Camping Tips You Need to Know: 50 Easy Camping Meals
Cooking while camping can be a bit tricky, especially with limited resources and equipment. You might find yourself tempted to skip cooking altogether and just go for canned foods instead.
But despite the challenges of having minimal gear and an unfamiliar heat source, preparing meals in the great outdoors can be simple and enjoyable.
Want to savor delicious dishes in the wilderness without the hassle? We’ve compiled 50 easy and tasty camping meals for you to enjoy on your next adventure.
Camping far from civilization, with minimal amenities for cooking, demands careful planning and plenty of creativity. With limited space, ingredients, and tools, it’s crucial to focus on simple yet satisfying recipes that you can enjoy.
Whether you’re truck bed camping or using a traditional campsite, cooking on your trip requires thoughtful preparation before you even reach your destination. Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an experienced camper, being well-prepared is key to successful cooking in the great outdoors.
While there are many methods for outdoor cooking, there are some essential everyday items you’ll need to make it all happen.
1. Heat Source
Cooking without a heat source is simply not an option. When camping, you can choose between using a small fire pit to create a cooking fire or a portable camping gas stove.
Cooking over a campfire requires some experience, not only to start the fire but also to maintain it. Adding too much wood can cause the fire to flare up and burn your food, while not enough wood won’t generate sufficient heat to cook your meals properly and quickly.
A gas camping stove, on the other hand, simplifies outdoor cooking. All you need is a match, and you can easily ignite it. Gas stoves also offer convenience, allowing you to control the heat with an adjustment knob.
Both options have their merits, but keep in mind that cooking over a fire imparts a smoky flavor to your food, while transporting a gas stove can be less straightforward than it seems.
2. Cooler
On your camping trip, your cooler acts as a portable refrigerator. It’s the ideal place to store raw foods like meat and other perishable items.
The longer you keep the temperature regulated in your cooler, the longer your ingredients will stay fresh. To extend the life of your food, freeze a few gallons of water instead of using loose ice.
3. Cooking Equipment
Pots, pans, kettles, and spoons are essential for cooking while camping. However, it’s important to remember that not all cooking tools are suitable for outdoor use.
The equipment you choose will depend on the cooking methods you plan to use, but be sure to select heat-resistant silicone utensils. Ensure that any cooking gear you bring for use over a campfire is appropriate for open flame cooking.
Cooking Methods To Try While Camping
Since appliances like your rice cooker and waffle maker are at home, you'll need to get creative with new cooking methods to bring your recipes to life. Here are some popular and practical camping cooking techniques:
1. Boiling Water
Boiling water for coffee, tea, or even a hot bath is one of the simplest cooking methods you'll need while camping. Without an electric kettle, all you need is a cooking pot and water from a nearby lake or your water supply. This method allows you to boil eggs, cook rice, and prepare pre-packaged meals like mac and cheese or instant noodles.
2. Grilling
If you’re craving delicious camp meals such as burgers, steak, or marinated chicken, a grill should be your go-to tool. It enables you to cook all the foods you enjoy at home right in the heart of nature. Grilling can be done over campfires or hot coals. You'll need a grill grate and other utensils like a spatula or tongs. Keep in mind that grilling often requires some prep work, which can be done on-site or pre-packaged from home for convenience.
3. Camp Stove
A camp stove offers endless cooking possibilities. Whether you’re making scrambled eggs, pan-seared steak, or pancakes, it’s a versatile and efficient option for outdoor cooking.
Many recipes can be prepared using a camp stove. Just make sure you have your stove, cookware like pots and pans, and cooking utensils like spoons.
If you opt for portable camping stoves, be sure to follow safety practices, as accidents can happen with pre-filled gas canisters.
4. Cast Iron
Heavy-duty cast iron cookware is one of the best methods for cooking in the wild. Known for its non-stick properties, excellent heat retention, and durability, it’s no wonder that cast-iron skillets are a favorite among campers.
You can use cast iron skillets for sautéing, pan-frying, searing, baking, braising, broiling, roasting, and other cooking techniques your recipes might call for. They are perfect for use over an open flame or on a grill. However, be cautious as cast-iron skillets can get very hot!
While they offer great versatility, they can be bulky and are not the best choice for backpackers; they are better suited as part of your camping or overlanding gear.
5. Foil Packets
Feeling a bit lazy? Foil packets are one of the easiest cooking methods available. All you need are aluminum foil wraps and a heat source. Although some argue that cooking with foil packets can be unhealthy, research shows that aluminum contamination during cooking is negligible.
Foil packets can be used to prepare meals like cheesy potatoes, grilled salmon, chicken fajitas, or even a simple ham and cheese sandwich. Talk about gourmet camping! While this method is versatile, remember that foil packets shouldn’t be used over an open flame; instead, they work best over coals or a grill. You can also prepare foil packet meals at home to save time and space.
6. On A Stick
Cooking food on a stick is a classic and timeless camping method. Many campers first experience roasting hotdogs this way.
