Camp Cooking: Master Delicious Meals Outdoors

From how to build a wood fire to the perfect recipes and cooking gear, we’ll help you make the best camp meals of your life

I grew up camping with my family. Almost every summer, we rented a tent site right on the Delaware River. My dad, Ron Joachim, taught me how to build a wood fire, how to feed it air and wood to keep it going—even how to keep from burning my arm hair off! I also learned how delicious a steak grilled simply over a campfire can be.

There’s nothing quite like the taste of food cooked over an open flame and enjoyed in the great outdoors. Even S’mores capture that flavor. I think of it like an extra seasoning that nature adds to the food. Whether you’re planning a weekend camping trip or a backyard fire pit gathering, you’ll find everything you need make your outdoor meals the best they can be in the tips, recipes, and gear reviews below.

Learn how to quickly and safely start a campfire. See how easy it is to cook foil-pack meals and grill steaks, sausages, chicken, seafood, and vegetables right over a wood fire. We even share our best grilled desserts! Our tested camp cooking recipes may become the new favorites on your camp food menu.

Beyond the recipes, we also share useful tips on essential camp cooking gear from grill grates and thermometers to grill gloves and smokers. The right equipment makes outdoor cooking so much easier and more fun, so you can spend more time enjoying your meals, your natural surroundings, and the company you keep, rather than fussing over the food.

Camp cooking is a culinary adventure. Explore our recipes, learn from our expert tips, and discover how simple it is to prepare delicious outdoor meals that will impress friends and family around any campfire or portable grill.