If you’re anything like me, half the joy of camping is the food. There’s just something magical about meals cooked under the open sky, eaten with dirty fingers and a big goofy grin around the campfire. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew after a long hike, sneaking snacks from the cooler at midnight, or pulling off a gourmet foil packet dinner, this comprehensive guide will help you master the art of camping meals.
This is not your average roundup of boring trail mix and hot dogs (though don’t worry, we’ve got the good versions of those too). This is camping food ideas that are practical, nostalgic, a little indulgent, and totally doable—even if you’re cooking over a fire pit with a headlamp and three screaming kids in the background.
Some of the most memorable meals you’ll ever have will be camping meals—prepared with sooty hands, beat-up cooking pots, Swiss Army knives, and paper bag/tree stump cutting boards. There’s something about cooking over an open fire or in unspoiled, unfamiliar surroundings with nothing but forest, ocean, or desert around you, that makes it feel like you’ve truly earned your meal.
So pack your cast iron, grab your foil, and let’s dive into the ultimate camping food guide—because no one should settle for sad sandwiches and soggy granola bars ever again.
I. Essential Camp Cooking Gear: What to Pack
Whether car camping or traveling with a trailer, the bones of our basic culinary camping kit is generally the same. Camping gear on the cooking front can get out of hand fast, so I’ve tried to wrangle what we bring down to a reasonable amount that still allows a range of deliciousness while we are out enjoying new places!
Know What to Pack: The Golden Rule
It’s like those Boy Scouts are always saying: Be Prepared. Knowing what to pack at home is half the battle, and without a doubt the most vital part of successful camping meals. The key is asking yourself three quick questions about each item:
- Does it make more sense to buy this when I land?
- How many possible uses can this item have? (The more the better.)
- Will I regret not having it if I decide to leave it behind?
Core Cooking Equipment
1. Backpacking Stove – Your Most Essential Tool
A reliable, easy-to-operate backpacking stove is on my CANNOT-LEAVE-FOR-A-TRIP-WITHOUT-IT list. While cooking over campfires is fun and totally awesome, there will be times when building an entire campfire won’t be a practical option for cooking.
Backpacking stoves give you the ultimate flexibility. A little stove like the Whisperlite can have you making a hot meal ANYWHERE. While in Olympic National Park, we wandered onto a dock right on the shore of Lake Crescent in the early morning hours, just as the sun was rising. It was like our own private breakfast nook, conveniently at the doorstep of amazing views of the lake and mountains.
2. Cooking Pots – Nested Set of Three
You need a good set of cooking pots to make all this food—get a nested set of three pots of varying sizes. Depending on how many people you’re traveling with, make sure your largest pot can cook enough for the entire group.
I really love my Solo Stove 3-pot set, which comes with 3 pots, the largest of which is 2 Liters and can make a meal for 3 to 4 people without a problem. It also comes with a lid that can double as a frying pan, and a metal pot gripper that acts as a universal handle.
Having multiple pots allows for more flexibility. I might be boiling pasta in the largest pot, while washing tomatoes in the medium one and making dessert in the smallest one.
3. Frying Pan – A Game Changer
My new 10-inch, nonstick GSI Outdoor Bugaboo frying pan has proven to be a total game changer. I used it for almost every single meal we cooked, and the handle folds into the pan to make it easy to transport.
Not only is having a non-stick surface super convenient for making things like pancakes and eggs without a ton of cleanup, it was also great to have a broad, flat surface that I could put over my camping stove to sauté a large volume of vegetables, sear meat, or toast bread—a task formerly requiring a campfire or a grill.
4. Grill or Griddle
If the weather is nice when you’re camping, you’re going to want to grill. Many campsites have charcoal grills permanently built into each site, but we often bring a small grill with us.
For griddle cooking, this is a highly personal choice. The Blackstone has really taken camp cooking by storm. My sister has one, they camp a lot, and she says they basically cook every meal on it—from pancakes to stir-fries.
I still like to use a cast iron skillet for pancakes and an Indian tava for stir-fries. Basically, you’re after a large, flat, hot metal expanse that you can cook a range of recipes on.
5. Knife & Multi-Tool
Rather than just bringing a regular pocket knife, get a multitool that has a knife and other useful tools in it. I have the Leatherman Rebar, and it’s really sharp and great for our camp kitchen—cutting meat and vegetables, opening packages, etc.
It also really came in handy as a can opener, screwdriver (fixing a broken camp chair), and a saw (scraping logs to make kindling). My dad prefers the Swiss Army RangerGrip 178, which has a more heavy-duty knife blade and saw, perfect for scaling fish and cutting larger pieces of tinder off of logs.
REMEMBER: If flying to your destination, pack this in your checked luggage!
Essential Accessories & Supplies
Cooler
- A good cooler is crucial for loading bricks of frozen sauces, marinades, and other ingredients along with perishables
- I have a soft, collapsible cooler that fits into any suitcase
- Line it with a heavy duty (reusable!) plastic bag to prevent leakage
Spices & Seasonings
Pack these in reusable mini containers:
- Salt and pepper: Pack MORE than you think you need. I NEVER pack enough pepper.
