Part 3 – Let’s Get Cooking
Everything you need to know about camping is a 3 5 part series presented to help calm your apprehensions about camping and get you out into the great outdoors. If you have never tried camping before, the idea of getting outdoors and next to nature can be a little overwhelming. Questions arise quickly… “Where should I go?” “What should I take?” and “What will I eat?” are just a few that come to mind. Let’s start from the beginning and break it all down to see if we can get you outdoors and up close and personal to nature. Hopefully after reading a few of these ideas you will be out building a fire, cooking up great meals and leaving all your cares behind in no time flat.
In Part 1 we discussed 3 main topics:
- What exactly is camping?
- Why should I go camping?
- Where should I go camping?
In Part 2 we discussed the 10 Must Haves When Camping; 10 of the most important little things needed to help prepare for a successful camping trip.
Here are the links to Part 1 and Part 2 in case you missed them and would like to catch up.
Part 1: So You Want to Go Camping
Part 2: 10 Must Haves When Camping
I had meant to wrap up the Series on Everything You Need to Know About Camping this week, but have come to realize it is impossible to cover all the aspects of cooking in only one post. So I will be extending the series for a few more weeks.
Coming up…
- What are the options for cooking when I go camping?
- What type of cooking gear should I bring when I go camping?
- Healthy camp recipes and ideas for your camping trip.
Let’s Get Cooking
What Are The Options For Cooking When Camping?
There are many options for cooking when camping. Much depends on the facility where you will be staying. For instance, some wilderness areas and campsites do not allow wood fires during peak fire season or only allow a charcoal fire in a designated area. It is good to check out the area and the restrictions before you head out and always have a back-up plan in the event that things change. Even when all options are available you may want to use several methods for cooking anyway. Let’s explore some of the options.
- The Camp Stove is usually a two burner stove and the most commonly used cooking method when camping. Fuel for the stove can be either propane or white gas. I find this method to be the most stable for cooking. Heat can be maintained and regulated easily in comparison with a wood fire, charcoal grill or dutch oven. It is the most user friendly option; one I would recommend as a mainstay in your stable of cooking choices.
- Charcoal can be used in a fire pit (when allowed per facility) or a BBQ grill. Some camping areas have grills available for use right at the campsite, but this is not always the case. It is a good idea to check to make certain. One way to avoid not having a grill available is the Tabletop Grill. For this cooking method all you need is charcoal and a lighter. When cooking on the grill it is not much different from home. No need to step out of your comfort zone with this method.
- The Dutch Oven takes your camp cuisine one step further. Soups and stews are only the beginning with this handy piece of equipment. Whether it is used with charcoal or sitting over a fire, the options are endless when you get the hang of how to use it. I enjoy baking and making desserts in my oven; a sure way to impress and a great tool when camping when heavy equipment is not an issue.
101 Things to Do with a Dutch Oven
Best of the Black Pot: Must-Hav
Wood Fire
- A wood fire embodies all the charm and tradition of camping. It is a practical method with many varieties for use. Foil wrapped packages are one of the easiest methods for cooking with a wood fire. It is good to remember a cooking fire is something quite different than a fire to be enjoyed while gathering and singing kum ba yah. White hot coals are much more predictable and a steadier source of heat than red hot flames.
- Desserts are fun to eat at camp. Why not opt for a healthier version. Pie Irons broaden your horizons and give you more options than the traditional S’more (yes I agree they are a camp tradition!). The great thing about Pie Irons is they make pretty mean sandwiches and a whole lot more.
Rome’s #2011 Creative Pie Iron Cooking Book
In Summary
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the ways to cook when camping, but it is a good start to get you out and enjoying the outdoors fairly quickly. As you camp, mix it up a bit and try the various methods. Soon you may be using the camp stove at breakfast, a wood fire at lunch, and the Dutch oven at dinner. The most important thing to remember is to use what works best and fits easily within your family. If a certain method is more of a chore and takes away from your experience, skip it entirely and move on to something else.
Next Week: What type of cooking gear should I bring when I go camping?
If you missed any of the series of Everything You Need to Know About Camping you can see them here…
- Part 1: So You Want to Go Camping
- Part 2: 10 Must Haves When Camping
- Part 4: The 5 Essential Tools For Camp Cooking
Everything You Need to Know About Camping shared with:
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Gr8 post. Do you own all those grills in the pic? Impressive. 🙂
Really it such an informative post. I’ve read so many amazing things about your article! I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing your experience I always like to read health tips and food recipe. I am very happy to get cooking camping guide. Seriously thank you for all this awesomeness!
Laverne Petrillo recently posted…7 Best Cooking Torch Reviews for The Kitchen
Having a good camp stove makes a lot of difference on how well your camping trip will go. Having a dutch oven and the ability to cook with it will make your trip even better. There’s nothing like finishing off the night with some dutch oven cobbler.
