Unless you're a minimalist who takes pride in producing a meal with little more than a pot and a Swiss Army knife, camp cooking is a lot more enjoyable with a few extra tools to make the job easier.

Here are a few recommendations for a portable kitchen, along with the usual camp cook kit.

Camp toaster, $2.99

Why it's cool: Toasted bread, bagels and English muffins are always a welcome addition to camp breakfast menus. This old-fashioned, collapsible gadget makes it possible to make nicely crunchy toast on the go.

How it works: The perforated steel disc is placed over a hot burner and slices of bread are propped on the wire prongs. It takes a while for the toast to brown, but the cook must pay close attention to keep the bread from burning.

Where it's sold: Outdoor World, REI.com

Lodge Logic cast-iron skillet, $15.99

Why it's cool: Versatile and virtually indestructible, cast iron has been a camp classic for centuries. It distributes and holds heat well, so it's good for browning, pan-roasting, frying and even baking. Seasoned properly, the surface is almost nonstick. This 21st-century pan shortcuts the painstaking preparation required for untreated cookware.

How it works: Although the seasoning is already baked onto this pan, the surface never should be washed with detergent or scratchy scrubbers. Soak in hot water, if necessary, to loosen cooked-on food, and scrub with a stiff brush. Dry thoroughly and coat with a film of oil before putting it away.

Where it's sold: Sur La Table

Extension fork, $2.69

Why it's cool: Old coat hangers are too floppy, and park rules discourage cutting sticks anymore. This fork is just the thing for cooking sausages - hot dogs if you must - or marshmallows over a campfire.

How it works: This sturdy chromed wire fork stretches out to a 30-inch length to protect the cook's fingers. The molded handle prevents the implement from getting too hot to handle.

Where it's sold: REI

Gas lighter, $4.99

Why it's cool: Sure, conventional matches work fine for lighting stoves and fires, but they often fizzle or burn fingers before doing their job. This long-barreled gas lighter keeps the flame burning long enough to ignite stoves without singeing fingers.

How it works: These lighters are almost foolproof. Push the child-resistant top wheel forward, pull the trigger and you have a flame. A little window in the handle makes it easy to monitor the fuel level.

Where it's sold: Most supermarkets