Cooking over a campfire is a beloved camping tradition, but you need the right campfire cooking kit to make sure your meals turn out great!
I have over 30 years of camping experience ranging from tent camping, long backpacking trips, and with my camping trailer.
I have used a variety of campfire cooking kits over the years and have learned a lot about which brands are most reliable and what type of kits are best for different types of camping
From my research, I recommend Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set as the best overall campfire cooking kit for your next camping trip.
Not every campfire cooking kit is suitable for each type of camping or group size, so I review the best options of campfire cooking kit for your style of camping.
Let’s take a further look at the campfire cooking kit options available today. And what features they offer you.
Best Campfire Cooking Kit
- Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set – Best Campfire Cooking Kit
- Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset – Best Self-Contained Kit
- Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo Cookset – Best Kit for Solo Campers
- GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset – Best Lightweight Kit for Families
- GSI Outdoors Stainless Troop Cookset – Best Kit for Large Groups
Review of Best Campfire Cooking Kit
There are a lot of campfire cooking kits on the market today, so it can be tough sorting through them all to find quality products.
I picked the top 5 campfire cooking kits that are manufactured by brands that have been in the outdoor market for decades so you can rest assured that you’re getting quality gear.
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set
- How Many Pieces? 5
- What Does it Contain?
- 1 Dutch oven (10.25 in)
- 1 Griddle (10.5 in)
- 1 Skillet (10.25 in)
- 1 Skillet (8 in)
- 1 Lid (10.25 in)
- Material: Cast iron
- Weight: 27.6 lbs
- People: 4+
- Best for: RV and car camping
If you’re looking for a reliable, durable, and long-lasting campfire cooking kit, you can’t go wrong with the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set. This cooking set is highly-suited for cooking over a campfire and can accommodate larger groups.
This cooking kit comes with all of the types of pots, pans, and griddles you could want. Unlike other kits I reviewed, it does not come with dinnerware or cooking utensils. But those are easy enough to cobble together separately.
This cast iron campfire cooking kit is great because it is suitable for cooking over a variety of heat sources. It cooks great over a campfire, on a campstove, or in your RV’s oven (although make sure it fits your oven first).
I also love that its lid is self-basting, meaning you’ll have flavorful, moist food.
It comes pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil, so it’s ready to go out of the box. Many reviewers (even those with 5 stars), however, noted that the pre-seasoning was not adequate and additional seasoning was necessary.
But all noted it was an easy fix. Simply coat the pans lightly with cooking oil and bake in the oven at 400 F for 30 minutes. Then let cool completely.
The main drawback of this kit is its weight. This is definitely not a kit when you’re trying to minimize weight, like during a backpacking trip.
Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset
- How Many Pieces? 8
- What Does it Contain?
- 1 Stock pot (4.75 qt)
- 1 Sauce pan (1.8 qt)
- Frying pan (8.5 in)
- Collapsible cutting board
- 2 Vented lids with built-in strainers
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Spoon
- 1 Trivet
- Material: Stainless steel
- Weight: 8 lbs 3.2 oz
- People: 2-4
- Best for: RV or car camping, river trips
The Stanley Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset is an excellent choice of campfire cooking kit if a cast iron cooking kit is too heavy for you, or you just prefer a kit made from a different material.
You will not sacrifice quality or durability with this cooking kit. It can cook meals over all heat sources. You can even cook with coals (like a dutch oven) with the biggest pot.
The pots and pans all have solid bases which help retain heat and provide more even cooking.
This kit is still probably too heavy for a backpacking trip, but it is a great choice for RV or car camping, or going on a river trip with friends.
I personally like that it has a lot of additional features other than the pots and pans. You won’t need to pack cooking utensils as the main ones you need are already included.
The kit also contains a collapsible cutting board which is a unique feature not found in the other campfire cooking kits I reviewed. However, you’ll still need a set of cooking knives as this kit doesn’t include those.
Many reviewers noted how nicely all of the pieces fit together to make a nice compact cooking kit that packs up easily.
Reviewers did note that even though this set cooks food really well, if used over a campfire, it can leave soot marks on the bottom of the pan. So, if that is something you find unsightly they might not be the best option for cooking over a campfire. But they would still work great over a camp stove.
Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo Cookset
- How Many Pieces? 2
- What Does it Contain?