- Other seasonings (pack the most versatile ones):
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for anything that needs heat)
- Garlic powder (you may forget to buy fresh garlic)
- Onion powder
- Cumin (really versatile)
- Thyme or all-purpose herb seasoning
- Cinnamon (million uses for breakfasts and desserts)
- Individually wrapped bouillon cubes
- Coffee & Tea: Things we all have at home, so light and low-profile, you might as well pack what you need.
- Dry milk powder: Sounds crazy, but you never know when you might need milk in a recipe. Especially for pancakes!
Storage & Organization
- Non-stick aluminum foil: Great for lining campground grills, wrapping leftovers, or cooking directly on campfire
- Reusable plastic containers: Stasher bags are excellent for keeping food dry in the cooler
- Zip-top bags: Various sizes for marinating or storing leftovers
- Brillo pad/Dish detergent: Small travel bottle of detergent and one brillo pad
Utensils, Cups, and Plates
I prefer to pack regular metal utensils and reusable cups and plates when camping. Disposable options are bad for the environment and just plain annoying to deal with.
I also pack 1 sturdy cooking utensil—a flat bamboo spatula like the one in this set. It’s versatile, perfect for sautéing without scratching your non-stick surface and flipping pancakes. Most importantly, it won’t melt like plastic or overheat like metal when exposed to intense heat.
I have lightweight reusable plastic cups that double as measuring cups—handy for mixing pancake batter or any other recipes requiring measurements.
II. Camping Breakfast Recipes: Start Your Day Right
Here are some of the best on-the-go easy camping breakfast ideas that will have you loving camping so much you’ll never want to go home. You will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of recipes that can be made at the campfire or at camp! Click here if you need more camping breakfast recipe ideas.
Hearty Breakfast Mains
Camping breakfast burritos are easy to put together and full of delicious sausage, eggs, crispy fried potatoes, and melted shredded cheese. It’s the ultimate lazy camping breakfast if you put them together at home and toss them on the fire in foil.
This stuffed french toast is the perfect decadent camping breakfast. It is barely more difficult than regular french toast and feels so rich and fancy with creamy mascarpone and juicy blackberries.
These BBQ Pulled Pork English Muffin Camping Breakfast Sandwiches are a decadent way to start off your fun filled day. You can use premade pulled pork or spend a lazy day at camp slow cooking a pork butt on the fire all day the day before with bbq sauce.
This camping breakfast chilaquiles recipe is so simple and comes together in a snap. Everyone we know who has tried this recipe is hooked for life!
A fantastic way to start your camping day with bold Mexican flavors.
6. Cheesy Bacon And Egg Hash (Breakfast Skillet)
Cheesy Bacon and Egg Hash for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner! Easy to make and ready in 30 minutes—all in one skillet or pan! Awesome and easy camping food idea!
Buttery croissants, melty cheese and a honey mustard sauce all melt together to make the perfect sandwich. A great camping recipe!
8. Kielbasa, Pepper, Onion and Potato Hash
An easy to make, healthy and delicious meal that comes together in just 15 minutes, featuring tons of fresh veggies and lean turkey kielbasa.
Pancakes & Sweet Breakfasts
A favorite way to use up leftovers when camping. This Camp Breakfast Hash is peppered with plant-based hot dogs, potatoes, serrano chiles, and finished with salsa and a dusting of grated cheese.
10. Perfect Pancakes
If you’re after classic pancakes, this is your recipe. For camping, I often pre-measure the pancake ingredients into a mason jar for easy packing. Add the liquid ingredients just before you’re ready to put them on the griddle.
11. Swirl Bread Campfire French Toast
This style of french toast does not get as crispy as cooking it in a pan but it’s a faster way to get it done in bulk. If you want perfectly crispy and oh so delicious fancy french toast try the Blackberry Stuffed French Toast.
This Dutch Baby Recipe is an easy breakfast camping crowd pleaser that tastes delicious with both sweet and savory toppings.
Delicious and perfectly sweet, these banana bread pancakes are an excellent upgrade from the classic pancake recipe.
14. Orange Peel Campfire Muffin
Cooking baked goods inside of oranges is a classic camping hack. Any kind of baked mix works well, muffins included!
Quick & Easy Breakfast Options
15. Egg and Sausage Breakfast Taquitos
Easy Breakfast Taquitos have scrambled eggs, cheese and sausage links rolled and baked inside a corn tortilla. Quick to make, and fun to eat!
16. Campfire Bacon
Just because you’re camping out, doesn’t mean you have to go without bacon. Cooking it on a cookstove is my go to but this is a super fun idea as well!
17. Big Sur Camping Hash Browns
These camping hash browns are so tasty when you’re sitting in the woods next to your campfire.
18. Banana Coconut French Toast
This vegan French Toast is made with coconut milk and banana for a fun (and delicious!) twist on this classic breakfast. Perfect for camping or Sunday brunch.
19. Sausage & Egg Breakfast Quesadilla Recipe
This Breakfast Quesadilla recipe is cheesy goodness that is good any time of day. Simple recipe with chorizo, eggs, salsa and lots of cheese. The perfect cast iron camping recipe.
20. Garlic Steak & Cheesy Bacon Potato Hash Foil Packs
Steak & Cheesy Bacon Potato Hash Foil Packs can be cooked on the grill, stove top OR oven! Two favorites cooked in ONE PACK means NO pans to wash up!
