• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Short Order Cook

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Food & Fun
  • Products I Love
  • Travel & Dining
  • Meet Angela
    • Bluesky
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Food & Fun
    • Products I Love
    • Travel & Dining
    • Meet Angela
    • Bluesky
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Products I Love

    Updated: Jun 20, 2024 · Published: May 24, 2024 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Campfire Meals Made Easy with These Top-Rated Cooking Kits

    Campfire cooking is more than the classics like s'mores and chili dogs. While these are delicious, sometimes you just want something a bit more sophisticated. These campfire cooking kits are just the thing to help.

    Best Campfire Cooking Kit pots and pans.

    Elevate your culinary game while enjoying the great outdoors with these pots, pans, skillets, & utensils. The meals will be so amazing, no one will believe you are "roughing it".

    These must-have campfire cooking kits come in all shapes, sizes, materials, & prices. This article will help you pick out the mess kit that is right for your travel and family needs. So cook up some cast iron chicken breasts or teriyaki skewers while enjoying the great outdoors.

    Here is what I will share with you in this article:

    Jump to:
    • My Experience with Campfire Cooking
    • The Why
    • What to Look For
    • Types of Materials
    • Best Reviewed Campfire Cooking Kits
    • Best Overall Campfire Cooking Set
    • Best Cast-Iron Campfire Set
    • Best Lightweight & Compact Kit
    • Best Deluxe Kit
    • Best Budget Set for Singles or Couples
    • Best Kit for Large Families
    • Other Equipment for Campfire Cooking
    • Pricing & Product Summary

    My Experience with Campfire Cooking

    I have been camping since college & we started my youngest at 1 year old with a love for the great outdoors. Over the years I have cooked a lot of BBQ Chicken over grates, campfires, & propane flames.

    The decades of experience & knowledge helped me compile the best campfire cooking kits here for you today. Though my husband is the fire starter, I am the backcountry cook making favorites like Teriyaki Flank Steak or a skillet of sausage, eggs, & cheese.

    Starting a fire at a campsite.

    The Why

    Why buy one more thing for camping? Campfire cooking sets are ideal for hikers, rock climbers, backpackers, RVing, and all outdoor enthusiasts.

    Simply using the same cookware for a home gas range isn't ideal. Campfire cooking is best done with the right equipment. I've included all the options, pros, & cons when shopping.

    What to Look For

    Before buying one take all of these factors into account. This way you will spend the money on the best buy for you.

    • Kit Size, Weight, & Portability - small sets of cooking equipment that are easy to pack, haul, & carry are ideal for backpackers especially. Decide if you want something lightweight or if the weight doesn't matter which may be the case for RVs & trailers.
    • Sturdy Longlasting Materials - the materials used in campfire sets are strong & withstand the high heat of cooking directly over the flames. Look for quality products with durability that will last for years with great reviews. Buy ones made from the top materials I share in the next section.
    • Easy to Use & Clean - whether you are backpacking or trailer camping, cleaning dishes is not easy or fun. Picking sets that are easy to use & clean should be a top priority and all these sets are just that.
    • Packing Ease & Storage - having a set already packed and ready to grab is great for those that are often on the go. Having designated camping cookware saves time when packing & ensures you don't leave something behind.
    • Saves Money - these sets can last for years if not decades. Cooking your own meals versus dining out while traveling saves a lot of money.
    • Eating Healthy Food You Love- and the final bonus is cooking what you love & eating healthier. Saute up some freshly caught fish and vegetables over your fire instead of grabbing some local fast food near the campground.
    Cast iron pot on a stand over campfire cooking food.

    Types of Materials

    Cookware that is ideal for use over a campfire, camp stove, grill, or grate is typically made of solid materials. Cowboy campfire cooking calls for equipment like stands, fire set-up, tools, utensils, dutch ovens, griddles, pots, & pans.

