The Best Camping Cookware For Open Fires 2024

Are you searching for the best camping cookware for open fires?

There are countless options on the market when it comes to the best camping cookware for open fires.

Camping is one of our go-to activities year round and we absolutely adore getting creative when it comes to curating our camping meals. 

Over the past several years we have tried and tested countless products to curate our favorite list of best camping cookware for open fires so that we have the best equipment and supplies needed to craft up delicious and unique campfire meals.

Check out our ultimate list of best camping cookware for open fires below!

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The Ultimate List of The Best Camping Cookware for Open Fires

There are a handful of items that complete our list of the best camping cookware for open fires!

Each one of these products has a unique purpose and does a fantastic job at cooking over an open fire to make a delicious meal.

Check out our list ultimate guide below!

1. Best Camping Dinnerware Sets: The GSI Outdoors Camp Dinnerware Set

Having a dinnerware set is essential for eating your meals out in the wilderness.

We love this dinnerware set from GSI because it is made out of fantastic material, has a great warranty, and includes dinnerware for 4 people!

Pros:

• Durable material – This dinnerware set is made out of alloy steel which is durable and great for camping
• Great warranty – GSI has a lifetime promise so you can be sure that your investment is worth it
• 4 Person Set – We love that this set comes complete for 4 people to use! There are mugs, plates, and bowls for 4 people to enjoy
• Comes with a Kettle, Percolator, and Frying Pan – This set also comes with a kettle and frying pan which is such an added bonus
• Lightweight – This set was designed to be lightweight which is great for enjoying meals in the outdoors 

Cons:

• Small – Many people have complained that the items in this set are pretty small so that is important to keep in mind
• Percolator is not the best – The percolator that comes in this set is not the highest quality and many people have found issues with the lid 

👉🏼 Check out this link to purchase your own GSI Outdoors Camp Dinnerware Set today!

2. Best Dutch Oven: Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven

The best dutch oven on the market for cooking over an open fire is the Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven.

We love that this dutch oven retains heat, can be used over multiple surfaces, and is easy to maintain and clean. 

Pros: 

• Retains heat – This dutch oven does an excellent job at keeping heat and evenly distributing it throughout the entire oven
• Can be used on multiple surfaces – Not only can this dutch oven be used over a campfire but it can also be used at home on the stove or in the oven
• Easy to care for – This dutch oven is easy to clean and take care of which is excellent for those looking for a piece of equipment that won’t take forever to take care of
• Multiple size options to pick from – We love that you can choose from a 9, 5, or 7 quart option 

Cons:

• Heavy – Like most cast iron products, this dutch oven is pretty heavy which is important to keep in mind 
• Large – Many people complained that this dutch oven is fairly large in size. Be sure to check the dimensions and understand how large 9, 5, and 7 quarts are in advance so that you are not surprised by its size!

👉🏼 Click here to get your own Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven!

3. Best Stainless Steel Campfire Pots and Pans Set: Stanley Even Heat Camp Pro Cookset

For those searching for the best camping cookware for open fires and would like to purchase a stainless steel pot and pan set, this is a fantastic option for you!

We love that this is a cook set that includes pots, pans, and tools to use for cooking. 

Pros:

• Cook set – We love that this is a cook set that comes with a stock pot, frying pan, saucepan, as well as different cooking tools such as a spatula, spoon, and more!
• Dishwasher safe – The pots and pans are dishwasher safe which is awesome for when you come back from a camping trip and would like to clean your dishes easily and quickly
• Evenly heats throughout – The Stanley brand put a significant amount of thought into the design of these pots and pans to ensure that they heat up evenly throughout 

Cons: 

• Heavy – Although these pans are great for camping, they are not perfect for carrying or hauling long distances backpacking due to their heavy weight

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to get your own Stanley Even Heat Camp Pro Cookset!

4. Best Percolator: GSI Outdoors Percolator Coffee Pot

For those looking for the best camping cookware for open fires and would like an incredible percolator that is made out of quality material, look no further!

The GSI Outdoors Percolator Coffee Pot is one of the best on the market for camping and we love that you can choose from several different sizing options. 

