8 Must-Have Items for Your Camping BBQ

There’s nothing quite like the aroma and sounds of sizzling food over an open flame, surrounded by the great outdoors. Camping and barbecuing go hand in hand, so we’ve put together a list of must-have items the next time you cook or grill over a fire while camping—followed by delicious camping recipes to get you started. Don’t forget these items or recipes the next time you plan to cook over the campfire.

Camping BBQ: Must-Have Items to Grill or Cook Over the Fire

1. Portable Cooking Gear

Camping stoves are always a trusty option, though you can also consider a portable camping grill that’s lightweight, compact, and easy to transport to your campsite. Look for options like charcoal or propane grills that are designed for outdoor use and offer ample cooking space for all your culinary creations. Charcoal grills can be great for low, slow cooking that lends a smokiness to your food, while gas grills are convenient and easy to use. 

Grill grates are also a great option, as they provide a sturdy surface and allow you to cook directly over the campfire. They can also serve as a stand to hold pots and pans for boiling water or cooking. 

Beyond your cooking tool of choice, if you’re looking to upgrade your overall setup, check out these Sylvan Sport camp kitchens to increase your workspace and organization. 

READ NEXT: Helpful Tips for Cooking With a Camping Grill

2. Grill Brush

Make sure to bring a grill brush to clean your grill grate as well. Given the potential hazard of loose wire bristles shedding into your food, consider safe alternatives like a bristle-free grill brush, scrubbing tools that activate with steam, or brushes with nylon bristles (to be used after the grill has cooled).

3. Cooking Tools and Utensils

Don’t forget to pack essential grill tools such as the following to flip, turn, and handle your food with ease. Opt for durable, heat-resistant tools that can withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking. 

• Tongs
• Spatulas
• Skewers
• Knife
• Wooden spoon (especially to use with cast iron skillet)
• Cutting board
• Can opener

Versatile cookware, including pots, pans, a cast iron skillet, and a Dutch oven, can all expand what’s possible to cook. You can use a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet on top of grill grates to sear meats or whip up hearty stews, chili, cornbread, and even desserts.

Of course, don’t forget plates, bowls, and utensils to enjoy your meal. 

4. Fire Starters

Ensure you have reliable fire starters and kindling to ignite your campfire or grill. Whether you prefer matches, lighters, or fire starter cubes, having multiple options on hand will ensure you’re prepared to get the flames roaring in no time.

5. Cooler

Keep your ingredients fresh and chilled in a high-quality cooler equipped with ice packs or frozen water jugs or bottles to maintain safe food temperatures during your camping trip. 

To make things easy for your camping BBQ, prep your ingredients ahead of time—whether it’s chopping vegetables, preparing salads, shaping burger patties, or marinating meats at home—and keep them ready in the cooler to toss on the grill. 

6. Seasonings and Marinades

Elevate your dishes with an assortment of spices, herbs, and marinades to add flavor and depth to your barbecued creations. Cheese, sour cream, mustard, chimichurri sauce, mayonnaise, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce are popular options. 

Don’t forget essentials like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil to enhance the natural flavors of your ingredients.

Remember to keep all perishable condiments and seasonings in your cooler.

7. Aluminum Foil or Foil Packets

Aluminum foil is handy to line your grill if needed or wrap up leftovers, but also tap into the convenience of foil packets for easy clean-up and hassle-free cooking. Simply wrap your favorite ingredients in aluminum foil, place them over the campfire or grill, and let the heat work its magic for delicious, no-fuss meals.

You can do all the work at home (prepping and wrapping food in the foil) and store these packets in the cooler, so that all you need to do is toss them over the fire when you get to your campsite. 

There’s no shortage of foil-packet meal and side dish ideas, including honey mustard chicken, roasted salmon, grilled cod, steak and potatoes, sausages, roasted veggies…the list goes on and on.

8. Trash Bags

Pack it in, pack it out. Bring trash bags to keep your food trash and belongings contained and properly disposed of after your camping stay. 

