First off a shovel to move the coals around , also a 5 gallon bucket to fill with water to put the fire out , can also be used to wash pots or dishes. Bring some big garbage bags for trash . My go to is chicken thighs and drumsticks. Low and slow .
Went camping for the first time a few weeks ago in Big Bear. A very popular option was a pot to boil water and instant ramen. Kids and adults alike are lots of ramen that weekend.
I didn’t really know what to expect but the next time I go camping I’m going to bring potatoes wrapped in foil for baked potatoes and pre-cooked chili that can easily reheat on the fire. If your campsite has a fire pit with a big grate over it you can grill proteins over the grate but the gaps are pretty big. If I’m feeling adventurous I might bring my own grate and cook burgers or steak.
I’m going to copy that list and show to our daughter…the one who ‘camps’ in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, not the one who goes off the grid LOL!
Menu varies with locale. It’s different for backpacking vs.car camping; somewhere with a pit vs. building up a pile of rocks.
I like to fish, so trout is first and foremost. This summer I field tested a shichimi togarishi for seasoning. First trip, I only used blood orange zest and the second a blend of orange, lemon and a dash of lime zest. Blood orange for the win. Heaping portions of black sesame and poppy seeds to make it super crunchy and a basic ichimi togarishi to make sure it felt familiar, ginger, sichuan peppercorn, nori. This was for backpacking so sometimes there would be a ‘donated’ grill and sometimes there wouldn’t. Didn’t matter as trout were wrapped in tinfoil after being dressed. Could throw them right in the coals.
If you’ve got the patience, trip-tip is nice for a big group. Santa Maria style. Par-smoking low and slow for an hour or two usually nets a pretty good result.
Leg of lamb is pretty forgiving over fire. Nice with a jerk rub.
Never underestimate the delicious utility of a hot dog.
I’m so going to send the trout thing to our daughter. Sounds terrific although not sure the 2 and 6 y.o.'s will eat it. Pre-kiddos their backpacking usually including some climbing also but nowadays it’s mostly just backpacking with some canoeing etc. thrown in for good measure. Thanks a lot.