If you know you’re going to be camping or hiking this season, making sure you have the right tools for cooking is important. You may not be able to carry a small grill with you, but if you do have access to a grill, this is a great way to introduce yourself to outdoor cooking. Just about anything you can think of can be cooked on the grill and if you have the right seasonings and marinades, you can prepare a meal that is sure to please. Of course, the grill is great for things like steaks and chicken, but grilling a salmon steak with a jerk marinade or some corn on the cob is just as easy—and tasty. These items may seem too elaborate for a camping trip, but if you pack your food and seasonings wisely, you and your loved ones could be enjoying a gourmet feast in the middle of the campgrounds. If you have a hot plate with you, you can create some quality dishes with this as well, so things like scrambled eggs and French toast can be prepared during your camping trip.

You can even start up a bonfire at your campsite if you want to experiment more with outdoor cooking. Traditional activities, such roasting marshmallows or making s’mores are always fun, but you can also prepare your meats and vegetables this way. Making a sugary sauce with cinnamon, butter, sugar and fruit extracts is also a great way to add some pizzas to the fresh fruit that may be growing near by.

Of course, these cooking ideas are great in the backyard as well—a combination of onions, peppers, asparagus and your favorite seasoned meat can be thrown on the grill for a healthy kabob that’s really tasty; you can also slow cook your meat for extra tenderness and flavor. You can even grill your own pizza or make gourmet dishes like stuffed peppers or tomatoes for friends and family.

Taking a few cooking classes is a good idea as well and your local community center or catering company may be offering classes that you’ll enjoy. Creating a cooking club of your own with family and friends is also a great way to swap recipes and enjoy new culinary treats. You can also tune in to channels like TLC, the Food Network or Fine Living to get more great ideas for outdoor cooking that you can use everyday. So, grab some of your favorite foods, fire up the grill or hot plate and see what you can cook up!