- 1 Pot (0.9 qt)
- 1 Cup (0.6 qt)
- Material: Titanium
- Weight: 6.38 oz
- People: 1
- Best for: Backpacking or solo camping
This Snow Peak cookset is the definition of a minimalist campfire cooking kit. While its design and weight all make it it an ideal option for backpacking, there’s no reason it can’t also serve as a great cooking kit for base camps or car camping.
While there are not all of the additional features found in many of the other campfire cooking kits I reviewed, it’s plenty for a solo camper or backpacker who doesn’t want to make elaborate meals.
I like that it has a silicon lid tab for easy removal even when cooking. No need to pack a hot pad. It also can hold a standard iso-butane fuel canister which is great for minimizing space in your backpack.
Reviewers loved that it’s lightweight and compact. Others also noted how durable the cooking kit is, with one saying they’ve used theirs for over 10 years and it still works great.
One downside that a reviewer noted was that the pots don’t have volume measurements inscribed on them. That’s a little disappointing because it should be an easy feature to include. But the reviewer noted they could just create their own markings so they don’t need to carry measuring cups with them.
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset
- How Many Pieces? 19
- What Does it Contain?
- 1 Pot (3.2 qt)
- 1 Pot (2.1 qt)
- 1 Frying pan (9 in)
- 1 Strainer lid
- 1 Non-strainer lid
- 4 Plates
- 4 Bowls
- 4 Mugs w/ sip-it lids
- 1 Pot gripper
- 1 Storage sack that doubles as a dish sink
- Material: Anodized aluminum for cookware
- Weight: 3 lbs 10 oz
- People: 4
- Best for: RV or Car camping, river trips
The GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset is a great choice for families (or groups) looking for a lightweight campfire cooking kit. It includes a complete set of cookware as well as plates and bowls.
You still need to bring your own eating and cooking utensils, but those are inexpensive and easy to pull together separately.
There are two really cool features of this campfire cooking kit that I feel set it apart from other similar kits. First, its carrying bag doubles as a sink for easy post-meal clean ups. NA great feature if you’re trying to minimize gear to pack.
The other feature that I love is each set of plate, bowl, and mug is a different color. So it’s easy to keep track of your own cup and cookware. It’s a simple feature, but not one that I have seen in many other kits.
The pots and pans are teflon coated for easy clean-up while camping. The manufacturer states that it is resistant to scratching, so it should retain its non-stick surface for years if well cared for.
One owner reported that they have used this campfire cooking kit for over 10 years and the non-stick surface still works. That’s amazing!
A slight downside reported by some is that the plates a little small and wouldn’t be the best fit if you like a big steak and baked potato while camping. So, this kit might not be best for those looking for a kit that accommodates big meals!
Overall, this is a campfire cooking kit that can accommodate a variety of uses. It can work well over a campfire or on a campstove.
GSI Outdoors Stainless Troop Cookset
- How Many Pieces? 5
- What Does it Contain?
- 1 Pot (9 qt)
- 1 Pot (5.3 qt)
- 2 lids
- Frying pan (10 in)
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Weight: 8.4 lb
- People: 8-10
- Best for: Car and RV camping, rafting trips
If you have a big group to feed, then the Troop Cookset is probably the kit for you. These pots are massive and designed to feed a lot of people. Hence the name “Troop Cookset”.
The kit is right at home on a camp stove or over the open flames of a campfire. You can even cook with coals like a dutch oven. It’s adaptable to many different types of camp cooking.
I always like to clean my campfire cooking kit when I get home from a camping trip. This is a breeze with this kit as the pots and pans are dishwasher safe.
It is highly durable and built to last for years.
I love that the pots have dual handles which make it possible to hang the pots over a campfire with a campfire tripod. The handles also make it easy to fill the pots and pour out their contents.
The handles also lock down along the sides when they’re not needed, keeping them from getting in the way when actively cooking.
It is likely too heavy and bulky for a backpacking trip, but works great anywhere that weight and space are not an issue.
Reviewers have commented about the quality build of the cooking kit, and noted that it is made of stronger materials than a lot of other kits on the market.
A Few Kits That Barely Missed the Cut
- MSR Flex 4 Cookware System
- Snow Peak Cast Iron Duo Cook Set
- GSI Outdoors Halulite Microdualist II Cookset
Or if you just need a basic campfire cooking kit to send your kid off to camp, here’s a good option:
Guide to Buying the Best Campfire Cooking Kit for Your Needs
Not all campfire cooking kits are created equal, and not all will be suitable for your style of camping. Below are some factors to consider when determining what campfire cooking kit is right for you.
