Cooking on a campfire in rainy weather

There’s something magical about cooking in the great outdoors—hearing the crackling fire, breathing in the fresh air, and savoring a meal you’ve prepared yourself. But when the weather turns and rain starts to pour, the challenge of cooking on a campfire in rainy weather intensifies. If you’re unprepared, rain can quickly extinguish your fire and dampen your enthusiasm. However, with a few clever strategies and the right mindset, cooking on a campfire in rainy weather can still be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to keep your campfire going in wet conditions, adapt your cooking techniques to the elements, and stay safe while doing it. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or cooking for a group, you’ll learn how to make the most of outdoor cooking in the rain.

Cooking on a campfire in the rain isn’t impossible, but it does require thorough preparation. From selecting the right spot for your fire to ensuring your fire-starting materials stay dry, each decision plays a role in your success. The trick lies in thinking ahead, adapting to the environment, and understanding how rain impacts fire and cooking.

Choosing the Right Fire Location

When it comes to cooking in the rain, location is everything. Setting up your fire in a poor spot will lead to endless frustration. The key is to find or create a sheltered space that protects the fire from direct exposure to rain. Look for natural shelters like trees with thick canopies or rock formations that can shield the fire from rain. Be mindful, however, of not placing your fire too close to overhanging branches, as this could create a fire hazard.

If you’re in an open area with little natural protection, you’ll need to set up a tarp or canopy. This not only protects the fire but also gives you a dry space to stand while cooking. When setting up your tarp, ensure it's elevated enough to prevent the heat from the fire from causing any damage. Additionally, angle the tarp so that water drains away from the fire rather than pooling above it. Keeping your fire and cooking area dry is the first step in cooking successfully in the rain.

Key tips for choosing your fire location:

• Look for natural shelters like trees or rock overhangs.
• Use a tarp or canopy if no natural shelter is available.
• Elevate the tarp high enough to avoid heat damage.
• Angle the tarp to ensure proper water runoff, away from the fire.

Waterproofing and Fire-Starters

One of the most difficult aspects of campfire cooking in rainy weather is simply getting the fire started. Wet kindling and damp matches can make this process nearly impossible without proper preparation. This is where waterproofing becomes critical. Before your trip, store all your fire-starting materials—matches, lighters, and fire starters—in waterproof bags or containers. Even if you don’t expect rain, it’s always best to be prepared.

Choosing the right fire starters is essential in rainy conditions. Waterproof matches or lighters designed to work in wet conditions are invaluable tools. Magnesium fire starters or ferro rods are particularly effective because they produce sparks even when wet. For kindling, materials like wax-dipped cotton balls, dryer lint, or wood shavings can ignite quickly and help sustain the fire until it’s strong enough to burn damp wood.

If you're caught off-guard by rain, improvisation is key. Look for dry materials hidden under logs or in sheltered areas to use as kindling. Even damp wood can be coaxed to burn if you strip away the outer layers and expose the drier wood underneath. Use your fire starters to ignite this material and gradually build up the fire with larger pieces of wood.

Effective fire-starting tools for rainy conditions:

• Waterproof matches or lighters
• Magnesium fire starters or ferro rods
• Wax-dipped cotton balls or dryer lint for quick ignition

Elevating and Maintaining the Fire

Rain naturally wants to extinguish your fire, but by raising the fire off the wet ground, you can give it a better chance of survival. Begin by building a base out of large, flat stones, which keeps the fire above the wet earth. This allows better airflow and prevents the fire from being suffocated by moisture.

Once your fire is established, maintaining it in rainy conditions becomes a balancing act. The rain will cool the flames and reduce the intensity of the fire, so you’ll need to tend to it more frequently than in dry conditions. Add wood in small, steady increments to maintain a consistent heat level, and always keep a reserve of dry wood protected under your tarp or shelter.

Firewood management is also essential to keeping your fire alive. Wet wood can cause the fire to sputter, but by using smaller pieces and adding them gradually, you can ensure the heat stays high enough to dry the wood as it burns. Keep your kindling and smaller twigs close at hand to stoke the fire if it starts to die down.

Steps to elevate and maintain your fire:

• Build a base using large, flat stones to keep the fire above the wet ground.
• Maintain airflow by adding smaller wood pieces gradually.
• Keep a reserve of dry wood covered and ready to use.

Cooking in wet weather adds another layer of complexity, but with the right techniques, you can still prepare delicious meals. Depending on the intensity of the rain, you might need to adjust your cooking methods to suit the conditions. Whether you’re grilling over an open flame or slow-cooking a hearty stew, the key is to remain flexible and resourceful.

Quick-Cooking Over an Open Flame

Cooking over an open flame in the rain is challenging but not impossible. Quick-cooking foods like sausages, kebabs, and fish are ideal because they can be cooked quickly, minimizing the time they spend exposed to the elements. When grilling, place your food on a grate positioned slightly higher than usual to avoid flare-ups from water dripping onto the flames.

One method that works well in rainy conditions is using foil packets. By wrapping your food in aluminum foil and placing the packets directly on the fire, you create a mini oven that keeps the food dry while allowing it to cook evenly. Foil packets are perfect for vegetables, meats, and even desserts like baked apples. The added benefit is that the food stays protected from rain, and the foil traps the heat inside for thorough cooking.