Camping Recipes to Cook Over the Fire

Now that you’ve got your tools in tow, all you need is a delicious recipe to whip up at your next campfire BBQ. Here are some of our favorites to please your whole camping crew. 

For the Foodies

1. Shakshuka With Feta

This shakshuka camping recipe is a delightful, over-the-campfire twist on a classic dish, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts craving a flavorful and hearty meal. From sautéing onions and peppers to simmering eggs in a savory tomato sauce, each stage of the recipe is carefully detailed to keep things as easy as possible on your next camping trip. You’ll also find ideas for other variations to make your shakshuka uniquely yours. 

2. Black Beans and Rice With Fried Plaintains on the Campfire

Simple ingredients and easy preparation don’t make this camping recipe any less delicious. The addition of crispy fried plantains to perfectly cooked rice and seasoned black beans adds a delightful sweetness and texture to the dish. Whether enjoyed as a hearty dinner or a flavorful side dish, this camping-friendly recipe promises to delight foodies and outdoor enthusiasts alike with its bold flavors and satisfying simplicity. 

3. Zucchini and Potato Fritters With Zingy Yogurt Sauce

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these flavorful fritters are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The accompanying yogurt sauce, made with tangy Greek yogurt and zesty lemon juice, adds a refreshing contrast to the savory fritters. Enjoy as a savory breakfast, a light lunch, or a satisfying dinner during your next campfire barbecue.

4. Campfire Roasted Tomato Pasta With Burrata and Broccolini 

We say pasta’s always welcome at every campfire BBQ. Ripe tomatoes roasted over an open flame, al dente pasta, and vibrant broccolini—topped with creamy burrata cheese and a drizzle of olive oil? Say no more. Each bite of this campfire recipe is a burst of freshness and richness that will have you eating gourmet in the outdoors.

Kid Favorites

5. Campfire Pizza

This campfire pizza recipe is sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike. Create your own personalized pizzas over a campfire, complete with all your favorite toppings. Consider this an interactive activity for the whole family at the campfire barbecue, allowing the kids to get creative while enjoying the excitement of cooking outdoors. 

6. Campfire Nachos, Mexican Street Corn, and Quick Black Beans

This mouthwatering recipe is sure to be an absolute hit at your campfire BBQ. Combine crunchy tortilla chips with savory black beans, creamy Mexican street corn, and a medley of bold spices and seasonings for a delicious camping dish. This satisfying meal is perfect for sharing around the campfire with friends and family of all ages.

7. Delicious Dutch Oven Lasagna Camping Recipe

Indulge in the comforting layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory ground beef, and gooey cheese, all cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven over the campfire. With its simple preparation and delicious results, this Dutch oven lasagna recipe is the perfect meal to enjoy after a day of outdoor adventures, bringing warmth and satisfaction to everyone gathered around the fire.

Sweet Tooth Selections

8. Apple Bourbon Camping Pancakes

Whether you’re starting the day right, or enjoying breakfast for dinner at your camping BBQ, this fluffy pancake recipe will be a treat for your taste buds. The sweet and tangy flavors of bourbon-soaked apples will satisfy any camper’s cravings. Leave out the bourbon to make it kid-friendly!

9. S’more Sundae

No campfire cooking is complete without dessert. This s’more sundae recipe takes the beloved campfire s’more to new heights by layering all that good stuff over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a decadent and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for enjoying around the campfire. Go ahead, add a touch of sweetness to your outdoor dining experience.

GET MORE RECIPES: 20 Easy Camping Recipes for Your Next Trip Outdoors

Gear Up for Your Camping BBQ

Barbecuing while camping is more than just a cooking method—it’s a chance to connect with nature, bond with loved ones, and savor the simple pleasures of outdoor adventure. With the right equipment and ingredients, you can grill up unforgettable memories under the stars on your next camping trip. So fire up the grill, gather around the campfire, and get ready to grub!

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