    The top materials used in campfire cooking sets include the following:

    • Cast Iron - strong material that gets screaming hot & cooks evenly with a simple wipe-down for clean up.
    • Wrought Iron - sturdy like cast iron but not commercially made as much as cast iron.
    • Stainless Steel - durable and more lightweight than iron products.
    • Aluminum - lightweight, nonstick, & heats quickly & evenly; hard-anodized pans are recommended.

    Iron products are what I recommend if weight is not a priority. There is a slight difference between cast-iron & wrought iron, but both are excellent. For a light load, choose hard-anodized aluminum pans. They may not be fancy and hand-forged but they will do the job.

    Camping pots & pans on a rock.

    #ad This post includes affiliate links where I may receive compensation.

    Best Reviewed Campfire Cooking Kits

    For the best money can buy, check out this list of top-rated sets. Prices range from $20 - $200.

    • BEST OVERALL CAMPFIRE COOKING KIT - Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for 4
    • BEST CAST IRON CAMPFIRE SET - Lodge Seasoned 5-Piece Cast Iron Set
    • BEST LIGHTWEIGHT & COMPACT KIT - Alocs Camping Cookware
    • BEST DELUXE SET- Stanley Adventure Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset
    • BEST BUDGET SET FOR SINGLES OR COUPLES - BeGrit Backpacking Camping Cookware
    • BEST KIT FOR LARGE FAMILIES - MEETSUN Camping Cookware Mess Kit

    Best Overall Campfire Cooking Set

    This set is sensational on so many levels. It is priced right and has 21 pieces. This set weighs less than 6 pounds & nests together for space-saving easy storage, hauling, & packing. It's my #1 pick for families. Here are more features & why I love the Stanley set.

    Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for 4

    Current Price & Buy Today
    • Stainless Steel 21-piece set (BPA-free)
    • Compact nesting design & locking bungee
    • Rustproof & scratch-proof pot & fry pan
    • Dishwasher safe & easy to clean
    • 4 plates, bowls, & sporks
    • Cutting board, utensils, & more!
    • Top-rated & great customer reviews
    More Information on Stanley Base Camp Set

    Best Cast-Iron Campfire Set

    I will never stop raving about cooking with cast iron. It is sturdy, cooks evenly, & the pans can last for generations. This cookware set by Lodge is fantastic & almost 7000 happy customer reviews agree. It is heavy, 28 pounds together, and bulky which makes it best for trailer or RV camping. The only con is like all cast iron pans, they are not for the dishwasher.

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle

    Current Price & Buy Today!
    • 2 skillets, dutch oven, lid, & griddle
    • Preseasoned & easy to wipe clean
    • Heat resistant up to 500°
    • Will last for decades
    • Made in the USA
    More Information on the Lodge 5-Piece Cast Iron Set

    Best Lightweight & Compact Kit

    Super light, durable, & compact. The hard-anodized aluminum heats quickly to save on time and fuel. This cookware set is great for backpackers, hikers, & those that like to travel light.

    Alocs Camping Cookware

    Current Price & buy Today!
    • The complete set weighs only 2 pounds
    • 3 pots with lids & a frying pan
    • Easy to fold, nest, bundle, & pack
    • Wipes clean easily
    • Use on a camp stove or over a fire on a grate/stand
    • Heat-resistant silicone handles
    • Inexpensive & top-rated
    More Information on Alocs Lightweight Camping Cookware
    Best Campfire Cooking Kits Aluminum set.

    Best Deluxe Kit

    This top-rated set has all you need for a tasty adventure. Like my top pick overall, this one is made by Stanley. They have been making products for the outdoors for over 100 years!

    Stanley Adventure Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset

    Check Price & Buy Today!
    • Stainless Steel 11-piece set (BPA-free)
    • Compact nesting design & locking bungee
    • Rustproof & scratch-proof pot & fry pan
    • Dishwasher safe & easy to clean
    • Cutting board, utensils, & more!
    • 8 pounds so good for trailer, RV, or truck camping.
    • Top-rated & great customer reviews
    More Information on Stanley Adventure Pro Cookset

    Best Budget Set for Singles or Couples

    This set costs little but is not cheaply made. The bargain price for 8 pieces cannot be beaten. Small, lightweight, & compact design is ideal for backpacking, rock climbers, or backcountry hikers. It's the perfect price & size for solo campers or couples.

