12 Campfire Recipes Every Family Camper Should Know

You’ll master family camping with these essential campfire recipes that turn outdoor cooking into memorable adventures. Start mornings with Western Skillet Scrambles and Cinnamon Rolls on a Stick, then create easy dinners using Jambalaya Foil Packets and Grilled Chicken Tacos. Don’t forget interactive favorites like Hot Dogs on a Stick and Camping Quesadillas that kids love preparing. End evenings with Candy Loaded Campfire Brownies, Apple Crisp, and Banana Boats for sweet memories around the fire.

Western Skillet Campfire Scramble

When you’re craving a hearty breakfast that’ll fuel your outdoor adventures, this Western Skillet Campfire Scramble delivers everything you need in one cast iron pan.

Start by browning your country sausage and cooking bacon until crisp in a preheated cast iron skillet over medium-high campfire coals. Reserve those bacon drippings—they’ll add incredible flavor to your potatoes.

Sauté cubed Yukon gold and red potatoes with onions and peppers for 5-12 minutes until tender.

Create wells in your potato mixture, then crack eggs directly into each well. Cover with a lid or foil and cook for 8-10 minutes until eggs set.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh chives. This one-pan dish means less cleanup and easier serving around the campfire.

This protein-packed meal serves four hungry campers in just 30 minutes.

Cinnamon Roll on a Stick

Nothing beats the sweet aroma of cinnamon rolls wafting through your campsite, and this stick-roasted version transforms a beloved breakfast treat into an interactive campfire experience. You’ll need pre-made cinnamon roll dough and a sturdy roasting stick.

Simply unroll the dough, fold one end over your stick’s tip, then wrap the remaining dough evenly around it. Press the end firmly to prevent unwrapping during cooking.

Hold your stick over hot coals—not flames—and rotate consistently every thirty seconds. Cook for five minutes until golden brown. The key is constant turning for even baking and avoiding burnt spots.

Check frequently since cooking times vary by fire intensity. Once finished, add icing and serve directly on the stick for immediate enjoyment. Let cool briefly before enjoying your perfectly cooked campfire cinnamon roll.

Camping Quesadillas

While sweet campfire treats satisfy your dessert cravings, hearty quesadillas deliver the protein and substance you need to fuel your outdoor adventures. You’ll love how easy these are to customize with whatever ingredients you’ve packed.

Start by slicing chicken breasts and seasoning them, then sauté your vegetables in a skillet with olive oil until al dente. Layer half a cup of filling and a quarter cup of cheese between two tortillas.

Cook your assembled quesadilla on a hot cast-iron skillet over coals for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. The key is pressing down with a second skillet to ensure even toasting. Use silicone tongs to safely flip and handle the hot quesadilla without burning your hands.

Try veggie versions with mushrooms and spinach, or add black beans for extra protein. Slice into wedges and serve with salsa and sour cream.

Hot Dog on a Stick

How do you turn a simple hot dog into the perfect campfire meal? Start with the right stick—you’ll need something sturdy with a sharp point, whether it’s a whittled branch or a purchased roasting stick. Two-prong versions work best, letting you cook multiple hot dogs by poking them through the side.

Build your fire with low flames and steady heat. High flames char the outside while leaving the center cold.

Once you’ve secured your hot dog firmly on the stick, rotate it frequently over the coals for 3-4 minutes. Watch for juice beading on the surface—that’s your cue it’s ready. Be cautious of hot grease dripping during the cooking process.

Remove before the casing bursts, add your favorite toppings to a bun, and enjoy this classic camping tradition.

Jambalaya Foil Packet

When you’re craving the bold flavors of Louisiana around the campfire, jambalaya foil packets deliver authentic Cajun taste without the fuss of traditional cookware.

You’ll need instant rice, andouille sausage sliced into coins, chicken broth, and the holy trinity of Cajun cooking: onions, celery, and bell peppers. Don’t forget Cajun seasoning for that authentic kick.

Mix everything in a bowl, then divide among heavy-duty foil squares sprayed with cooking spray. Seal packets tightly, leaving a small steam vent.

Place directly on hot coals or a campfire skillet for approximately 30 minutes. Flip packets halfway through the cooking time if placing them directly on the coals. The rice’s doneness indicates when it’s ready.

You’ll eliminate cleanup while enjoying restaurant-quality jambalaya straight from the packet.

Hobo Dinner Foil Packets

Since hobo dinners earned their name from Depression-era travelers who cooked simple one-pot meals over open flames, these foil packets remain the ultimate comfort food for modern campers.

You’ll need ground beef or sausage, diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and onions for each packet.

Start with 12-inch heavy-duty foil squares sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Layer vegetables first, then place seasoned meat patties on top.

Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce for flavor.

Seal packets by folding short sides together, then rolling up ends tightly to trap steam.

Cook on medium-high grill heat for 20-30 minutes, flipping once midway. For campfire cooking, place packets over hot coals rather than direct flames to ensure even heating.

Check that meat reaches 160°F internally and potatoes are tender before serving.

