
Imagine being surrounded by the flickering flames of a campfire, the great outdoors stretching before you. The crackling firewood is your source of warmth and sustenance, and at the centre of it all, a trusty cast iron Dutch oven.
Here, we delve into the world of campfire cooking, discover the secrets of cooking over a campfire with a Dutch oven, and explore the importance of this humble yet indispensable piece of cookware and reviewing our tried and tested Dutch oven.
A Campfire's Culinary Champion
In the realm of campfire cooking, the cast iron Dutch oven reigns supreme. Its rugged durability and remarkable adaptability make it the unsung hero of the wilderness. Whether you're nestled in a forest grove, perched by a serene lake, or enjoying a night under the stars, this versatile pot is your steadfast companion.
Harnessing Nature's Heat
The secret to the Dutch oven's success in campfire cooking is its ability to harness the raw power of an open flame. The sturdy cast iron construction can withstand the intense heat, and its thick walls and lid act as heat reservoirs, ensuring your meals cook evenly. From morning's sizzling bacon and eggs to the evening's bubbling stew, it adapts to your campfire's ever-changing dance of flames.
Simplicity in the Wild
Using a cast iron Dutch oven over a campfire is surprisingly simple. Position it directly on the fire's embers, hanging it from a tripod, or using a set of smouldering coals. As long as you have fire, a trusty pot, and your chosen ingredients, you're well-equipped to create campfire culinary masterpieces.
Tending to Your Campfire Companion
Caring for your Dutch oven in the wilderness isn't much different from caring for it at home. After each meal, give it a gentle rinse with hot water and a brush. Skip the soap, though; it's the key to preserving its seasoning. A touch of oil and some heat, and your Dutch oven remains rust-free and seasoned to perfection.
Why It's a Campfire Necessity
What truly makes the cast iron Dutch oven invaluable by the campfire is its reliability. It's built to withstand the rugged outdoors, making it an essential tool for campfire cooking. Its seasoned surface imparts a smoky, rustic flavour to your dishes, elevating your culinary creations beyond what modern cookware can achieve.
Is there a downside?
Yes, and it is the weight. Cast iron is heavy so whichever Dutch oven you select, make sure you can carry it and safely take it off the fire when it is full of your delicious food.

Camping Scamping HQ Review
Our tried and tested Dutch oven is a mid-range 5.7 litre / 6 quart Overmont dual function Dutch oven with legs. The lid doubles as a griddle, with its own little feet - which is perfect for a breakfast fry up! It comes with a lid lifter and mini cookery book. The legs allow the Dutch oven to nestle over the fire embers, but the handle means you can also hang it from a tripod. It came pre-seasoned, but religious post-cooking seasoning has meant that it has quickly become non-stick. We have been really impressed with speed with which food cooks and so far it has handled all types of cooking methods really well. We've used it for so many dishes, including our Beef and Pumpkin Stew, Cinnamon Campfire Berry Cobbler and our Hawaiian Slow Cooked Kalua Pork. It has handled the different styles of cooking admirably.
We transport ours in the ToCis Big BBQ Transport Bag for Dutch Oven Firepot. It's a bigger bag than is needed, but there is plenty of room for our collapsible tripod, heatproof gloves and some other bits and bobs. The Dutch oven gets dirty on the fire, so having a carrying bag is essential and means your car/van doesn't get dirty!
In conclusion, the cast iron Dutch oven is not just a piece of cookware; it's an essential campfire companion. Its versatility, resilience, and capacity to create unforgettable outdoor meals make it a must-have for any camping adventure. With each dish seasoned by the smoky campfire, the Dutch oven becomes a symbol of your outdoor culinary prowess, making campfire cooking an unforgettable experience. Embrace the magic of cast iron, discover the secrets of cooking over a campfire with a Dutch oven, and let your outdoor culinary journey begin.
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