Dutch ovens have been around for centuries, and for good reason. They are one of the most versatile, durable, and can be used for a variety of cooking methods, making them a must-have for any camping enthusiast. When it comes to camping, having a reliable dutch oven can make all the difference in your cooking experience.
In this article, we will be discussing the best dutch oven for camping and a few critical things to consider before buying. The first is the size and weight of the dutch oven. Since you will be carrying it with you, it’s essential to choose a size that is suitable for your needs and not too heavy to carry.
Another crucial factor to consider is the material of the dutch oven. Cast iron is a popular choice due to its durability and heat retention, but it can be heavy to carry. On the other hand, aluminum is lightweight but not as durable as cast iron.
After researching and testing various dutch ovens, we have identified the best dutch oven for camping. Our top pick is the Lodge Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven. This dutch oven is made of high-quality cast iron, making it durable and perfect for outdoor cooking. Its deep design allows for even cooking and can hold up to 8 quarts of food. Plus, its sturdy handle and lid make it easy to transport and use while camping.
Overall, a dutch oven is an essential tool for any camping trip, and the Lodge Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven is the best choice for those in need of a reliable and durable option.
Best Dutch Oven for Camping
We know that finding the right dutch oven for camping can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and put together a list of the best dutch ovens for camping. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting out, these dutch ovens will make cooking in the great outdoors a breeze. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best dutch oven for camping.
Lodge Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven
Lodge L10DCO3 Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven, Pre-Seasoned, 5-Quart
5-Quart Deep Camp Dutch Oven for campfire or fireplace cooking
Seasoned cast iron ready to use
Cast iron lid inverts for use as griddle
10-inch diameter by 5-inch deep
Made in U.S.A
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable Dutch oven to take on your camping trips, the Lodge Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven is a great choice.
Pros
- The pre-seasoned cast iron evenly distributes heat for perfectly cooked meals every time.
- The tight-fitting lid locks in nutrition and flavor, and can even be inverted to use as a griddle.
- The integral legs make it easy to place the oven over hot coals for even cooking.
Cons
- At 13.49 pounds, it’s a bit heavy to carry for long distances.
- The 5-quart size may be too small for larger groups or meals.
- The cast iron material requires a bit of maintenance to keep it in good condition.
We recently took the Lodge Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven on a camping trip, and were impressed with its performance. The pre-seasoned cast iron made for even cooking, and the tight-fitting lid kept our meals warm and flavorful. We even used the lid as a griddle to cook up some breakfast sausages!
The integral legs made it easy to place the oven over hot coals, and the 5-quart size was perfect for our small group. However, we did notice that it was a bit heavy to carry for long distances, so it may not be the best choice for backpacking trips.
Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and versatile Dutch oven for your camping trips, the Lodge Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven is definitely worth considering.
Uno Casa 6Qt Cast Iron Camping Dutch Oven
Uno Casa 6Qt Cast Iron Camping Dutch Oven with Lid Lifter and Storage Bag
Durable, pre-seasoned, & easy to maintain – that’s the magic of this Dutch oven pot with lid. Cast iron pots are unmatched in heat retention!
This camp Dutch oven is a multiuse hero – the lid doubles as a skillet of this large cast iron pot, so you won’t need extra campfire cooking equipment.
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable Dutch oven for camping, the Uno Casa 6Qt Cast Iron Camping Dutch Oven is a great choice.
Pros
- The long legs and handles make it easy to sit or hang over a fire, and the lid doubles as a skillet for added convenience.
- Made of durable and pre-seasoned cast iron, this Dutch oven is easy to maintain and provides unmatched heat retention.
- With a 6qt capacity and 12-inch diameter, this Dutch oven is large enough to feed a crew and comes with added extras like a recipe eBook and a heavy-duty tote bag.
Cons
- We found the handle to be a bit flimsy, so be careful when using it to suspend over a fire.
- The cooking surface is a bit rough, so it may take some time to get it properly seasoned.
- While it’s not dishwasher safe, hand washing is easy enough and helps maintain the seasoning.