No-Cook Breakfast Ideas
21. Peach Chia Overnight Oats Recipe
Make these at home and pack them into your cooler for the perfect no-cook camping breakfast! A light and easy camping recipe.
22. Berry-licious Yogurt Parfaits
This Breakfast Yogurt Parfait is a great way to change up your camping breakfast. It’s fresh, light, and a super easy camping food idea!
23. Boy Scout Bacon Hash Brown Breakfast Sandwich
Boy Scout Bacon Hash Brown Breakfast Sandwich recipe is a big, bad breakfast sandwich with your favorite breakfast foods in a convenient, hand-held package!
24. Spiced Oatmeal
Mix up your own custom oatmeal mix complete with a blend of dried fruit, grains, nuts, and mellow spices for the perfect cozy but oh so easy breakfast at camp.
The Ultimate Camping Breakfast: Lake Crescent Story
On our recent trip to Olympic National Park, we found ourselves preparing meals in the most beautiful places. We wandered onto a deserted dock on the North Shore of glassy Lake Crescent at 6:30 AM, just as the sun was rising.
On the menu? Buttermilk pancakes with blackberries, butter, and maple syrup, eggs sunny-side-up, and big links of breakfast sausage.
III. Make Ahead Camping Meals: Prep Before You Go
Having the right meal set up before you leave the house can mean the difference between something delicious and sticking hot dogs on sticks.
1. Chocolate Berry and Banana Sheet Pancakes
This chocolate, berry and banana sheet pancakes recipe makes for the perfect camping snack or make ahead breakfast that you can warm over the fire in foil.
2. Flapjacks
Oaty flapjacks fully loaded with nuts, seeds and juicy sultanas. Perfect for camping trips, road trips or after school snacks.
3. Best Brownies From Scratch Recipe
These are my go to brownies. Make up a couple pans worth and take them with you for bribing tiny humans to do whatever you need them to do!
4. Dried Cherry Almond Granola Clusters
These granola clusters are equal parts sweet, nutty, and fruity, with just the right amount of crunch. They make a fabulous homemade granola that is easy, highly customizable, and great for snacking!
I love bringing along some pre-cooked baked potatoes to speed up breakfast. They also can be turned into pan fried french fries to go with burgers!
6. Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs
Toss some hard boiled eggs in your Instant Pot while you are packing and throw them in for snacks, adding to salads, or mixing up with breakfast gravy.
7. Chocolate No Bake Energy Bites
Naturally sweetened energy balls made with 6 pantry staples. They’re like brownie bites with benefits! A portable, protein snack for any occasion.
8. Healthy Trail Mix Protein Bites
These no-bake healthy trail mix protein bites are like a cookie, but healthy! Just perfect for camping. They’re easily customizable, kids love them, and they take just 10 minutes to make!
IV. Camping Lunch & Dinner Recipes: Main Meals
Depending on your adventure needs vs laziness needs feel free to mix and match these for lunch vs. dinner. If you need more ideas check out our dutch oven camping recipes.
Grilled Camping Recipes
You can marinade the ingredients for these kebabs before leaving on a camping trip. Kept cold they can be used up to 4-5 days later. Spicy grilled veggie kebabs made with a flavor-packed yogurt marinade and mix of vegetables with paneer cheese.
Seasoned with a good amount of cumin, cayenne and mustard, these are hearty, filling, easy to make, dump-everything-in-the-food processor grillable tofu burgers. Pre-make the burger mixture and flat-pack in a baggie.
A delicious, crisp grilled wedge salad topped with a spicy ranch dressing, chives, and nuts. So easy, especially if you pre-make the dressing.
Bring a loaf of good sourdough and some olive oil on your camping adventures and you’re half way to amazing bruschetta. The ideas for toppings are vast—beautiful tomatoes, mushrooms, spring onions, grilled corn, artichoke hearts.
5. Camping Maple Sriracha Chicken Kabobs
Loving these Camping Maple Sriracha Chicken Kabobs cause they are sticky, sweet, spicy and full of flavor. Everyone loves these heavenly bites of deliciousness.
6. Grilled Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce
These Grilled Chicken Skewers with Tzatziki Sauce are an easy camping meal to grill over the campfire! Many components can be prepped ahead of time.
7. Grilled Chicken Tacos with Fresh Salsa
Juicy grilled chicken breasts and homemade fresh salsa make for a perfect light and delicious summer meal around the campfire.
8. Easy Tandoori Chicken Recipe
This easy tandoori chicken has no obscure ingredients or food coloring! Toss it in the marinade before work for an easy 30 minute weeknight dinner on the grill or stovetop.
When the temperatures are high, and so is your craving for Italian fare, turn to these deliciously different kabobs.
10. Grilled Shrimp
These buttery grilled shrimp are so good you’ll want to eat them all summer long! Perfect as an easy appetizer or topping for salads.
Tacos & Mexican-Inspired Camping Meals
11. Hawaiian BBQ Pork Walking Taco
A Hawaiian BBQ Pork Walking Taco is so easy to make and full of flavor. This walking taco recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd while you are camping.
12. Grilled Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Smoky, spicy, and ready to party, these chipotle grilled chicken tacos are a great way to capture those summertime camping vibes.
13. Campfire Grilled Fish Tacos
These are the easiest grilled fish tacos! Tender white fish get coated in a delicious spice blend and are cooked over the fire. Served with a spicy corn salsa.