While this method requires minimal ingredients, it is also quite simple. Despite the challenge of simplicity, there are many creative recipes you can try.
If you decide to cook on a stick, you can use sticks you find at the campsite or purchase roasting sticks from any camping store. Food cooked on a stick enhances your camping experience, adding a delightful smoky flavor to your meals.
50 Easy Camping Meals For Your Next Adventure
1. Boiled Egg Sandwiches
Simple, satisfying, and delicious! All you need are boiled eggs, English muffins, sliced ham, cheese, and vegetables. To save time and resources, you can boil the eggs at home beforehand and just heat them in a pan if needed.
2. Peanut Butter and Jelly (PB&J)
PB&J sandwiches are a classic, whether at home or camping. These tasty sandwiches are loved by everyone.
3. Grilled Cheese
Who doesn't love cheese? Gooey, delicious grilled cheese sandwiches are a hit! With just three ingredients—bread, butter, and cheese—you can use a cast-iron pie sandwich maker or grill over coals or a campfire.
4. Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
For an easy, tasty meal that’s also quick to clean up, try shrimp boil foil packets. Just gather your choice of ingredients (shrimp, corn on the cob, zucchinis, etc.), seal them in foil, and cook over a charcoal or propane grill!
5. Campfire Scrambled Eggs
Eggs are a classic camp meal. All you need are eggs, water, and butter.
6. Toasted Cinnamon Rolls
You can’t go wrong with cinnamon rolls! Grab your favorite brand and roast them on sticks or a roasting fork over the fire until they’re toasted.
7. Potato and Egg Scramble
This one-pan breakfast is a great option. You’ll need potatoes, eggs, onions, peppers, and butter. Melt the butter in a cast-iron pan, toss in the potatoes, onions, and peppers, cook until tender, then add more butter and your eggs. It takes about 40 minutes, including prep time.
8. Sausage and Potatoes
Preparing your sausage and potatoes at home can simplify things. Cut smoked sausage into chunks, slice your vegetables, and halve the potatoes. Cook everything in a pan until tender, and you've got a nutritious camping meal!
9. Shredded BBQ Pork/Chicken
Minimal prep is required on-site. Cook, shred, and freeze your pork or chicken at home, then warm it up at the campsite. Enjoy it as a side dish or on its own.
10. Avocado
Who says avocados aren't great for meals? Slice an avocado, sprinkle some salt on it, and enjoy it as a snack or with sandwiches.
11. Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix
This packaged pancake mix only needs water to come alive. They are easy to make and can be prepared in no time.
12. Packaged Salad Kits
These are readily available at stores for just a few dollars. No preparation is needed—just grab a bowl and spoon.
13. Instant Mashed Potatoes
This meal is prep-free! Just add boiling water, mix, and enjoy your simple dish.
14. Precooked Rice
Instant or precooked rice packages offer convenience. Simply add the rice and water to a skillet and heat it up.
15. Tortellini
This delicious pasta filled with cheese, meat, or other options can be cooked in (salted) boiling water, drained, and served with salad, garlic bread, or any side dishes you like.
16. Roasted Marshmallows or S’mores
A camping classic! Perfect for enjoying as a dessert or around the campfire at night.
17. Tortilla Roll-Ups
Get creative with your tortillas! Fill them with caramel, chocolate chips, Nutella, nuts, peanut butter, or whatever you like, and warm over the fire.
18. Banana Boat
Fun and easy to make! Slice a banana lengthwise (keeping the peel on), fill it with chocolate chips, marshmallows, or your choice of fillings, wrap in foil, and warm over a campfire. Enjoy with a spoon once it’s unwrapped!
19. Baked Apple Slices
Slice some apples, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon, wrap in foil, and heat over the fire. This is a simple yet healthy treat.
20. Foil Packet BBQ Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
Another delicious and easy foil packet recipe! Combine tomatoes, black beans, spicy beef, chips, green chilis, and cheese in foil and cook on the grill.
21. Campfire S’more Nachos
Who says S’mores can only be enjoyed one way? This fun recipe combines graham crackers, mini marshmallows, crumbled fudge brownies, milk chocolate morsels, peanut butter, and whipped cream in foil for a delightful treat over the grill.
22. Cowboy Stew with Sausage and Beans
This one-pot meal is bursting with flavor. Combine tender meats, veggies, beans, and spices; just sauté the onions, add ground beef, then mix in the other ingredients and simmer on low to medium heat for about an hour.
23. Campfire Potatoes
Potatoes, bacon, cheese, onions, and peppers make a delicious combo. Wrap sliced ingredients in foil packets and cook over the campfire for an easy meal that’s simple to clean up.
24. Campfire Pizza
No pizza delivery in the wilderness? No problem! Create your own delicious pizza with pre-prepared crust, sauce, shredded mozzarella, bell peppers, and any other toppings you want. You can cook it on a cast-iron skillet or pizza stone.
25. Pull-Apart Campfire Garlic Bread
This garlic bread, filled with minced garlic, cheese, and parsley, is a camper's favorite. There are various methods to prepare it, many of which involve a Dutch oven.