How Much Does it Weigh?
Campfire cooking kits span a wide range of weights due to the materials they are made from and how large the kits are.
You should think about how you plan on using your campfire cooking kit most often. Are you solely a car or RV camper that enjoys cooking over a campfire or camp stove? Or are you an avid backpacker looking for a cooking kit for your next week-long backpacking trip?
For a car or RV camper, weight is almost never an issue. But, having the lightest-weight gear is essential for a long-distance backpacker.
There are campfire cooking kit options for every type of camper, but what is best for a car camper is almost certainly going to be the wrong choice for a backpacker. And vice versa.
If you’re backpacking, you may be willing to sacrifice some functionality for weight saving. Ask yourself, “Do I really need a frying pan and a pot?”.
If the answer is “No”, then stick with a more minimalist kit. When I’m backpacking I literally only bring a single cooking pot because I don’t need much more than that.
Alternatively, if you’re car or RV camping, you can focus more on the range of features a campfire cooking kit offers. Ask yourself “Do I really think I’ll never need a frying pan when camping?”
If the answer is “No” then make sure to find a kit that offers all the features you might eventually want, given that weight is not an issue.
What Material is it Made of?
A campfire cooking kit is typically made of one of four materials:
- Non-Anodized aluminum
- Anodized aluminum
- Titanium
- Stainless steel
- Cast Iron
Each type of material has different pros and cons as it relates to campfire cooking.
Non-Anodized Aluminum
Non-anodized aluminum (just your standard aluminum) campfire cooking kits are likely to be more budget-friendly than kits made from other materials.
As a result, they are likely to not be as durable, nor last as long. If you’re an infrequent camper, or sending your kids off to camp where they need a campfire cooking kit, they are probably a good choice.
They are lightweight, so are suitable for backpackers, but there are much better options for serious backpackers. I would probably only get a kit like this if you are an infrequent camper or backpacker.
They can be used over a campfire, but given their low durability, they may not last as long over an open campfire compared to other materials.
Anodized Aluminum
Anodized aluminum is a type of aluminum that has been treated through an electrochemical process to develop a durable finish.
Rather than simply applying a coating to aluminum, the chemical reaction alters the structure of the aluminum to create its durable surface. Thus, it will never chip or wear off.
Anodized aluminum is 60% lighter than stainless steel and stronger than raw aluminum. Thus, it makes a great material for lightweight backpacking cook sets.
Anodized aluminum is also suitable for use over campfires, but the lightweight material might not be worth the extra cost for RV or car campers.
Titanium
Titanium is a strong and lightweight metal with excellent corrosion resistance, making it a popular material for cookware.
Campfire cooking kits made of titanium are among the lightest weight kits available.
Titanium is known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts who need lightweight and durable cookware for camping and backpacking trips.
Titanium does not produce a non-stick surface, but it is naturally non-reactive and does not impart any metallic taste or odor to food, making it an excellent choice for a cooking kit.
Cooking kits made of titanium are usually more expensive than kits made with other materials. If weight is not your primary concern, there are likely cooking kits available for camping that offer a broader range of features.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel campfire cooking kits are among the most durable on the market.
While stainless steel kits can potentially cost more up-front, they will last many years. So you’ll be saving money in the long run.
Stainless steel cooking kits are extremely corrosion resistant so you won’t end up with a rusty mess if you forget to drain some water for a couple of days.
A campfire cooking kit made of stainless steel is able to cook over a campfire. And suitable kits exist for campers and backpackers.
Cast Iron
Probably the most iconic cookware for camping, a campfire cooking kit made of cast iron could last you a lifetime if properly cared for.
It is great for slow cooking over a campfire, or quickly searing meats. Cast iron retains heat and allows even cooking and is regarded by many as the best material to cook with [cite].
If well-seasoned, a cast iron campfire cooking kit is easy to clean.
Cast-iron’s main drawback? Its weight! It is a heavy material.
While gold prospectors used to carry this stuff on their backs, current day backpackers leave it at home. But it is GREAT for car and RV camping.
How Large of a Group Will You Cook For?
Campfire cooking kits come in a variety of sizes that will accommodate solo campers as well as large groups. You’ll also find cooking kits that mainly have just pots and pans, while others will have cooking pots and plates, cups, and utensils.
