How to Use a Camp Tripod for Dutch Oven Cooking
By Lodgecastiron | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up and adjust a camp tripod for safe, even heat over a campfire, plus tips for using a lid lifter to check your food without burns.
Quick answer
Set up an adjustable camp tripod over your fire, hang your dutch oven at the right height for even heat, and use a lid lifter to safely stir or serve without burning your hands.
Why an adjustable tripod matters for dutch oven cooking
A fixed-height tripod limits your control over heat. An adjustable tripod lets you raise or lower the dutch oven to fine-tune temperature—lower for a fast simmer, higher for a gentle heat. This is especially useful when cooking over coals or a variable campfire.
The two-pack of adjustable camp tripods from Lodgecastiron gives you the flexibility to cook multiple dishes at once, or keep one as a backup for larger groups.
The role of a lid lifter in safe camp cooking
A dutch oven lid gets hot—really hot. Using a lid lifter with a squeeze grip lets you lift the lid without getting near the heat or letting ashes fall into your food. It's a small tool that makes a big difference in safety and convenience.
The Deluxe Lid Lifter from Lodgecastiron holds the lid securely, so you can check your stew or cobbler without spilling or dropping.
Steps to cook with a camp tripod and dutch oven
- Set up the tripod over your fire: Place the tripod legs evenly around the fire pit so the chain hangs directly over the center of your heat source. Adjust the legs to keep the tripod stable on uneven ground. A wobbly tripod can tip your dutch oven into the fire. Always test stability before hanging any weight.
- Adjust the height for the right heat: Lower the chain to bring the dutch oven closer to the coals for a high simmer, or raise it for a gentler heat. Start with the bottom of the pot about 4-6 inches above the coals and adjust as needed. If the food is boiling too hard, raise the tripod a few inches. If it's not simmering, lower it. Small adjustments make a big difference.
- Use a lid lifter to check your food: Slide the lid lifter's grip under the lid handle, squeeze, and lift straight up. Keep the lid tilted away from you to let steam escape safely and prevent ashes from falling into the pot. Never lift a hot lid with bare hands or regular tongs—they can slip. The lid lifter's squeeze grip gives you a secure hold every time.
- Serve directly from the tripod: Lower the dutch oven to a comfortable serving height, or remove it entirely using the lid lifter and heat-resistant gloves. Ladle food directly from the pot to plates. If you're serving multiple people, keep the dutch oven on the tripod so it stays warm—just raise it slightly above the coals to avoid overcooking.
Gear that helps
- Adjustable Camp Tripod, 2 Pack: Double up on your outdoor cooking adventures with this tripod two-pack. Adjustable for different heat sources, made from solid steel. Having two tripods lets you cook a main dish and a side simultaneously, or keep one as a spare for larger camp meals.
Adjustable Camp Tripod, 2 Pack - Deluxe Lid Lifter: Safely check your food, keep ashes out, and keep the heat away from your hands with this lid lifter. Squeeze grip holds the lid tight. You can lift the lid without getting burned or dropping it into the fire, which is essential for frequent stirring and serving.
Deluxe Lid Lifter
