Camp cooking - getting your setup right

Travel & Touring | Camping & Caravanning

2 March 2023 By: Brendan Batty

One of the most enjoyable aspects of camping and caravanning is the chance to slow life down, even if just for a little bit. We can spend a day doing nothing at all or everything we never have time for. And we don't have to feel guilty about it.

For so many of us, that means more time for good food, and camp cooking can be a very enjoyable way to indulge. Both Harry Fisher and Ash Butler agree. They are each the author of their own camping and caravanning cookbook, and despite their very different approaches to food, they both have very similar advice when it comes to setting up a camp kitchen.

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Harry Fisher is a Western Australian YouTuber who exclusively cooks over campfires. His book, and YouTube channel of the same name, Fire To Fork, is an ode to hearty, family favourites where meat is often the hero.

Ash Butler hails from Victoria's Surf Coast, and her book, The Small Kitchen Cook, is a collection of wholesome, seasonal recipes perfect for when you've only got one or two burners and a big appetite.

This is what they've found is the best way to set up a camp kitchen and make the most of camp cooking.

The most useful camp kitchen accessories

Storage drawers

Both also put high importance on practical storage that's easy to keep tidy is of high importance. Looks to incorporate drawers, where possible, over cupboards or cabinets because they're easier to see to the back of, especially when they're down low at the floor of your caravan. Once things get hard to keep tidy, it's hard to find inspiration in the kitchen.

If you're building your own drawers and storage areas, don't make them so specific that you can't change your mind later. For example, if your fridge breaks and you can't replace it with the same model, will a suitable alternative still fit?

Camping power

In the past, gas was used to run the fridge and lanterns, and ice for the eski used to be commonplace. Today battery and solar are becoming so accessible that if you're serious about camping and plan to do it regularly, it's the way to go. At a minimum, a 120Ah, AGM battery with 175 watts of solar as a backup will keep the average fridge and camp lights running and devices charged. A good DC-DC charger with solar input to manage the system is also recommended. Lithium batteries are becoming more and more accessible and are worth looking into, too.

Good camp lighting

Camping lights have become much more sophisticated than gas lanterns and incandescent caravan globes of the old days. Almost all camp lighting is LED these days, and very efficient. Good lighting can make the difference between an easily cooked meal and burnt, overcooked steaks.

Camping fridges

Neither Harry Fisher nor Ash Butler would travel far without a decent camp fridge. If you’re in a campervan or caravan look for an upright style fridge can fit under a benchtop and one with about 85-130 litres in capacity. Fitting them under saves space and won’t make your kitchen area feel closed in. For camping look for a good quality chest fridge of about 50 litres for a couple, plus an extra ten or 15-litres capacity per child.

Water storage

Especially if you're planning a lot of free camping or remote travel, carrying enough water is important. You’ll need to store about 15 litres per person per day, which should be enough for cooking, drinking and washing, but probably not showering.

The most useful camp cooking gear

Although Ash Butler predominantly cooks on a gas hob and Harry Fisher over a campfire, both tend to agree on the most important camp cooking gear and say it's worth spending as much as you can afford rather than settling on the cheapest gear available. Over and above the essentials of eating (plates, bowls, cups and cutlery), here’s some gear that will make your camp cooking really enjoyable.

Heavy-based frypan

Cast iron is a great choice for a frying pan as is spun-steel which is lighter than cast iron – although won’t retain heat as well as cast iron. If it can be put on a campfire, that's always going to be an extra benefit.

A couple of pots

Once again cast-iron is a great choice for pots, as is spun steel for pots and camp ovens that can be used over or in a fire.

Sharp knives

If you find cutting things up tiresome, your knife probably isn't sharp enough. Good quality, sharp knives are a must, plus the tools to keep them that way.

Chopping boards

Carry a couple with you and use one for meat and the other for everything else.

A fire-pit and grill

If you’re a fan of cooking over a campfire, get a portable fire pit for when you need to keep the fire contained and off the ground. Get a large grill plate to use with it and a South-African style grill basket. And of course, always check that you’re permitted to light fires wherever you’re staying.

A two-burner stove

A two-burner hob, whether that's gas or induction, is enough for most meals. Ovens are nice, but not essential.

Camp cooking equipment for a bit of luxury

If you are really serious about good, indulgent food while camping, the sky is the limit in terms of what luxuries you can carry with you.

Camping coffee machines

As battery capacity and inverter technology improve, it's increasingly common for campers to install espresso machines in their caravans, camper trailers and even four-wheel drives. A 3000-watt inverter should power most espresso machines, so you just need to carry the battery capacity to maintain it.

12-volt pie ovens

Are there any simpler pleasures than a hot pie and tomato sauce for lunch? 12-volt pie ovens are becoming more popular, and campers are getting increasingly inventive in what they can cook. Imagine rocking up to camp to enjoy a five-hour brisket after a long drive.

Instant hot water

Although many caravans have had hot water systems for a long time, the development of gas-powered instant hot water camping systems has made it far more accessible for all campers. They're perfect for making washing up easy or showers enjoyable.

Camp cooking tips and hacks

For all the fancy gear you can now buy, camp cooking can still be daunting, especially in an unfamiliar kitchen with limited equipment and when the local supermarket might be a few hours' drive away. Here are some tips to take the stress out of it.

Plan and prepare before you go

Nothing is more frustrating than only having half the ingredients for five meals. Plan your meals ahead of time, so you know what you'll need. Harry Fisher recommends pre-making any sauces or marinades you might want at home, as they often have a lot of ingredients, and you don’t want to have to take it all with you.

Don't skimp on quality

With time on your hands for culinary creation, this isn't time for tinned spaghetti and 2-minute noodles. While you’re in the road, make a stop at local butchers and fishmongers rather than supermarkets, and explore local farmers' markets for inspiration.

Moderate your heat when cooking over fire

For the best results cooking over a campfire, learn to estimate the right heat using your hand – safely of course. The heat is low if you can hold your hand near the cooking surface for eight to ten seconds. At five seconds, the heat is medium. If only three or four seconds, the heat is medium-high. If you can't hold your hand there at all, the heat is high, and that's perfect for searing steaks. The important thing is, no matter how you're using your camp kitchen or whatever you're cooking, make sure you're having fun. You are on holiday, after all.