Canadians love the outdoors; we get out of the city whenever possible and we embrace the change of seasons, and when we can, we camp in the wilderness-or at least semi wilderness- and we cook outdoors. Is it too early to start thinking about camping and cooking in the great outdoors? We don’t think so. There’s a reason so many people rhapsodize about the Canadian spring, but so few of us really get in touch with nature this time of year. And if you’re thinking about camping you’re going to want to brush up on your campfire cooking skills. 

Spring camping in Ontario is cool. And occasionally warm too! A completely different experience from the dogs days of summer, and April and May offer glimpses of flora and fauna not seen in the estival months. Most of us who have felt cooped up all winter will jump at the chance to get away from it all, but may overlook one small detail; cooking over a campfire. It’s not rocket science to be able to safely prepare a delicious repast over an open campfire but there is a right way to do things and a wrong way.

Explore Outdoors HQ is a great site that provides us city slickers with information and tips that cover everything from how and what to pack in your backpack, how to layer clothing for the cooler weather, what to take camping with you, tent guides and much more, including a comprehensive guide to campfire cooking.

Why is it that food tastes so much better when you’re camping?  Is it the clean air? Being around friends and family?  The smell of the fire and the sounds of the wilderness?  Or perhaps it’s a combination of everything.   Whatever it is, we love it!- Explore Outdoors HQ

 Here you will find tips on what kind of foods to bring, what cooking utensils and vessels work best, (hint-The Dutch Oven  still reigns supreme) as well as nineteen recipes for cooking over an open campfire.

Campfire orange blueberry muffins anyone? Also featured are thirteen delicious Dutch oven recipes, including campfire breakfasts, gooey caramel cinnamon rolls   (a must-have, obviously) and Dutch oven sloppy Joes. For those who want to bring along the old Coleman stove, Explore Outdoors has another fifteen recipes perfect for it.

Dutch Oven Sloppy Joes

If the thought of going to sleep and waking up surrounded by nature, and sustaining your visit to the wild side with delicious food like this cooked over an open fire doesn’t make your heart beat a little faster, you might want to check your citizenship. Get out in the great Canadian outdoors at least once this spring; it’s an experience like no other.