There’s something magical about cooking over an open fire—and nothing says “camping” like roasting dinner on a stick. Whether you’re a kid toasting your first marshmallow or a seasoned camper whipping up shish kebabs, stick cooking is one of the easiest, most fun ways to prepare food outdoors.

Not only is it simple, it gets everyone involved. Each camper can prepare their own meal, choosing just what they want on their stick. And with almost no cleanup, it’s a dream for the cook!

Stick cooking uses dry heat—just like a broiler or rotisserie. You hold your food on a stick over hot coals (not flames!) and rotate it slowly until it’s cooked just the way you like it.

Basic Tips For Success

Fire Basics

The key to great stick cooking is good coals. Flames will burn your food before it’s done inside. Here’s how to get the perfect bed of coals:

  • Build a crisscross fire or log cabin fire and let it burn down.
  • Charcoal briquettes also work well for consistent heat, especially if you’ll be cooking for a while.

Choosing Your Stick

You don’t need fancy gear. Here are a few easy options:

  • Green stick: About ½ inch thick and 3–4 feet long. Sharpen one end to hold the food. Willow branches work great and are often found near streambeds.
  • Coat hanger: Straighten a wire hanger and use it to make a sturdy cooking skewer. You can add thread spools as a handle to protect your hands from heat.

Tip: If you’re using wood, don’t strip off the bark! Washed bark grips the food better than slick, bare wood.

How to Set It Up

  • Rest your stick on a rock or use a second rock to hold it in place if the food is heavy.
  • Keep the food about 6 inches above the coals.
  • Rotate every few minutes for even cooking.
  • For thick foods, like meat chunks, precook them a bit at home or use smaller pieces so they cook all the way through.

After the Meal

If you’re using a metal skewer, clean it with steel wool or burn off any leftover bits in the fire. Green sticks can be saved or burned at the end of the trip. Always leave your campsite better than you found it.

Stick cooking is fun, fast, and full of flavor. It’s also a great way to teach kids independence and outdoor skills while bringing a little extra joy to your time around the campfire. So next time you head out, grab a stick—and let dinner be part of the adventure!

 Best Foods for Stick Cooking

This method is great for quick meals and snacks:

  • Hot dogs
  • Marshmallows
  • Shish kebabs with meat, veggies, and fruit
  • Biscuits or crescent roll dough wrapped around the stick
  • Even meatloaf or eggs—yes, on a stick!