Overall, we highly recommend the Uno Casa 6Qt Cast Iron Camping Dutch Oven for anyone looking for a versatile and durable Dutch oven for camping. Its long legs and handles make it easy to use over a fire, and its cast iron construction provides unmatched heat retention. Plus, with a 6qt capacity and added extras like a recipe eBook and tote bag, this Dutch oven is a great value.
Hawsaiy 7QT Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven
Hawsaiy 7QT Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven
Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, this cast iron Dutch oven is a perfect addition to your camping or backyard cooking setup. Its robust construction, heat retention, and versatility make it an essential tool for creating memorable outdoor meals.
If you’re looking for a durable and versatile Dutch oven for your camping trips, the Hawsaiy 7QT Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The cast iron construction ensures long-lasting durability, making it ideal for outdoor cooking.
- The even heat distribution ensures that your meals are cooked consistently, whether you’re baking, roasting, stewing, or simmering.
- The Dutch oven features a secure-fitting lid that helps lock in flavors and moisture, and a sturdy handle that allows for easy lifting and transportation.
Cons
- The Dutch oven is quite heavy, which might make it difficult to transport on longer camping trips.
- The Dutch oven is not oven safe, which might limit your cooking options.
- The Dutch oven requires some maintenance, including seasoning and hand washing.
We recently used the Hawsaiy 7QT Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven on a camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The cast iron construction ensured that the Dutch oven was durable and could withstand the rigors of outdoor cooking. The even heat distribution meant that our meals were cooked consistently and turned out delicious.
One of the standout features of the Dutch oven is the secure-fitting lid, which helped lock in flavors and moisture. We also appreciated the sturdy handle, which made it easy to lift and transport the Dutch oven from the fire to the table.
However, the Dutch oven is quite heavy, which might make it difficult to transport on longer camping trips. Additionally, the Dutch oven is not oven safe, which might limit your cooking options. Finally, the Dutch oven requires some maintenance, including seasoning and hand washing.
Overall, we would recommend the Hawsaiy 7QT Cast Iron Deep Camp Dutch Oven to anyone looking for a durable and versatile Dutch oven for their camping trips. It’s a great investment that will last for years to come and help you create delicious outdoor meals.
Camp Chef Square Dutch Oven
Camp Chef Square Dutch Oven, True Seasoned Finish Cast Iron, 13″ Dutch Oven
True Seasoned Finish cast iron Dutch oven. Lid reverses and has raised ridges for use as a grill, Convenient loop handle on lid
If you’re in the market for a durable and versatile Dutch oven for camping, the Camp Chef Square Dutch Oven is a great option.
Pros
- The True Seasoned Finish cast iron ensures even heat distribution and makes it easy to clean.
- The lid reverses and has raised ridges for use as a grill, adding versatility to your camping cooking setup.
- The built-in thermometer notch allows for precise temperature control when cooking.
Cons
- The legless design means it can only be used in home ovens or on a flat surface, limiting its portability.
- At 23 lbs, it’s one of the heavier Dutch ovens on the market, which may not be ideal for backpacking trips.
- The lid handle can get hot, so use caution when handling.
We used this Dutch oven on a recent camping trip and were impressed with its performance. The cast iron construction allowed for even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked meals. The lid’s ability to double as a grill was a game-changer, allowing us to cook up some burgers while our stew simmered below.
While the legless design and weight may be a drawback for some, we found it to be a great addition to our car camping setup. The built-in thermometer notch was a nice touch, allowing us to monitor the temperature without having to constantly lift the lid.
Overall, we highly recommend the Camp Chef Square Dutch Oven for anyone in the market for a durable and versatile Dutch oven for camping.
Lodge Camp Dutch Oven Lid Lifter
Lodge Camp Dutch Oven Lid Lifter
With the Lodge Lid Lifter, you can safely lift hot lids full of coals and move dutch ovens from the fire to the table
T-bar design fits all Lodge Dutch ovens
If you’re looking for a durable and reliable tool to help you lift the hot lids of your Dutch oven when camping, the Lodge Camp Dutch Oven Lid Lifter is a great choice.
