Have you ever noticed that cooking over a campfire always tastes better? Every year of my childhood we would head to Bright for our big family Easter camping trip. It was a time of my life filled with many happy memories, way too much chocolate and 10 days spent riding our bikes everywhere. It was also a great time for campfire food and by far my favourite camping meal was our Easter Saturday campfire roast.
One heavy cast iron pot would be filled with marinated lamb, which my Godmother had lovingly prepared during the week. The other pot would be loaded with potato, pumpkin, carrots and other delish roasted veggies. Everyone loved every bite, even those of us who weren’t the biggest fans of a roast dinner. It was something we would wait for and it took hours of cooking over the open fire. Just the right amount of hot coals had to be built up and then during the cooking time it was closely monitored and tested along the way. It’s these moments that make for great childhood camping memories.
I am sure during the cooking process the odd slug of beer was dribbled in for good measure and of course extra flavour. I hope you will give it a try next time you go camping and enjoy the memories as much as I have.
Marinated Campfire Lamb
Looking for the perfect autumn campfire recipe? This marinated lamb has been a family favourite for years, and now it’s become a hit with our caravan community too!
Ingredients:
- Large leg of Lamb, boned (2kg)
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp. teriyaki sauce
- ¼ cup mint, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt & Pepper
- 3 tbsp. oil
Method: Combine all ingredients and pour over lamb. Leave to marinate overnight turning lamb every now and then. Cook lamb in camp oven over glowing coals. Preferably on Easter Saturday after a visit to the local pub. Turn often and baste with marinade. Allow about 20min each side for meat to still be a little pink in the centre. Or if you rather 30-35min each side for well-done lamb. To be enjoyed with a fine glass of red wine and good friends!
More Ideas for 2025
Since we first shared this post, we’ve gathered even more campfire recipes from our caravan community. Here are some of the best ideas that have been tested around campfires across Victoria:
Bee’s Camping Doughnuts
- Make up a pile of simple white bread jam sandwiches
- Whip the crusts off and cut into 4 squares
- Dunk them in pancake batter (made from scratch or shake n bake)
- Cook them in a fry pan as if you’re cooking pancakes
- Roll in sugar and a bit of cinnamon
- Hot jam donuts ready to enjoy!
Angela’s Eggy Boats
- Fill and stand tortillas with whatever chopped up ingredients you like (normally omelette ingredients) diced bacon, chorizo, capsicum, onion mushroom, tomato
- Whisk together grated cheese, eggs, salt and pepper
- Pour the egg mixture over tortillas (don’t fill it too much as it expands)
- Cook in a foil tray in your ziggy or over hot campfire coals in a cast iron pot
Keep it Simple
If you are looking for something a little simpler but equally as delicious try a few of these ideas. All of these have been suggested by fellow campers so they are tried and tested and loved.
What to try:
- Chow Mein – A great way to use up vegetables before you head for home
- Baked spuds cooked under campfire coals – endless topping possibilities!
- Damper jaffles filled with ham, cheese, and tomato, or cooked chicken with avocado
- Slow-cooked pulled pork on the campfire – a crowd favourite
- Nachos, Roast avocado eggs, Veggie lasagne – all cooked in Dutch oven over the campfire
- Pizzas – easy to do and perfect for camping
- Roasted bananas filled with delicious melted chocolate and sprinkles
- Campfire scones – Trust me on this one
- Stuffed mushroom caps in the camp oven filled with onion, zucchini, feta & relish
Insider Tip for 2025
This year, we’ve seen more campers bringing their portable pizza ovens to campsites. If you’re planning to stay at a site with good fire access, consider bringing yours along! Nothing beats homemade pizza with that smoky campfire flavour.
Now you have no reason to be stuck for campfire meal ideas this Autumn. If you need more inspiration the Facebook group The Best Free Camping Spots in Victoria continues to be an absolute treasure trove of knowledge.
Looking for a secure place to store your caravan between camping trips? At Yarra Valley Caravan Storage, we offer 24/7 access so you can grab your camping gear whenever inspiration strikes. Give us a call to learn more!