Pros:

• Stainless steel – We love that this percolator is made out of stainless steel which is a quality and durable material that heats evenly throughout
• Different size options to pick from – You can pick from an 8, 14, 28, or 36 cup option which is awesome depending on how many cups you would like to make or how large your camping party is
• Easy to clean – We adore that this percolator is super easy to clean because no one wants to spend hours cleaning their camping cookware

Cons:

• Percolator function is faulty – Many people have complained that the percolator function does not work the best
• Capacity is off – This percolator tends to make a few cups less than what is advertised for each size

👉🏼 Check out this link to order your own GSI Outdoors Percolator Coffee Pot today!

5. Best Pot Set: Wealers Compact Stainless Steel Campfire Cooking Pots

For those searching for a great pot set to use over an open fire, Wealers Compact Stainless Steel Campfire Cooking Pots are some of the best on the market. 

We love that this set comes with four different pots that can be stored vertically in the provided travel bag for easy transportation and hauling!

Pros:

• Pot set – We love that this cookware set comes with four different sized pots and travel bag!
• Stainless steel – These pots are made out of stainless steel which is a quality and durable material that is great for cooking over an open fire
• Compact design – We adore that this pot set can be stacked vertically so that they can all fit in the travel bag for easy transportation
• Easy to clean – These pots are easy to clean which is excellent for use in the great outdoors

Cons:

• Lids are not the best – Many people have complained that the lids do not fit the pots perfectly which can be annoying
• Heats up super fast – These pots heat up super fast so it is important to keep an eye on your food so that it does not burn right away

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to purchase your own Wealers Compact Stainless Steel Campfire Cooking Pots!

6. Best Kettle: Fire-Maple Antarcti Portable 1 Liter Lightweight Stainless Steel Camping Kettle

For those looking to add a kettle to their camping cookware for open fires essentials, the Fire-Maple Kettle is an excellent option for you.

We love that this kettle is made out of stainless steel and it is easily portable!

Pros:

• Stainless steel – Not only is this material durable but it also retains heat very well which is excellent for heating up water
• Two sizing options to pick from – You can pick from the 1L option or the 750ml option depending on your preference and desires
• Designed to be used over open fires – This kettle was designed to be used over an open fire which is excellent for those looking for camping cookware essentials

Cons:

• Small – Many people have complained that this kettle is smaller than expected so be sure to take a look at the product dimensions so you know what to expect

👉🏼 Check out this link to order your very own Fire-Maple Antarcti Portable 1 Liter Lightweight Stainless Steel Camping Kettle today!

7. Best Cast Iron Skillet: Lodge Cast Iron Skillet 

Cast iron skillets are one of our go-to camping cookware essentials and we cannot recommend them enough for those looking to evenly cook foods over an open fire.

We love the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet because it is durable, retains heats, and evenly cooks food.

This cast iron skillet is one of the best frying pans for camping and we cannot recommend it enough!

Pros:

• Durable – This skillet is made out of cast iron which is an extremely durable and quality material and excellent for using over an open fire
• Retains heat – Cast iron is known for being able to retain and hold heat and this skillet does an excellent job at that
• Evenly cooks food – The cast iron material is known for being able to equally distribute heat throughout the equipment which means it evenly cooks food
• Multipurpose – This skillet can be used to grill, fry, bake, sear and so much more which is great for those looking for a skillet that can do many things

Cons: 

• Rust – Some people have complained that they have noticed rust after a few uses. Be sure to follow the instructions on how to take care of this Lodge skillet so that you do not have this issue!
• Not really non-stick – Many people have complained that this pan is not the best option for “non-stick” 

👉🏼 Click here to purchase your own Lodge Cast Iron Skillet!

8. Best Folding Grill: Amazon Basics Portable Outdoor Folding Campfire Grill

Folding grills are an excellent cookware tool to bring with you when going on a camping trip!

We love the Amazon Basics Portable Outdoor Folding Campfire Grill because of its high quality, easy to use and transport, and it comes with a 1 year warranty!

