Camping Food Preparation
Eating well while camping can make all the difference between just getting through the day and truly enjoying the great outdoors. Here’s a list of tasty treats to make your camping trip a feast to remember.
Quick Camping Breakfast Ideas
Nothing like a hearty breakfast to kick off a day of adventures. Check out these simple yet satisfying morning meals for campers.
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Tomato and Feta Baked Eggs: Love a cheesy wake-up? This egg dish is perfect for family sharing. Pair with some nice crusty bread for a bite you’ll dream about. The older folks over at Good Housekeeping approve!
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Chocolate-Zucchini Bran Muffins: Who says you can’t make friends with bran? These muffins sneak in zucchini for a bonus dose of texture and nutrition (Good Housekeeping).
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Sweet Potato Breakfast Burritos: Freeze ‘em and heat ‘em when you need ‘em! Tasty and fuss-free (Good Housekeeping).
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5-Ingredient Breakfast Ideas: Got five ingredients and a grumbling stomach? Make stuff like sausage & crescent roll breakfast casserole or ham and Swiss omelet. See more on Taste of Home.
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Cornflake-Coated Crispy Bacon: Bacon is great, but cornflake-coated bacon strips are magic. Easy to prepare, easier to eat (Taste of Home).
Portable and Easy Lunch Options
Lunchtime doesn’t have to slow you down. Take your pick from these on-the-go crowd-pleasers.
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Wraps and Sandwiches: Classic camping choice. Tailor with your favorite deli meats, cheese, and toppings. Keep ingredients separately packed so they’re fresh when it’s time to chow down.
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Pasta Salad: A make-ahead marvel that’s best served cold. Mix veggies, cheese, and a light dressing. Perfect picnic fare.
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Hummus and Veggie Sticks: Light but filling. Pack hummus portions with carrots, cucumbers, and peppers for a healthy nibble.
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Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps: Grilled chicken, Caesar dressing, lettuce, and Parmesan in a wrap. Tastes fancy, actually super easy to do.
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Trail Mix and Fruit: Nuts, dried fruits, and seeds deliver an energy punch. Fresh fruit on the side makes it a full meal with zero fuss.
These lunch ideas are simple to prep and easy to munch, ensuring you’re fueled for what lies ahead. For more tips on camping cuisine and gear, explore our articles on camping tips for beginners and camping tent buying guide.
| Meal Type | Prep Time | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato and Feta Baked Eggs | 20-25 mins | Family Fun |
| Chocolate-Zucchini Bran Muffins | 30 mins | Solo or Group |
| Sweet Potato Breakfast Burritos | 15 mins (plus freezing) | Solo or Group |
| Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole | 30 mins | Family Treat |
| Cornflake-Coated Crispy Bacon | 20 mins | Anyone’s Delight |
Max your campsite meal game with these cool breakfast and lunch picks. Head over to our camping activities for rainy days for more ways to keep spirits high when the skies turn grey.
Camping Dinner Recipes
Out in the wild, what could be better than cooking up some scrumptious and hassle-free dinners? This section shares some drool-worthy camping food ideas and recipes that are just perfect for our fellow campers.
Flavorful One-Pot Meals
These one-pot wonders are all about keeping things simple but delicious. Fewer dishes mean more time to kick back and catch up with friends by the campfire.
One-Pot Chili Mac
Want a mashup of chili and pasta? Enter One-Pot Chili Mac, a comforting dish that lets you play with spice levels and veggie or meaty versions.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground Beef (or Veggie Crumbles) | 1 lb |
| Onion, Diced | 1 |
| Kidney Beans | 1 can |
| Diced Tomatoes | 1 can |
| Elbow Pasta | 2 cups |
| Chili Seasoning | 2 tbsp |
| Water | 4 cups |
Chuck the onion and beef into a big ol’ pot and brown ’em up. Toss in the rest, bring it to a boil, then simmer till the pasta’s perfect.
Check out more one-pot meal ideas with our camping tips for beginners.
Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Pulled pork that’s a cinch to make and a joy to eat. Use it for sliders, tacos, or just grab a fork and dig in.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pork Shoulder | 2 lbs |
| BBQ Sauce | 1 cup |
| Onion, Sliced | 1 |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup |
| Garlic Powder | 1 tbsp |
All the ingredients go into the Instant Pot, then set it to high pressure for about an hour. Shred that tender pork and chow down.
Creative Campfire Cooking
Nothing says camping like meals cooked over a campfire. Here’s how to add some rustic charm to your dinner menu:
Kielbasa Potato Foil Packets
This one’s just plain tasty. Kielbasa, potatoes, and a sprinkle of your favorite seasonings—all wrapped up and roasted to perfection.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Kielbasa Sausage, Sliced | 1 lb |
| Baby Potatoes, Halved | 1 lb |
| Bell Peppers, Diced | 2 |
| Olive Oil | 2 tbsp |
| Seasoning (Salt, Pepper, Garlic) | To Taste |
Throw everything into a foil packet and let the fire do the work for about half an hour. Even more goodies await at camping activities for rainy days.
Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Think shrimp, sausage, corn, and a slice of lemon for a no-fuss, tasty feast right out of the campfire.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shrimp (Peeled, Deveined) | 1 lb |
| Sausage, Sliced | 1 lb |
| Corn Cob, Cut into Pieces | 2 |
| Lemon, Sliced | 1 |
| Old Bay Seasoning | To Taste |
Wrap up these goodies in a foil packet and cook them over the fire for a quick 15-20 minutes.
Campfire Nachos
Nachos by the fire? Yes, please! Can be done in a Dutch oven or foil packet for some melty, cheesy goodness.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tortilla Chips | 1 bag |
| Shredded Cheese | 2 cups |
| Black Beans | 1 can |
| Jalapeños, Sliced | To Taste |
| Diced Tomatoes | 1 can |
| Avocado | 1 |
Layer all that yumminess in your choice of a Dutch oven or foil packet, then heat till gooey and delicious.
Looking for more camping dinner recipes? Check out our guides to camping in national parks and the best camping locations in the US.