Instant Pot carnitas are so easy to make and melt-in-your-mouth good. They are the perfect make-ahead food for camp. Cook in your Instant Pot ahead of time, pack in your cooler, and reheat in a cast iron skillet.
Foil Packet Camping Recipes
Tipsy Campfire Nachos are the perfect excuse to crack open another beer and relax around the fire in the great outdoors on your next camping trip!
16. Tin Foil Sausage and Veggies Dinner
This tasty and simple Tin Foil Sausage and Veggies Dinner combines smoked sausage, loads of veggies, and the BEST camping dinner food idea!
17. Healthy Grilled Shrimp in Foil
The Healthy Grilled Shrimp In Foil recipe is a fast and fresh seafood dinner. Filled with Old Bay seasoned shrimp, red potatoes, zucchini, lemon, and fresh herbs.
18. Sausage and Veggie Grill Packets
Sausage and Veggie Grill Packets in the oven or on the grill—dinner’s ready in 30 minutes! A super fast and easy camping dinner suggestion.
Easy, tasty shrimp boil foil packs baked or grilled with summer veggies, homemade seasoning, fresh lemon, and brown butter sauce.
20. Shrimp Boil Foil Packets (Campfire Version)
This Shrimp Boil Foil Packet is a campfire classic and the perfect meal idea for your next camping trip. Quick to prepare, easy to clean up.
Sandwiches & Wraps
This buffalo chicken salad recipe is perfect for making the most delicious sandwiches with your favorite hot wing flavors! Bold and flavorful camping lunch ready in just 15 minutes.
These Grilled Italian Sandwiches are made in a foil packet and are great for feeding a crowd at summer cookouts! A must-try camping foil packet recipe!
23. Grilled Hot Pastrami Sandwich
Summer and camping grilling just got better with this Grilled Hot Pastrami Sandwich. Combining foil grilling & the love for a pastrami sandwich, it’s delicious & easy!
If you’re looking for the best easy camping meals, this campfire ham and cheese bread is one camping recipe that you’ve got to try!
A Muffuletta is a pressed sandwich—filled with cold cuts, cheese and an olive spread—that only gets better as it sits. Perfect for camping trips!
Hot Dogs & Sausages
You should always cook your hot dogs on a stick while camping at least once, but a good hot pan of sauerkraut and some high quality sausages with buns cooked in butter is just mmm…holy yum.
27. Elote Hot Dogs
Next level camping hot dogs. Dressed up Mexican street corn style, jumbo hot dogs filled with charred sweet corn, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, cotija cheese and chipotle aioli.
28. Philly Cheesesteak Hot Dog
Get. In. My. Belly. Philly Cheesesteak Hot Dogs! Yum.
One-Pot & Skillet Camping Meals
This Campfire Nachos Recipe is a crowd-pleaser any time we go camping. They are easy and simple to whip up for a quick lunch or dinner!
30. Sloppy Joes
These easy Sloppy Joes are fast, simple, and as tasty as you remember! Perfect for BBQ’s, camping, and weeknight dinners.
31. Jamaican Black Bean Burgers
This Jamaican Black Bean Burger with Mango Jicama Slaw is an easy vegetarian bbq recipe that also doubles perfectly as an easy camping recipe!
Easy steak fajitas with seasoned, juicy flank steak, veggies, and warm tortillas. Make this restaurant favorite at camp!
33. Campfire Whiskey BBQ Chicken
Don’t rough it while camping, make this mouth water Campfire Whiskey BBQ Chicken recipe. Make the sauce ahead at home for a hassle free camp meal.
Pasta & Noodle Dishes
34. A Favorite Rice Noodle Stir-fry
A favorite noodle-based stir fry with silky rice noodles, bright and crunchy broccoli, toasted cashews, quick-marinated crumbled tofu, and pan-seared onions tossed in a feisty chile-boosted soy sauce.
35. Camping Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings
Camping Dutch Oven Chicken and Dumplings are the ultimate comfort food when in the woods.
36. Easy Campfire Spaghetti Bake Recipe
This Easy Campfire Spaghetti Bake is one of our most requested camping recipes. You can make this amazing camping meal for your next trip!
37. Miso Soup with Vegetables and Soba Noodles
A hearty and light soup is the perfect way to pack in a ton of nutrients after a long day of adventure. A flavorful vegan option packed with protein!
38. Jambalaya
This low-effort slow-cooker jambalaya recipe features chicken, shrimp, and andouille sausage, various vegetables, bold flavors and plenty of spice.
39. Campfire Lasagna
What could be better after a day of hiking than the homey comfort of a lasagna? Easy to make right on the campfire—and the smoke lends a little something extra.
This easy camping bacon cheeseburger pasta recipe puts a spin on a comfort food classic.
41. Camping Mac n Cheese Recipe
Camping Mac n cheese with Kielbasa is baked to perfection and is going to be your new favorite weeknight comfort food supper.
42. Pho Ramen (Over a Campfire…Or Your Stove!)
Camping Pho ramen is made with instant beef-flavored ramen, a healthy amount of beef jerky, red onion, leafy greens and a generous squeeze of lime juice!
