Whether you’re planning your next family getaway or preparing for a camping trip, one of the most important aspects of any adventure is the camp food. To help you plan your next meal, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of delicious and easy camping meals for the whole family. From filling breakfasts to hearty dinners, these camping recipes are sure to make your outdoor experience even more enjoyable.
So without further ado, let’s prepare for success on your outdoor excursion with our delicious collection of camping meals!
Quick camping breakfast ideas.
Starting your next family camping trip off right with a delicious breakfast is key to having a great time.
Whether you’re camping in the great outdoors or simply looking for an easy camping meal while you’re in a glamorous cabin, campfire cooking is a great way to enjoy the benefits of a meal cooked outdoors.
We have three of our favorite easy camping breakfast ideas that include make-ahead camping meals as well as some on-the-fly camping recipes.
These easy breakfast ideas are sure to get your camping trip off to a great start!
With a variety of recipes, from sweet to savory, there is something for everyone. From french toast to campfire pancakes, these breakfast ideas will be sure to keep you and your family happy, full, and energized for your next outdoor adventure.
Campfire french toast.
Let’s start out with one of my favorites. Campfire French Toast is a delicious and easy breakfast idea for your next nature retreat.
This classic breakfast consists of bread, eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. To cook this tasty breakfast over an open flame or a camping stove, try using a pie iron. This cast iron skillet is perfect for cooking French Toast over a campfire.
For a delicious twist on the classic French Toast, try adding in some sweet and juicy peaches. To make this peach french toast, fry it slightly in caramelized leftovers and then add a dollop of cream for a sweet finish.
So grab your ingredients and get ready to make some delicious campfire french toast for your next adventure in nature.
With a few simple ingredients, you can make this tasty breakfast any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a sweet or savory breakfast, campfire french toast is sure to keep you satisfied and energized for your next camping trip.
Campfire pancakes.
Campfire pancakes are a great alternative for those who want a warm and hearty breakfast that is easy to make.
This recipe requires self-rising flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, eggs, butter, and milk or powdered milk.
To make pancake batter in a mason jar, simply put all the ingredients in the jar and shake well. A hot dog stick can be used to cook these pancakes over an open fire or a campfire grate. That takes some skill, but we’ve done it.
Try a delicious twist on these pancakes; add some shredded cheddar cheese, ground beef, and tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex-inspired breakfast. To make sure the pancakes cook perfectly, cook them on a medium-hot fire. For added flavor, add a pinch of salt.
Something that goes well with these pancakes is Campfire Hash Browns. It’s a classic breakfast side dish that can take center stage when prepared correctly. Making it crispy and delicious over an open flame or a camping stove is a surefire way to make it special. To make this easy breakfast, start by baking potatoes for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for another 15 minutes. Then, add half and half parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and fresh spinach (optional) to a skillet.
However you want to serve it, Campfire Pancakes are sure to be a hit.
Sausage and egg breakfast burritos.
Sausage and egg burritos are a delicious and filling breakfast option for your next overnight outdoor adventure.
Common ingredients for these burritos include flour tortillas (corn tortillas work as well), pork sausage, eggs, onions, peppers, salt, and pepper. To add a bit of flavor, adults might want to add a bit of hot sauce. These burritos can be cooked over a camping stove, on an open fire, or in a foil packet. To save time, prep sausage patties ahead and store them in a plastic bag.
For a twist on this classic breakfast, try making a sausage breakfast sandwich. This is a quick way to wake up your taste buds with a flavorful breakfast sandwich. Or warm and toasted English muffins add a delicious finishing touch. Another great option is apple sweet potato hash. This dish is a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover sweet potatoes you may have.
Lunch ideas for the great outdoors.
When planning an off-grid excursion, it’s important to think about what meals you will be eating throughout the day. Lunch is a great time to get creative and try something new. Easy camping lunch ideas such as quesadillas, sloppy joes, and grilled cheese sandwiches are all great options for a camping lunch. They are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be adapted to everyone’s tastes. When you’re camp cooking for the family, you’ll want to make something everyone likes.
