When you’re out in the woods or enjoying the peace and quiet of your favorite glamping site, there’s something special about cooking over an open flame. And no piece of equipment captures the spirit of campfire cooking better than the cast iron skillet.
It’s rugged, reliable, and versatile—everything you want while you’re camping. Coming in handy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, a well-seasoned skillet makes the perfect piece of campfire cookware.
In this post, we’ll look at the benefits of using cast iron while camping, offer some tips for getting the most out of it in the wild, and share seven camp-friendly meals you can add to your camping menu.
Why Use a Cast Iron Skillet When Camping?
There are many reasons experienced campers swear by cast iron. Such as…
1. Durability
Cast iron is practically indestructible. It doesn’t warp over high heat like some thin aluminum pans, and it stands up to the trials of cooking over a fire, on a grill grate, or on camp stove.
2. Even Heat Retention
Once hot, cast iron holds heat extremely well. That’s key when you’re cooking outdoors, where heat sources can be unpredictable.
3. Versatility
You can sauté, bake, fry, simmer, roast, and even cook directly in the coals. From bacon and eggs in the morning to pizza at night (see below!) the sky’s the limit.
4. No Need for Special Utensils
Unlike nonstick pans, cast iron doesn’t mind if you use metal spatulas, tongs, or forks.
5. Natural Non-Stick Surface
With proper seasoning, cast iron becomes nearly non-stick—without synthetic coatings.
Things to Keep in Mind When Camping With Cast Iron
Cast iron may be tough, but it does need a little attention, especially in the outdoors.
1. Weight
Cast iron is heavy. A smaller 8–10 inch skillet is a lot more portable, or a 12-inch for group cooking if not hiking to far in.
2. Seasoning Matters
Before your trip, coat your pan lightly with oil and bake it at 400°F for an hour. On the trail, wipe it down with oil after cleaning.
3. Avoid Soap
Scrub your skillet with coarse salt and water, not soap, which can strip your seasoning.
4. Don’t Let It Stay Wet
Always dry thoroughly after cleaning to prevent rust. A light coating of oil helps protect the surface.
5. Be Cautious With Acidic Foods
Tomatoes or vinegar can strip your seasoning if cooked too long. Use with care unless your skillet is well seasoned.
7 Campfire Meals You Can Make in a Cast Iron Skillet
Here are seven easy, hearty meals ideas that can be cooked on a campfire in cast iron.
1. Campfire Breakfast Hash
Fry diced potatoes, onions, and peppers in oil or bacon fat. Add sausage or bacon, then crack eggs over the top. Cover until eggs are done.
Tip: Boil potatoes at home to reduce cook time.
2. Skillet Cornbread
Preheat your greased skillet, pour in your batter, and bake with foil on top. Surround with coals or place coals on the lid.
3. Sizzling Skillet Fajitas
Marinate chicken or steak with lime and spices. Cook in the skillet, then add sliced onions and peppers.
4. One-Pan Lemon Herb Trout
Season fresh-caught trout with lemon, garlic, and herbs. Sear skin-side down until cooked.
5. Cast Iron Pizza
Oil your skillet, press in dough, and top with sauce, cheese, and extras. Cover and cook near coals until done.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus or Veggie Medley
Cook bacon-wrapped asparagus in foil or sear veggies in the skillet with bacon drippings.
7. Skillet Apple Crisp
Cook apples with sugar and cinnamon. Add oat topping and cook until golden and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
A cast iron skillet is more than just a piece of cookware—it’s a campfire legend. With it, you can make delicious and memorable meals and great camping memories. The more a skillet is used, the better it gets.
And a special thanks to FG, a member of the Glampsite Joe tribe, for requesting the cast iron while camping topic.
Keep the suggestions coming, and happy campfire eating!
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Photo by Melody Ayres-Griffiths on Unsplash
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Photo by Shelby Cohron on Unsplash
Photo by eduardo froza on Unsplash
