Photo by Adam Davis
Whether you’re camping in a local state park, in your friend’s backyard, or with us in Yosemite, one of the best ways to make your trip epic is with a good campfire meal. While a can of beans or a backpacking meal can hit the spot after a long day, read up on our Yosemite Conservancy staff’s favorite meals to make around the campfire with loved ones to make your next adventure even more memorable.
Grilled veggies and sausage over the fire
Pick some veggies of your choice to wrap in foil and roast over the fire. Our favorites are carrots, potatoes, beets, and corn. Corn on the cob can stay in its husk and go straight on the fire grate, and the others can be wrapped up in foil. Don’t forget to season them with salt, olive oil, and your favorite spices or fresh herbs before wrapping, and place them over the fire, flipping and turning as needed to get them fully cooked. In the meantime, grab some sausage or vegan sausage of your choice and roast them over the fire just like in the movies.
Bannock and hot dogs
Bannock is an unleavened bread with origins to many Indigenous Tribes in North America.
Pre-measure and mix the dry ingredients into individual (hopefully) reusable baggies. Add the water at your campfire and smoosh it all together in the bag until doughy consistency. Pull the dough ball out and find a nearby stick the same width as your hot dog. Wrap the dough around the stick and roast above the fire, also roast your hot dog or not-dog if you’re vegetarian. When both are hot and crispy, stick the dog in your bun, add desired condiments, and enjoy!
Paella
Paella, a delicious rice-based Spanish dish may sound fancy to cook over the fire, but it is surprisingly easy and only requires one pan. Grab a cast iron pan or paella pan (either will work) and follow this recipe by J. Kenji Lopez Alt — and once everything is in the pan make sure to not stir or touch it! Once it’s cooked through, you’ll have a crispy on the bottom paella perfect for sharing.
Fajitas
The sizzling roasted onions and peppers in fajitas are perfect to make over a campfire. Bring your seasonings, cook your protein of choice, and grill your onions and peppers with oil over a hot campfire. Make sure to preheat your cast iron pan to get a good sizzle when the veg hits the pan.
Leveled up s’mores
S’mores are probably already on your meal plan for your next adventure, but level them up by adding just one extra topping or two to make them even better. Consider adding a chocolate bar with peanut butter or caramel in it, or even squeeze a piece of sliced fruit in there. Swap out classic graham crackers for your favorite cookie or maybe try making a stroopwafel smore. Mix and match with whatever flavors you prefer and enjoy with your favorite ghost story.
Brats with curry ketchup
Change up your classic hot dog campfire meal and swap for bratwurst with curry ketchup. Grab your brat of choice, whether it’s pork, chicken, or vegan and pack that in the cooler. Mix ketchup and curry powder together to taste and pack in your cooler, and once your fire is made, roast your brats over them. Top or dip them with the curry ketchup and enjoy!
Marinated Grilled chicken over the fire
Before you head out on your adventure, marinate some chicken (or tofu) in your flavor of choosing — our favorites are teriyaki or barbecue sauce — and place them all in a reusable bag and then in your cooler. Once you get to camp, grill them up over the fire till cooked through and juicy and serve with some veggies cooked over the fire on the side.
Create your own Campfire Meal with Mac and Cheese
Looking for a go-to meal to add to your campfire cooking wheelhouse, consider what you could add to a basic mac and cheese box kit to easily elevate the meal (and maybe make it a little more delicious). A can of black beans and tajin add a southwestern feel. Canned tuna and peas in the mac and cheese will bring casserole vibes to any campfire.
The sharing of food, stories, and jokes around the campfire always end up being some of our favorite memories on our camping trips. Wherever you adventure next, try some of these meals and enjoy with your loved ones.
And wherever you are camping, be sure to burn responsibly, always follow local fire regulations, and to buy your firewood locally when possible. Happy camping!
On your next adventure to Yosemite, join us for one of our art classes, naturalist walks, or Outdoor Adventures in the park! Most of our art classes and Outdoor Adventures include your peak hours/day-use reservation for entry to the park during 2024 peak season. Book your experience now before spots fill up!
