How to Boil Water for Food While Camping

Boil water for food over a campfire or a camp stove while camping.

Hot water is a necessity when camping, for both cooking and cleaning. Whether you use an open fire pit for heating water or a camp stove, stay ahead of the hot water you will need to give it enough time to heat adequately. The process of boiling water for food while camping is not significantly different from boiling water at home in a kitchen. Pay attention to the heat source while the water heats to ensure safety.

Things You'll Need

• Fire kindling
• Newspapers
• Wood fuel
• Matches
• Camp stove
• Large stainless steel stockpot
• Dishwashing detergent
• Hot mitts

Instructions

1. Light the fire if you will be using a fire to boil the water. Use kindling and newspaper to start the fire and then add larger pieces of wood for fuel after the kindling is blazing. Keep adding fuel to the fire to build up a hot bed of coals. Place a grate approximately 8 inches above the coals. If you are using a camp stove, light the camp stove and set the flame to high.

2. Coat the outer surfaces of the stockpot with a generous layer of dishwashing detergent. The dishwashing detergent will help minimize cleanup after you remove the stockpot from the heat.

3. Fill the stockpot approximately three-quarters full of water.

4. Place the stockpot of water onto the fire pit grate or the camp stove burner. Cover the stockpot and allow the water to heat over the heat source.

5. Check the water after 15 to 20 minutes by lifting the lid carefully. Use hot mitts to protect your hands from escaping steam and look to see if the water is boiling. Replace the lid if the water is not boiling yet. Remove the stockpot from the heat source if the water is boiling.

6. Use the water for cooking or cleaning.

References

• Outdoor Eyes: How To Cook Over an Open Fire While Camping