Perfect Campfire Baked Potatoes: Your Guide to Tender, Never-Burnt Spuds
Imagine the crackle of a campfire, the scent of pine in the air, and the promise of a delicious, rustic meal. There’s a special kind of magic in cooking outdoors, and these campfire baked potatoes capture that essence perfectly. We’ve discovered a fantastic trick for making exceptionally tender potatoes right over the flames, ensuring they cook through beautifully without a hint of burning. All you need is a blazing campfire or a hot grill, and you’re set for an unforgettable summer cooking experience. (Jump to Recipe.)
Our summers are truly blessed with the opportunity to spend cherished time at our family cabin. Nestled deep within the breathtaking wilderness of northern British Columbia, our haven sits gracefully along the shores of the incredibly clear and refreshingly cold Francois Lake. It’s a place where time slows down, and the simple pleasures of life take center stage.
A Legacy of Laughter and Love at Francois Lake
This rustic retreat holds a special place in our hearts. My dad, with his own hands, built this cabin when our children were just toddlers, creating a foundation for countless precious memories. Generations have gathered here, from sisters and cousins to a wide circle of relatives and friends, each visit adding another layer to the rich tapestry of our family history. We’ve witnessed a youngest sister’s wedding vows exchanged amidst the natural beauty, celebrated my parents’ remarkable 40th and 50th wedding anniversaries, marked countless birthdays, and simply savored the unadulterated joy of good times spent together. The cabin isn’t just a building; it’s a living archive of shared experiences.
Rustic Charm: Embracing the Simple Life
Life at the cabin is wonderfully rustic, a stark and welcome contrast to modern conveniences. Our amenities include two charming outhouses, each lovingly adorned and maintained, and fresh lake water piped directly to the kitchen sink, perfect for cooking, drinking, and all our daily needs. This embrace of simplicity truly deepens our connection to nature and to each other.
Adventures Await: Childhood Delights and Wilderness Exploration
For the younger generations, the wilderness around the cabin transforms into an epic playground. Over the years, various groups of imaginative kids have constructed impressive tree forts deep in the forest, each more elaborate than the last. They’ve experienced the thrill of tenting overnight on the secluded little island, casting lines for fish in the cold lake waters, and navigating boats across the serene expanse. The bravest have even dared to cliff-jump into the invigorating water from the rocky ledges of the ‘big island.’ Berry picking expeditions yield sweet rewards, while the infamous potato gun provides endless entertainment, launching spuds far across the lake. As dusk settles, everyone gathers around the dancing flames of the campfire, sharing stories and creating new legends.
The Lookout Hill: A Hike to Remember
A cherished annual tradition is our hike up to the summit of the lookout hill, proudly towering behind the cabin. It’s a rewarding workout, challenging us with several steep ascents, but the effort is always worth it. From the top, the panoramic view is truly breathtaking, stretching across the vast expanse of Francois Lake. We can clearly see all three islands in the bay: the prominent ‘big island,’ the serene ‘middle island,’ and with a slight shift in perspective, the quaint ‘little island.’ It’s a moment to truly appreciate the unspoiled beauty of this region.
The cabin’s remote location offers a truly liberating escape from the constant demands of technology. It’s a wonderful, much-needed break from screens and notifications. Interestingly, the very top of the lookout hill is the *only* spot where we can get cell phone reception. So, after soaking in the views, everyone takes a quick moment to send messages to family, sharing snippets of our remote adventures before disconnecting once more.
The Rejuvenating Sauna Ritual
A highlight of each day is our visit to the log sauna hut, another magnificent creation built by my dad. We gather inside, allowing the heat to envelop us, getting wonderfully toasty and sweaty. Then, after lathering our hair with shampoo, we embark on the exhilarating dash down to the dock, plunging into the freezing, crystal-clear waters of Francois Lake. Our joyful squeals echo across the serene lake, a sound of pure invigoration! Francois Lake is so profoundly deep that its waters never truly warm up, providing an intense, yet incredibly refreshing, experience. This traditional sauna and dip leaves us feeling wonderfully tingly and immaculately clean—a much-appreciated alternative to daily showers in our rustic setting.
As evening descends, the teenagers often opt for their saunas and dips in the dark, adding an extra layer of thrill. We, the adults, smile knowingly as we hear their excited shrieks pierce the night air when they hit the cold lake water, all while we comfortably sip wine around the comforting glow of the campfire embers.
A Fisherman’s Ethos: You Catch ‘Em, You Clean ‘Em
Fishing is an integral part of life at the cabin, and it comes with a time-honored tradition. My dad’s unwavering rule has always been that whoever catches the fish is responsible for cleaning it. This teaches a valuable lesson in responsibility and connection to our food source. Every child, as they grow up, learns this essential skill, proudly preparing their catch for our evening meals. There’s immense satisfaction in bringing in fresh trout and transforming it into a delicious supper, knowing you’ve contributed directly to the bounty on the table.
The Timeless Appeal of Cabin Summers
Every year brings a fresh wave of new adventures, yet the comforting presence of familiar traditions always calls us back. Each summer spent at the cabin is uniquely different, offering new discoveries and challenges, but it always feels profoundly familiar and deeply comforting. It’s a place where growth and change intertwine with timeless rituals, creating a perfect balance.
Feasting Al Fresco: The Best Seasoning
Whenever possible, we choose to dine outside, allowing the stunning natural views to become the finest seasoning for our meals. There’s an undeniable enhancement to food when enjoyed under the open sky, with the serene backdrop of Francois Lake unfolding before us. The simple act of eating becomes a sensory experience, a moment of profound connection to our surroundings.
