must-have-items-for-your-campfire-this-year

Must-Have Items for Your Campfire This Year

Whether you’re finally ready to tackle the outdoors or have been doing so your whole life, these campfire essentials will elevate any fireside experience.

For many of us (this author included), settling down to a campfire for the evening is as good as it gets. Whether at home, in the great outdoors, or your favorite campground, a nice fire soothes weary body & soul. For a long time, however, modern technology began to outshine all the glorious fireside tools our ancestors developed and swore by. Luckily, as camping sees a massive resurgence during the age of social distancing, many are making a comeback. And Outsider.com is all for it.

As such, we’ve compiled the bests, must-haves, and essentials for every campfire situation. From tools to up your hotdog roasting game – all the way up to making a four-course fire-grilled feast – the campfire gourmets will find everything they need here. We’ve also got the chillers, brewers, and gamers covered, too.

Let’s get this fire started.

Tapirus Campfire Roasting Sticks – Set of 4

First up is a fantastic set of telescopic campfire forks. We know you’ve seen these before, but these aren’t the narrow, tiny, flimsy, breakable ones that barely hold up two marshmallows.

These heartily-made Tapirus Large Campfire Roasting Forks are the way to go. These stainless steel, sturdy forks extended to 33.9″ (86cm) and retract to 9.4″ (23.8cm). As such, you can extend them for roasting over the fire. Then, simply collapse them back to use as a fork when feasting. As an owner of a set of these, I can tell you they’ve already lasted ten times longer than the dozens of flimsy, wooden-handled cheap sets that flood Amazon.

They’re sturdy enough when extended to hold a bratwurst, and durable enough to do it for years to come. And needless to say – if they can hold a brat, they can hold a marshmallow (or six). The wide-set tongs allow for roasting of any & all treats you desire by the fire, as well. They cost the same as a set of 8-12 of the cheaper ones – but you get what you pay for!

PRICE: $16.95

Pros

  • Insulated handle for fire safety
  • Wide tongs for grilling many foods
  • Sturdy, stainless steel design
  • Carrying case
  • Highest rated on Amazon

Cons

  • Larger, sharp prongs not suitable for small children
  • Comes with 4, not 8 or 12 – but quality eclipses this

Lodge 5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Here’s a classic that, despite being forgotten in modern times, has never gone out of style. Few cooking wares will get you as far on the campfire as a cast-iron Dutch oven. For your money, the Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven is as good as it gets, too.

This highly rated and very affordable cast iron pot is “a classic cooker that doesn’t quit.” Serve just about any meal from over your campfire, and cook just like outdoorsmen have for hundreds of years. At 5 quarts, it’ll hold enough to feed a hearty campfire gathering, as well.

“Lodge has been making cast iron cookware in South Pittsburg, Tennessee (pop. 3,300) since 1896. With over 120 years of experience, their cast iron is known for its high-quality design, lifetime durability, and cooking versatility.”

PRICE: $39.99

Pros

  • Highly rated, best-seller
  • 5-quart design
  • Cast iron means lifelong durability

Cons

  • Bulky to transport

Stansport Cast Iron Campfire Tripod

Going the Dutch oven route? A campfire tripod will make for the perfect cooking experience. For your money, the Stansport Cast Iron Campfire Tripod is the highest rated & best buy for your dollar, as well.

Set up the tripod around your fire and hang your cast iron from the included chain mount – and you’re good as gold. It really is that straightforward. The best part about this rig is – it’ll hold anything you need to hang, as well. Hang lanterns, boiling pots, kettles, you name it.

PRICE: $33.84

Pros

  • Highly rated, best-seller
  • Nickel-plated, led free sturdy design
  • Multi-purpose hanger
  • Chain & S Hooks included

Cons

  • Long & bulky for transport

Texsport Heavy Duty Campfire Grill

If a Dutch oven isn’t your thing, however, going for a classic grill grate will work wonders. The Texsport Heavy Duty Campfire Grill is a super affordable option that goes just as far as any of the far more expensive options.

A campfire grate will function just like a grill once the coals are burning bright underneath. Simply set anything you want to grill on top, and that’s as complex as it gets! Be sure to have gloves on hand, though, as the entirety gets exposed to the fire. As a result, it’ll be blitzing hot.

PRICE: $20.68 for Medium

Pros

  • Sturdy, simple, and durable
  • Comes in several different size options
  • Super easy cooking

Cons

  • Bulky to transport
  • Exposing to fire = super hot handling, use caution

Panacea Campfire Gloves

It’s hard to beat the classics. Thick leather gloves provide innate protection against splinters & burns with tending your campfire. They also allow for handling all the iron & steel components above without burning your hands. If you’re looking to add a Dutch oven or grill grate to your gear, be sure to pick up a pair of sturdy gloves, too.

The best part? These Panacea Campfire Gloves are only $5.00 at the time of writing this article. Typically, however, they run for just under $20. Amazon will try to sell you on expensive, fancy fire-retardant gloves, but these will go just as far for half the price.

PRICE: $5.00 on sale, $16.99 regular

Pros

  • Classic leather good looks
  • Thick & durable
  • ON SALE for $5 w/ FREE SHIPPING!

Cons

  • Made for handling, not dexterity

Coleman Deck Chair Pro

Next up is one of the most solid campfire chairs to come on the modern market. The Coleman Deck Chair Pro is near perfection for a foldable chair. A more robust design gives a larger seating space. In addition, any looking to chill and grill in the backyard will be thrilled with the Deck Chair Pro’s reinforced side-table and cup holder.

All of this does, however, come at the price of portability. While excellent for backyards and decks, the larger frame won’t be as suitable for campers – and definitely not hikers. It collapses with a handle for carrying but is not lightweight or storage-friendly as a result.

PRICE: $46.74

Pros

  • Reinforced side-table & cup holder
  • Wide frame for comfy seating
  • Attractive design
  • Carrying handle

Cons

  • Pricey $$
  • Folds into large square, no carrying-case

Readywares Waxed Canvas Firewood Carrier

The Readywares Waxed Canvas Firewood Carrier will function in any way you need it to. If you’re looking for a campfire wood tote, however, it’s the best of the best. The waxed canvas makes for a waterproof tote, and the large size will carry whatever you need.

PRICE: $29.99

Pros

  • Sturdy 20oz waxed cotton canvas, heavy-duty cotton/poly straps
  • 39″ Long x 18″ Wide, big enough to carry a large load of logs
  • Waxed canvas material is resistant to water
  • Simple and timeless design will look great in any home or cabin

Cons

  • Little on the pricey side $$

Time For a Campfire!

Find what you were looking for? If you’re in need of a few more campfire & camping essentials, check out our 17 Amazon Camping Supplies You Didn’t Know You Needed.

Our 7 Best Camping Chairs for Your Next Socially-Distanced Backyard Get-Together has you covered for a selection of campfire chairs, as well.

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