Dutch Oven Campfire Cooking

We love using our camp Dutch oven to elevate some of our camping meals. Cast iron pots and kettles have been used for cooking since the 7th and 8th centuries, becoming an essential tool in various historical journeys, including the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Oregon Trail.

A Dutch oven is a large pot with a tight-fitting lid designed to cook on the stove or in the oven. Many people use enameled cast iron pots in their kitchens, but these are not suitable for camping. A camp Dutch oven has specific components designed for outdoor cooking.

3 Short Legs: These legs lift the pot off the ground, allowing hot coals to be placed underneath the oven for even cooking.

Snug fitting lid: The lid features a lip that extends upwards, allowing coals to be placed on top without ash falling into your food. Additionally, the lid can be flipped over and used as a griddle.

Iron handle: A heavy wire handle is attached to the sides, allowing the Dutch oven to be hung over a fire or lifted easily.

Charcoal Chimney Starter: Speeds up the process of getting your coals hot while keeping them contained.

Lid Lifter: Allows you to safely lift the hot lid without touching it, preventing ash from spilling into your food.

Long Tongs: A sturdy pair of long tongs is essential for placing and removing hot coals safely.

Heavy Duty Oven Mitts: Protect your hands while handling the hot Dutch oven and its lid.

Lid Holder: Keeps the lid clean and off the ground when you need to check or remove your food.

Parchment Liners: Great for easy cleanup, these liners prevent food from sticking and keep the inside of your Dutch oven mess-free.

A camp Dutch oven cooks by distributing heat from coals placed both beneath and on top of the oven, creating an even cooking environment similar to a conventional oven. The temperature inside the Dutch oven is determined by the number of coals used. Below is a chart showing the approximate number of coals needed to achieve specific temperatures for a 6-quart (12-inch) Dutch oven:

Step One: Prepare Your Recipe

Complete your recipe preparation so it’s ready to cook. Have all ingredients measured and prepped.

Step Two: Prepare the Coals

Use your charcoal starter to prepare the coals. I recommend starting a couple of extra coals beyond what the recipe requires, just in case. This step should take about 15-20 minutes. If you have two people, you can do this while someone else prepares the recipe. In our setup, I usually handle the recipe prep while my husband manages the coals.

Step Three: Position the Dutch Oven

Once the coals are ready, bring the Dutch oven (with the food inside) to your cooking area—typically next to the fire ring. To mark where your Dutch oven will sit, twist the oven slightly into the dirt; this will create an imprint and show you exactly where to place the coals. Set the Dutch oven aside.

Step Four: Arrange the Coals

Place the coals on the marked spot in the dirt. Set the Dutch oven on top of these coals and then place the remaining coals on the lid.

Step Five: Cook as Directed

Follow the cooking instructions as indicated in your recipe. Enjoy the experience of campfire cooking!