If you’ve been shopping for a cast-iron skillet for your next camping trip.
You’ve probably noticed the endless amount of choices and options out there for cast iron skillets.
Which can make finding the right cast iron skillet both challenging and confusing due to decision overload.
So to help with this, we’ve put together this list of the most popular and best cast iron skillets for both camping and open fires.
In order to make it easier to find just the right cast iron skillet for your next camping trip.
1. Lodge Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Quick Specs
- Sizes: Available in Various Sizes Ranging from 3.5-inch to 15-inch
- Pre-Seasoned: Yes
- Finish: Natural Unfinished Cast Iron
- Why It’s Great: Excellent Durability, Top Cast Iron Brand, Various Sizes
Where starting off this list with perhaps the most popular cast iron skillet of all time, as there is no shortage of rave reviews for the iconic Lodge Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Available in a variety of sizes ranging from 3.5-inch to 15-inches, the two most popular sizes are the 10.25-inch (pictured above) and the 12-inch.
But just why does the Lodge Cast Iron Skillet have so many raving fans?
To begin with, Lodge uses a proprietary blend of molten pig iron, steel, and other ingredients to produce some of the most durable and high-quality cast iron cookware in the industry.
In addition, their cast iron skillets have several built-in qualities and features that make them easier to use in a variety of cooking situations, including campfire and outdoor cooking.
Also, Lodge cast iron skillets are pre-seasoned, have a second helper handle on the front for better control, and feature dual pour spouts on either side of the skillet.
2. Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Glass Lid
Quick Specs
- Sizes: 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch
- Pre-Seasoned: Yes
- Finish: Natural Unfinished Cast Iron
- Why It’s Great: Includes Glass Lid, Lifetime Warranty
Cuisinel is another leading manufacturer of quality cast iron cookware that’s great for camping and open flame cooking.
And one of their most popular pieces of cast iron is the Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillet with Glass Lid, which is available in three different sizes including 8, 10, and 12-inch.
But regardless of which size you choose, they’re all capable of frying and cooking a wide variety of meals while around the campsite.
What sets this skillet apart from other cast-iron skillets though, is its fitted glass lid which provides more cooking options and helps to speed up cooking time.
In addition, this popular cast iron skillet from Cuisinel features dual pour spouts, a second helper handle, a silicone hot handle cover, and a lifetime warranty.
3. Victoria Cast Iron Skillet
Quick Specs
- Sizes: Available in Various Sizes Ranging from 6.5-inch to 13-inch
- Pre-Seasoned: Yes
- Finish: Natural Unfinished Cast Iron
- Why It’s Great: Longer Curved Handle, Top Cast Iron Brand, Various Sizes
Another popular and great choice if you’re looking for a cast-iron skillet for camping and open fire cooking is the Victoria Large Cast Iron Skillet.
As this cast iron skillet is available in a variety of sizes to accommodate just about anyone’s outdoor cooking needs.
But their most popular skillet size is the one we have featured on this list, which is the large 12-inch cast-iron skillet.
What really makes this skillet great for outdoor cooking though is its extra-long curved handle that not only helps to provide more control while cooking over a campfire but also keeps the handle farther away from the heat source.
The Victoria Cast Iron Skillet also has numerous qualities and features that make it a popular choice for both chefs and outdoor cooks including its 100% Kosher Non-GMO flaxseed oil pre-seasoning, high-quality commercial iron casting, extra wide and deep dual pour spouts, and an extra-large extended helper handle.
4. Lodge 3.2 Quart Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Combo Cooker
Quick Specs
- Size: 10.25-inch Shallow Skillet and 10.25-inch Deep Skillet
- Pre-Seasoned: Yes
- Finish: Natural Unfinished Cast Iron
- Why It’s Great: Very Versatile, Excellent Durability, Top Cast Iron Brand
One of the most versatile cast iron skillets on this list is the Lodge Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Combo Cooker, which is really two skillets for the price of one, as it includes both a 10.25-inch shallow skillet as well as a 10.25-inch deep skillet.