Quesadillas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, chicken, beans, peppers, and more. Simple and to the point. Sloppy joes are a no-fuss lunch option that requires ground beef, onions, and seasonings. Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic campfire cookout favorite that requires just bread, cheese, and butter.
With these easy camping lunch ideas, you can make sure everyone in your family is well-fed and happy during your next camping excursion.
Quesadillas.
Quesadillas are a great lunch option for camping trips as they are easy to prepare and can be filled with a variety of ingredients. The key to a great quesadilla is quality ingredients and a hot skillet. What we love the most is that this is a great make-ahead camping meal.
Start by prepping the ingredients, such as slicing up the bell peppers and onions and grating the cheese. If you want something quick, you can simply toss some cheese and your choice of meat on the tortilla. You can do this at home before you head out.
Then, heat a skillet over medium heat. Place a flour tortilla on the skillet, sprinkle some cheese and other fillings onto it, and top with another tortilla. Cook the quesadillas until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
When they are done, let them cool and cut them into wedges. Quesadillas are a great way to get creative with lunch and can be served with a variety of toppings such as avocado, sour cream, Greek yogurt, and lime juice or fresh limes.
Throw in a Corona or Modelo, and you have yourself a fiesta!
Sloppy joes.
Sloppy joes are a great no-fuss lunch option for camping. To make sloppy joes, start by prepping the ingredients, such as ground beef, onions, and seasonings.
Just like the quesadillas, these are a great make-ahead camping meal as well.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the ground beef and onions until the meat is cooked through. If you have one, you can even use a dutch oven for this.
Then, add the seasonings, tomato sauce, and a bit of water if you want it to go further. Simmer until the mixture thickens, and serve it over hamburger buns.
With the right ingredients and a bit of creativity, sloppy joes can be a delicious and fun meal for the whole family.
Grilled cheese sandwiches
When you’re looking for easy camping food ideas, sometimes it’s best to stick with a staple.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic campfire cookout favorite. They require just bread, cheese, and butter.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and butter both sides of the bread. Place the bread on the skillet, and top with cheese. Cook the sandwiches until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
You can even use a campfire grate or even a campfire sandwich maker for a fun twist. Trust me, once you get a campfire sandwich maker you’ll come up with all sorts of camping hacks for various meals.
For a more creative grilled cheese sandwich, add some sliced tomatoes, spinach, and cilantro. With these simple ingredients and instructions, you can make a delicious grilled cheese sandwich for your next camping trip.
Easy camping dinner ideas.
When it comes to dinner, there are plenty of delicious and easy camping meals that the whole family can enjoy. From easy chili to kebabs, foil packet dinners, and even campfire pizzas, there are plenty of options for a delicious meal.
Whether you’re planning a camping meal ahead of time or want to make something on the spot, there are tons of recipes that can provide a tasty meal without much effort.
Chili in a bag.
Yum! One of my favorites! Chili in a bag is an easy and delicious dinner idea that can be prepared quickly and easily on a camping trip. It’s also one of the best make-ahead camping meals if you want to go that route.
All you need are two cans of no-bean chili, 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/2 cup of diced onion, and 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers. Put all of these ingredients in a large plastic bag and mix them together. Once everything is mixed, seal the bag and place it skillet or dutch oven.
Put the skillet on the campfire grate over a low fire and let it cook for about 30 minutes. For added flavor, add garlic cloves, cumin, chili powder, and a dash of hot sauce.
If you’ve ever made chili before, you know that you can put your own spin on it. So if you want to switch up the ingredients, feel free to do so.
Kebabs.
Kebabs are a great way to get a delicious meal at the campfire. They’re a classic when it comes to camp cooking ideas.
To make kebabs, you will need to marinate your choice of meat, such as lamb, beef, venison, or chicken, with olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, and garlic. You can also add vegetables such as onions, peppers, and tomatoes to the skewers.
