Camping Pizza Cooking Guide: How to Make Pizza with and Without a Pizza Oven

Camping Pizza Cooking Guide: How to Make Pizza with and Without a Pizza Oven

Enjoying fresh, delicious pizza while camping is easier than you think! Whether you have a camping pizza oven or are using traditional campfire methods, this camping cooking pizza guide will walk you through the best ways to cook pizza outdoors with simple, effective techniques.

What You Need for Cooking Pizza While Camping

Before diving into specific cooking methods, here are the basic tools and ingredients you’ll need:

Essential Tools:

• Pizza Dough: Pre-made or homemade for convenience.
• Pizza Stone or Skillet: Helps create a crispy crust.
• Pizza Peel or Spatula: Makes transferring pizzas easier.
• Fireproof Gloves & Tongs: Essential for safe handling.
• Cooking Surface: A pizza oven, grill, skillet, or foil can all work.

Topping Ideas:

• Classic: Tomato sauce, mozzarella, pepperoni
• Veggie: Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, olives
• Meaty: Sausage, bacon, ground beef
• Gourmet: Pesto, goat cheese, arugula, prosciutto

For more gear recommendations, check out our Best Camping Cookware and Utensils guide.

Method 1: Cooking Pizza in a Camping Pizza Oven

A portable camping pizza oven is the easiest and most efficient way to make high-quality pizza while camping. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preheat the Pizza Oven: Heat it to at least 700°F for the best crust.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll out your pizza dough and place it on a floured pizza peel.
3. Add Sauce and Toppings: Keep toppings light for even cooking.
4. Cook the Pizza: Slide the pizza into the oven and cook for 60–90 seconds, rotating halfway.
5. Check for Doneness: The crust should be golden brown and crisp.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a minute before slicing.

For maintenance tips, see our How to Properly Clean and Care for Your Camping Pizza Oven guide.

For some of our favorite Outdoor Pizza Ovens see here.

Method 2: Cooking Pizza on a Campfire Grill

If you don’t have a pizza oven, a campfire grill or grate is a great alternative.

How to Cook Pizza on a Campfire Grill:

1. Preheat the Grill: Allow the fire to burn down to hot embers.
2. Oil a Cast Iron Skillet or Griddle: Prevents sticking and creates a crispy crust.
3. Parbake the Dough: Place the dough on the grill for 2–3 minutes, then flip.
4. Add Toppings: Sauce, cheese, and toppings go on after the first flip.
5. Cover with a Lid or Foil: Traps heat to melt the cheese evenly.
6. Cook Until Golden: After another 3–5 minutes, remove and enjoy.

For more fire-cooking tips, check out our How to Cook Over an Open Fire guide.

Method 3: Cooking Pizza in a Dutch Oven

A Dutch oven is one of the most versatile tools for cooking pizza outdoors.

How to Make Pizza in a Dutch Oven:

1. Preheat the Dutch Oven: Place over hot coals for even heat.
2. Prepare the Dough: Roll it out and place it in the bottom of the Dutch oven.
3. Parbake for 5 Minutes: Helps create a crispier crust.
4. Add Toppings: Sauce, cheese, and any desired toppings.
5. Cover and Bake: Place hot coals on top of the lid and cook for 10–15 minutes.
6. Check and Serve: Once the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden, it’s ready.

Method 4: Cooking Pizza with Aluminum Foil Over a Campfire

This is a simple, no-fuss method for those who want pizza without extra gear.

How to Make a Foil-Wrapped Campfire Pizza:

1. Preheat the Fire: Allow flames to die down to hot embers.
2. Assemble Pizza on Foil: Place a pre-cooked flatbread or tortilla on a large piece of aluminum foil.
3. Add Toppings: Keep them light to avoid a soggy crust.
4. Wrap the Pizza Loosely: Leave some space for heat circulation.
5. Cook for 5–10 Minutes: Place near the embers and rotate once.
6. Check and Serve: Once the cheese melts, unwrap and enjoy!

Comparison Table: Best Ways to Cook Pizza While Camping

Cooking Method	Best For	Pros	Cons
Camping Pizza Oven	Authentic Pizza Experience	Fast cooking, crispy crust	Requires extra gear
Campfire Grill	Grilled, Smoky Flavor	Easy setup, no extra equipment	Requires careful heat control
Dutch Oven	Deep-Dish Style Pizza	Even cooking, versatile	Takes longer to cook
Foil Packets	Quick & Easy	No cleanup, minimal gear	Less crispy crust

FAQ: Making Pizza While Camping

Do I need a pizza stone to cook pizza while camping?

A pizza stone helps with heat distribution, but you can also use a cast iron skillet, grill, or foil for great results.

What’s the best dough for camping pizza?

Pre-made dough or pre-cooked flatbreads work best for easy handling.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

• Preheat your cooking surface before adding the dough.
• Use less sauce and toppings to avoid excess moisture.
• Parbake the dough before adding toppings.

Can I cook frozen pizza over a campfire?

Yes! Wrap it in aluminum foil and place it near hot embers for 10–15 minutes, rotating occasionally.

What’s the best way to melt cheese on a campfire pizza?

• Use a lid or foil tent to trap heat.
• Cook with indirect heat to prevent burning the crust.
• Let the fire burn down to embers for even cooking.

Tips for Perfect Campfire Pizza

• Use a pizza peel or spatula to easily transfer dough.
• Rotate your pizza frequently for even cooking.
• Keep toppings minimal to prevent sogginess.
• Let the fire settle to embers before cooking for better heat control.
• Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or feta for unique flavors.

For more outdoor cooking techniques, check out our Best Campfire Grills guide.

Final Thoughts

Cooking pizza while camping is a fun and delicious experience, whether you have a pizza oven, grill, Dutch oven, or just foil. By choosing the right method, prepping your ingredients ahead of time, and managing heat properly, you can enjoy the perfect campfire pizza anywhere.

Looking for more outdoor cooking gear? Check out our guides to Best Camping Pizza Ovens and Best Portable Camping Stoves to elevate your campsite meals.