Pros
- The T-bar design fits all Lodge Dutch ovens, making it versatile and convenient to use.
- The high temperature black finish ensures that the lifter can withstand the heat of the fire and won’t get damaged easily.
- The heat diffusing spiral handle and hanging loop at the end make it easy to handle and store.
Cons
- The handle may get hot after prolonged use, so be careful when handling it.
- The lifter may not fit other brands of Dutch ovens, so make sure to check the compatibility before purchasing.
- The lifter is not dishwasher safe, so you’ll need to hand wash it.
We recently used the Lodge Camp Dutch Oven Lid Lifter on a camping trip, and it worked like a charm. The T-bar design made it easy to lift the hot lid full of coals and move the Dutch oven from the fire to the table. We also used it for lifting, rotating, and moving the hot lid, and it performed well in all these tasks.
The lifter is made of durable 9mm bar stock, which gives it a sturdy and solid feel. The hanging loop on the end and the heat diffusing spiral handle made it easy to store and handle, even when it was hot. We also liked the high temperature black finish, which gave it a sleek and rugged look.
Overall, we would recommend the Lodge Camp Dutch Oven Lid Lifter to anyone who loves camping and cooking with Dutch ovens. It’s a reliable and versatile tool that will make your camping trips more enjoyable and convenient.
Dutch Ovens for Camping Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best Dutch oven for camping, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind when making your decision:
Material
Dutch ovens are typically made from cast iron or aluminum. Cast iron is heavier and more durable, making it a great choice for camping. Aluminum is lighter and easier to transport, but may not hold up as well over time.
Size
Consider the size of your camping group when choosing a Dutch oven. A 6-quart Dutch oven is a good choice for groups of 4-6 people, while a 12-quart Dutch oven is better for larger groups. Also consider how much space you have. For example, a small dutch oven is great for use with a small grill for rv camping.
Shape
Dutch ovens come in round and oval shapes. Round Dutch ovens are better for cooking stews and soups, while oval Dutch ovens are better for roasting meats.
Lid
The lid of a Dutch oven should fit snugly to keep heat and moisture inside. Look for a lid with a handle that stays cool to the touch for easy handling.
Legs and Handles
Dutch ovens with legs are great for cooking over an open fire, while those without legs can be used on a stove or in an oven. Handles should be sturdy and easy to grip.
Additional Features
Some Dutch ovens come with additional features, such as a thermometer or a non-stick coating. Consider these features when making your decision, but keep in mind that they may add to the cost of the Dutch oven.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best Dutch oven for your camping needs.
Dutch Ovens FAQ
What are the advantages of using an aluminum Dutch oven for camping?
Aluminum Dutch ovens are lightweight, making them easy to carry and transport. They are also affordable and do not rust, making them low-maintenance.
How do I choose a portable Dutch oven for camping?
When choosing a portable Dutch oven for camping, consider the size, weight, and material. Look for a size that can accommodate the number of people you are camping with, and choose a lightweight material that is easy to carry. Cast iron and aluminum are popular materials for camping Dutch ovens.
What are some popular camping cast iron Dutch oven recipes?
Some popular camping cast iron Dutch oven recipes include chili, stews, and casseroles. You can also bake bread, cakes, and pies in a cast iron Dutch oven.
What are the benefits of using a Bushcraft Dutch oven for camping?
Bushcraft Dutch ovens are designed for outdoor use and are made of durable materials that can withstand harsh conditions. They are also versatile and can be used for cooking, baking, and even boiling water.
Is it safe to use an enameled Dutch oven on a campfire?
Yes, it is safe to use an enameled Dutch oven on a campfire. However, it is important to avoid exposing the enamel to direct flames, as this can cause the enamel to crack or chip.
Why is it worth investing in a high-quality Dutch oven for camping?
A high-quality Dutch oven is a long-term investment that can last for years. It is also versatile and can be used for a variety of cooking methods, making it a valuable addition to any camping trip.
