7 Must-Try Campground Cooking Techniques for Your Next Adventure

7 Must-Try Campground Cooking Techniques for Your Next Adventure

Posted on June 15, 2023

There's nothing quite like the joy of cooking in the great outdoors. As the sun begins to set, casting a golden hue across your campsite, you set about preparing a delicious, warming meal that can be savoured around a crackling fire.

The aromas that fill the air, the invitingly rustic surroundings, and the simple pleasure of wholesome food can create an experience that is simply unmatched. Whether it's your first time cooking outdoors or you're a seasoned camper, these seven camping cooking techniques are a must-try for your next outdoors adventure.

1. Sizzle and Char: The Art of Grilling

Grilling is one of the most beloved campground cooking techniques, and for good reason. The delicious smoky flavour of grilled food, the sizzling sound that dances in your ears, and the delightful charred texture all mingled together are a sensory delight. All you need is a portable grill, some charcoal or gas, and your food of choice. Whether it's a juicy steak, a veggie kebab, or fresh fish, grilling is a versatile technique perfect for a plethora of meals.

2. The Homely Warmth of Dutch Oven Cooking

Dutch oven cooking is a camping classic. This versatile pot is perfect for creating a variety of dishes, from slow-cooked stews and bubbling chillis to freshly baked bread and warm desserts. The thick walls of the Dutch oven capture and distribute heat evenly, making it an excellent cooking tool for outdoor use. For beginners, a Dutch oven with a simple beef stew recipe might be a good start - the hearty flavours of meat and vegetables simmered slowly can make any dinner at the campsite an unforgettable experience.

3. Foil Packets: A Convenience Game-Changer

Foil packet cooking is a revelation for campers that value convenience. By tightly wrapping your ingredients in aluminium foil and placing them on hot coals or a grill, you can produce deliciously steamed veggies, succulent chicken, or even a savoury seafood boil with minimal cleanup. The compact nature of foil packets also makes them perfect for campers on longer trips where cooking efficiency becomes a priority.

4. The Old-school Charm of Campfire Cooking

Campfire cooking might seem primitive, but it offers a wonderful way to connect with the outdoors. Whether roasting marshmallows for that perfect s'more, skewering sausages over the open flame, or preparing an entire meal on a campfire grill grate, the magic of campfire cooking is simply irresistible. It's also a great way to involve everyone in the meal preparation process, making it a fun and engaging activity.

5. Skillet Cooking: Your Shortcut to Deliciousness

A good skillet can be an RVer’s best friend. It's a versatile cooking tool that allows for a variety of dishes from scrambled eggs and pancakes for breakfast to stir-fry veggies and even skillet pizzas for dinner. Skillet cooking also means you can control your heat source better, which is crucial when cooking outdoors.

6. The Convenience of RV Cooking

RVs can provide convenient access to ingredients and cooking amenities that take the camp cooking experience to the next level. With the capability to house a small refrigerator, mini-stove and even a microwave, RVs make storing and preparing food much simpler. This arrangement enables you to experiment with recipes you'd typically reserve for a home kitchen.

7. Slow Cooking: Savour the Flavours

Slow cooking is a technique that might seem counterintuitive in a campground setting, but it's a fantastic way to relish deeply infused flavours. All you need is a portable slow cooker. Start your meal preparation in the morning, set your cooker, and by evening, a flavourful meal awaits.

8. The Compact Delight of Portable Stove Cooking

As much as we adore the romance of a campfire cookout, weather conditions or campsite restrictions might not always favour an open flame. That's where portable camping stoves come in handy. Lightweight and easy to pack, these stoves offer a powerful heat source that's ready in seconds.

From boiling water for your morning coffee to rustling up a quick pasta dinner, a portable camping stove gives you flexibility without compromise. Many models come with two burners, enabling you to cook multiple dishes at once, or boil water while cooking – which is a boon for many camp recipes.

To utilize your camping stove to its best, consider meals that require controlled, consistent heat. Think simmering soups, sautéing vegetables, making rice or pasta, or even frying up a batch of bacon for breakfast. The possibilities are simply endless - your creativity is the limit.

To choose the right cooking method for your meal, consider the ingredients you have, the cooking equipment you're carrying, and the time you have to prepare the meal. If time is of the essence, foil packets and grilling might be your best bet. If you have more time, Dutch oven cooking or slow cooking could provide a delightful culinary experience.

Remember, the essence of campground cooking lies in simplicity and creativity. Essential tools, such as a reliable camping stove, a versatile Dutch oven, a sturdy skillet, grill or griddle, and a portable slow cooker, can elevate the camping culinary experience. Experiment with different techniques, try out new recipes, and above all, enjoy the process.

Whether it’s savouring a slow-cooked chili under the starlit sky or biting into a perfectly grilled burger after a day full of adventure, cooking outdoors during a camping trip can provide some of the most cherished and delicious memories. And with your RV offering convenient access to ingredients and amenities, the world, or rather, the wilderness, is your oyster.

So, get ready for your next adventure and embrace the joys of campground cooking. Bon Appétit!