Nothing beats a meal cooked over an open fire after a long day on the road. There’s something deeply satisfying about gathering around the flames, hearing the sizzle, and smelling the smoke-kissed flavors that can only come from true campfire cooking. Having spent many nights under the stars in national parks, remote boondocking spots, and cozy campgrounds, I’ve learned that good food doesn’t require a gourmet kitchen it just takes a bit of planning and the right recipes.

This article is all about sharing my favorite easy RV-friendly recipes for campfire cooking. Each recipe is designed to be simple, satisfying, and manageable even in tight RV kitchens or at rustic sites with minimal equipment. These are meals that bring people together and make the outdoors feel like home.

Cooking Tools to Make Campfire Meals Easier

Before diving into recipes, I always make sure my RV is stocked with a few essential tools that make campfire cooking much easier. The right gear turns an unpredictable fire into a functional outdoor kitchen.

Here’s what I always keep on hand:

  • Cast iron skillet and Dutch oven
  • Long-handled tongs and heat-resistant gloves
  • Grate or tripod for cooking over coals
  • Aluminum foil and parchment paper
  • Reusable skewers and grilling baskets
  • Fire starters and kindling

With these basics, I’m ready to cook just about anything over a fire, from hearty breakfasts to sweet desserts.

Campfire Skillet Breakfast Hash

This is my go-to breakfast when I want something warm, filling, and easy to throw together. Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, diced
  • 4 eggs
  • Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
  • Optional: chopped sausage or bacon

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over campfire coals.
  2. Sauté onions and peppers until soft.
  3. Add diced potatoes and cook until golden brown and tender, stirring occasionally.
  4. If using meat, stir it in and cook until browned.
  5. Make wells in the hash and crack an egg into each one. Cover the skillet with foil and cook until eggs are set.

This dish is one of the easiest and most satisfying starts to the day. It’s also easy to customize based on what’s in your RV fridge.

Foil Packet Lemon Garlic Salmon

For those evenings when I want something healthy and light but still packed with flavor, this salmon recipe hits the mark. It’s also one of the easiest RV-friendly recipes for campfire cooking that doesn’t create a mess.

Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 lemon, sliced thin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, and fresh dill or parsley
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions:

  1. Lay each salmon fillet on a sheet of foil.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle garlic, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
  3. Top with lemon slices and fold the foil to create a sealed packet.
  4. Place packets on hot campfire coals and cook for 10–12 minutes, until salmon is opaque and flaky.

Serve with grilled asparagus or a quick side salad for a light, fresh dinner.

Dutch Oven Campfire Chili

When the weather cools off or I’m parked at higher elevations, nothing beats a hearty chili. A Dutch oven allows slow cooking over coals without needing constant attention.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can black beans
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 packet chili seasoning or homemade blend
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Brown meat in a Dutch oven over coals. Add onion, pepper, and garlic, and cook until soft.
  2. Stir in beans, tomatoes, and seasoning.
  3. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Serve hot with shredded cheese, green onions, or cornbread if you have it.

This recipe feeds a crowd and tastes even better the next day.

Campfire Pizza with Pre-Made Dough

Pizza night doesn’t have to stop just because you’re in an RV. I use store-bought dough and cook it in a cast iron pan for a crispy, smoky crust that rivals brick oven pizza.

Ingredients:

  • 1 roll of refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • Toppings of your choice (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, etc.)
  • Olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat a cast iron skillet over hot coals and add a drizzle of oil.
  2. Press dough into the skillet and cook one side for 3–4 minutes until it begins to crisp.
  3. Flip the dough, spread with sauce, cheese, and toppings.
  4. Cover with foil and let cook until cheese is melted and bubbly.

This is one of the easiest RV-friendly recipes for campfire cooking that gets the whole crew excited. Everyone can customize their slice just how they like it.

Fire-Grilled Chicken Fajitas

Chicken fajitas are simple, flavorful, and ideal for outdoor cooking. I like to pre-slice the meat and veggies in advance and store them in the RV fridge, ready to go.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast, sliced thin
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 packet fajita seasoning
  • Olive oil
  • Tortillas, sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese

Instructions:

  1. Toss chicken and veggies in seasoning and oil.
  2. Place everything in a grill basket or skewer them.
  3. Cook over direct heat until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.
  4. Serve hot with warm tortillas and toppings.

Campfire fajitas are perfect for sharing and require minimal cleanup.

Stuffed Bell Peppers in Foil

This is a fun and colorful meal that cooks beautifully in foil right on the coals. It’s satisfying, healthy, and works great for both meat-lovers and vegetarians.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bell peppers, tops removed and seeds cleaned
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1/2 pound ground beef or crumbled tofu
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • Salt, pepper, and cumin

Instructions:

  1. Mix cooked rice, protein, salsa, cheese, and seasonings in a bowl.
  2. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and wrap each in foil.
  3. Place directly on coals or on a grill over the fire.
  4. Cook for 20–25 minutes, turning occasionally, until peppers are tender.

It’s one of the more filling yet easy RV-friendly recipes for campfire cooking that always feels like a treat.

Campfire Banana Boats

Dessert shouldn’t be left out of your outdoor dining experience. Banana boats are sweet, gooey, and endlessly customizable.

Ingredients:

  • Bananas (one per person)
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Chocolate chips
  • Crushed graham crackers or granola
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions:

  1. Slice each banana lengthwise (without cutting through the bottom peel).
  2. Stuff with chocolate chips and marshmallows.
  3. Wrap in foil and place on hot coals for 5–10 minutes until everything is melted.
  4. Open, sprinkle with crushed toppings, and enjoy with a spoon.

It’s a simple treat that feels like a gourmet s’mores upgrade.

Grilled Corn with Garlic Herb Butter

Fresh corn on the cob is a summer camping classic, and cooking it over the fire gives it an unbeatable smoky flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ears of corn, husks removed
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Mix butter with garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spread butter over each ear of corn and wrap in foil.
  3. Place directly on hot coals or grill over fire.
  4. Cook for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally.

The butter melts into the corn while it cooks, infusing it with rich, savory flavor.

One-Pot Sausage and Veggie Campfire Stew

This hearty stew is the kind of comfort food that makes RV life feel like a five-star retreat. It’s packed with protein, vegetables, and bold flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, cubed
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaf

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven or large pot.
  2. Cover and cook over low coals for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Check potatoes for tenderness before serving.

This meal fills the whole RV with the smell of something truly delicious simmering away.

Meal Planning Tips for RV Campers

To make the most of easy RV-friendly recipes for campfire cooking, I like to plan meals a few days in advance. This helps cut down on food waste, reduces the number of trips into town, and keeps the fridge organized.

Here’s what works well for me:

  • Pre-chop vegetables and store them in zip-top bags
  • Marinate proteins ahead of time for quicker cooking
  • Use reusable containers to store leftovers for the next day
  • Create a rough meal calendar so I can rotate ingredients efficiently
  • Pack versatile ingredients like tortillas, beans, rice, and canned tomatoes

Having a small pantry of spices and staples makes it easy to whip up meals without relying on store runs every few days.

Final Thoughts

Campfire cooking is one of the great joys of RV living. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and connect over a meal cooked with love and a little bit of smoke. Whether it’s a simple breakfast hash or a bubbling pot of chili, these easy RV-friendly recipes for campfire cooking turn any campsite into a home.

With the right tools, a little prep, and a sense of adventure, anyone can become a campfire chef. I’ve cooked on beaches, in mountain forests, deserts, and backyards and each time, the food tasted better because of where I was and who I was with.

So grab your skillet, build a fire, and make something unforgettable tonight.