One-Pot Chili

Nothing beats the rich aroma of chili simmering over crackling flames when you’re gathered around the campfire with friends and family. This one-pot wonder requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor using your Dutch oven or large pot.

Start by browning 1-2 pounds of ground beef or turkey over steady coals. Add diced onions and peppers, sautéing until softened.

Stir in chili powder and cumin for one minute to release those essential flavors. Add canned tomatoes, beans, and seasonings, then simmer 20-60 minutes while stirring frequently to prevent scorching. For an extra layer of depth, include a few dashes of liquid smoke to enhance that authentic campfire flavor.

Keep your fire coals low and consistent for even cooking.

Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. You’ll have a hearty meal that feeds everyone around your campsite.

Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Kabobs

Why settle for plain grilled chicken when you can create these colorful, flavor-packed kabobs that’ll have everyone at your campsite asking for seconds? Start by making teriyaki sauce with soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Reserve three tablespoons for basting, then marinate chicken cubes in the remaining sauce for at least thirty minutes.

Cut pineapple, bell peppers, and onion into uniform one-inch pieces. Soak wooden skewers for ten minutes to prevent burning over your campfire. Thread ingredients alternately, leaving space at each end for easy handling. For extra protein and variety, add pieces of sausage to your skewers alongside the chicken.

Grill over medium coals for ten to fourteen minutes, turning every three minutes. Brush with reserved sauce during the final minutes. Let rest five minutes before serving to guarantee juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.

Grilled Chicken Tacos With Fresh Salsa

When you’re craving authentic Mexican flavors around the campfire, these grilled chicken tacos deliver bold taste with minimal fuss.

Start by marinating chicken thighs in chipotle-adobo or cilantro-lime mixture for 30 minutes to 24 hours before your trip.

At camp, heat your grill to medium-high and cook chicken 6-8 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F internally.

Let it rest while you prepare fresh salsa with tomatoes, red onion, corn, avocado, and cilantro tossed in lime juice.

Warm tortillas over the flames using tongs, flipping frequently.

Layer your tacos with chopped chicken, fresh salsa, cheese, and cilantro.

The entire process takes just 20-30 minutes of active cooking time once your grill’s ready. Use flat metal skewers for grilling pineapple alongside the chicken to add a caramelized sweetness to your tacos.

Candy Loaded Campfire Brownies

How do you turn a simple box of brownie mix into the ultimate campfire dessert that’ll have everyone gathering around for seconds? You’ll load those brownies with candy favorites like M&M’s, Twix, Butterfinger, or Reese’s for an irresistible treat.

Start by igniting your fire to create red-hot coals. Mix your brownie batter according to package directions, then line your cast iron Dutch oven with foil and spray with non-stick coating. Pour the batter in and scatter your chosen candy across the surface.

Secure the lid and nestle your Dutch oven into the coals, adding more hot coals on top. Cook for 20 minutes, checking periodically to prevent burning. The cooking time will depend on the heat level of your coals, so adjust accordingly for perfect results. Let them cool slightly before slicing, then serve with vanilla ice cream for the perfect camping finale.

Campfire Apple Crisp

As autumn’s crisp air settles around your campsite, nothing beats the comforting aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples bubbling over glowing coals. This campfire apple crisp transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort food magic.

Start by peeling and slicing 2-3 large apples into ¼-inch pieces. Toss them with brown sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated.

Create your crumbly topping by mixing oats, flour, brown sugar, spices, and melted butter until moist.

Divide the seasoned apples among four heavy-duty foil sheets, then sprinkle topping evenly over each portion.

Seal packets tightly and place on your grill grate over 350°F heat. Bake 20-30 minutes, rotating every five minutes for even cooking. Avoid placing packets directly in coals as extreme heat can burn the crisp.

Serve hot with vanilla ice cream for the perfect camping dessert.

Campfire Banana Boats

While apple crisp satisfies with its warm spices, campfire banana boats offer an entirely different kind of sweet indulgence that’s become a camping classic for good reason. You’ll need ripe bananas with brown spots, milk chocolate, and marshmallows.

Slice each banana lengthwise along its concave side about ¼ inch deep without cutting through the peel. Pull the peel apart slightly, then stuff with chocolate and marshmallows. Tuck the flap over fillings and wrap tightly in foil, sealing edges well.

Place packets on warm coals (not active flames) for 10-15 minutes, rotating halfway through. Use tongs to handle hot foil and let rest one minute before serving. The result? Perfectly melted chocolate and gooey marshmallows inside warm, caramelized banana. This foil packet method ensures completely mess-free cooking around the campfire.

The Sum Up

You’ve got everything you need to transform your next camping trip into a culinary adventure. These recipes aren’t just about filling bellies—they’re about creating memories around the campfire. Remember to pack your ingredients in sealed containers and always supervise kids around open flames. Don’t forget to fully extinguish your fire before heading to bed. With these tried-and-true recipes, you’ll become the family’s designated camp chef in no time.