The Camping Guy recently posted…A Buyer’s Guide To The Best Camping Cots
I’m a camper myself. Love reading your blog, a lot of helpful information for my family camping trip. Thanks!
Thank you. 🙂
We also like to camp and are getting fairly proficient with the Dutch oven. One thing I would recommend is a camp chef stove. It’s basically a camp stove on steroids. It’s awesome. Once you use one, you have to have one. My husband even uses it in the backyard saving me cooking time in the kitchen.
Deborah @ MommyCrusader.com recently posted…One Great Addiction: Geocaching!
I had to go and check out the camp stove to see what you were talking about. Wow. I have been living in the 20th century apparently. The Stove looks amazing. Do you have the oven and how do you like it?
I am so prepared now, just have to wait for cool weather and no bugs and I think i could camp! Thanks for sharing such great info with us! Now if I could get over the bug issue, I think I might like camping. Maybe.
The bugs are a pain. Skin so soft is never far away. It is always nice to camp when the weather turns cooler. I love the change in the leaves too. so beautiful!
I have enjoyed your series! I need to camp like you. Pinned. I’m always impressed with your creations. Please join us tonight at 7 pm. I can’t wait to see what you have been working on! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
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Thanks girls. I went by and linked up to your fabulous party. I appreciate you stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Great camping tips, I’ve never been camping before other than in my back yard when I was little. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!
Thanks Laura. It is always a pleasure coming to your party, thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Hi Shari! I’m really enjoying this series. We were just camping last week and part of the fun is cooking in all of the different ways you mentioned. Watching a campfire is one of the most relaxing things that I know to do and made even better with camp food. Thanks for sharing your extensive camping knowledge with us at Let’s Get Real.
Christina @ Juggling Real Food and Real Life recently posted…Let’s Get Real Friday Party #50
Thanks Christina. We just returned from a short little trip to the river, where I had a blissful moment away and unplugged. I know I will be coming back to a plethora of things to catch up on, but I love that moment when life stands still. Getting to work now on finishing up the series for this week and next. I will be sad to see this one end. Thanks for stopping by and sharing. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend.
Blessings,
Shari
Oh, I love this series! We forget one thing (at least) every trip, but with your help I can better plan. Thank you for sharing at the #SHINEBlogHop today. Hope to see you again at the TGIT party soon.
Sarah Nenni Daher recently posted…Thank Goodness It’s Thursday No. 33
It has been fun writing down all the little things stored up in my head for years. Even so, I still forget things on a regular basis. Makes it that much more of an adventure I guess. Thanks for coming by and taking a moment to share.
Blessings,
Shari
Your series really makes me miss camping! I really need to get back into it. Thank you for linking up to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party. I have pinned your post to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest board.
Carie Spence recently posted…Gluten Free Blueberry Lemon Sweet Cake
It is difficult sometimes to get away, but I know that it is the best thing for me so I try and carve out time. Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
Shari, you are doing a FABULOUS job on this series! The pictures are beautiful and the information is so easy to comprehend and you have great resources. I have camped so much, and you have covered subjects that the novice or experienced camper can use. TERRIFIC and can’t wait for the next installment. Carrie, A Mothers Shadow
Thank you Carrie, your comments warm my heart. I love being able to share something I am passionate about. I am glad that the passion I feel is coming out in a way people can understand. Thanks for stopping by.
Blessings,
Shari
I’m not real enthusiastic about camping but have enjoyed a few outings. Thanks for sharing some tidbits I’ll keep in mind for our next adventure.
Michelle @ On A Wing And A Prayer
Michelle recently posted…Steel Cut Cinnamon Oatmeal
Thank you! I appreciate you stopping by and taking a moment to share.
Blessings, Shari
Shari,
I love reading your camping posts. They are always packed with information I had never thought about. Your pictures are just beautiful. I love seeing the mountains in the background. Are all the camp stoves yours? I also learned another great tips which is to line the dutch oven. I am sure this helps when camping to just lift the baked goods right out of it.
Thanks for sharing!
Pinning, stumbling, tweeting!
Blessings,
Diane Roark
No, that picture was one of the few I have used that is not mine. I have one camp stove for regular camping and one for backpacking. They work beautifully and I have had them for years. I am glad you are enjoying the pictures and the series. I line my dutch oven too when baking most of the time. It is easier for clean up too!
Blessings,
Shari
Again, I am not by any means a camper myself, but have totally shared for those who are, because you truly once again give such wonderful and invaluable tips here. Can’t thank you enough for that, Shari!! 🙂
Janine Huldie recently posted…The Stars And Stripes Edition – GLOSSYBOX June 2014
Thanks Janine for sharing. You are a real trooper and your support is what’s invaluable here 🙂 Thank you!!!