a delicious meal while camping.
As they’re easy to make, and can be customized to include your favorite toppings.
To make a campfire pizza, start by rolling out the dough on a flat surface, spreading it out in a thin layer
Then transfer the dough to a piece of aluminum foil.
Next, top the dough with sauce, cheese, and your desired toppings.
Then fold up the edges of the aluminum foil around the pizza, making sure to seal them tightly, so that the cheese doesn’t leak out.
Finally, place the pizza on hot coals and cook for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Campfire Cones
To make campfire cones, start by wrapping a piece of aluminum foil around the outside of an ice cream cone.
Then, fill the cone with your desired toppings (marshmallows, chocolate chips, nuts, etc.), and place the cone directly on the hot coals.
Cook for a few minutes, or until the toppings are melted and gooey.
Campfire Cones are a great treat for kids (and adults!) while camping, and they’re really easy to make.
Just be careful not to touch the foil when they’re done cooking, as it will be extremely hot.
Foil Packets
One of the best and easiest ways to cook vegetables or potatoes while camping is to place them in foil packets and cook them over the fire.
To make a foil packet, start by laying out a long sheet of aluminum foil, place your prepared vegetables or potatoes in the center of the foil, and then season them with salt, pepper, and other desired herbs and spices.
After that, fold the foil over the vegetables so they are completely enclosed, and then place the foil packet directly on the hot coals of your campfire.
Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Foil packets are a great way to cook vegetables over a campfire because they are quick and easy, and cleanup is a breeze.
Plus, you can customize the foil packets to suit your taste, and add whatever seasonings you like.
One thing to keep in mind though when cooking with foil packets is that they will get extremely hot, so be careful not to touch them until they have cooled down completely.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
While grilled cheese sandwiches are a common staple at home, they’re often forgotten while camping and cooking over an open fire, which is a real shame, because they’re quick and easy to make, and they’re sure to please everyone.
To make grilled cheese sandwiches over a campfire, start by buttering the outside of each slice of bread. Then, add your favorite cheese to the inside of the bread, and close the sandwich.
Next, place the sandwich on a piece of aluminum foil or griddle, and cook over the fire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Just be careful not to burn the bread, and watch the cheese closely so it doesn’t leak out.
Wrap Up
Cooking outdoors and open fire cooking, whether in your backyard or while camping is one of the best ways to enjoy nature as well as food.
As there’s nothing quite like the taste of food cooked outdoors
But to do it right, it’s important that you have the right cookware, which is why we highlighted the best of the best cookware for cooking outdoors and over an open fire in this blog post.
FAQ’s
Stainless steel can be used on an open fire, but it will discolor and lose its shine over time. Stainless steel is a good material for cooking on an open fire because it doesn’t rust or corrode.
Nonstick pans can be used over a fire.
However, the nonstick coating can be damaged by extremely high heat, so it’s important to not overheat the pan and to keep the pan away from direct flames.
As overheating a nonstick pan, beyond 932 to 1,033 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the nonstick coating, which can cause the nonstick coating to off-gas, potentially leading to polymer fever if the fumes are inhaled.
In addition, overheating a non-stick pan can also cause the non-stick coating to break down, which can potentially leach unpleasant flavors or chemicals into the food.
Aluminum pots can be placed on or over an open fire, thanks to the durable nature of aluminum, which not only doesn’t rust or corrode but can also withstand extremely high heat.
Additional Resources
Cooking Outdoors While Camping: Everything You Need to Know