    BeGrit Backpacking Camping Cookware

    Check Price & Buy Today!
    • Less than $25
    • Weighs 1.75 pounds
    • 2 pots, fry pan, 1 lid, 2 plates, & 2 mugs
    • Stainless steel sturdy design
    • Easy to clean & use
    • Small set, the large pot fits probably 2 packs of ramen
    • Ideal for 1-2 campers on a budget & packing light
    More Information on BeGrit Backpacking Cookware

    Best Kit for Large Families

    My #1 overall pick is ideal for families of up to 4 people. If you have a larger group, here is a set of cookware best for your big family. It comes with two large pots, a 4-liter & 3-liter, large enough to cook for many at once.

    MEETSUN Camping Cookware Mess Kit

    Check Price & Buy Today!
    • 37 pieces in this big camping set
    • 6 sets of eating utensils, cups, & plates
    • 2 Large cooking pots with lids
    • Kettle & round pan included
    • Bonus: Cleaning brush & spatula
    • All fit into the carrying case
    • Lightweight at under 6 pounds total
    • Stainless steel makes it durable & easy to clean
    • SUPER LOW Price makes it a huge value
    More Information on MEETSUN Camping Cookware Mess Kit
    Pot hanging over fire.

    Other Equipment for Campfire Cooking

    Here are the must-have items for campfire cooking. These utensils, stands, gear, & other equipment make cooking so easy. Don't forget about making some campfire cocktails & buy a camping bartender set!