Meal-in-a-Jar Camping Recipes
Making a few of these “meals in a jar” is the best thing I do when preparing camping meals for a trip. I always make 2-3 of these and then it’s simply just add water. If you like them have a look at this – Recipes for the Road: A Small, Useful Collection of Meal-In-Jar & Just-Add-Water Recipes for Road Trips, Camping & Everyday Life.
43. Meal in a Jar Tortellini Soup
Just add water and a can of crushed tomatoes. A one-pot lentil and tomato-based stew, dotted with plump, tender tortellini.
44. Meal in a Jar Spicy Coconut Curry Noodles
Just add water and a splash of coconut milk to make this fragrant curry noodle pot. A dynamic and feisty broth bolstered with cayenne, ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric.
45. Meal in a Jar Italian Barley Soup
This is a favorite flavor-packed meal in a jar—an herb-flecked, hearty, Italian Barley Soup with a bit of a hippie twist.
The Carbonara Story: 30-Minute Camping Dinner
On our first night camping, we made carbonara that took just 30 minutes to boil pasta, cook pancetta, toss the carbonara together, and sauté a side of broccolini. We even had one particularly memorable dinner of Spaghetti Carbonara in a ditch off a Forest Service Road just outside Olympic National Park!
V. Camping Side Dishes & Vegetables
Grilled Vegetables
1. Camping Mexican Corn Recipe
This Camping Mexican Corn recipe is one of the most delicious side dishes. Create your own tasty grilled corn right at your campsite.
2. Grilled Zucchini with Lemon Salt
This grilled zucchini will rock your ever-loving world. Perfect for summertime when your garden is exploding with more zucchini than you know what to do with.
3. How to Make Fresh Steamed Broccoli When Camping
Going camping doesn’t mean you can’t eat awesome fresh food. Here’s how to make Fresh Steamed Broccoli at any campsite!
Potatoes
4. Camping Baked Potatoes with Herbed Sour Cream
Simple russet potatoes become incredibly fluffy and soft when baked in a foil packet over a wood-burning fire. Whip up a quick topping of sour cream, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced scallions.
VI. Camping Snacks & Munchy Salads
What is camping except eating tons and tons of snacks. When I am out in the woods the entire point is truly just to snack in pretty places. I love making a couple huge salads that keep really well but we’ve added other delicious things to make in the woods as well.
Dips & Spreads
Grilled halloumi cheese with herbs is one of my favorite things in the woods because it packs in great but feels so indulgent. Drizzle with olive oil and whatever herbs you brought. Makes a great high protein vegetarian option.
2. Best Camping Guacamole Recipe
Fresh chunky guacamole with crunchy tortilla chips is the perfect camping snack!
These veggie pinwheels are a rainbow of colorful fresh veggies with ranch flavored cream cheese, all rolled up inside a spinach tortilla wrap. Easy camping food idea!
This Roasted Chili Corn Salsa is kind of a Chipotle Copycat but better. Loaded with roasted poblano peppers, jalapeños, garlic, onions, cilantro, lime, and corn.
Street corn salad is Mexican street corn in salad form. Perfect scoopable side for savory meats and a chip-dipping appetizer. This is cult status every summer.
Hearty Salads
6. Asian Coleslaw with Peanut Dressing
Asian coleslaw is a perfect side dish for any camp or party. It holds up well for hours because the dressing doesn’t have any dairy products.
7. Thai Chicken Salad with Creamy Peanut Hummus Dressing
This thai chicken salad is packed with veggies, keeps perfectly for days and takes 5 minutes. This recipe is one of my go to camping recipes because it just gets better as it sits in the cooler.
8. Salads To Go
Our Salads To Go is the easiest and healthiest lunch possible. Also an easy camping food idea Make a big batch and keep them in the fridge for you and the family!
Loaded baked potato salad has all the comfort of baked potatoes in salad form loaded with bacon, cheddar, and onions in a creamy dressing.
10. Mason Jar Boozy Tropical Fruit Salad
This Mason Jar Boozy Tropical Fruit Salad is an easy Mason Jar dessert of fresh fruit marinated in Limoncello. An adult camping dessert!
11. Grapefruit, Orange & Apricot Salad
When it comes to camping desserts, it’s often a case of assembling rather than cooking. Tinned fruit can be mixed into an instant salad.
This burrata salad with heirloom tomatoes bursts with sweet and savory flavors. Burrata caprese is the ultimate summer salad and appetizer.
13. Baked Beans with Smoked Sausage
This Baked Beans with Smoked Sausage recipe looks PERFECT for camping!
Want to punch up your boring salsa recipe? Try roasting the ingredients over your grill or campfire for some fire-roasted flavor with this bright and summery Salsa Fresca.
15. Asian Broccoli Slaw with Pineapple Recipe
Banish boring coleslaw forever! This Asian broccoli slaw is the perfect sidekick to your bbq, tacos or pulled pork sandwiches.
16. Queso Fundido
You can serve this as a side dish or a main or a snack or an appetizer, seriously this can be whatever you want. One of the best camping recipes!
Butter a griddle and add corn, fresh thyme, red onions, toasted almonds and coconut. Finish with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice. So simple, so tasty!
The Rialto Beach Pasta Story
Take this lunch we made at Rialto Beach. It was a pasta dish using extra spaghetti from Carbonara, leftover egg noodles from Beef Stew, leftover parsley, Pecorino Romano cheese, and butter from making pancakes. We just added garlic and chili flakes!