That can be used separately or combined, allowing for a wide variety of cooking techniques including frying, grilling, searing, sautéing, braising, and even baking.
But it’s not just its versatility that makes this combo cooker so great though, because this cast iron cookware from Lodge is also extremely durable and built to last a lifetime.
Thanks to its high-quality cast iron and time-tested production process, which Lodge has spent over 100 years perfecting.
This combo cooker from Lodge also includes several features that make it great for open fire and campfire cooking including a large sturdy main handle, a secondary extended front helper handle, and a nice foundry seasoned finish, which helps to protect the cast iron in harsher conditions.
5. Backcountry Cast Iron Skillet
Quick Specs
- Sizes: 6-inch, 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch
- Pre-Seasoned: Yes
- Finish: Natural Unfinished Cast Iron
- Why It’s Great: Quality Craftsmanship and Cast Iron, Various Sizes
While Backcountry Iron might not be as well known as some other cast iron cookware brands, such as Lodge and Cuisinel, they actually make a full line of quality, well-made cast iron cookware.
And one of their most popular pieces is their cast iron skillet, which is available in four different sizes including 6, 8, 10, and 12-inch (pictured above) versions.
Backcountry Iron prides itself on its craftsmanship and quality cast iron, as every piece of Backcountry Iron is pre-seasoned with a priority blend of oils, is made from the finest virgin ore, and is built to last for generations to come.
In addition, all their cast iron skillets are equipped with dual pour spouts on either side and the 10-inch and 12-inch sizes both have large helper handles on the front of the skillet for better control.
6. Cuisinel 3 Quart Cast Iron Skillet Multi-Cooker
Quick Specs
- Size: 10-inch Skillet and 10-inch Deep Skillet
- Pre-Seasoned: Yes
- Finish: Natural Unfinished Cast Iron
- Why It’s Great: Very Versatile, Top Cast Iron Brand, Lifetime Warranty
Similar to the Lodge Combo Cooker, the Cuisinel Cast Iron Multi-Cooker is a great option if you’re looking for a cast-iron skillet that offers a lot of flexibility and versatility.
Because just like the Lodge Combo Cooker, the Cuisinel Cast Iron Multi-Cooker comes with both a shallow and deep skillet that can be used separately or combined.
Allowing you to cook a wide variety of foods and use multiple cooking techniques all with the same piece of cast iron.
As this cast iron multi-cooker from Cuisinel is capable of frying, grilling, searing, sautéing, braising, and even baking.
And because it’s from a brand name you can trust, you can be sure that this quality-made piece of cast iron cookware will hold up to all the abuse you can throw at it, while camping and cooking outdoors.
7. Lodge Cast Iron Dual Handle Pan
Quick Specs
- Sizes: 10.25-inch, 12-inch, 17-inch
- Pre-Seasoned: Yes
- Finish: Natural Unfinished Cast Iron
- Why It’s Great: Two Handle Design, Top Cast Iron Brand, Excellent Durability
A unique take on the classic cast iron skillet is this Lodge Cast Iron Dual Handle Pan, which has handles on either side instead of just one main handle.
Making this cast iron cookware much easier to handle and manage while cooking, especially while cooking over a hot open fire or campfire.
And because this cast iron pan doesn’t have a large handle sticking out on the side, it actually makes a great serving dish, allowing you to keep the food warmer for longer, thanks to its excellent heat retention.
This unique cast iron skillet from Lodge is also available in three different sizes including a 10.25-inch, a 12-inch, and a 17-inch, ensuring you have just the right size for all your cooking needs while cooking and preparing meals around the campsite.
8. Cuisinel Mini Cast Iron Skillet
Quick Specs
- Size: 6-Inch
- Pre-Seasoned: Yes
- Finish: Natural Unfinished Cast Iron
- Why It’s Great: Compact Size, Lighter Weight, Top Cast Iron Brand, Excellent Durability
While we’ve focused a lot on larger cast iron skillets on this list, that doesn’t mean smaller cast iron skillets don’t have their place around the campsite.