If cooking for a large group while car camping or on a river trip, consider kits that consist mainly of large pots and pans to fit your group size. You can always bring separate sets of plates, cups, and utensils. Your main concern is cooking for a lot of people.
Where I would start to consider campfire cooking kits with plates, cups, and utensils is when looking for a compact kit for a family of 4 or less.
With this number of people you can find a compact campfire cooking kit that has everything you need to feed your family.
Then there are campfire cooking kits intended for solo travels. Why buy more kit than you need. It will simply take up more space than it’s worth.
Just be honest with yourself about what size campfire cooking kit you really need.
What Type of Meals Will You Cook?
The size and type of campfire cooking kit you need also depends a lot on what type of camp chef you are.
If all you plan on doing while camping is boiling some water for some dehydrated meals, then all you really need is a pot!
Or, are you the type of camper that wakes up before dawn to cook a giant delicious breakfast for your crew? Pancakes, hash browns, bacon, scrambled eggs, and coffee!
A single pot won’t cut it. You need a campfire cooking kit that contains all types of pans, griddles, and pots.
How Easy is it to Clean?
Cleaning is never fun, but it’s even more challenging while camping without all our normal creature comforts.
And it’s especially important to maintain clean cookware while camping to keep everyone safe and healthy and to keep wildlife away from our campsite.
Thus, it’s important to consider how easy your campfire cooking kit is to clean.
From all my years of camping, I’ve found that properly maintained cast iron and anodized aluminum are the easiest types of campfire cooking kits to clean.
Make sure that whatever cooking kit you are considering does not have a lot of small nooks and crevices to trap bacteria that can get you sick.
Consider buying a kit coated with a non-stick surface (like teflon) to make cleaning a breeze. But beware, the non-stick surface is likely to wear down over time. So, if you’re looking for something that will last you years, this might not be the right choice.
Campfire Cooking Accessories
With the right choice of campfire cooking kit, you can easily cook any type of meal while camping. But, having some additional accessories can make cooking over a campfire safer and more enjoyable.
Below I list a few accessories that might come in handy when cooking over a campfire.
Coffee Percolator
There are not many camping devices as quintessential as a coffee percolator for making coffee while camping.
It’s the perfect addition to any campfire cooking kit as they can also be used directly on or over a campfire as well.
Fire Gloves
When cooking over a campfire, I would highly recommend a pair of heat-resistant gloves to easily handle your campfire cooking kit without risk of getting burned by the heat or sparks.
When you’re camping, you’re usually pretty far from medical facilities. Getting a burn from cooking over a campfire can be a serious problem that needs prompt attention.
A pair of heat-resistant gloves can help to prevent this type of accident.
Campfire Grill
Most campfire cooking kits don’t come with a campfire grill, so buying one separately could nicely round-out your cooking kit. They are great for grilling meats, corn on the cob, or reheating food with indirect heat.
Campfire Poker
A campfire poker is a must for anyone building a campfire while camping. While you can just use a stick to move logs around in your campfire, a campfire poker is specifically designed for the task.
It’s much safer than accidentally catching a stick on fire or having a stick break while managing your campfire. If space and weight are not an issue, I highly recommend having one.
FAQ
- What are some campfire cooking tips?
- Build a proper fire: Once the fire has started, let it burn down until you have a bed of hot coals to cook over.
- Use a grill or grate: A grill or grate will help you control the heat and prevent food
- Keep a close eye on the food: Cooking over a campfire requires constant attention.
- What do you need to cook over a campfire?
- Fire starters: to help get a good fire going quickly
- Cooking utensils: You will need a long-handled spatula, tongs, and cooking spoon
- Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil is useful for wrapping food, creating a makeshift pan, and protecting food from the flames.
- Pot holders: Use pot holders or oven mitts to handle hot pots and pans.
- Grill or Tripod: While not strictly necessary, these devices will give you more control over your cooking temperature and produce the best results.
- How to set up a campfire for cooking?
- Here’s a great tutorial that will step you through the process.
Recommendation
After reviewing the available campfire cooking kits, I recommend the Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Set as the best overall campfire cooking kit.
But be aware that there is a lot of variation in cooking kit features that make some better options than others for your camping trip.
Be sure to consider where you are likely to use the kit (campground vs. backcountry), how many people you’re likely to be cooking for, and if you plan to cook over a campfire or with a camp stove.
These considerations will have a large role in determining what campfire cooking kit is the best option for you.
Interested in learning about other camping cooking supplies? Check out our other cooking equipment reviews.