A beautiful, quick lunch at the beach using what we already had!
VII. Camping Dessert Recipes
No camping trip would be complete without the best oooey gooey desserts! Nothing will beat the simple deliciousness of S’mores but these easy camping desserts recipes sure come close!
Campfire Desserts
1. Campfire Cappuccino Monkey Bread
Campfire Cappuccino Monkey Bread is yummy breakfast bread coated in cinnamon, sugar & Salted Caramel Cappuccino mix, baked in tin foil over a campfire.
Making coffee can ice cream while camping is a core childhood memory every kid (and adults too) should get to experience. It’s creamy and oh so delicious plus keeps the kids occupied.
3. Grilled Peach Crisp Foil Packs
Grilled Peach Crisp Foil Packs are a simple but delicious way to make dessert. Whipped cream packs better than ice cream or make camping ice cream!
4. Mini Peach Crisp (Gluten-free)
Individual servings of naturally sweet Peach Crisp baked and served in 1/2 cup Mason Jars make an ideal dessert for picnics, camping trips, or for your packed lunch.
S’mores Variations
5. Peanut Butter Cookie S’mores
Peanut Butter Cookie S’mores—a better version of the classic s’more made with soft and chewy peanut butter cookies. This beloved summer dessert just got a much needed upgrade!
No need for a campfire with this no-bake treat! These s’mores muddy buddies are a tasty combination of chocolate, graham cracker cereal and marshmallows.
7. Mason Jar No-Bake Cheesecake
Mini Mason Jar No-Bake Cheesecake made and served in tiny jars make ideal desserts for a picnic, for camping, or as a fun treat for kids. Quick and easy camping dessert.
We live in the pacific northwest where blackberries grow like weeds. In the summer, camping trips in August mean finding buckets of blackberries while we camp. I can’t wait to try this dessert with them!
A Grilled S’more Dip is an easy treat for movie night, or camp or outdoor party—definitely a great way to get in on the S’more action!
10. Oreo S’Mores
Hot freshly toasted marshmallow bursting from the edges of a crispy Oreo cookie that instantaneously stimulate the taste sensors with delight!
11. Campfire Cinnamon Roll-ups
Campfire Cinnamon Roll-ups are a must have camping recipe! Perfect for a camping breakfast or after dinner treat. These are a must have for any camping meal plan!
12. Campfire Strawberry S’mores
These campfire strawberries with fresh strawberries, almonds, graham crackers, and marshmallow creme make a tasty camping dessert.
13. Campfire Banana Boats 9 Ways
Learn how to make campfire banana boats: a classic camping dessert and beloved campfire tradition. Plus 9 creative banana boat topping combinations!
14. Peanut Butter and Strawberry Campfire Bites
If you’re a peanut lover, s’mores lover or simply a dessert fan, this easy campfire treat is for you. Dunk fresh strawberries into peanut butter and marshmallow.
You will love Campfire Apple Crisp Foil Packets full of juicy apples, cinnamon and granola. Can be made on the grill or oven.
VIII. Camping Drinks
Non-Alcoholic Camping Drinks
1. Honey-Sweetened Peach Lemonade
Fruity and light, thirst-quenching and utterly delicious, this Honey-Sweetened Peach Lemonade is the perfect finish to summer.
2. Red Wine Hot Chocolate Recipe
Red Wine Hot Chocolate is a dark chocolate blend of flavors so rich and decadent you are sure to fall in love at first sip.
3. Infused Coconut Water Recipes
Multiple creative variations for staying hydrated on the trail.
Alcoholic Camping Drinks
4. Cinnamon Maple Whiskey Sour
This whiskey sour recipe is perfect for camping because it uses fresh lemon and sweetened with maple syrup and cinnamon which you would already have packed for many camping breakfast recipes!
Ditch the cold beer and reach for something toasty while you are sitting around the campfire.
6. Blackberry Mojito Cocktail Recipe
Blackberry Mint Mojito Cocktails are sweet and tangy with the most refreshing mint finish. Perfect for your next summer get together!
IX. Camping Meal Planning & Shopping Tips
Planning Your Camping Meals
Before you make a shopping list, sit down and actually plan your meals. How many breakfasts, lunches, and dinners do you need to account for? What do you want to make? When will it be convenient to cook, and when won’t it be convenient?
Kaitlin and I sat down, made a little camping meals chart (Breakfast, lunch and dinner across Saturday, Sunday, Monday…) and filled in the boxes with our planned meals. We then made a shopping list off that. Worked like a charm. We were in Trader Joe’s for less than an hour, and it was a triumphant trip.
Considerations:
- Plan the order of meals according to how long they will last: Use more delicate perishables early on, save hardier ingredients and non-perishables for later
- Choose ingredients that are hardy and easy-to-store: Vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and Tuscan kale stay fresh longer than delicate vegetables like spinach
- Only choose the freshest produce: If something doesn’t look fresh, don’t buy it
- Look for non-perishable alternatives: Can you get something canned or otherwise non-perishable?