As smaller cast iron skillets can be a great choice if space and weight are a concern while camping.
As the Cuisinel Mini Cast Iron Skillet, which measures just 6 inches across, still offers all the same benefits as its larger counterparts, such as even heat distribution, excellent heat retention, and natural non-stick properties.
If your cooking for a lot of people though while camping, it’s best to steer clear of the smaller cast iron skillets, as they just won’t provide enough cooking space for larger meals.
9. Utopia Kitchen Large Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Quick Specs
- Size: 12.5-Inch
- Pre-Seasoned: Yes
- Finish: Natural Unfinished Cast Iron
- Why It’s Great: Large Cooking Surface, Affordable Price
One of the largest skillets on this list is the Utopia Kitchen Large Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet.
As this large cast-iron skillet measures 12.5 inches across, providing plenty of cooking surface for even the largest of camp meals.
And as is the case will all the cast iron cookware on this list, this cast iron skillet comes pre-seasoned by the manufacturer, so it’s ready to go right out of the box with no additional pre-seasoning required.
Allowing you to sear, sauté, simmer, braise, roast, and fry to perfection from day one.
And the best part is, is that this large cast-iron skillet from Utopia Kitchen is super affordable, making it a great choice for those campers that need a large cast-iron skillet at an affordable price.
10. Lodge 5 Quart Cast Iron Deep Skillet with Iron Cover
Quick Specs
- Size: 12-Inch
- Pre-Seasoned: Yes
- Finish: Natural Unfinished Cast Iron
- Why It’s Great: Deep Side Wall, Very Versatile, Excellent Durability, Top Cast Iron Brand
The final cast iron skillet on this list great for camping and open fire cooking is the Lodge Cast Iron Deep Skillet with Iron Cover.
As the versatile cast iron skillet from Lodge allows you to sear, sauté, simmer, braise, roast, fry, and bake all with the same piece of cast iron cookware, thanks to its extra-deep sidewall that’s over 3 inches tall and cast iron lid.
In addition, this durable and rugged piece of cast iron cookware also features a large main handle as well as a secondary helper handle, making it super easy to maneuver and control around a campfire.
And thanks to its 100% vegetable oil pre-seasoning from the foundry, this quality cast iron skillet is ready to go right out of the box, as it requires no additional seasoning before use.
How to Choose a Cast Iron Skillet Great For Camping and Open Fire
There are three main elements to look for when choosing a cast-iron skillet great for camping and open fires, which include durability, the quality of the cast iron, and its ease of use.
But to understand why these three characteristics have such a big impact, we need to look at each of them individually.
Durability
While durability is always an important feature to look for regardless of how and where you plan to use your cast iron skillet.
When you plan to use your cast iron skillet outdoors and for campfire cooking, durability is the number one feature to look for.
As camping and especially open-fire cooking can be very hard on cast-iron skillets, so you need a heavy-duty cast-iron skillet with a lot of durability.
Cast Iron Quality
While you might think cast iron, which is used for cookware, is all the same, there can actually be a big difference in the quality of the cast iron from one piece to the next.
Which can have a huge impact on how long it will last and it’s level of durability.
So when shopping for a cast-iron skillet, you want to look for a cast-iron skillet that uses high-quality cast iron ore.
And the best way to do this is to buy a cast-iron skillet from one of the top cast iron cookware brands such as Lodge, Cuisinel, or Victoria.
As all of these top cast iron cookware brands use premium and often proprietary cast iron blends, as well as time-tested casting and foundry methods, to ensure their cast iron cookware will last for generations to come.
Ease of Use
Another important factor to consider, when looking for a cast-iron skillet great for campfire cooking is its ease of use.
As campfire cooking and open-fire cooking present a unique set of challenges and can be very challenging without the right cookware.
So when shopping for a cast iron skillet, make sure to look for one that has a lot of ease of use features, such as a large and sturdy main handle, built-in or complementary silicone handle covers, dual pour spouts, and an assist or helper handle.
Can You Use a Cast Iron Skillet on a Campfire?
