Wild Camping Roast Chicken & Spit Setup Trick
A First-Time Camp, a Perfect Pan, and a Game-Changing Fire Trick
Last weekend, I headed into a woodland I’d never camped in before — thanks to a kind landowner who responded to one of my Facebook posts. With full permission to be there (and yes, to have an open fire), I planned something special: a full roast chicken cooked on a spit over flames. What followed was one of the most satisfying wild camps I’ve had, full of food, fire, invention, and that classic sense of calm you only get in the woods.
Building the Fire the Right Way
Before anything else, I wanted to get the fire going while I still had daylight. The ground was damp, so I laid a base and used dried twigs and dead standing wood to start. A bit of birch bark and a ferro rod later, and I had flame.
Once that was stable, I could move onto crafting the spit setup.
The DIY Spit System That Actually Works
I gathered three sticks: one with a natural V-notch, one straight and thick, and one smaller for the spit. One end was carved into a point and hammered into the ground. On the other, I cut a square notch using a simple saw and knife.
By squaring off the end of the spit and seating it into the notch, I stopped the spit from spinning on its own. A piece of greenwood through the chicken — and then through a split in the spit itself — held it secure.
The trick? I added paracord with looped overhand knots to suspend the spit and allow adjustable height over the fire. I’d never seen it done like this before — but it worked.
Dinner: Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Mushrooms
The chicken went on early, spatchcocked and trussed with paracord. I used Nando’s extra hot sauce for flavour and left it to slowly rotate for around 3.5 hours. Sweet potatoes wrapped in foil went on the coals, and I tossed a few mushrooms in for good measure.
By the time the sun dipped behind the trees, the fire had dropped to glowing coals and the smells coming off the food were unreal.
Testing My Gear: Comfort and Kit
I brought the trusty Rab Ascent 900 sleeping bag and paired it with the Kilos Gear Elite Large mat. It puffed up nicely and gave a warm, supportive sleep surface.
My tent was pitched just off the cooking area, and I made sure everything was tidy and secure before turning in for the night.
Morning View and a Campfire Brew
Woke up to birdsong and filtered sunlight through the trees. Boiled up water on the last embers of the fire and knocked back a Wayfayrer’s All Day Breakfast with a strong cuppa.
Before leaving, I made sure everything was cleaned, cooled down, and packed out. Fire completely out. No trace left.
Key Takeaways
A carved square notch and spit square end stops meat rotation
Paracord loops give adjustable spit height
Spatchcocked chicken + Nando's = wild camp winner
Always get landowner permission for fires
Leave no trace — even with open flames
What About You?
Ever cooked over a fire on a spit while wild camping? Got your own trick for setup or a favourite seasoning? Drop a comment and share your tips. Would love to try some of your ideas on the next camp.
Stay wild and leave no trace.
Join me on an exciting wild camping adventure as I roast a whole chicken over an open fire in the woods. Perfect for wild campers and outdoor cooking fans. In this wild camping adventure, I cook a whole chicken over an open fire in the woods, using old-school techniques and making the most of the great outdoors. From fire-building to spit-roasting, this is a must-watch for anyone looking to up their wild camping cooking game.
Suggested Reading
Wild Camping UK with Night Vision Goggles and Wildlife
A unique night in the woods using infrared tech to spot foxes, badgers, and more after dark.Spacious & Comfy: My OneTigris Stella Wild Camp Review
Breaking down the pros and cons of this roomy shelter after a full night of testing in UK woodland.How I Survived a Sub-Zero Wild Camp in the UK
Battling the cold with smart gear choices and lessons learned from a truly freezing wild camp.Hammock Camping in a Forgotten Woodland | Wild Camping UK
No tarp, no problem — a peaceful solo hammock night in a secluded stretch of woodland.Wild Camping UK: My 48-Hour North Downs Adventure
Two days off-grid in Kent’s rolling hills — wildlife, solitude, and testing gear the whole way.
The UK Supreme Court ruled wild camping legal again on Dartmoor — but what does it mean for the rest of England?