- Consider the packaging: Vacuum-sealed packaging is always preferable
- Don’t forget the basics: Cooking oil, salt, pepper, matches, ice
- You may have to make a couple trips for fresh ingredients
Smart Shopping for Camping
Our favorite place to shop for camping provisions is without a doubt Trader Joe’s. It’s become a bit of a tradition. They just have so many convenient options for camping meals—pre-cooked vacuum sealed packages of pork carnitas, pre-cut pancetta, tons of pre-washed veggies, fresh produce, great bread.
Shopping Guidelines:
- Choose easy-to-wash vegetables: zucchini, eggplant, portobello mushrooms, cucumbers
- Avoid sandy, difficult-to-clean leafy greens
- Select produce at varying levels of ripeness
- Choose hardy vegetables: carrots, zucchini, Tuscan kale
- Pick fruits that can go unrefrigerated: onions, tomatoes, avocados, potatoes, apples, oranges
- Look for vacuum-sealed packaging
- Buy just enough to store safely
- Plan for future grocery trips if available
Repurposing Ingredients
When planning your meals, think about how you’re going to repurpose ingredients that may be left over. This is not just economical, it ensures you don’t waste food! You don’t have to buy a new set of ingredients for every meal—try to plan meals that will use the same ingredients in multiple ways.
Examples:
- Extra pasta → new dish with garlic, chili, cheese
- Leftover grilled veggies → salad or sandwiches
- Cooked meat → breakfast hash
- Same cheese for multiple dishes
- Vegetables for both salads and grilling
Food Storage & Safety
MAKE SURE TO BUY ENOUGH ICE and replenish it when needed! Make sure that everything that needs to be refrigerated stays in the cooler, and make room by storing items that can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry spot in the car.
Storage Principles:
- Keep perishables at 40°F or colder
- Place raw meat at bottom of cooler (coldest spot)
- Double bag raw meat if not vacuum sealed
- Buy frozen meat when possible (stays colder longer)
- Store room-temperature items in cool, dry spot in car
- Replace ice regularly
X. Cooking Methods: Campfire vs. Stove
To cook over a campfire? Or the stove? That is the question. There’s no one “better” way to prepare meals while camping. Both campfire cooking and cooking over a camping stove have their merits and use cases.
When to Use Campfire
Campfire cooking is great for:
- Grilling meats and vegetables
- Simmering and slow cooking
- When you have more time on your hands
- Creating atmosphere and experience
We used a campfire to grill meat, simmer beef stew, and slow cook a batch of pork and beans. Our particular backpacking stove stays extremely hot and doesn’t allow for much temperature regulation, so it didn’t lend itself well to simmering.
When to Use Camp Stove
If you want to make a really quick meal or boil water, your stove is going to make much more sense. Take this carbonara we made on our first night. It took just 30 minutes to boil pasta, cook pancetta, toss the carbonara together, and sauté a side of broccolini.
Use Camp Stove For:
- Quick meals and boiling water
- Precise temperature control
- Unfavorable weather conditions
- When campfires are restricted
Campfire Beef Stew Story
One of our most memorable meals was campfire beef stew at sunset at Kalaloch Beach Campground, with waves crashing just over the hedgerows. We slow-cooked it over the campfire, letting the flavors develop for hours while we explored the beach.
XI. Finding the Perfect Camping Spot
Half the magic of a great camping meal is in your surroundings. Out in Olympic National Park, there were countless beautiful picnic areas—in rainforests, on the coast, by the lake.
Don’t limit yourself to eating in campgrounds! National parks, state parks, and other recreational areas have awesome picnic areas—some with grills and fire rings, others with picnic tables where you can set up your stove and make lunch.
Location Tips
- Find spots with beautiful views
- Check for facilities (tables, fire rings, water)
- Ensure it’s safe and legal
- Respect nature, leave no trace
- Scout locations ahead of time
- Be flexible with meal timing
XII. Tips for Successful Outdoor Cooking
Experiment and Have Fun
One of the most fun things about camp cooking can be experimenting with new ideas. We found a focaccia recipe on the back of the pancake box and threw together some dough to put over the fire. It seemed promising after buying yeast and using our precious rosemary, but…
In the cold light of day… well, you can’t win ’em all! But we had a great story and pictures to send home of our epic failed experiment. And that, folks, is how you learn what NOT to do in your outdoor kitchen.
Encourage Creativity:
- Try new recipes
- Combine unexpected ingredients
- Learn from failures
- Enjoy the process
- Don’t be afraid to improvise
Additional Camping Cooking Tips
Temperature Management:
- Keep cooler out of direct sunlight
- Open cooler as infrequently as possible
- Freeze water bottles to use as ice
- Store ice at bottom of cooler
Meal Prep Strategies:
- Pre-chop vegetables at home
- Marinate proteins before leaving
- Pre-mix dry ingredients
- Freeze sauces and liquids flat
Cleanup Tips:
- Bring biodegradable soap
- Use disposable gloves for messy cleanup
- Pack out all trash (Leave No Trace)
- Wash dishes away from water sources
Safety Considerations:
- Store food properly to avoid wildlife
- Keep raw and cooked foods separate
- Wash hands frequently
- Cook meats to proper temperatures
XIII. Special Camping Cooking Techniques
Dutch Oven Camping Recipes
Dutch oven cooking is a cherished tradition for many campers. These versatile pots can bake, roast, simmer, and fry—making them perfect for camping meals. Check out our dutch oven camping recipes for more ideas!