Pros:

• Quality material – This folding grill is made out of welded steel which is excellent for use over an open fire
• Easy to use and transport – The legs of this grill can be easily folded in which makes for easy transportation as well as set up
• 1 year warranty – Amazon offers a 1 year warranty on this product which is awesome for those worried about investing a piece
• Two size options – You can pick from a medium or an extra large depending on your preference and how many items you plan on grilling at a time

Cons:

• Rusts – Many people have complained that this folding grill rusts after a few uses
• Short – This grill is pretty short in stature and would be nice if it had a bit longer legs on it

👉🏼 Check out this link to order your own Amazon Basics Portable Outdoor Folding Campfire Grill!

9. Best S’mores Roasting Sticks: MalloMe Marshmallow Roasting Sticks

If you are like us, we absolutely adore a good s’more while camping in the wilderness.

We cannot recommend enough purchasing quality roasting sticks ahead of time.

Not only will they keep wood and dirt from getting into your s’more (if you use sticks) but they also keep you from having to find sticks ahead of time! 

Pros:

• Stainless steel – These roasting sticks are made out of stainless steel which is excellent for open fire cooking
• Easy to clean – These roasting sticks are easy to clean which is excellent for families and those looking for something quick and easy to use and clean
• 32 inches long – Due to their long length this is excellent for those looking to keep a safe distance from the fire while cooking 
• Multipurpose – Not only can you use these roasting sticks for s’mores but you can use them to cook hot dogs as well!

Cons: 

• Not the most durable – These roasting sticks are not the most durable and can get damaged easily
• Not very sturdy – Many people have complained that these sticks are pretty flimsy when in use

👉🏼 Click here to purchase your own MalloMe Marshmallow Roasting Sticks!

The Best Camping Cookware for Open Fire: Specialty Items

There are quite a few specialty items that you don’t necessarily need when cooking over an open fire but are nice to have and can be used to cook something fun and unique while camping in the outdoors!

10. Best Pie Iron: Rome’s Double Pie Iron with Steel and Wood Handles

A pie iron is a great option for those looking to get creative while camping!

You can create so many different things with a pie iron including calzones, sandwiches, pies, meats, and so much more. 

Pros:

• Multipurpose – As I just stated, you can use a pie iron to create so many delicious foods including pies, calzones, sandwiches, and so much more. 
• Cast iron – This is a quality material that is made to retain heat and be durable
• Double sized pie iron – This pie iron was created to be a double so you can make more than one at a time

Cons:

• No divider in between – This is a double sized pie iron but make sure that you understand there is no divider in between the two sides to keep the items completely separated while cooking
• Heavy – Like most cast iron products, this pie iron is pretty heavy in weight

👉🏼 Be sure to check out this link to order your own Rome’s Double Pie Iron with Steel and Wood Handles!

11. Best Steel Cooking Tripod: Transport Heavy-Duty Steel Cooking Tripod

A cooking tripod is another great specialty item that you don’t necessarily have to have but is awesome to have!

A cooking tripod is used to hold dutch ovens, kettles, and other items, over the open fire to heat up and cook. 

Pros:

• A hands free option for cooking – A cooking tripod holds your cookware over the open fire so that it can be cooked and heated up from above and not directly on the fire
• Durable – This cooking tripod is created out of a durable material that is meant to last several years
• Sturdy – This tripod is made out of a durable material and has 3 legs which makes it super sturdy which is excellent because it is holding your cookware above an open fire so you don’t want something that is flimsy and may fall over

Cons:

• Short – This tripod is fairly short so it sits closer to the open fire and would be nice to have longer legs

👉🏼 Click here to order your own Transport Heavy-Duty Steel Cooking Tripod!

💡 Things to Think About Before Purchasing The Best Camping Cookware for Open Fires

There are countless things to take into consideration when you are beginning to purchase supplies, items, and equipment that will complete your list of best camping cookware for open fires.

Some of these items include cost, how much each item weighs, and so many other factors.

Check out the top things you should take into consideration below to help you craft your list of the best camping cookware for open fires!

✅ Material

Cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum are the three best materials to use when cooking over an open fire.

