Is Cooking on Rocks Safe While Camping? Complete Guide

You must have watched some online videos of people cooking steaks over rocks near the river or in the woods.

Although it may look raw and fun, evoking rustic and primitive vibes, you must possess some skills and knowledge about cooking with a flat rock.

So, this is a guide that helps you with hot stone cooking if you lack the necessary cookware or want some survival cooking experience.

Why Campers Like Cooking on Rocks

Cooking on a heated rock or stone is a primitive method of cooking, in which you can cook meat, vegetables, and bread in an open fire.

Mostly survival practitioners do this in the woods or on barren islands.

Besides, some restaurants want to make something special for their customers. They often cook raw meat and seafood on their tableside hot rocks.

This cooking style also helps tent campers or backpackers survive in difficult conditions.

Suppose a camper forgets to collect or bring the pots, pans, and grill grates to the campsite. It rarely happens, though. But it has a high chance when you plan the trip at the last minute.

In addition, minimalist campers may prefer it as they mainly focus on less gear and more experience.

Cooking on the hot rock needs no cookware and gives a smoky flavor, which gives the backcountry experience.

Omelette and steak cooking are some common food to make on such cooking setup.

I have also tried cooking fish and flatbread on heated rocks, which I found to be adventurous, risky, and fun to eat.

Is Cooking on Rocks Safe?

Yes, cooking on rocks is safe, but you need to choose the right rocks and learn some precautions.

However, it can be risky and harmful for those who are inexperienced and have no knowledge of selecting the right rocks and cooking in adverse conditions.

If you choose rocks or stones from a river or near water, they are wet and have trapped moisture through pores and small cracks.

When you heat them up in the fire, the pressure builds up inside, and rocks crack and burst out with force, which can cause serious injury.

Also, the food you cook can be contaminated if rocks contain chemicals or residues.

When cooking under a fire, unwanted chemicals or contaminants are likely to leach into the food.

So, you must observe the surroundings to see if it has a human touch or garbage remaining. Only choose the rocks that are untouched and feel good after washing.

Besides, you need to focus on your campfire or open fire. The uneven heating may undercook or burn camping meals.

Though this primitive style of cooking is good for bread, flatbreads, fish, and vegetables, you cannot cook a gravy meal or soup without a container, so it only provides limited cooking style options.

The safety depends on rock type, preparation, and technique.

If you’re a first-time camper or a beginner, I don’t recommend you try cooking on rocks.

Best Types of Rocks for Cooking

The ideal cooking rocks must be hard enough, non-porous ( or less porous), and of even density with no internal flaws. Also, they should have strong bedding planes.

Granite

I like this rock as it can withstand higher temperatures and transfer heat through it.

So, you can cook different types of food such as meats, fruits, vegetables, dough, and seafood. Before you start cooking, make sure the rock is a minimum of 3-4 inches thick.

As granite is slightly porous, you need to season it with oil before use.

Himalayan Pink Salt

You must have seen this somewhere in the restaurant, and people claim that it can withstand temperatures around 230 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Himalayan pink salt also transfers heat evenly, improves taste, and adds nutritional benefits.

Don’t submerge this rock in water or soapy water. All you need to wipe it with a damp cloth.

Also, make sure the pink salt is completely dry before cooking on it, and avoid seasoning it with cooking oil.

Lava Rocks

You can try different types of cooking on this rock. It looks like coal absorbs considerable heat when you place it on the open fire.

Besides, they also support underground and pit cooking.

However, avoid spilling juice, sauces, or ketchup, as the rocks are porous, which can cause some hygiene issues.

Besides, soapstone, slate, and sandstone are other options.

But avoid river rocks, wet rocks, and limestone, which have a high risk of bursting due to trapped moisture. Always choose dry, dense, and smooth rocks that are away from water sources.

How to Cook Safely on Rocks While Camping

Cooking on rocks is all about maintaining the temperature and cooking dry foods in an emergency. Here is how you can do it.

Step 1

Choose a dry, flat, and dense rock. It should not be thinner than 4 inches.

Besides, you may need some other props to support the main slab above the fire. The props can be other big rocks or iron stands.

Step 2

Make a fire and let it burn down to coals before placing the rocks.

Once done, place some rocks around the fire to give the main slab a lift and allow air to the coals. Then, you can place the flat, main rock on the established, supporting rocks.

Place some twigs to create the coal bed and flame as needed, and gradually heat the rock and keep the fire away from it without allowing it to touch.

Step 3

Before cooking anything, check the rock heat by sprinkling water droplets to see if it’s hot enough. They should sizzle, not burst out at once.

Then, you can start cooking on rocks.

Place food directly on the rock, or you can also use foil or leaves to avoid food sticking.

Add some firewood if you feel the fire is burning out. Also, monitor cooking time and rotate food for even cooking.

Step 4

After cooking, let the rock cool down safely before handling. Take out the burning firewood and coals from the station and extinguish them all, but don’t sprinkle water on hot rocks.

Let the rock lose its heat by itself through the air.

Never touch hot rocks with bare hands. And don’t repeat using the same stones for cooking in the wild, as they are already weak.

Final Thoughts

I tried cooking on rocks once under the supervision of peer campers who had already done this many times safely. Then, I never tried after that.

I also don’t recommend that beginners try this until they have no other options for survival.

Instead, you can try foil packet cooking, cast iron skillet or dutch oven, grill grate over fire, and stick cooking (skewers).