Why Use a Dutch Oven:
- Even heat distribution
- Can be used over fire or coals
- Perfect for bread, stews, cobblers
- Creates memorable meals
Foil Packet Cooking
Foil packet meals are the ultimate in easy camping recipes:
- Minimal cleanup
- Customizable for each person
- Cook directly on coals or grill
- Keep ingredients from burning
Cast Iron Skillet Cooking
Few items get more use than a classic cast iron skillet:
- Use over fire, burner, or in oven
- Perfect heat retention
- Non-stick when properly seasoned
- Lasts forever with proper care
XIV. Camping with Dietary Restrictions
Vegetarian & Vegan Camping Meals
- Grillable Tofu Burgers
- Jamaican Black Bean Burgers
- Veggie Kebabs with Paneer
- Vegan Coconut French Toast
- Miso Soup with Vegetables
- Multiple salad options
Gluten-Free Camping Options
- Mini Peach Crisp (naturally GF)
- Grilled meats and vegetables
- Rice noodle dishes
- Corn tortilla-based meals
- Fresh salads
Kid-Friendly Camping Recipes
- Walking Tacos
- Hot Dogs (various styles)
- Campfire Nachos
- Pancakes and French Toast
- S’mores and Banana Boats
- Mac and Cheese
XV. Advanced Camping Cooking: The Ooni Pizza Oven
For serious outdoor cooking enthusiasts, bringing an Ooni Pizza Oven can elevate your camping meals to restaurant quality.
What We Use It For:
- Camp pizzas (here’s my go-to pizza dough recipe)
- Roasting vegetables
- Bean dishes
- Flatbreads
- Paneer veggie kebabs
Requirements:
- Takes time to learn
- Need peel, tongs, flour/cornmeal
- Plan for dough (or pre-make)
- Pro-tip: Use cutting board as second peel
This is a real wildcard, and a bit of a pain if I’m being honest. On occasion, we load up the Ooni and bring it camping, especially if the weather is set to be beautiful. We have the Ooni 16, the one powered by propane, so it collapses down flat-ish.
XVI. Seasonal Camping Meal Considerations
Summer Camping Meals
- Focus on grilling and fresh salads
- Keep meals light and refreshing
- Utilize seasonal produce
- Stay hydrated with infused waters
Fall Camping Recipes
- Hearty stews and chilis
- Dutch oven baking
- Warm breakfast options
- Hot beverages
Winter Camping Food
- High-calorie, warming meals
- One-pot dishes
- Hot drinks throughout day
- Easy cleanup in cold weather
Spring Camping Cuisine
- Fresh vegetables emerging
- Lighter proteins
- Transition meals
- Weather-flexible options
Conclusion: Embrace the Adventure of Outdoor Cooking
Camping meals don’t have to be boring, bland, or stressful. With the right equipment, thoughtful planning, a bit of creativity, and this comprehensive guide of 100+ camping recipes, you can enjoy incredible meals in the great outdoors.
From pancake breakfasts by a quiet lake to pasta dinners on a deserted beach, from campfire beef stew at sunset to quick foil packet meals after a long hike—every camping meal is an opportunity to create lasting memories.
Remember: camping cuisine isn’t just about the food. It’s about the space, the time, and the people you share it with. It’s about creating memories around a campfire, under starry skies, with dirty hands and big smiles. It’s about that magical feeling of earning your meal after a day of adventure in the wilderness.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew after conquering a challenging trail, enjoying a quiet breakfast as the sun rises over the lake, or gathering around the campfire for s’mores and stories, these camping meal ideas will help you make the most of your outdoor culinary adventures.
So pack your cast iron, grab your foil, load up your cooler, and dive into the ultimate camping food adventure—because no one should settle for sad sandwiches and soggy granola bars ever again. The wilderness awaits, and delicious camping meals are calling your name!
Happy camping and bon appétit!
Resources & Additional Reading
Recommended Cookbooks:
- The Magic of Fire: One Hundred Recipes for the Fireplace or Campfire by William Rubel (Ten Speed Press, 2002)
- This is Camino: A Cookbook by Russ Moore and Allison Hopelain
- Joy of Cooking: 75th Anniversary Edition (hearth cooking section)
- Recipes For The Road – Meal-in-a-Jar & Just-Add-Water Recipes
Online Resources:
- William Rubel’s Website
- Wikipedia: Campfire Cooking
- 101 Cookbooks Camping Recipes
- Fresh Off The Grid
- The Woks of Life – Travel Posts
- The Adventure Bite – Camping Recipes
Additional Camping Food Ideas: If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out these comprehensive camping food guides and outdoor cooking resources. Many outdoor enthusiasts and food bloggers have created extensive collections of tried-and-tested camping recipes that work in real-world conditions.
Article Sources:
- The Adventure Bite – “102+ Stress-Free Camping Food Ideas“
- 101 Cookbooks – “12+ Camping Recipes to Make Camping Meals No Big Deal” by Heidi Swanson
- The Woks of Life – “Camping Meals & The Art of Cooking Outside” by Sarah Leung
This comprehensive guide combines insights, recipes, and tips from experienced outdoor cooks and camping enthusiasts. All recipe links direct to the original sources where you can find detailed instructions, ingredient lists, and helpful tips from the creators.