    • Campfire Grill Grate - Adventure Seeka Heavy Duty 24" Folding Campfire Grill
    • Propane/Butane Burner - Gas One GS-3400P Propane or Butane Stove
    • Fire Mitts - RAPICCA Heat/Fire Resistant Leather Gloves
    • Utensils - Camp Kitchen Cooking Utensil Set
    • Cleaning Kit - Sea to Summit Camp Kitchen Clean-Up Kit
    • Storage Bags - Frelaxy Compression Sack
    • Fire Starters - Melt Candle Company Fire Starter
    • Spice Kit - GSI Outdoors Spice Missile
    • Campfire Tripod Stand - Stansport Tripod Cooker with 17" Grill
    • S'mores Kit - Tapirus Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
    • Instant-Read Thermometer - ChefsTemp Pocket Pro Digital Thermometer
    Adventure Seeka Heavy Duty 24" Folding Campfire Grill, Camp Fire Grill With Folding Grill Design For Compact Storage. Campfire Grill Grate And Griddle For Versatile Campfire Cooking
    $64.97
    Adventure Seeka Heavy Duty 24" Folding Campfire Grill, Camp Fire Grill With Folding Grill Design For Compact Storage. Campfire Grill Grate And Griddle For Versatile Campfire Cooking
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/17/2025 10:06 am GMT
    Gas One GS-3400P Propane or Butane Stove Dual Fuel Stove Portable Camping Stove - Patent Pending - with Carrying Case Great for Emergency Preparedness Kit
    $29.99
    Gas One GS-3400P Propane or Butane Stove Dual Fuel Stove Portable Camping Stove - Patent Pending - with Carrying Case Great for Emergency Preparedness Kit
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/15/2025 03:12 pm GMT
    RAPICCA Welding Gloves Fire Heat Resistant: Blue 16IN 932 - Fireproof Leather For Stick Mig Flux-Core Welder Forge Blacksmith Fireplace Wood Stove Fire Pit Furnace Handling Dry ice - One Size
    $19.99
    RAPICCA Welding Gloves Fire Heat Resistant: Blue 16IN 932 - Fireproof Leather For Stick Mig Flux-Core Welder Forge Blacksmith Fireplace Wood Stove Fire Pit Furnace Handling Dry ice - One Size
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/15/2025 07:06 pm GMT
    Camp Kitchen Cooking Utensil Set Travel Organizer Grill Accessories Portable Compact Gear for Backpacking BBQ Camping Hiking Travel Cookware Kit Water Resistant Case (Blue 17 Piece Set)
    $39.99
    Camp Kitchen Cooking Utensil Set Travel Organizer Grill Accessories Portable Compact Gear for Backpacking BBQ Camping Hiking Travel Cookware Kit Water Resistant Case (Blue 17 Piece Set)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/17/2025 02:31 am GMT
    Sea to Summit Camp Kitchen Clean-Up Kit
    $38.20
    Sea to Summit Camp Kitchen Clean-Up Kit
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/18/2025 05:21 am GMT
    Frelaxy Compression Sack, 40% More Storage! 11L/18L/30L/45L Compression Stuff Sack, Water-Resistant & Ultralight Sleeping Bag Stuff Sack - Space Saving Gear for Camping (Black, XXL)
    $24.99
    Frelaxy Compression Sack, 40% More Storage! 11L/18L/30L/45L Compression Stuff Sack, Water-Resistant & Ultralight Sleeping Bag Stuff Sack - Space Saving Gear for Camping (Black, XXL)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/17/2025 10:31 pm GMT
    Fire Starter Squares 160 - Fire Starter Pack for Chimney, Grill Pit, Fireplace, Campfire, BBQ & Smoker - Water Resistant and Odourless - Camping Accessories
    $21.54
    Fire Starter Squares 160 - Fire Starter Pack for Chimney, Grill Pit, Fireplace, Campfire, BBQ & Smoker - Water Resistant and Odourless - Camping Accessories
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/17/2025 11:26 am GMT
    GSI Outdoors - Spice Missile: Lightweight, Modular Spice Carrier for Travel, Camping and Outdoors
    $9.99
    GSI Outdoors - Spice Missile: Lightweight, Modular Spice Carrier for Travel, Camping and Outdoors
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/14/2025 06:36 am GMT
    Stansport Tripod Cooker with 17" Grill (15997-77)
    $48.99
    Stansport Tripod Cooker with 17" Grill (15997-77)
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/14/2025 07:46 am GMT
    Tapirus Marshmallow Roasting Sticks | Set of 4 Extra Long Retractable Campfire Sticks | Protect Kids with Insulated Handles | Extendable Smore & Hot Dog Skewers | Heavy Duty Metal Camping Accessor...
    $18.95
    Tapirus Marshmallow Roasting Sticks | Set of 4 Extra Long Retractable Campfire Sticks | Protect Kids with Insulated Handles | Extendable Smore & Hot Dog Skewers | Heavy Duty Metal Camping Accessor...
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/15/2025 08:06 am GMT

    Pricing & Product Summary

    Here are recommended products that are shared in this article. Shop them today & buy these top-rated items at great prices. This buying guide includes the top 6 products from this article & current prices.

    Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for 4 | 21 Pcs Nesting Cookware Made from Stainless Steel & BPA Free Material | Incl Pot, lid, Cutting Board, Spatula, Plates, Spoons, Forks, Bowls, Dish Rack, Trivet
    $35.00
    Stanley Base Camp Cook Set for 4 | 21 Pcs Nesting Cookware Made from Stainless Steel & BPA Free Material | Incl Pot, lid, Cutting Board, Spatula, Plates, Spoons, Forks, Bowls, Dish Rack, Trivet
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/16/2025 04:51 pm GMT
    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle. 10.5" Griddle, 8" Skillet, 10.25" Skillet, 10.25" Dutch Oven, and 10.25" Lid,Black
    $99.90
    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5 Piece Bundle. 10.5" Griddle, 8" Skillet, 10.25" Skillet, 10.25" Dutch Oven, and 10.25" Lid,Black
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/14/2025 07:16 am GMT
    Alocs Camping Cookware Set Camping Gear, Compact Camping Pots and Pans Set, Durable Hard Alumina Camping Cooking Set for Outdoor Backpacking Camping Hiking Picnic, Included Mesh Carry Bag.
    $49.99
    Alocs Camping Cookware Set Camping Gear, Compact Camping Pots and Pans Set, Durable Hard Alumina Camping Cooking Set for Outdoor Backpacking Camping Hiking Picnic, Included Mesh Carry Bag.
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/18/2025 11:11 am GMT
    Stanley Adventure Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset
    $35.00
    Stanley Adventure Even-Heat Camp Pro Cookset
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/18/2025 11:16 am GMT
    BeGrit Backpacking Camping Cookware Mini Picnic Camping Cooking Mess Kit with Pot and Pan Set for Hiking 8pcs Set
    $22.99
    BeGrit Backpacking Camping Cookware Mini Picnic Camping Cooking Mess Kit with Pot and Pan Set for Hiking 8pcs Set
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/16/2025 03:31 pm GMT
    MEETSUN Camping Cookware Mess Kit, 37 PCs Large Size Hanging Pot Pan Kettle with Camping Cooking Set Carry Bag for 6 Person, Cups Dishes Forks Spoons Knives Kit for Outdoor Camping Hiking Picnic
    $59.99
    MEETSUN Camping Cookware Mess Kit, 37 PCs Large Size Hanging Pot Pan Kettle with Camping Cooking Set Carry Bag for 6 Person, Cups Dishes Forks Spoons Knives Kit for Outdoor Camping Hiking Picnic
    Buy Now
    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.
    07/13/2025 08:51 am GMT

    The Short Order Cook participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission on the sale at no additional cost to you. This helps with the costs of running the blog. Thank you!  

    « Patriotic Red, White, & Blue Poke Cake
    Grilled Pineapple Sundaes »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Angela the short order cook on a step stool reaching into the top kitchen cupboard.

    Hi, I'm Angela I’m Angela, a petite mom that loves to cook, eat, drink, & explore all things food. As a former personal chef & caterer, I specialize in family recipes that taste great & are easy to make. I rely on my trusty stool every day to create & test recipes I know you will love.

    More about me →

    This site has links to products/services that may make us a commission. #ad

    Popular

    • Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix cut in squares on a counter with white chocolate chips.
      Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix
    • Deep Fried Sweet Potato Fries featured close up with dipping sauces on the bottom
      Deep-Fried Sweet Potato Fries
    • 4- Ingredient Key Lime Pie in graham cracker crust topped with whipped cream.
      Easy 4- Ingredient Key Lime Pie
    • Naked Chicken Wings on a plate.
      Naked Chicken Wings
    • How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven featured
      How to Cook Turkey Bacon in the Microwave Oven
    • Fried Spaghetti with Eggs featured closeup overhead of bowl filled and topped with parmesan and parsley
      Fried Spaghetti with Eggs
    • Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream Overhead two bowls of ice cream and black napkin.
      Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream
    • A set of black pots and pans.
      Best Pots & Pans for Gas Stove
    Try Audible Plus
    Join Amazon Prime - Watch Thousands of Movies & TV Shows Anytime - Start Free Trial Now
    Create an Amazon Wedding Registry
    Shop Amazon - Create an Amazon Baby Registry

    The Short Order Cook LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com

    Top Categories

    • Main Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Italian
    • Holidays
    • Southern
    • Recipe Roundups

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    • Disclosure Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Meet Angela
    • Meet the Family

    Copyright © 2019- 2025 The Short Order Cook LLC, All Rights Reserved. All recipes, original photos, and articles on this site are the property of The Short Order Cook LLC. You are welcome to share an original photo ONLY with an accompanying do-follow link to this site. Publishing any item as if it were your own is prohibited & illegal. The Short Order Cook tests every recipe & never uses AI to create recipes or images.

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read Privacy Policy
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT