Discover 7 scrumptious BBQ recipes for epic campouts. From Cajun shrimp to s’mores, elevate your camping cuisine with these flavors. Get ready to cook.
Hello there, fellow adventurers. If you love the great outdoors as much as I do, you know there’s something truly special about camping.
The fresh air, the sense of freedom, and of course, the delicious food cooked over an open flame. I’m here to share with you some mouthwatering BBQ recipes that will take your campouts to a whole new level.
Whether you’re camping in the wilderness or at a designated campground, these recipes are perfect for creating unforgettable memories.
Getting Ready for the Campout
Before we dive into the BBQ recipes, let’s talk about getting prepared for the campout. Make sure you have your camping checklist ready, including essentials like a tent, sleeping bags, and a reliable cooler to keep your food fresh. Don’t forget your cooking utensils, grill, and charcoal or firewood for that rustic campfire cooking experience.
Setting Up the Perfect Campsite
Choosing the right campsite can make or break your camping experience. Look for a spot with level ground, away from potential hazards like dead trees or rocky areas.
If you’re at a campground, check for amenities like clean bathrooms and access to potable water. Remember, a happy camper is a well-rested camper, so pick a comfortable spot for your tent.
Essential Camping Gear
Now, let’s talk about the camping gear you’ll need to prepare these BBQ recipes. Here’s a checklist:
- Portable grill or campfire grate: Opt for a portable grill that’s easy to set up and clean, or use a campfire grate for that authentic taste.
- Heat-resistant gloves: Protect your hands from the heat while cooking over the fire.
- Long-handled tongs and spatula: Keep a safe distance from the flames with these essential cooking tools.
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil: Use foil to wrap veggies and seafood, locking in flavors and juices.
- Grill brush: Keep your grill clean and free from leftover debris.
- Cast iron skillet: A versatile tool for cooking a wide range of campfire meals.
- Marshmallow roasting sticks: For roasting marshmallows to perfection for your s’mores.
- Waterproof matches or a reliable fire starter: Ensure you can start a fire even in wet conditions.
Campfire BBQ Recipes
Get your appetite ready because it’s time for the main event. These BBQ recipes are simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with your camping buddies.
1. Grilled Cajun Shrimp Skewers
Want to add a little kick to your campfire cuisine? These Cajun shrimp skewers will leave you wanting more.
Bring some Louisiana spice to your campsite with these zesty shrimp skewers. The mix of cayenne, paprika, and garlic will have your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Thread the seasoned shrimp onto skewers, leaving a little space between each shrimp.
- Heat the grill over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the shrimp skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque.
- Serve hot and enjoy the bold flavors of the Cajun shrimp skewers.
2. Smoky BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Get ready to indulge in BBQ bliss with these finger-licking good pulled pork sandwiches.
What’s a campout without some classic pulled pork sandwiches? Slow-cooked over the campfire, this tender and smoky pork will melt in your mouth.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder or pork butt
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the pork shoulder with the BBQ sauce mixture, covering it entirely.
- Wrap the pork in heavy-duty aluminum foil and let it marinate in the cooler for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
- Heat the grill or campfire to medium-low heat and place the wrapped pork on the grill grates.
- Cook the pork for 4-5 hours, turning it occasionally, until it’s tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the pulled pork and mix it with some additional BBQ sauce, if desired.
- Serve the smoky BBQ pulled pork on hamburger buns for a finger-licking good sandwich.
3. Tangy Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks
Say goodbye to boring campfire meals and hello to tantalizing lemon herb chicken drumsticks.
These juicy chicken drumsticks marinated in tangy lemon and aromatic herbs will be the talk of the campsite. Perfect for grilling over the open flame.
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large zip lock bag, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken drumsticks to the bag and seal it, ensuring the marinade coats the chicken evenly.
- Refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Heat the grill over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the chicken drumsticks for about 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve the tangy lemon herb chicken drumsticks with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
4. Spicy Grilled Corn on the Cob
Spice up your campfire feast with these sizzling hot grilled corn on the cob.
No BBQ is complete without corn on the cob, and this spicy version will have you craving more. Slathered in butter and seasoned to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the corn ears with the spicy butter mixture, making sure to coat them evenly.
- Wrap each corn ear in heavy-duty aluminum foil, creating individual packets.
- Place the foil-wrapped corn packets on the grill over medium heat.
- Grill the corn for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s tender and slightly charred.
- Unwrap the corn, garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot.
5. Vegetarian Portobello Mushroom Burgers
Even if you’re not a meat-eater, you can still enjoy the magic of BBQ with these hearty Portobello mushroom burgers. Packed with flavor and topped with your favorite veggies.
Ingredients:
- 4 large Portobello mushroom caps
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns
- Lettuce, tomato slices, and other burger toppings of your choice
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the Portobello mushroom caps in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
- Let the mushrooms marinate for at least 30 minutes, turning them occasionally to coat them evenly.
- Heat the grill over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the marinated mushroom caps for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are tender and have grill marks.
- Toast the hamburger buns on the grill for a minute or two.
- Assemble the Portobello mushroom burgers with your favorite toppings and enjoy a delicious vegetarian BBQ delight.
6. Grilled Pineapple with Caramel Sauce
Save room for dessert and savor the sweetness of grilled pineapple topped with luscious caramel sauce.
Indulge your sweet tooth with this divine dessert. Grilling caramelized pineapple and drizzling it with caramel sauce is pure camping heaven.
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cored, cut into rings or wedges
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Grill the pineapple rings or wedges for 2-3 minutes on each side until they have grill marks and caramelize.
- Remove the grilled pineapple from the grill and arrange it on a serving platter.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the grilled pineapple.
- Serve the grilled pineapple as it is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful tropical treat.
7. S’mores Galore
It’s s’more o’clock. Get ready for a delightful mess of melted marshmallows and chocolate.
No camping trip is complete without s’mores. Roast marshmallows over the campfire, sandwich them with chocolate and graham crackers for a gooey delight.
Ingredients:
- Marshmallows
- Chocolate bars or chocolate spread
- Graham crackers
Instructions:
- Skewer marshmallows onto roasting sticks and hold them over the campfire.
- Rotate the sticks to evenly roast the marshmallows until they turn golden brown and gooey.
- Place a piece of chocolate on a graham cracker.
- Slide the roasted marshmallow onto the chocolate and top it with another graham cracker to form a sandwich.
- Squeeze the sandwich gently to let the gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate meld together.
- Indulge in the gooey goodness of s’mores while sitting around the campfire.
Camping Safety Tips
Before we wrap up, let’s go over some essential camping safety tips to ensure your campout stays fun and worry-free:
- Always follow campfire safety guidelines and extinguish fires properly.
- Store food securely to prevent attracting wildlife to your campsite.
- Keep a first aid kit handy and know basic first aid procedures.
- Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
- Respect nature and leave no trace of your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a gas grill instead of a campfire?
Yes, you can. Gas grills are a convenient and safe alternative for campfire cooking.
What’s the best way to start a campfire?
Use dry leaves, twigs, and a fire starter. Avoid using lighter fluid, as it can be hazardous.
Can I prepare the marinades in advance?
Of course. Preparing marinades ahead of time can save you time and effort at the campsite.
What if I forget a cooking utensil?
Just improvise. A sturdy stick can work as a makeshift skewer or roasting stick.
Are there any vegetarian-friendly BBQ recipes?
Yes, there are. Check out the delicious vegetarian Portobello mushroom burgers in our recipes.
How do I know when the meat is fully cooked?
Invest in a meat thermometer to ensure your meat is cooked to a safe temperature.
Can I make s’mores without a campfire?
Sure thing. You can make s’mores using a portable campfire stove or even a microwave.
What if it rains during the campout?
Bring waterproof gear and be prepared to adapt your cooking plans if necessary.
How do I clean my grill after cooking?
Use a grill brush to remove any food residue and keep your grill clean for future use.
Can I substitute the seafood in the Cajun shrimp skewers?
You can use chicken or tofu for a delicious alternative.
Can I share these recipes with friends and family?
Yes. Spread the joy of campfire cooking and make memories together.
Conclusion with a Motivational Quote
As you embark on your next camping adventure, remember that good food is the heart of every great campout. Embrace the simplicity of nature, the joy of good company, and the deliciousness of these BBQ recipes.
Happy camping and happy eating.
Quote:
“Life is meant for good friends and great adventures.” – Unknown