When cooking meat, pay extra attention to the heat level of your fire. Rain can cause the fire to burn cooler, so you may need to rotate or reposition the food frequently to ensure even cooking. Use long-handled tongs or spatulas to avoid getting too close to the flames, and wear waterproof gloves to keep your hands dry.

Best foods for quick-cooking over an open flame in the rain:

• Sausages and hot dogs
• Kebabs with meat and vegetables
• Fish fillets or skewers

Slow-Cooking in Wet Conditions

If you have more time on your hands and the rain is steady, slow-cooking can be a great option. Stews, soups, and casseroles are perfect for slow-cooking, as they rely on consistent heat over a longer period. The best tool for this method is a cast iron Dutch oven, which retains heat and can withstand the unpredictable fluctuations of an outdoor fire.

Place the Dutch oven on a grate over the fire or directly into the coals, ensuring the lid is securely in place to prevent rainwater from entering. As the ingredients simmer inside, the heavy lid traps the steam and intensifies the flavors. This method works particularly well for tougher cuts of meat or root vegetables, which need time to soften and absorb the smoky flavors from the fire.

While slow-cooking in the rain, you may need to adjust your fire frequently to maintain a steady temperature. If the fire starts to die down, add small amounts of dry wood to keep the heat consistent. And if the rain becomes too heavy, you can cover the Dutch oven with a second layer of foil or place it under the tarp to protect it from getting too wet.

Great meals for slow-cooking in wet weather:

• Beef or vegetable stews
• Chili or thick soups
• Casseroles with root vegetables and meat

Using Foil Packets to Protect Food

Foil packets are one of the most practical methods for campfire cooking in the rain. They require minimal equipment and help protect your food from rain and ash while still allowing it to cook over the fire. Simply wrap your ingredients—whether it’s meat, fish, or vegetables—in a double layer of foil, seal it tightly, and place the packets on the hot coals.

The foil creates a steaming effect, cooking the food evenly while keeping it tender and moist. It’s also a great way to infuse food with flavors from herbs, spices, or marinades without losing them to the elements. Just be sure to rotate the packets occasionally to ensure they don’t burn on one side.

Foil packet cooking is ideal for meals like fish with lemon and herbs, vegetables with olive oil and garlic, or even simple baked potatoes. Once you’re done, cleanup is easy—just throw away the foil, and you’re ready for your next adventure.

Cooking in the rain requires more than culinary know-how—it also demands extra attention to safety. Wet conditions can make the ground slippery, increase the risk of burns, and complicate fire management. By taking a few precautions, you can ensure that your rainy-weather cooking experience is not only successful but also safe.

Managing Fire Hazards

Fire safety is always important when cooking outdoors, but it becomes even more critical in wet weather. Rain makes the ground around the campfire slick, and it can be difficult to maintain stable footing when handling hot tools or moving around the fire. Always wear shoes with good grip to prevent slips, and clear the area around your fire of any debris that could cause you to trip.

In terms of fire management, be cautious of steam burns. When rainwater drips into the fire, it can create bursts of steam that can cause burns if you’re standing too close. To prevent this, always maintain a safe distance from the fire, and use long-handled cooking tools to keep your hands away from the heat.

Selecting the Right Gear for Rainy Weather Cooking

Your gear plays a huge role in how comfortable and safe you’ll be while cooking in the rain. Waterproof clothing is essential for keeping yourself dry, but also consider investing in heat-resistant, waterproof gloves for handling hot cookware. A good pair of gloves will allow you to manage the fire and cook your food without risking burns from steam or hot surfaces.

Additionally, long-handled tools like spatulas, tongs, and forks are invaluable when cooking over an open flame in the rain. They give you the reach you need to adjust food without getting too close to the fire, reducing the risk of burns.

A portable shelter or tarp is another key piece of gear. It protects your fire and cooking area from rain and provides a dry space for you to stand while cooking. Make sure the shelter is securely anchored to prevent it from collapsing in heavy rain or wind and position it at an angle to allow water to drain away from the fire.

Avoiding Common Accidents and Burns

One of the most common risks when cooking in the rain is burns, either from the fire itself or from hot, wet surfaces. Wet cookware can become slippery and difficult to handle, so always use tools with good grips and avoid placing your hands directly on hot pots or pans.

Another risk is steam burns, which occur when rainwater hits the fire and creates sudden bursts of steam. Always stand back when adding wood to the fire, and be mindful of any water dripping onto the flames. Keep a safe distance while cooking, and wear protective gloves to prevent burns.

Finally, always keep a first-aid kit nearby when cooking outdoors. In case of burns or minor injuries, having access to immediate medical supplies can prevent a small incident from turning into a larger problem.

Important fire safety tips:

• Wear shoes with proper grip to avoid slipping.
• Clear the cooking area of debris.
• Stand back when adding wood to avoid steam burns.

Cooking on a campfire in rainy weather presents unique challenges, but with the right techniques and preparation, you can still enjoy delicious meals in the great outdoors. From building a sheltered fire to mastering foil packet cooking, this guide has covered all the essentials for staying safe and cooking efficiently in wet conditions. Rain or shine, the joy of cooking in nature is always within reach—so next time the clouds roll in, you’ll be ready to embrace the elements and enjoy your meal.

Further reading:

• Fire-Starting Techniques: For in-depth instructions on fire-starting methods.
• Campfire Safety Tips:  National Park Service Guide on Campfire Safety  for practical advice on safely managing a fire in outdoor settings.