Camping in the summer is a cherished way to connect with nature, unwind from daily life, and create lasting memories with friends and family. One of the highlights of any camping trip is cooking over a campfire, where the smoky aroma and crackling flames elevate simple ingredients into unforgettable meals. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, these 12 campfire recipes are designed to be easy, delicious, and perfect for your summer adventures. From hearty breakfasts to sweet desserts, these recipes require minimal equipment and ingredients, making them ideal for outdoor cooking.
1. Campfire Breakfast Burritos
Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast burrito cooked over the campfire. These burritos are customizable, easy to prepare, and can be prepped ahead of time.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers
- 1 cup diced onions
- 8 slices cooked bacon or sausage
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- At home, whisk eggs and mix with bell peppers, onions, and cheese. Store in a sealed container.
- At the campsite, build a fire and let it burn to medium heat with a flat cooking surface (use a grill grate if needed).
- Cook the egg mixture in a cast-iron skillet over the fire, stirring until scrambled.
- Warm tortillas over the fire for 10 seconds per side.
- Divide eggs and bacon or sausage among tortillas. Roll tightly and wrap each burrito in foil.
- Place foil-wrapped burritos near the fire’s edge for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Unwrap and enjoy!
Tip: Prep the filling at home to save time, and add avocado or salsa for extra flavor.
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a summer staple, and grilling it over a campfire brings out its natural sweetness with a smoky twist.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 ears of corn, husks on
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: chili powder or grated Parmesan
Instructions:
- Soak corn (husks on) in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning.
- Peel back husks without removing them, remove silk, and spread butter over kernels. Season with salt, pepper, or spices.
- Pull husks back over corn and tie with twine if needed.
- Place corn directly on a grill grate over medium-hot coals.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until kernels are tender.
- Peel back husks and serve hot.
Tip: Sprinkle with Parmesan or chili powder for a gourmet touch.
3. Foil Packet Garlic Butter Shrimp
This quick and flavorful shrimp dish cooks in foil packets, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Tear four large pieces of foil.
- Divide shrimp among foil pieces. Top each with butter, garlic, lemon slices, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fold foil into sealed packets.
- Place packets on a grill grate over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Open carefully, garnish with parsley, and serve with crusty bread or rice (pre-cooked).
Tip: Add diced potatoes or asparagus to the packets for a complete meal.
4. Campfire Veggie Skewers
These colorful veggie skewers are a healthy and vibrant addition to any campfire meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, cubed
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cubed
- 1 red onion, cubed
- 8 cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
- If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 20 minutes.
- Thread veggies onto skewers in a colorful pattern.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place skewers on a grill grate over medium heat.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until veggies are tender and slightly charred.
- Serve as a side or over couscous.
Tip: Marinate veggies in balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
5. Classic Campfire Burgers
Nothing beats a juicy burger cooked over an open flame, with the smoky flavor soaking into every bite.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 4 burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Lettuce, tomato, onion (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo)
Instructions:
- Form beef into four patties, seasoning generously with salt and pepper.
- Place a grill grate over hot coals.
- Cook patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium, adding cheese in the last minute.
- Toast buns lightly over the fire.
- Assemble burgers with toppings and condiments.
Tip: Pre-form patties at home and store in a cooler for convenience.
6. Campfire Chili
This hearty one-pot chili is perfect for cooler summer evenings and feeds a crowd.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- In a cast-iron Dutch oven, brown meat over medium heat.
- Add onion and bell pepper, cooking until soft.
- Stir in beans, tomatoes, spices, and water.
- Cover and move to a cooler part of the fire.
- Simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips.
Tip: Prep ingredients at home for faster cooking.
7. Campfire Pizza Pockets
These handheld pizza pockets are a fun, kid-friendly meal that’s easy to customize.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
- Optional: mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Roll out dough and cut into 4 squares.
- Spread marinara on each square, leaving a border.
- Add cheese and toppings, then fold dough over to form a pocket. Pinch edges to seal.
- Wrap each pocket in foil.
- Place on a grill grate over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Unwrap and let cool slightly before eating.
Tip: Use a cast-iron press for crispier pockets.
8. Campfire Baked Potatoes
A classic camping side, baked potatoes are versatile and satisfying.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 large russet potatoes
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Wash potatoes and wrap each in foil.
- Bury potatoes in hot coals (not flames) and cook for 45-60 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Check for doneness with a fork.
- Cut open, fluff with a fork, and top with butter, cheese, sour cream, bacon, salt, and pepper.
Tip: Pre-cook potatoes slightly at home to reduce cooking time.
9. Campfire Quesadillas
These cheesy quesadillas are quick to make and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup cooked chicken or black beans
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- Salsa and sour cream for serving
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Lay a tortilla on a piece of foil.
- Sprinkle cheese, chicken or beans, and tomatoes on half, then fold over.
- Wrap in foil and place on a grill grate over medium heat.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until cheese melts.
- Slice and serve with salsa and sour cream.
Tip: Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
10. Campfire Banana Boats
This sweet treat is a campfire classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 4 bananas
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Slice each banana lengthwise through the peel, without cutting through the bottom.
- Stuff with chocolate chips and marshmallows.
- Wrap each banana in foil.
- Place on a grill grate or in coals for 5-8 minutes until melted.
- Open, sprinkle with graham crackers, and eat with a spoon.
Tip: Add peanut butter for extra decadence.
11. S’mores Dip
A shareable twist on the classic s’mores, this dip is perfect for group camping.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- Graham crackers for dipping
Instructions:
- In a cast-iron skillet, spread chocolate chips evenly.
- Top with marshmallows.
- Cover with foil and place over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until melted.
- Serve hot with graham crackers for dipping.
Tip: Use a mix of milk and dark chocolate for depth.
12. Campfire Peach Cobbler
This warm, fruity dessert is a comforting way to end a summer day.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup biscuit mix
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- In a cast-iron Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add peaches and half the sugar, stirring to coat.
- Mix biscuit mix, remaining sugar, milk, and cinnamon to form a batter.
- Pour batter over peaches.
- Cover and cook over low heat (or surrounded by coals) for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden.
- Serve warm.
Tip: Top with whipped cream if available.
Tips for Campfire Cooking Success
- Safety First: Always monitor the fire and keep a bucket of water or sand nearby.
- Prep Ahead: Chop veggies, marinate meats, and pre-measure ingredients at home to save time.
- Equipment: Bring a cast-iron skillet, Dutch oven, grill grate, and heavy-duty foil for versatility.
- Fire Management: Use medium heat for most recipes, and create a cooler zone for simmering or warming.
- Cleanup: Pack biodegradable soap and scrubbers, and dispose of waste properly.
These 12 campfire recipes bring flavor, fun, and simplicity to your summer camping adventures. Whether you’re grilling burgers, savoring s’mores dip, or indulging in peach cobbler, these dishes will make your outdoor meals memorable. So gather your ingredients, stoke the fire, and enjoy the taste of summer under the stars.
