Cooking outdoors can be a fun but sometimes challenging part of camping. Knowing a few simple techniques can help you save time, reduce mess, and improve the taste of your meals.

These 12 campfire hacks are designed to make your outdoor cooking easier and more enjoyable, no matter your level of experience. With the right tricks, you’ll spend less time fussing over fire and food, and more time enjoying the great outdoors.

Use foil packets to cook veggies and meat easily in the campfire embers

You can prepare a complete meal by wrapping your veggies and meat in foil packets. Just place your ingredients on a square of foil, season, and seal it tightly.

Then, tuck the packets into the hot embers of your campfire. The sealed foil traps steam, helping your food cook evenly.

This method keeps cleanup simple and lets you focus on enjoying your time outdoors. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Pre-grease your grill grate with a sliced onion to prevent sticking

Before you start cooking, rub a sliced onion over your grill grate. The natural oils in the onion create a thin layer that helps keep food from sticking.

This method also lightly cleans the grate while adding a mild, natural scent. It’s an easy trick to make grilling smoother without using extra oil or chemicals. Give it a try next time you cook over a campfire.

Bring a quick fire starter like cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly

You can make fire starting easier by bringing cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly. These burn longer and catch flame quickly.

All you need is cotton balls and petroleum jelly. Just smother the cotton balls with a thin layer of jelly and let them dry a bit.

They’re lightweight and take up almost no space in your pack. Just grab one to get your fire going, even if conditions are damp.

Wrap potatoes in foil and bury them in the coals for a simple side dish

Start by coating your potatoes in oil to help the skin crisp up nicely. Wrap each potato tightly in a double layer of aluminum foil to protect them from burning.

Once wrapped, bury the potatoes directly in the hot coals, not the open flame. Let them cook for about 30-45 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.

When done, carefully pull them out with tongs. You’ll have a warm, soft potato ready to enjoy with your campfire meal.

Make campfire cones with waffle cones filled with marshmallows and chocolate

You can easily create a sweet treat by filling waffle cones with marshmallows and chocolate. Just stuff the cone with your favorite ingredients, like mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.

Wrap the filled cone in aluminum foil to keep everything secure. Place it near the campfire’s coals or on the grill and heat until the chocolate and marshmallows melt.

This simple treat is perfect for sharing and requires minimal cleanup, making your outdoor cooking more fun and tasty.

Use a Dutch oven to bake bread or stews over the campfire

You can use a Dutch oven to make hearty stews or fresh bread right over your campfire. It’s sturdy and holds heat evenly, so your food cooks thoroughly.

Place coals both under and on top of the Dutch oven to create an even cooking environment. This helps bread rise nicely and stews simmer slowly.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to serve warm, delicious meals that feel like home-cooked comfort food.

Carry long tongs to safely handle hot food in and out of the fire

When you cook over a campfire, it’s important to keep a safe distance from the heat. Long tongs help you reach into the fire without burning your hands.

They give you better control when flipping food like burgers or turning hot logs. Choose tongs with good grip so your food doesn’t slip.

Having long tongs makes your outdoor cooking easier and safer. They are simple tools that really improve your campfire experience.

Take advantage of seasonal fruit like peaches or pineapples for grilling

You can add a fresh twist to your campfire cooking by grilling seasonal fruits like peaches or pineapples. These fruits caramelize beautifully over the heat, bringing out their natural sweetness.

Grilled fruit is a simple way to enjoy a healthy dessert or a tasty side. Just slice, brush with a little oil or honey, and place directly on the grill.

Using seasonal fruit also means you get the best flavor and support local growers. Give it a try on your next outdoor cooking adventure!

Pre-plan meals and pre-chop ingredients to save time outdoors

You’ll save a lot of time by preparing meals before you head out. Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and portion snacks at home.

This way, you can quickly cook or assemble meals at the campsite. It reduces cleanup and lets you enjoy your time outside more.

Packing pre-chopped ingredients also helps keep things organized. It’s easier to find what you need and avoid waste while camping.

Use skewers or sticks for easy classic s’mores and kabobs

You can use skewers or sticks to roast marshmallows and create classic s’mores with ease. They keep your hands safe from the fire while allowing even cooking.

Skewers also work great for making kabobs with veggies, fruit, or protein. This makes campfire cooking simple and fun.

Choose telescoping or metal skewers for durability and safety. Wooden sticks are an option but can be less sturdy.

Create a makeshift windbreak to keep your fire burning steady

To keep your campfire strong, set up a simple windbreak using natural materials like rocks, logs, or dense brush. Position it so the wind hits the barrier first, shielding your fire from gusts.

You can also use a foldable camp stove windscreen or create a DIY version with aluminum foil or flat metal sheets. This helps protect your flame and keeps cooking consistent.

Soak tough meats in marinade overnight for tender campfire cooking

If you plan ahead, soaking tough cuts of meat in a marinade overnight can make a big difference. The marinade helps break down fibers, making the meat more tender and flavorful.

Use ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or soy sauce to soften the meat. Keep the meat sealed in a container or bag in a cooler until you’re ready to cook.

This simple step saves you time at the campfire and results in a juicier, more enjoyable meal.