It's Not a Real Caravan Holiday Until Something's Been Charred
There's something deeply satisfying about cooking outside. Maybe it's the smoky flavour. Maybe it's the lack of washing up. Or maybe it's just an excuse to stand around in a puffa jacket with a beer, pretending you're Bear Grylls. Whatever the reason, campfire cooking is one of the joys of caravan holidays - if you do it right.
And no, "doing it right" doesn't mean turning into a Michelin chef with a portable kitchen. Half the fun is in the simplicity. A bit of heat, some fresh air, and food that tastes twice as good just because you made it under the sky.
First, Know What You're Working With
Not every site allows open flames, so double-check the rules before you light up. Some welcome firepits with open arms. Others... not so much. If flames are a no-go, a portable BBQ or gas stove can still work wonders.
- Bring dry wood or proper charcoal - damp logs are just fancy smoke machines.
- A grill grate or tripod over the fire gives you options beyond the humble sausage.
- Foil is your best friend. Seriously, wrap everything in it and throw it on the coals.
- Don't forget tongs, a fireproof glove, and some wet wipes. Lots of wet wipes.
Campfire Recipes That Actually Work
Here's the good stuff. No fuss, no faff - just tasty eats that won't let you down halfway through cooking.
- Foil-wrapped cheesy potatoes - Slice spuds thin, add butter, cheese, and onion. Wrap in foil. Toss in the fire. Wait. Eat. Be happy.
- Campfire nachos - Layer tortilla chips, salsa, cheese, jalapeños in a cast iron pan. Cover with foil. Heat until melty. Spoon straight into face.
- Sausage and pepper skewers - Chop sausages and veg, shove on skewers. Grill until sizzling and slightly charred. Bonus: minimal washing up.
- Fire-grilled halloumi wraps - Slice halloumi, grill it over flames, stuff in flatbreads with rocket and chilli jam. It's shockingly fancy for how easy it is.
- Banana boats - Split bananas, stuff with chocolate and marshmallows, wrap in foil, bake in the coals. Pure chaos. Pure joy.
Things to Avoid (For Your Sanity)
Let's not romanticise too much - campfire cooking can go south fast if you're not careful. Learn from other people's mildly smoky disasters:
- Don't try pancakes over a fire unless you enjoy disappointment.
- Steer clear of anything that needs "precise temperature control." That's not a thing out here.
- Leave the seafood at home. Seriously. Just... don't.
- Check the wind direction. Smoke in your eyes makes even the best toastie feel like a mistake.
Insurance Isn't Tasty - But It's Resourceful
Whilst you're out here living your smoky, foil-wrapped dream, things can go sideways. A burnt awning or singed decking isn't ideal. Make sure your caravan insurance covers fire damage - especially if you're cooking near the van. It's the kind of boring-but-wise move that keeps things rolling smoothly.
Thoughts to Leave With:: Eat Outdoors, Laugh Loud, Stay Warm
Campfire cooking isn't about perfection. It's about crunching toast in the wind, dropping at least one sausage, and laughing when your marshmallow catches fire. That's the point. Embrace the chaos. Just don't forget the ketchup - or the foil.