The Ultimate Guide to Camp Oven Cooking in Your Backyard
Camp oven cooking for backyard gatherings
Camp oven cooking is a natural fit for anyone who loves hosting friends and family. Rather than choosing between cooking and spending time with your guests, a BBQ fire pit lets you do both at once. It creates a more social style of cooking, where the meal becomes part of the gathering and the fire becomes a natural focal point for conversation.
Depending on the cooking capacity you need, you can choose a fire pit that suits the way you like to entertain. Options range from models designed to hold two camp ovens, such as the ‘’Dusty’’, through to larger setups with capacity for up to five camp ovens, such as the ‘’Big Dog’’.
Choosing the right Fire Pit design for your backyard
Choosing the right fire pit design starts with how you plan to use it day to day. Consider the type of cooking you want to do, the amount of capacity you need and where the fire pit will sit within your outdoor space. Some designs are better suited to dedicated camp oven cooking, while others offer a more spacious layout with greater ability to add accessories.
It is also worth thinking about the size of your backyard, how permanent you want the setup to feel and the overall look you want to create. The right fire pit should be one that you can actually see yourself using on a day-to-day basis, whether it is for preparing food, or as a classic fire pit to gather around. Explore the full Iron & Fire bbq pit range to find the design that suits your backyard best.
Essential tools for easier camp oven cooking
Camp oven cooking becomes far more enjoyable with the right tools in place. An outdoor cooking fire pit can be paired with practical accessories that make cooking easier and more flexible, including:
- A shovel for managing coals.
- A camp oven hook for steady, controlled cooking.
- A rotisserie, hot plate or grill for added cooking options.
- A pizza oven and fire pit table top for extra versatility.
- A fire pit base and weather-resistant cover to help protect the setup.
Together, these additions help create a more versatile outdoor cooking space.
How to cook with a camp oven
Start with a steady, well-established fire and allow a good bed of coals to form before cooking. Preheating the camp oven is an important first step, as it helps the oven hold heat more consistently once the ingredients are added. For better control, it is often best to cook on a prepared bed of coals slightly away from the main flames rather than directly over a large fire.
Camp ovens are well suited to slow, even cooking, making them ideal for dishes such as stews, casseroles, roasts and one-pot meals. Once the oven is in position, keep the heat steady by checking the coals regularly and adding more as needed. Conditions such as wind and cold weather can affect cooking temperature, so it helps to keep an eye on the fire and avoid lifting the lid more often than necessary.
As the dish cooks, give it time for the heat to do the work. Slow cooking allows flavours to develop and tougher cuts to become tender. Depending on the meal, you may need to stir ingredients, turn meat or rotate the oven for more even results. When cooking roasts or baked dishes, even heat distribution matters, which is why many cooks use hot coals underneath and on top of the lid to surround the oven with heat. When the food is ready, remove the camp oven carefully and allow it to rest briefly before serving.
Cleaning your camp oven
After cooking, allow the camp oven to cool slightly before cleaning. Remove food residue with warm water and a brush or cloth, avoiding harsh detergents that can strip the seasoning. Dry thoroughly over low heat to prevent rust, then apply a light coat of oil to maintain the surface. Empty and tidy the fire pit area, disposing of ash safely once fully cooled. Regular care keeps your setup in good condition and ready for the next cook.
Ready to try camp oven cooking in your own backyard? Explore Iron and Fire’s range of BBQ Fire Pits to elevate your outdoor set-up.
