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Writer's pictureKent Long

The Best Dutch Ovens for Camping: Your Guide to the Perfect Campfire Meal

If you're looking for the perfect way to cook up a delicious campfire meal, then you need a dutch oven! Dutch ovens are the perfect way to cook over an open fire, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit your needs. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of dutch ovens available, as well as some of the best brands on the market. We'll also give you a few tips on how to use your dutch oven for the best results. So if you're ready to take your camping cuisine to the next level, keep reading!

When you're camping, meal time is extra enjoyable because the food always tastes better! The best dutch ovens for camping is a must have. There are various ways to prepare meals while camping, but one of the most advantageous is to use a dutch oven. One-pot dishes are my favorite foods, and a dutch oven for camping makes preparing them a breeze. Why use the slow cooker when you can have a campfire-cooked meal in minutes?

A decent dutch oven for camping is one of the simplest methods to ensure that your dutch oven culinary adventures are a success.

One of the best dutch ovens for camping is the Lodge Dutch oven. The Lodge brand is well-known in cast iron cookware. For over a century (first foundry opened in 1896 in Tennessee), their goods have stood the test of time. They produce a range of dutch ovens in a variety of sizes, making them ideal for individuals as well as gatherings of up to 20 people.

Lodge Camp Deep Dutch Oven

It has all of my requirements for a good camping dutch oven — a flanged, deep lid that may also be used as a griddle when flipped and is pre-seasoned cast iron. The lodge cast iron is some of the best looking deep dutch ovens. The lodge camp dutch oven is easily toted as the best dutch oven.

It's bigger than the average oven, which is ideal for big roasts and hams as well as large batches of stews. It comes in a smaller 5 quart form (the best deal!), as well as a 10 quart capacity. Cast iron camp dutch ovens are perfect for big meals and feeding a crowd.

Tip: This package includes a Lodge Camp Dutch Oven Camping 101 cookbook, which is yours for the taking!

Camp chef camp dutch oven is a great iron camp dutch oven. One of the best cast iron dutch ovens with high quality cast iron. Camp Chef was founded over 20 years ago with the goal of making outdoor cooking easier. Camp Chef has smokers, outdoor ovens, griddles, and more, as well as a National Park dutch oven/skillet set.

Camp Chef Deluxe Dutch Oven

The Camp Chef dutch oven 6 Quart Deluxe Dutch Oven is one of the most cost-effective camping dutch ovens on the market. Some say lodge is the best dutch oven and it is hard to argue with that, but camp chef will argue they are the best dutch oven for many reasons.

If you're on a budget, the Lodge 10-inch dutch oven is an excellent buy. It costs less than $30. A nice feature of this dudget dutch oven is the legs on top of the lid, allowing you to turn the lid and use it as a skillet over fire.

The Stoneware dutch oven pictured here is also available in a huge 12 quart size, which is ideal for big families or groups.

Tip: Dutch ovens are heavy! Be careful lifting by the handle. The pot can tilt and “rock” slightly.

The Bruntmor dutch oven is a cost-effective way to get your hands on a first or second dutch oven, or even if you're just looking for something different. This is one of the best dutch ovens on the market. It also has a deep flanged lid, according to Bruntmor. According to Bruntmor, their cast iron is pre-seasoned with their "Deep Seasoning Process", and is ready to use out of the box.

The Bruntmor dutch oven also has a pour spout, which is a nice touch that allows you to easily drain any excess fat or grease. I really like this feature on a cast iron dutch ovens for soups, chilli, boilig water, or draing the pot.

This camp dutch oven comes in at a budget price point, making it an excellent value for your money.

One of the best dutch ovens for camping is the Texsport dutch oven features a traditional, old-fashioned design that makes it ideal for a few people or a small family at an inexpensive beginning rate. If you want an extra large one, go with the 8-quart model. These are vintage dutch ovens that aren't pre-seasoned; you'll need to season them yourself. Old fashioned cast iron dutch oven is what all weekend campers need to have in their cooking arsenal. A cast iron dutch oven is the perfect way to cook over the fire and minimize cleanup.

A dutch oven for camping while cooking is like having a camper or tent for sleeping. High quality cast iron is a must have and that is what you get with the texsport cast iron dutch oven.


Are you looking for a low-cost dutch oven for your first? This AmazonBasics 6 quart dutch oven could be the one.

Yes, it's a "generic" brand and like many of the less expensive dutch ovens, it's made in China. However, it is just shy of half the price of the Lodge 6 quart dutch oven.

It's pre-seasoned, has a deep flanged, smooth lid, and is backed by AmazonBasics' limited one-year warranty.

Dutch Ovens for Camping

There are several distinct varieties of dutch ovens, but certain features distinguish them from one another.

