Beyond S'mores: 3 Comforting Campfire Recipes to Keep You Warm on Chilly Nights

There's something primal and deeply satisfying about cooking over an open fire. As the air gets crisp here in Cle Elum and the nights grow longer, the glow of a campfire becomes the heart of the campsite. It's the perfect time to move beyond basic hot dogs and elevate your fireside dining.

These recipes are about embracing the smoke, the sizzle, and the communal joy of a warm meal in the cool air. We'll provide the foundations; you provide the personal touches.

Here are three comforting campfire recipes (and the methods to perfect them) for your next adventure:

1. The Ultimate Dutch Oven Chili

On a cold night, nothing satisfies like a hearty bowl of chili. The Dutch oven is your secret weapon, turning simple ingredients into a rich, smoky, one-pot meal.

• The Method: The beauty of Dutch oven chili is the deep, even heat. Start by browning your ground meat (beef, turkey, or even a plant-based substitute) and sautéing your aromatics (onion, garlic, bell peppers) directly in the pot with a healthy sprinle of sea salt. Don't worry about over-salting, it will bring out all of your flavors and mellow during the cooking process. Once fragrant, bloom your spices—a healthy dose of chili powder, cumin, black and white pepper, and smoked paprika, plus a little oregano, basil, and rosemary—in the hot oil for a minute before adding your base of crushed tomatoes and beans. A can of Ro-Tel chilies brings all the flavors together perfetly!

• The Magic: The real "recipe" is time. Settle the lidded Dutch oven into a bed of coals or over you gas stove if you don't have a campfire handy. Let it simmer low and slow for at least an hour. The longer it goes, the better it gets, so start this one early if you can.

• Your Tweak: This is where you, the chef, come in. Elevate this base by adding a dash of cinnamon for warmth, a bit of chipotle for smoky heat, or a different blend of beans and meats every time.

2. Heavy-Duty Foil Pan Queso Dip

This is the ultimate, low-mess, highly shareable appetizer. It’s perfect for grazing on while you wait for the main course to cook. I like to use a foil pan because cleaning cheese out of cookware in the wild isn't on anyone's bucket list!

• The Method: Start with a solid, meltable cheese base. While Velveeta is the classic for its indestructible creaminess, a blend of Monterey Jack and cream cheese works beautifully. Place your cheese base in a heavy-duty foil pan. Add your mix-ins: a can of salsa or Ro-Tel, some diced onion, and maybe a little jalapeño.

• The Magic: Cover the pan with tinfoil, leaving a little room for steam. Place it on the campfire grate over medium-low heat area. Let it warm through for 15-20 minutes, or until everything is gloriously melted - You can check it and give it a stir once in a while and take in the smells marrying in your pan.

• Your Tweak: This base is a blank canvas. Take it to the next level by adding pre-cooked chorizo, seasoned black beans, or a handful of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice after you pull it from the fire. Serve with tortilla chips or sturdy vegetables.

3. Cast-Iron Skillet Apple Crumble

Dessert doesn't have to be complicated. This 10-minute crumble comes together in one skillet and fills the entire campsite with an irresistible aroma.

• The Method: Get your cast-iron skillet hot over the grate. Add a generous knob of butter and melt it. Sauté your sliced apples (Granny Smith are great for a tart bite) with a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon until they just start to soften.

• The Magic: For the topping, you don't need a separate bowl. Just push the apples to one side of the skillet and add your crumble mix (a simple blend of oats, brown sugar, and a little more butter) to the empty side. Let it toast for a few minutes until it's golden and fragrant, then mix it all together.

• Your Tweak: This is where you can add your signature. Toss in some bourbon-soaked raisins with the apples, add toasted pecans or walnuts to the crumble, or sprinkle in some cardamom for a more complex spice profile. Serve it straight from the skillet.

The best comforting campfire recipes are the ones that are simple, warm, and shared. They're the perfect way to warm up on a crisp autumn or winter evening, and there's no better place to enjoy them than right here at your own campsite.

Whispering Pines RV Campground in Cle Elum, WA is open all year, making it the ideal destination for a quiet off-season getaway. So keep this list handy, pack your Dutch oven, book your spot, and come create some delicious fireside memories with us!

What are your go-to campfire creations? Share your own tips in the comments!