There’s something magical about gathering around a crackling campfire with your favorite people, sharing stories, laughter, and, of course, delicious food. If you’re planning a group getaway to Akron-Canton Jellystone Park™, you’re in for more than just s’mores.
Cooking for a crowd in the great outdoors can be a breeze with some great recipes, a little prep, and the right equipment. Whether you’re feeding a family reunion, a scout troop, or a big group of friends, these campfire recipes for groups are designed to keep everyone happy, full, and coming back for seconds.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the logistics of campfire cooking for large groups, the essential gear you’ll want to pack, and our top 10 must-try campfire recipes. Each recipe is chosen for its crowd-pleasing flavors, ease of scaling, and make-ahead potential so you can spend less time cooking and more time making memories. Ready to become the campfire hero? Let’s dig in!
Why Is Campfire Cooking for Groups So Important?
Feeding a large group while camping isn’t just about filling bellies. It’s about creating shared experiences. But cooking for a crowd comes with unique challenges: dietary needs, limited equipment, and the unpredictability of the outdoors.
At Akron-Canton Jellystone Park, every campsite comes equipped with a fire ring, making it easy to gather everyone around the fire for meals. Whether you’ve booked companion sites so multiple RVs can park side by side or reserved a cluster of tent sites for the whole crew, campfire cooking naturally becomes the centerpiece of your stay.
That’s why having a plan and a few tried-and-true campfire recipes for groups can make all the difference. With the right approach, you’ll avoid hangry campers and enjoy stress-free, delicious meals together.
Campfire Cooking Logistics: What You Need to Know
Before we get to the recipes, here are a few tips to make your group campfire cooking a success:
- Prep Ahead: Chop veggies, marinate meats, and mix dry ingredients at home. Store in labeled bags or containers in your cooler.
- One-Pot Wonders: Dutch ovens and large skillets are your best friends. They make it easy to cook big batches and minimize cleanup.
- Delegate: Put one person on fire duty, another on prep, and a few on cleanup.
- Equipment Essentials: Bring heavy-duty foil, long-handled utensils, extra mixing bowls, and plenty of plates and cups. Don’t forget a food thermometer for safety.
- Plan for All Diets: Ask about allergies and preferences before you go. Many of these recipes can be adapted for vegetarians or those with gluten-free diets.
10 Must-Try Campfire Recipes for Large Groups
1. Breakfast Skillet
Description:
A hearty breakfast skillet packed with fried potatoes, peppers, onions, cheesy scrambled eggs, and sausage, all cooked in one big pan over the fire.
Why It’s Great for Groups:
This one-pot wonder is easy to scale up for a crowd and keeps everyone fueled for a day of adventure. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable. Swap in bacon, ham, or go vegetarian with extra veggies.
Tips for Prepping Ahead:
Chop all your veggies and pre-cook the sausage at home. Store in zip-top bags in your cooler. In the morning, just dump, cook, and serve!
2. Dutch Oven French Toast Bake
Description:
Thick slices of bread soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla egg mixture, layered with fruit, and baked to golden perfection in a Dutch oven. It’s breakfast comfort food at its best.
Why It’s Great for Groups:
You can make a huge batch at once, and it’s easy to serve family-style. Kids and adults alike will love it.
Tips for Prepping Ahead:
Mix the egg custard at home and store in a jug. Assemble the bake in the Dutch oven the night before, then just set it over the coals in the morning.
3. Campfire Breakfast Burrito Buffet
Description:
Scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and salsa wrapped in warm tortillas. Set up a buffet with toppings like black beans, peppers, and avocado for a DIY breakfast.
Why It’s Great for Groups:
Everyone gets to customize their own burrito, making it perfect for picky eaters and dietary restrictions.
Tips for Prepping Ahead:
Cook bacon at home and then reheat it at camp. Wrap burritos in foil and warm them over the fire for a grab-and-go breakfast.
4. Sweet Potato Peanut Stew (Vegan)
Description:
West African-inspired stew that is rich, hearty, and packed with sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and creamy peanut butter.
Why It’s Great for Groups:
It’s vegan, gluten-free, and a total crowd-pleaser. Serve with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Prepping Ahead:
Chop all veggies and measure out spices at home. The stew can be made ahead and reheated, or cooked fresh in a Dutch oven over the fire.
5. Dutch Oven Chili & Cornbread
Description:
Smoky, spicy chili topped with a layer of cornbread, all baked together in a Dutch oven.
Why It’s Great for Groups:
Feeds a crowd, easy to serve, and minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s easy to make vegetarian or add extra protein.
Tips for Prepping Ahead:
Brown the meat and chop veggies at home. Mix the cornbread batter in a jar. At camp, just combine and bake over the fire.
6. Campfire Nachos
Description:
Tortilla chips layered with cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings in a cast-iron skillet or foil pan.
Why It’s Great for Groups:
It’s a fun, shareable snack or meal that everyone can gather around. Perfect for happy hour or a late-night treat.
Tips for Prepping Ahead:
Prep all toppings at home and store in containers. Assemble nachos in batches as needed. No plates required!
7. Low-Country Boil
Description:
Sausage, red potatoes, corn on the cob, and shrimp are boiled together with Old Bay seasoning.
Why It’s Great for Groups:
Dump it all on a table covered with newspaper and let everyone dig in. No plates needed, just plenty of napkins!
Tips for Prepping Ahead:
Pre-cut sausage and potatoes at home. Bring pre-mixed seasoning. Use a large pot or Dutch oven to cook everything at once.
8. Campfire Kabobs
Description:
Skewers loaded with marinated meat (chicken, beef, or shrimp), pineapple, and colorful veggies.
Why It’s Great for Groups:
Kabobs are easy to customize for different tastes and dietary needs. Plus, everyone can help assemble their own.
Tips for Prepping Ahead:
Marinate meat and chop veggies at home. Thread kabobs at camp or ahead of time, and store in a cooler until ready to grill.
9. Dutch Oven Blueberry Cobbler
Description:
Juicy blueberries topped with a sweet, biscuit-like dough and baked in a Dutch oven until bubbly and golden.
Why It’s Great for Groups:
Feeds a crowd and feels special after a day outdoors. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream if you have it.
Tips for Prepping Ahead:
Mix the dry topping ingredients at home. Use fresh or frozen berries. Just assemble and bake at camp.
10. Quick & Easy Apple Crisp
Description:
Sliced apples tossed with cinnamon and sugar, topped with a buttery oat crumble, and cooked in a foil pan or Dutch oven.
Why It’s Great for Groups:
Simple ingredients, easy to scale, and always a hit. It’s a great way to end a meal around the fire.
Tips for Prepping Ahead:
Slice apples and mix the topping at home. Store separately in your cooler. Assemble and bake at camp.
Make Mealtime the Heart of Your Camping Adventure
When everyone gets back from a few rounds of mini-golf, splashing in the pool, or any of the many activities available at Akron-Canton Jellystone Park, you know people will be hungry. Cooking for a crowd doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated.
With a little planning, the right equipment, and these must-try campfire recipes for groups, you’ll turn every meal into a highlight of your Akron-Canton Jellystone Park experience. Whether you’re making a breakfast skillet at sunrise or sharing cobbler under the stars, these recipes are designed to bring people together and make your trip unforgettable.
Ready to Cook Up Some Memories?
Book one of our family-friendly campsites at Akron-Canton Jellystone Park and get your favorite group together for a meal around the campfire!
