A Field guide to campsite cooking
Good food, cooked over fire, with nothing but the wild around you-this is what we are all about.
Whether it’s your first camp cookout or your hundredth, there’s real joy in building a fire, cooking over coals, and feeding the people you’re with. The rhythm of it slows you down, invites you to be present, and turns even the most simple meal into something memorable. But that doesn’t mean you have to rough it or wing it. Whether you’re heading into the hills or parking up at a laid-back site for the weekend, a bit of prep goes a long way. Here's our guide to making campsite cooking smooth, satisfying, and seriously delicious.
1. be prepared
The key to a stress-free camp cook-up? Pack smart and prep ahead. Get your gear sorted before you go - your grill, cooler, utensils, fire-safe cookware, and of course, a few trusty staples. You can even pre-prep ingredients into jars or containers to save time and mess. Think overnight campsite oats, pre-chopped veg, or our Smokey Peach & Jalapeño Ketchup - ideal for levelling up burgers or grilled veg.
And obviously don’t forget your seasonings. Nobody wants bland food in camp. Our Field Blends tins are designed to travel well and can turn simple ingredients into something special with a pinch. Shop Our Blends
2. Fire Prep & Site Rules
Every campsite is different when it comes to fire rules - so always check ahead. Some sites only allow raised fires, while others might permit smoke-free fuels, which opens up your options for better-quality charcoal or briquettes.
Places like Fire and Stars, which we visited recently on a team trip, even have designated fire pits, perfect for getting stuck into a proper fire-cooked food. We always recommend steering clear of disposable barbecues - not only are they wasteful, but they’re packed with chemicals, super lame and do no favours to the environment (or your food).
3. Choose Your Cooking Method
Camp cooking can be as simple or as ambitious as you like. Here are a few of our favourite approaches:
• Portable Pizza Ovens: Like our trusty Ooni, they’re a game changer. Great for group meals and guaranteed to impress.
• Grills with Lids: Handy for longer cooks where you want to trap a bit more heat - ideal for dishes like Campfire seared steak.
• Open Fire Cooking: The classic. Cook directly over a grill or go primal and place a cast iron pan right onto the coals. There's no better way to connect with your food.
• Camp Stoves: Reliable, compact, and perfect for quick breakfasts, brews, or one-pan meals when you need to get food on fast. Ideal for when fire restrictions are in place or the weather isn’t playing ball. You can whip up anything from morning coffee to a bubbling pan of campsite shakshuka with the right kit.
Whichever way you go, give yourself plenty of time. Campsite cooking is about slowing down and enjoying the process - not racing the clock. Michelin are not observing you!
4. Respect the Wild
Cooking outdoors, like hiking and camping comes with responsibility. Always pack a bin bag and leave no trace. Respect any fire regulations, keep your area safe, and be mindful of the environment around you.
Cooking at camp doesn’t need to be complicated - but it should be fun. With a bit of prep and a flexible mindset, you can turn simple ingredients into something special, surrounded by good people and open skies.