The cast-iron skillet, in my opinion, is the best piece of cookware you can use on a campfire, thanks to its durability and unique advantages over other types of cookware.
But to fully understand why the cast iron skillet is so great, for campfire cooking, let’s take a look at all of its advantages.
- Excellent Durability – The cast iron skillet is one of the toughest and most durable pieces of cookware you can buy.
- Requires Little Cleaning or Maintenace – A regularly seasoned cast iron skillet is very easy to care for and clean while camping as a simple scrub, rinse, and thorough drying is all it needs.
- Even Heating and Excellent Heat Retention – While cooking over a campfire the heat can often be very inconsistent and unpredictable, which is why the cast iron skillet is so great for campfire cooking. As the even heating and heat retention properties of cast iron, helps to provide a more consistent and even heat, while cooking over a campfire.
- Natural Non-Stick Properties – Thanks to the natural seasoning that occurs on cast iron over time while you cook with it, the cast iron skillet develops a natural non-stick quality that doesn’t rely on a chemical coating such as Teflon.
For information on how to use a cast-iron skillet on a campfire, check out our article “How to Use a Cast Iron Skillet Over a Campfire“.
Unfinished vs Enameled Cast Iron While Cooking Outdoors
Cast iron cookware is available in two main styles, which include natural unfinished and enameled cast iron.
But you might have noticed that all the cast iron skillets on this list are made from natural unfinished cast iron.
That’s because when it comes to durability, natural unfished cast iron is far more durable and resilient than enameled cast iron, which is prone to chipping and cracking.
Making natural unfinished cast iron the obvious choice, if you’re looking for a tough and rugged piece of cookware that can withstand the rigors and stresses of outdoor cooking.
But before you decide which type of cast iron cookware is best for you and your particular cooking needs, you should consider the advantages of both natural unfinished cast iron and enameled cast iron cookware.
Advantages of Natural Unfinished Cast Iron
- More Durable Compared to Enameled Cast Iron
- Non-Stick Thanks to Natural Seasoning
- Easier to Clean
- Cheaper Compared to Enameled Cast Iron
- Can Be Used on a Grill, Stovetop, or Oven
Advantages of Enameled Cast Iron
- Can Cook Anything In It Including Acidic Foods
- Does Not Require Seasoning Unlike Unfinished Cast Iron
- Will Not Rust Like Unfinished Cast Iron
- Better for Use on Glass Cook Tops
- Comes in a Variety of Styles and Colors
What are the Best Brands of Cast Iron Skillets?
While there are many different opinions out there on what the single best cast-iron skillet brand is.
There are four top cast-iron brands that are generally agreed to be the top or best brands of cast iron skillets including Lodge Cast Iron, Le Creuset, Cuisinel, and Victoria.
Lodge Cast Iron
Lodge Cast Iron is one of the most well-known and trusted brands of cast iron skillets.
Which can trace its roots all the way back to 1896, with its original foundry in South Pittsburg, Tennessee.
While they make both unfinished and enameled cast iron skillets, they are best known for their natural unfinished cast iron skillets, which haven’t changed much in the last 100 years.
As there cast iron cookware is cast much in the same way it was over 100 years ago in their foundries.
In addition, all of their cast iron is made right here in the USA.
To see how Lodge Cast Iron is made, check out Lodge’s website by clicking here.
Le Creuset
The Le Creuset brand is another cast-iron brand steeped in history, as Le Creuset has been producing premium cookware since 1925, from its original foundry in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France.
Known the world over as the premier French cookware brand, they are best known for their colorful enameled cast iron cookware, often referred to as “French Ovens” or “cocottes”.
However, Le Creuset makes a wide variety of cookware beyond enameled cast iron including stoneware, signature stainless steel, enamel on steel, and nonstick metal bakeware.
Cuisinel
The Cuisinel brand is best known for its quality as well as its affordability.
As the Cuisinel brand and its full line of cast-iron cookware were created so that everyone could enjoy cooking with quality cast iron even with a small budget.
As Cuisinel cast iron usually costs less compared to more premium brands of cast iron.
