Planning on going on a camping trip that will take more than a few days? You’ll definitely need to bring something to cook in. One of the best kinds of cookware to include on your list of things to bring should be a durable cast iron skillet, that you can use over a camp fire to cook your food. Cast iron skillets are extremely versatile and can even take a pounding, as long as you make sure to season them with a layer of cooking oil from time to time.
Cooking with a cast iron skillet is also a good way to address the iron deficiency in your body, which is a fairly common issue worldwide. A cast iron skillet may be less smooth in comparison to non-stick cookware though, but that does not mean the food is less tasty. In fact, some might argue that cooking in a cast iron skillet makes the flavors come out more, because of how well it retains heat and ensures a lovely maillard reaction takes place while searing all kinds of foods.
Whether you’re going to be cook up some nice fresh veggies, a juicy steak or the catch of the day, you just can’t go wrong with a cast iron skillet. And one of the best things about it is how many sizes it comes in. You can literally get it in a size that fits in a backpack, or you can get a large family-sized skillet.
With all that being said, here are some of the best cast iron skillets for camping.
Our Top Picks
We’ve picked 3 great cast iron skillets for camping. We didn’t feel like going with a large range of options here, because the ones we mention below pretty much cover all the needs and expectations you may have of a camping-friendly cast iron skillet.
Lodge Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
- Available from 3.5″ and up to 15″
- Classic American manufacturer
- Hole in handle for hanging storage
The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet has been around since 1886 and is the only full line of American-made cast iron cookware. Since its founding, the Lodge family has been making high-quality cookware and other kitchen accessories. All Lodge seasoned cast iron and carbon steel cookware are made in USA at their own factory, with craftsmanship that has been skillfully passed down through the generations for over a century.
With the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet, you have in your hands the right tool to sear, saute, braise, fry, and even broil and bake. Decades of cooking through this tool have shown that it is brutally tough and durable. It has been seasoned for a natural, easy-release finish that improves with use, and it comes unparalleled in heat retention and even heating your food.
This skillet is perfect for cooking at home on the stove or oven or even outdoors on the grill or over a campfire. You’ll have no difficulty cooking your family’s favorite recipes at all.
It is also very easy to clean and care for:
- Wash the cast iron by hand with some mild soap (or none at all).
- Dry immediately with a lint-free cloth and paper towel.
- Rub a light layer of vegetable oil, preferably while the skillet is still warm
- Hang or store the cookware in a dry place.
What We Love: Recently, Lodge released an improvement on their original cast iron skillet: an assist handle on the opposite end of the main hande. This helps when you carry the pan, especially when it is still hot and straight off the stove or oven. When it comes to storing, you can hang it up through the hole on the main handle and the smaller sizes are better suited for backpacking and lightweight travel.
Available Sizes: 3.5”, 6.5”, 8”, 9”, 10”, 10.25”, 12”, 13.25”, 15”
Home-Complete Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
- Neat design
- Pouring spouts on both sides
- Comes in different sizes from 6″ and up
This pre-seasoned cast iron skillet is the perfect companion to help you cook your best food ever! You no longer have to worry about those non-stick flimsy pans and can use this cast iron skillet to cook all your favorite dishes instead.
Cooking with a cast iron skillet makes a world of difference in taste and in your ability to cook food that can’t be made with regular cookware. Cast iron skillets are preferred by various gourmet chefs around the world as it is often used by chefs and well-known cooks who demand perfection. With the Home-Complete Cast Iron Skillet, you can create your food the way it was meant to be made. Because it is pre-seasoned, it will cook your vegetables and meats the way you want to.
This cast iron skillet is also easy to clean and care for as you just have to put it in water. The two handles on both ends help when cooking on uneven camping surfaces and campfire situations. There are also notches on each side that will help you pour liquids evenly.
What We Love: If you need to cook or heat food quickly, that’s no problem with the Home-Complete Cast Iron Skillet. It evenly heats your food and gives you the ultimate control and flexibility while you’re doing your cooking. This cast iron skillet also works great for induction tops, stove tops, and even for campfires or any other hot burners.
Available Sizes: 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”, 14”
Utopia Kitchen Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
- Nice big extra handle for lifting and carrying
- Pouring spouts on both sides
- 12.5″ – suitable for most needs
The Utopia Cast Iron Skillet has been pre-seasoned in soy-based oil which allows the polymers in the pan to create an initial layer of seasoning and is equivalent to 10-15 rounds of normal home seasoning.
With this cast iron skillet, you can cook anything you want as much as you want, whether they be vegetables, steaks, and more. Its perfectly-sized, wide diameter allows for ample cooking space and it is compatible with oven, stove, grill, and even the campfire. You can use this on various kinds of heat sources, such as gas, electric, induction, and ceramic glass stove tops.
When caring for your Utopia Kitchen Cast Iron Skillet, all you have to do is let it cool completely before washing in hot soapy water with a soft sponge and regular dishwashing liquid soap. After drying it thoroughly, rub a light coat of vegetable oil and keep away. In order to maintain the factory-seasoned layer, you will need to season your skillet from time to time.
What We Love: There is no need to cook with large amounts of oil, allowing you to have a healthier lifestyle. It has a lighter weight also, which makes it better to bring along on camping trips. It also has two handles on opposite ends to help with the lifting, as well as two spill notches when you’re pouring out liquid.
Available Size(s): 12.5”
Final Note
Whether you’re searing, sauteing, braising, roasting, frying, and even baking, you’ll be surprised at the delicious flavors your cast iron skillet can coax from whatever you are cooking. The luxury of a well-cooked meal doesn’t have to be something you can resign yourself to only enjoying from home, however, as you can take this cast iron skillet with you wherever you go and have your best cooking experience no matter where you are–at home, outdoors, or on a camping trip. Happy cooking!