Cooking while camping doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right prep and ingredients, you can make meals for camping that are quick, hearty, and full of flavour. Whether you’re backpacking, car camping, or setting up a family tent, this guide covers 20+ ideas so you never run out of inspiration.
Why Planning Meals for Camping Matters
Good food is part of the adventure. A smart camping meal plan saves time, keeps you full of energy, and makes cleanup easy. Focus on recipes that:
- Need minimal utensils
- Cook fast on a campfire, portable stove, or grill
- Use fresh + pantry staples you can pack ahead
1. Campfire Breakfast Burritos
Scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked sausage wrapped in tortillas, then heated over the fire — a warm, filling start to your day.
2. Overnight Oats
Combine oats, milk, honey, and berries in a jar at night. In the morning, you have a healthy grab-and-go breakfast.
3. Foil Packet Chicken & Vegetables
Season diced chicken and veggies, wrap in foil, and cook on hot coals. A classic meal for camping with zero mess.
4. Classic S’mores
Marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers — camping’s sweetest tradition.
5. One-Pot Chilli
Cook beans, tomatoes, and ground beef in a Dutch oven over low heat. Serve with bread for a comforting dinner.
6. Grilled Sausages & Peppers
Thread sausages and bell peppers onto skewers, brush with oil, and grill until smoky.
7. Upgraded Instant Noodles
Add a boiled egg, chili oil, or leftover veggies to instant noodles for a fast lunch.
8. Pancakes on the Griddle
Pack pancake mix in a squeeze bottle. Pour onto a hot griddle and serve with syrup or fresh fruit.
9. Tin-Foil Nachos
Layer chips, beans, cheese, and jalapeños in foil. Place near the campfire until the cheese melts.
10. Campfire Pizza
Press ready-made dough in a skillet, add sauce, cheese, and toppings, cover, and cook until bubbly.
Explore more ideas on pinterest
11. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill peppers with rice, beans, and shredded cheese. Wrap in foil and bake near the fire.
12. Mac & Cheese Cups
Pre-cook mac and cheese at home. Spoon into foil muffin liners and warm on the grate.
13. BBQ Chicken Skewers
Marinate chicken chunks in barbecue sauce, thread onto sticks, and grill until tender.
14. Trail Mix Snack
A no-cook option: combine nuts, dried fruit, seeds, and chocolate chips for an energy boost.
15. Campfire Quesadillas
Place cheese and leftover meat in tortillas, fold, and toast on a skillet.
16. Lemon Butter Foil Fish
Wrap fish fillets with butter, lemon, and herbs. Cook directly on hot coals.
17. Veggie & Cheese Omelet
Whisk eggs with chopped veggies and cook in a nonstick pan over a camping stove.
18. Easy Camping Tacos
Warm pre-cooked mince or beans, add to taco shells, and finish with lettuce and salsa.
19. Sweet Cinnamon Apples
Slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and butter, wrap in foil, and bake until soft.
20. Breakfast Sandwiches
Fry eggs and bacon, stack with cheese inside English muffins for a hearty morning bite.
21. Bonus: No-Cook Wraps
Spread hummus or tuna salad on tortillas, roll up, and enjoy — perfect when you don’t want to light a fire.
Smart Tips for Preparing Meals for Camping
- Pre-prep ingredients: Chop veggies, marinate meat, and portion sauces before leaving home.
- Use foil packets for less washing up.
- Keep a cooler well organized so food stays fresh longer.
- Rely on multi-use ingredients (tortillas, cheese, beans) to create several meals.
- Always pack reusable utensils and biodegradable cleaning supplies.
Final Thoughts
Great camping memories include great food. With these 20+ meals for camping, you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the outdoors. From quick breakfasts to hearty dinners, every recipe here is designed for simplicity, taste, and adventure.