But despite its more affordable price, Cuisinel still makes a full line of quality well-made natural unfinished cast iron cookware including everything from skillets to dutch ovens.
Victoria
Victoria like other top brands of cast iron cookware has a long and proud history of making some of the finest and highest quality cast iron cookware for decades.
As Victoria is a third-generation family-owned business that has been producing quality cast iron cookware since 1939, from its foundry in Medellín, Colombia.
Today Victoria’s cast iron cookware is loved by millions of cooks and chefs across 32 different countries for its high-quality, sustainability, and innovative designs.
How Much Should You Spend on a Cast Iron Skillet?
Cast iron skillets can cost as little as $8 to over $200 depending on the size and brand of the skillet.
In general though, if you’re looking for a good quality cast iron skillet from one of the top brands, you should expect to spend between $20 and $50, depending on its size and features.
Popular Cast Iron Skillets (from Least to Most Expensive)
| Cast Iron Skillet | Average Cost | |
| Victoria 10″ Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | $20.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| Lodge 10.25″ Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | $22.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| Cuisinel 8″ Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | $22.50 | Check Amazon Price |
| Victoria 12″ Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | $25.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| Utopia Kitchen 12.5″ Cast Iron Skillet | $25.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| Cuisinel 10″ Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | $26.50 | Check Amazon Price |
| Lodge 12″ Pre Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet | $30.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| Backcountry 12″ Inch Cast Iron Skillet | $45.00 | Check Amazon Price |
| Cuisinel 10″ Cast Iron Skillet with Glass Lid | $45.75 | Check Amazon Price |
| Lodge 10.25″ Pre Seasoned Combo Cooker | $48.00 | Check Amazon Price |
Should I Get a 10 or 12 Inch Cast Iron Skillet?
Without a doubt, the two most popular cast iron skillet sizes are the 10-inch and 12-inch.
But if you’re trying to decide between the two, this can be challenging, as there are only 2 inches of difference between them.
So to help you decide between the 10-inch and 12-inch cast-iron skillet, we’ve broken down the three main considerations to consider when choosing between the two.
Understanding Cast Iron Sizing
The first thing you need to understand when trying to decide between the 10-inch and 12-inch cast-iron skillet is that their sizes represent the size of the skillet from rim-to-rim and not the actual cooking surface of the skillet.
As the 10-inch cast-iron skillet will typically only have an 8.25-inch cooking surface and the 12-inch cast-iron skillet will typically only have a 10-inch cooking surface.
Which can have a big impact on the amount of food you can prepare with each skillet.
How Much Food Can You Cook With a 10-inch and 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet?
The size of your camping party and the amount of food you need to cook while camping will ultimately dictate the size of the skillet you need.
So the next thing you need to know when trying to choose between the 10-inch and 12-inch cast-iron skillet is the amount of food each skillet can cook.
So to help with this we created the below table, that shows how many servings and the amount of food that both the 10-inch and 12-inch cast-iron skillet can cook.
| 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet | 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet | |
| Servings | Serves 2 to 3 People | Serves 3 to 4 |
| Egg Capacity | Cook Up to 3 Eggs | Cook Up to 4 Eggs |
| Steak Capacity | Cook Up to 2 Steaks | Cook Up to 3 Steaks |
| Bacon Capacity | Cook Up 6 Strips of Bacon | Cook Up to 8 Strips of Bacon |
| Burger Patty Capacity | Cook Up 4 Pattys | Cook Up to 6 Pattys |
Average Weight of a 10-Inch and 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
The last item you need to take into consideration when choosing between a 10-inch and 12-inch cast-iron skillet is the actual weight of the skillet.
As cast iron cookware is already pretty heavy compared to other types of cookware.
So if weight is a concern, you should opt for the 10-inch skillet to keep the overall weight of your camping gear down.
- 10-Inch Cast Iron Skillet – Average Weight 5 Pounds
- 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet – Average Weight 8 Pounds
For even more great cast iron cookware, check out our article “Best Cast Iron Outdoor Cookware Every Camper Needs“.