Why a Cast Iron Skillet is Your Best Camping Companion

Camp cooking can go one of two ways: it's either instant noodles in a dodgy pot, or it’s proper food that makes everyone ask, “Wait, you cooked that out here?” The difference? Honestly, a lot of it comes down to your gear. And nothing earns its place in your camping cookware kit quite like a cast iron skillet.

Whether you're frying up brekkie at sunrise or searing steaks over an open flame, a cast iron skillet is one of those camping cookware pieces that actually does what it promises (and then some). Here’s why it’s worth packing, how it works, and what to look for if you’re still choosing the right one.

Built Tough for the Outdoors

When you're out in the elements, you want gear that won’t crack under pressure – or heat. Cast iron is virtually indestructible. It can handle direct flame, high heat, uneven coals, and all the knocks of being chucked in a tub with the rest of your gear. Unlike other types of pans, cast iron doesn’t warp, peel, or freak out when you throw it on the fire

Cast iron can go straight from the firepit to the table. 

Camp-Friendly Cooking Without Compromise

You can fry, sear, bake, roast or toast in a good skillet, and if it’s seasoned properly, you won’t be scrubbing it for half the trip. From bacon and eggs in the morning to crispy potatoes or flatbread at night, it handles a surprising variety of meals, even without a full kitchen setup.

Pair it with a grill grate or just balance it over the coals – either way, it holds heat evenly and keeps cooking long after the fire dies down. You don’t need much flame to get it going, which is perfect for slower cooking or keeping meals warm while everyone’s plating up.

Easy to Clean, Easier to Maintain

No dishwashing station? No problem. Cleaning a cast iron skillet on the go is dead simple. Once it’s cool, just:

1. For light cooking (no sticky mess):

• Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel.
• Place it over low heat on your stove or fire.
• Use a fresh paper towel to coat the surface lightly with oil.
• Turn the heat up to high for a minute or two to sterilise.
• Let it cool.

2. For stickier, saucier meals:

• Fill the pan with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
• Use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape off any stuck-on bits.
• For tougher residue, you can use an iron scrub (gently).

3. Rinse with hot water.

• No soap—just hot water to rinse everything away.

4. Dry it thoroughly.

• Use a tea towel or place it over low heat to get rid of any leftover moisture.

5. Re-oil the surface.

• Once dry, coat the inside of the pan lightly with oil using a paper towel.

6. Heat again until dry.

• Place it over medium heat until the oil dries and the surface looks smooth and matte.

That’s it. No soap, no scrubbing, and no worries about non-stick coatings flaking off. Now your skillet’s clean, protected, and ready for the next cook-up.

Pre-Seasoned = Ready to Go

Our Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet is raw cast iron that’s already been treated with a layer of seasoning, meaning you can use it right out of the box. Over time, that layer will build up and improve, giving you a naturally non-stick surface that’s completely chemical-free. It’s worth giving it a little TLC and seasoning now and then (especially after campfire use), but the more you cook with it, the better it gets. 

Our Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet doubles as a shmick-looking serving platter!

Not Just for the Fire

One of the best parts? Your cast iron skillet doesn’t have to be just for camping. It works on induction, gas, and electric cooktops too – so you can use it all week at home, then chuck it in the boot for the weekend.

That’s why it’s worth investing in one that lasts. It’s not just another thing you buy for “when you go camping.” It’s something you’ll genuinely use all the time.

Don’t Forget the Rest of Your Camping Cookware

A good skillet’s even better with a few key extras:

• A Non-Scratch Wood Spoon for stirring, scraping and flipping without damaging your seasoning.
• A Utility or Paring Knife for chopping veg or slicing meat at the campsite.
• Some oil, a tea towel and a bit of space in your gear bag (cast iron’s heavy, but it earns its keep).

The Bottom Line?

You don’t need a full kitchen to cook properly outdoors. With a cast iron skillet in your kit, you can make real food – hot, filling, and honestly way better than the sad canned stuff most people settle for.

Explore Crumble’s camping cookware collection to find the right gear for the job, and make your next camp meal one to remember.