And when it comes to cooking, the campfire is our preferred kitchen. These campfire roasted potatoes, though incredibly simple, achieve a level of deliciousness that pairs perfectly with freshly pan-fried trout, caught just hours before. The smoky aroma, the rustic preparation, and the stunning scenery combine to create a meal that transcends mere sustenance – it’s an experience.
The memories forged during summer at the cabin are truly the best, etched into our hearts forever.
The Foolproof Trick to Tender Campfire Baked Potatoes
Kitchen Frau Notes: The secret to achieving wonderfully tender, melt-in-your-mouth campfire baked potatoes, without the frustration of burnt edges, lies in a clever insulation technique. We wrap these potato packets twice in heavy-duty aluminum foil, with a crucial layer of wet newspaper sandwiched in between. This damp newspaper acts as an ingenious insulator, distributing the heat evenly and creating steam that gently cooks the potatoes to perfection. This method means less tending to the fire and no more charred foil-packet meals, whether you’re cooking over glowing campfire embers or on your backyard barbecue grill.
For the best results and durability, we highly recommend using heavy-duty aluminum foil. If you only have regular foil on hand, simply use it doubled up and consider making smaller packets, as regular foil isn’t as wide or robust.
If you prefer to prevent your food from coming into direct contact with aluminum foil, a simple solution is to place a piece of parchment paper between the potatoes and the inner layer of foil. This ensures your meal stays delicious and worry-free.
Campfire Roasted Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 medium potatoes (Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes work well)
- ½ large onion, or 1 small onion
- 3 to 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted or salted, to preference)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional additions: 2-3 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced; fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme sprigs; or a teaspoon of dried herbs
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil – approximately 18 inches (45cm) wide is ideal
- 5 or 6 large sheets of newspaper
- Optional: Parchment paper, for lining
Instructions:
- Prepare the Foil: Tear off a 2-foot long (approximately 60cm) piece of heavy-duty foil from the roll. If you’re opting to use parchment paper, lay an 18-inch (45cm) long piece directly on top of the foil.
- Butter the Base: Take about 1 tablespoon of the butter and generously spread it in a rough circular shape on the center of your foil or parchment paper. This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
- Slice Potatoes and Onions: Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, then proceed to slice the halves crosswise into thin, even slices, roughly ¼-inch thick. This ensures they cook quickly and uniformly.
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Slice the onion in a similar fashion to the potatoes. If you’re incorporating garlic, thinly slice a couple of cloves. Arrange the sliced potatoes evenly over the buttered foil/parchment. Scatter the onions on top, followed by any optional garlic or fresh/dried herbs you’re using. Cut the remaining 2-3 tablespoons of butter into small chunks and dot them over the potato mixture. Finally, season everything generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- First Foil Wrap: Carefully bring the opposing long edges of the inner aluminum foil (and parchment, if used) together. Fold them over several times, creating a tight seam that’s snug against the potatoes. Then, roll up both ends until they are also securely sealed against the potato mixture. The goal is to create a well-sealed packet to hold in moisture.
- Newspaper Layer: Stack your 5 or 6 large sheets of newspaper. Lay the foil-wrapped potato packet on top of these sheets. Carefully roll up the packet with the newspaper, tucking one loose end of the newspaper underneath the packet and the other over the top. This creates the crucial insulating layer.
- Wet the Newspaper: This is the key step! Hold the entire newspaper-wrapped packet under running water, ensuring you turn it to thoroughly wet every side and saturate all the newspaper layers. Alternatively, you can dunk it into a bucket of water (or directly into the lake!) until the newspaper is completely soaked through. It’s a good idea to gently unfold the ends slightly to allow water to seep into the inner layers, ensuring maximum insulation and steam generation.
- Second Foil Wrap: Tear off another 2-foot long (60cm) piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Use this to wrap the entire wet newspaper package securely, sealing it just as you did the first foil layer. This outer foil keeps the newspaper intact and traps the steam and heat effectively.
- Cooking Time: Place the fully wrapped package onto a sturdy grate over a campfire. For more intense heat, you can carefully place it directly into glowing coals after the main flames have died down. If using a barbecue, simply place it on the grill. Turn the packet several times during cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Checking for Doneness: The trickiest part is gauging the cooking time, as fire heat varies wildly. Generally, 45 minutes to an hour is a good starting point, but it largely depends on the size of your packet and the intensity of your fire or coals. Thanks to the insulating power of the wet newspaper, these potatoes are quite forgiving and won’t burn easily. If the packet is exposed to very hot flames, they will cook faster. You can carefully open a packet (using oven mitts and a fork) to test for tenderness. If they need more time, simply rewrap the packet and return it to the heat. However, avoid flipping it on the grate if rewrapped, as melted butter could leak out.
- Ready to Serve: You’ll know the potatoes are perfectly cooked when the newspaper layers have dried out completely from the heat. Carefully unwrap and enjoy your perfectly tender, flavorful campfire baked potatoes!
- Serves: This recipe typically serves about 4 hungry campers, making it perfect for family meals or small groups.
If you love discovering delicious recipes and embracing the joy of home cooking, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Facebook. Your support makes my day!
You might also like these outdoor cooking and cabin-inspired recipes:
Nature’s Gifts: Fresh Trout, Morels and a Side of Bannock
Succotash and a Week at the Cabin
End of Summer at the Cabin, and Finally – Bannock Biscuits
Juicy Grilled Mushrooms