Cast Iron Dutch Ovens

In my opinion, the finest sort of dutch oven for camping is a cast iron dutch oven. It will last for years if properly cared for. It's a good heat conductor that retains heat for a long time. The only disadvantage is that it's rather hefty! Dutch ovens for camping with seasoned cast iron is the perfect cooking pot.

Many people like the enameled cast iron they use in their home oven since it has a nonstick surface and attractive hues. Enameled cast iron, on the other hand, isn't ideal for camping - it is more prone to shatter and can't withstand as high temperatures as regular cast iron. Enameled cast iron doesn't always have the same heat conductivity, either.

Dutch Oven Legs

A camping dutch oven will have three legs on the bottom of the cavity. This is ideal for cooking over hot coals. It will last a lifetime and give you years of delicious food on your camping trip.

If you'll be cooking with a tripod over a fire, some people prefer a dutch oven without legs. Just make sure the dutch oven has a handle if you're going to use it like this. However, a dutch oven with legs may also be used on a cooking tripod.

Deep Lid on Camping Dutch Ovens

A deep rimmed lid is another feature to look for in a good camping dutch oven. This allows you to set hot coals on top of the lid, ensuring more uniform cooking. Some individuals also use those lids when cooking.

Tip:

There are a number of different models available, each with its own distinctive features. For example, National Parks, Boy Scouts, and other organizations produce special edition dutch ovens. These designs may make it a little more difficult to clean the coal ash off the lid, but they're not deal breakers.

The lid can be inverted to provide you with a quick griddle should you feel like flapjacks, and the legs are ideal for keeping it above your coals but not so far it doesn't hold the heat. Lodge even throws in a cookbook , “ Camp Dutch Oven Cooking 101″ with every oven. Purchase: $50+ Coleman Cast Iron Dutch Oven Pro: Recessed lid for holding coals while camping Con: Requires stand to work over coals City Boy: Make a note that while this is a camping Dutch oven, it does not come with legs. We selected it because not all camping is done over fires, and casual renegades who like to pitch a tent a couple times

Choosing a Camping Dutch Oven

Above I gave you a list of best dutch ovens for camping. A few of the negative aspects in choosing a less expensive dutch oven boil down to the same concerns. These cast iron dutch oven are usually made in China, they may have poor casting flaws in the interior of the dutch oven – pitted, scratchy surface etc., and the lids may not seal as tight as like the Lodge brand.

A cast iron dutch oven may have minor flaws may not be glaring to you. As with any gear, there is always another option that is superior. I understand that purchasing the "top" isn't within your budget. Perhaps you'll only use a dutch oven once in a while and don't want to spend more money than necessary.

If you're on a limited budget, I'd suggest going for a less expensive dutch oven over missing out on dutch oven cooking when camping.

It's a great way to cook when camping, and you'll find that a dutch oven will quickly become one of your favorite pieces of gear.

Dutch Oven Accessories

Though not 100% necessary, there are several cast iron dutch oven accessories that make campsite cooking much easier and safer. A dutch oven for camping can always be enhanced with a lid lifter, BBQ tongs, and a pair of heat resistant fire gloves. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,


Dutch Oven Lid Lifter

I needed a lid lifter after attempting to grasp the tiny handle on top of my dutch ovens lid while wearing an oven mitt. This basic tool makes all the difference when it comes to lifting and transporting a hot dutch ovens lid.

BBQ Tong

A pair of tongs is recommended for putting hot coals on your dutch ovens. Just make sure you have long enough tongs to reach into your charcoal chimney; many people prefer at least 16-inch tongs.


Dutch Oven Tote Bag

A camp dutch oven works perfectly with a tote bag for storage and keeping the soot out of your camper. A tote bag is convenient for transporting and storing your Dutch oven. They are available in a variety of sizes. Before putting it inside, make sure your dutch oven is cold and clean!

Dutch Oven Cleaning Tools

You may simply scrape it clean with your spatula. Keep in mind that the scrapers for cleaning dutch ovens are designed to reach all of the way to the bottom and sides. They're also rather inexpensive!

The Cultured Shave brush is gaining in popularity among cast iron enthusiasts. However, take a look at the comments. Despite the fact that there are a lot of 4 and 5-star feedback, some individuals have broken their cast iron while using it.

Dutch Oven Liners

Do you want to keep your kitchen cleaner? Are you looking for a way to make less of a mess in the first place? Do you use dutch oven liners? I've previously used Lodge liners. In addition, several sizes of foil liners that fit into your dutch oven are available.

Charcoal Guide

I really like this handy charcoal guide. It aids in determining and adjusting the temperature of your dutch oven by adding the correct amount of charcoal. It is made of a magnet and weatherproof material, so it will last longer than ordinary paper in your camping kitchen kit.

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