Campfire Dining Ideas & Camp Cooking Gear Canada

Campfire dining is one of the best parts of camping. A simple cooking setup, a few reliable tools and smart food storage can turn an ordinary campsite into a comfortable outdoor kitchen.

How to Dine Outdoors in Style

Camp cookware on a fire grate with frying pans and coffee pot

While the minimalist camper may be content to rehydrate a pouch of freeze-dried food, the gear-oriented camper often enjoys hearty, camp-cooked meals. There are many easy-to-prepare camping foods available, but many people prefer cooking from scratch in the outdoors.

A more elaborate camping stove is helpful for outdoor meals, especially one with more than one burner and an adjustable flame. You can also bring iron bars to rig a pot hanger over the fire for slow-simmering chili, stew or campfire coffee.

You will also need a cooler and ice or ice packs for fresh food. If you are hiking a long distance, pack weight becomes a serious issue. Freeze-dried foods and survival rations can weigh much less because of the dehydration process.

Pie irons are useful for making campfire favourites such as s’mores, toasted sandwiches and fire-roasted pizza sandwiches.

Cook safelyKeep water nearby, use stable cookware and never leave a campfire unattended.

Pack smartBring foil, tongs, utensils, paper towels, containers and garbage bags.

Keep food freshUse a cooler and sealed containers to reduce waste, bugs and wildlife problems.

Outdoor Camp Dining Photo Ideas

Campfire cookware: A fire grate, frying pan and coffee pot make a practical campsite cooking station.

Outdoor camp dining: Campfire meals are often the most memorable part of a weekend outdoors.

Portable camping grill for campfire dining

Portable camping grill: A compact grill gives campers a cleaner, easier way to cook burgers, steaks and vegetables.

Roasting fork: Roasting forks are useful for sausages, hot dogs and simple campfire meals.

Essential Camp Cooking Equipment

Can opener and bottle opener
Cutlery for food preparation and serving, including a sharp knife, large spoon, large fork and ladle
Cookware, especially cast iron cookware
Mess kits or other eating vessels, forks and spoons
Extra camping stove fuel
Camping recipes
Small charcoal or propane grill, such as a compact steel hibachi
Appropriate fuel for the grill
Dish rack and dish washing detergent
Pot lifter or pot holders
Coffee maker
Cutting board
Colander
Tongs
Vacuum flasks for keeping beverages hot or cold
Tablecloth
Storage containers for condiments and leftovers
Metal cutlery, paper plates and cups
Paper towels, napkins, trash bags and aluminum foil

Pack Smart for Canadian Camping

Canadian weather can change quickly, even during summer. Extra layers, waterproof storage, lanterns and practical camp cooking equipment help keep outdoor trips comfortable and enjoyable.

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