Whether you are purchasing a skillet, a kettle, or pots and pans… you will want to take into consideration what material each product is made out of.

Cast Iron

This is one of our favorite go-to materials when it comes to purchasing various cookware for open fires.

We love that cast iron is durable and great at heating up evenly. 

Additionally, cast iron can not only be used over open fires but can be used on ovens, grills, stove tops, and so much more. 

However, it is important to note that cookware items made out of the cast iron material can be pretty heavy.

Stainless Steel

Another great material to consider when purchasing the best camping cookware for open fires is stainless steel. 

This material is great to use because it is known for being long-lasting and for having a high resistance to corrosion.

Additionally, stainless steel is lighter weight than cast iron which is a great benefit. 

However, stainless steel cookware can dent more easily than cast iron so that is another important factor to consider especially since you plan on using these pieces of equipment in the great outdoors.

Aluminum

Aluminum is another common material used for the best cookware for open fires. This material is very common in cookware and tends to be more lightweight.

It is important to note that aluminum does have a lower melting point which means the cookware is more susceptible to get damaged if the open fire is too hot.

Additionally, aluminum cookware tends to scratch more easily than cast iron and stainless steel. 

✅ Weight

Weight is another key factor to consider when purchasing cookware to be used over an open fire. 

You will want to make sure that the cookware is not too heavy to where you cannot lift or use it by yourself. 

Additionally, you will want to make sure that the cookware is not too lightweight to where it can easily be moved due to wind or other factors you will experience outdoors while camping. 

✅ Cost

Camping can be quite an expensive hobby. Whether you are purchasing your favorite tent for hot weather camping, looking for the best two person camping hammock, or you are looking to curate your camping kitchen essentials so that you have the very best camping cookware for open fires… the price can add up pretty fast. 

That is why considering the cost of cookware (and all camping gear) should be a huge factor to think about when purchasing your new gear and equipment. 

In general, we recommend investing in nice pieces of camping cookware that can be used for several years.

Investing in quality cookware will not only enhance your camping experience but it will also save you time and money in the long run because you won’t have to replace your cooking essentials very often.

✅ Meal Prep

Meal prepping is essential when going on a camping trip!

You will want to plan in advance what you will be eating for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as what snacks, desserts, and beverages you will be enjoying on your camping excursion.

Not only does meal prepping help you decide on what groceries you will need to purchase but it also helps you figure out which meals you can prepare before heading into the great outdoors. 

Lastly, meal prepping in advance helps you decide on what cooking equipment you will need to bring with you on your camping trip!

You don’t want to bring any pieces that take up a bunch of room that you won’t even use during your trip.

Therefore, be sure to meal prep in advance for guidance. 

✅ Experience Cooking Over Open Fires

When purchasing cookware to be used over an open fire, make sure that you have experience using the various pieces of equipment or have read the instructions well in advance.

You don’t want to rely on a unique piece of equipment that you have no idea how to use… this will not only make your experience unenjoyable but the food won’t turn out great either!

✅ How Easy it is to Clean

No one wants to spend countless hours trying to clean their camping cookware while on a camping trip.

Be sure to purchase items and to prep meals in advance that won’t require an abundance of cleaning to be done!

FAQs About The Best Camping Cookware for Open Fires

What kind of cookware can you use on an open fire?

You can use several different kinds of cookware over an open fire. You can use pots, pans, kettles, dutch ovens, and so much more. 

What is the best material to cook over a campfire?

The three most common materials to cook over a campfire are cast iron, stainless steel, and aluminum.

We recommend using cast iron because it is durable and evenly heats throughout! 

Which type of cookware is ideal for outdoor cooking and campfire?

We recommend cast iron pots and pans for cooking outdoors and over a campfire.

Not only is cast iron a great material to use but it is extremely durable which is nice for cooking outdoors. 

What do you cook over a fire when camping?

You can cook countless things over a fire when camping. Some examples include hot dogs, s’mores, chili, and burgers. 

We hope you enjoyed this article on the best camping cookware for open fires!

For similar articles, be sure to check out our posts on the best campings fans and the best tents for desert camping. Happy Exploring!