26. Campfire Taco in a Bag
Not in the mood for extensive prep? Just prepare the taco bags at home and heat them at camp. Combine meat with cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and chips for a fantastic campfire meal.
27. Crispy French Toast
Bring French toast to your campsite using a portable camping griddle. Crispy French toast is a perfect breakfast option that pairs well with any topping.
28. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grill corn over the campfire with heavy cream, butter, sour cream, paprika, and parmesan cheese for a quick and delicious treat.
29. Dressed Up Baked Beans
Baked beans are a staple on many camping trips, but these are far from ordinary! Enhanced with crispy bacon, sausage, onions, mustard, maple syrup, ketchup, molasses, and cider vinegar, these baked beans are a delicious upgrade.
30. Campfire Chili Cheese Fries
With a few pre-prepped ingredients, you can enjoy hearty chili cheese fries. If you cook your ingredients in advance, simply warm the foil packs and chili over the campfire.
31. Dutch Oven Cornbread
Mix your ingredients with water, pour into a Dutch oven, and cook for about 30 minutes. You’ll have steaming hot cornbread!
32. Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kebab
Chunks of meat, veggies, and pineapple create a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and delicious flavors. Just use a skewer and grill to enjoy one of the best camping meals ever.
33. Bean Chili with Cornbread Topping
Cornbread and bean chili make a heavenly combination. If you’ve never baked cornbread in the same pot as your bean chili, you’re in for a treat! All you need is a Dutch oven for this one-pot wonder.
34. Foil Pack French Dip Sandwich
This on-the-go sandwich is made with premade ingredients to make camping easier. Assemble your ingredients, wrap in foil, grill, and enjoy a crispy, gooey French dip.
35. Campfire Nachos
Grab your Dutch oven for this tasty one-pot meal. Layer avocado, tortilla chips, Mexican blend cheese, black beans, onions, fresh cilantro, and spices in the Dutch oven for quick and delicious campfire nachos.
36. Dutch Oven S’mores Cereal Bar
Combine S’mores ingredients with peanut butter, marshmallows, chocolate, cereal of your choice, and any toppings for a comforting treat you’ll love.
37. Bacon and Cheese Pull-Apart Loaf
Bacon elevates this meal! You’ll need dinner rolls, butter, grated cheddar cheese, and, of course, bacon, all cooked in a Dutch oven.
38. Caramelized Onions
These can be enjoyed on their own or as a side dish for meals like hash browns and burgers. Cook them in foil with olive oil, salt, and pepper for about 40 minutes.
39. Pineapple, Ham, and Cheese Sandwich
This delicious sandwich features French rolls, ham, cheddar cheese, mustard, sliced pineapple, and a drizzle of honey. Wrap it in foil and grill for about 20 minutes.
40. Grilled Asparagus
This meal is as simple as it sounds. Toss your asparagus over a grill or in a grill pan, drizzle some oil, and season it with salt and pepper.
41. Grilled Food Skewers
Create a healthy and delicious dessert from peaches, strawberries, and pineapples. Cut and skewer the fruits, drizzle with oil, and season to taste with salt. Grill your fruits on both sides and drizzle with honey.
42. Spicy Grilled Salmon
Prepare delicious salmon glazed with spicy Sriracha. Because you need to let the salmon fillets marinate, you will need a 3-hour head start to prepare. Regardless of this length of prep time, your delicious salmon will be grilled and ready in minutes.
43. Sausage And Pepper Foil
Wrap peppers of your choice, sausage, and onions seasoned to taste in foil and pop them on the grill. It is easy to prepare and even easier to clean up.
44. Skillet Beer Cheese
Need a cheese dip for your bread? Get the party going with this delicious meal created from cheddar cheese, cream cheese, garlic, beer, salt and pepper.
45. Grilled Watermelon
Are you feeling lazy? Grill some watermelon. This tasty food can be enjoyed alone or paired with other dishes.
46. Seared Sausage, Cabbage, and Apples
Cook Italian sausage links, lady apples, red onions, apple cider, salt, and pepper in a cast-iron skillet for one of the tastiest camping meals.
47. Maple Chorizo
This delightful dish combines chorizo, potatoes, eggs, and vegetables drizzled with maple syrup. Cooked in a skillet and perfectly seasoned, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish to enjoy in the wild.
48. Berry-Peach Cobbler
If you’ve never tried making cobbler over a campfire, now is the time! With simple ingredients, this berry-peach cobbler is one of the easiest campfire treats you can make.
49. Jalapeño Popper Dogs
Tired of plain hotdogs? Try Jalapeño Popper Dogs! All you need are large jalapeños, cheese, hotdogs, buns, and mustard.
50. Popcorn
Who says you need a microwave to make popcorn? Campfire popcorn is just as delicious and easy to prepare. Get creative by adding spices like paprika, garlic salt, chili flakes, salt, and pepper for a flavorful twist!
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