In 2025, the great outdoors smells a little more like rosemary-roasted vegetables and fire-grilled sourdough. Meet the new wave of campers trading canned beans for curated food experiences in nature.
From Campfires to Culinary Fires: A Fresh Take on Camping
When Sarah and Tom pulled up to their glampsite nestled among apple orchards in Vermont, they weren’t just looking for a quiet getaway. They came for the farm-fresh eggs, the wood-fired pizza workshop, and the chance to harvest their own dinner. Their weekend escape didn’t just bring peace—it brought flavor.
This year, thousands of travelers are following suit, drawn to a new kind of outdoor experience: culinary and agritourism camping. They’re not just pitching tents—they’re picking produce, learning sourdough starter secrets, and dining under the stars on meals made from ingredients they helped gather.
According to Pitchup.com, over 443,000 searches for farm-based campsites were logged, marking a 39% jump from 2024. It’s clear: in 2025, the hottest reservation isn’t at a city bistro—it’s at a back-to-the-land campsite with a side of seasonal greens.
Farm-to-Fire Cooking: What Sets Culinary Camping Apart
1. Harvest-and-Cook Experiences
Campers are increasingly drawn to sites where they can harvest their own produce—like tomatoes, herbs, or wild mushrooms—and use communal outdoor kitchens to prepare meals. It’s a hands-on way to reconnect with food, learn sustainable practices, and enjoy hyper-local dining.
2. Onsite Chef Demos & Curated Farm Meals
Many agritourism campsites now feature resident chefs who host cooking classes, tasting menus, or al fresco dinners showcasing seasonal bounty. Think roasted root vegetables straight from the dirt or goat cheese made just steps from the pen.
3. Glamping with a Gourmet Twist
Luxury tents and cabins now come with petite kitchens stocked with local pantry staples, private fire pits, and even mini greenhouses. It’s farm living without sacrificing comfort.
4. Community Tables & Shared Fires
Culinary camping isn’t just about food—it’s about connection. Communal meals, cooking circles, and shared harvests turn campsites into mini food festivals where guests mingle over fresh-baked bread and kombucha brewed onsite.
Spotlight: Dewlicious Farms & Other Leading Models
Dewlicious Farms, located in the Pacific Northwest, has become a poster child for this movement. Guests can:
- Stay in solar-powered yurts surrounded by berry patches
- Participate in jam-making workshops using just-picked fruit
- Enjoy three-course outdoor meals curated by local chefs
- Tour the working farm and help with seasonal harvests
Other standout sites include:
- The Orchard Table (NY): Offers cedar cabin stays with orchard-to-table brunches and cider tastings.
- FireRoot Farm (CA): Combines organic farming with meditation retreats and vegan cooking classes.
- Field & Flame (UK): A glamping site that includes wild foraging walks and open-fire cooking courses.
These models blend agriculture, education, and upscale camping, creating immersive experiences that appeal to food lovers, sustainability seekers, and families alike.
Why Now? The Appeal Behind the Trend
As post-pandemic travel focuses more on connection, sustainability, and localism, culinary camping ticks all the boxes. Travelers want:
- Real food and real stories behind what they eat
- Escapes that educate, not just entertain
- Experiences grounded in place, not pre-packaged itineraries
Plus, with rising interest in farm-to-table dining and slow travel, these campsites offer an unbeatable combo of flavor and fresh air.
Planning Your Own Culinary Camping Trip
Start Here:
- Use filters on booking platforms like Pitchup.com to search specifically for farm stays or campsites with food offerings.
- Check local farms offering glamping or camping packages—many advertise seasonal events or food workshops.
- Pack light but smart—many sites provide cookware but ask guests to bring their own linens or storage containers for leftovers.
Don’t forget to book early. As interest grows, culinary camping weekends are becoming the new coveted reservation.
Further Reading & Resources
- Pitchup.com Farm Camping Trends: Dive into search data and insights showing the rise of farm-based camping experiences.
- Farm Stay USA: A directory of farm stays across the U.S. with food-forward accommodations.
- WWOOF USA: Learn how you can volunteer on farms across the country in exchange for food and lodging.
- Slow Food USA: Explore the movement behind food sustainability and local cuisine—perfect for understanding the cultural roots of culinary camping.
- Glamping.com: Browse luxury camping spots around the globe that offer culinary amenities and farm-to-table meals.
Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or simply craving a fresher escape, culinary camping offers something rare: a vacation that feeds your stomach, mind, and soul.