Once the ingredients are marinated, you can assemble the kebabs and cook them over an open fire.
Make sure to turn them often and cook them evenly. Once you’ve tried kebabs, you’ll be ready to move on to foil-packet dinners.
Foil packet dinners.
Let your imagination run free with this one!
Foil packet dinners are a great way to enjoy a hearty meal while camping. Start by cutting a large piece of aluminum foil and adding your favorite ingredients, such as ground beef, vegetables, and spices. Once everything is in the packet, fold up the foil and seal it tightly. You’ll want to make a sealed container out of the foil.
Place the foil packets on a campfire grill grate over medium heat and cook for about 20 minutes.
You can also use pre-made foil packet meals, such as shrimp boil, chicken tzatziki skewers, or campfire Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. We usually make our packets at the picnic table while taking in the beautiful views. It’s fun for the whole family.
Foil packet dinners are a great way to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal while camping, and with a variety of ingredients to choose from, you can create a unique meal for your next camping trip.
Easy camping recipes for desserts.
After a long day of exploring the outdoors, it’s time to treat yourself to some delicious camping desserts.
With the right ingredients, you can make a variety of desserts that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for something to make over the campfire or something that can be pre-made, there are plenty of easy camping dessert recipes to choose from.
From no-bake smores bars to campfire banana boats, there’s something for everyone.
No matter what type of dessert you choose, you can be sure that your camping trip will be filled with sweet memories. Whether you’re looking for a classic campfire-treat like s’mores or something a little more unique like campfire cinnamon rolls, a delicious dessert can make any camping trip even better.
S’mores.
S’mores are a classic dessert for camping trips. S’mores are synonymous with camping, and it’s a great treat to enjoy in the evening around the campfire.
All you need are graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate. Simply toast the marshmallows over the campfire and then assemble the S’mores. Grab two graham crackers with one piece of chocolate and a toasted marshmallow in between. You can also get creative and add other ingredients such as peanut butter or banana slices.
Our secret sauce is using Recees Peanut Butter Cups instead of Hershey’s chocolate. It will change your life!
If you’re looking for an easy, mess-free way to store your S’mores, try making S’mores bark. This easy camping dessert is simple and quick to make and easy to store.
To make S’mores bark, melt chocolate chips in the microwave and spread them out on a baking sheet. Add marshmallows and graham cracker pieces and let it cool. Once cooled, break it into pieces and store it in a bag for later.
For an even easier S’mores treat, try making no-bake smores bars. These mess-free bars are simple to make and require no baking. All you need are graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Simply layer the ingredients in a pan and let it cool in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy the’smores bars, cut them into squares and enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a classic S’mores, a mess-free bark, or a no-bake bar, there are plenty of options for creating a delicious S’mores dessert for your next wilderness retreat.
Campfire cones
Campfire cones are a unique and delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat while camping. These bad boys are dangerously delicious!
All you need are waffle cones, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, graham cracker pieces, and optional toppings such as M&Ms, Rolos, peanut butter cups, bananas, and strawberries.
Simply fill the cones with the ingredients and wrap them in tin foil. Place the cones on the campfire or a campfire grate and let it heat up for about twenty minutes. You may want to rotate them every few minutes to heat them evenly. That’s not totally necessary, but we’ve found it’s the best way to make them.
For an even easier version, try assembling the cones at home and bringing them along on your camping trip. All you need are cones and fillings of your choice. Simply fill the cones with the ingredients, wrap them in tin foil, and you’re ready to go. These are basically grab-and-go snacks at this point.
Campfire cones are a great substitute for ice cream when camping. With the right ingredients, Campfire cones are a great way to add a little sweetness to your nature retreat.
Cobbler in a dutch oven.
First off, if you don’t have a dutch oven, we highly recommend you get one. They’re so simple yet so versatile.
With that, cobbler in a dutch oven is a delicious dessert that can be easily prepared on a camping trip. It’s even great as a make-ahead camping dessert.
All you need is a dutch oven and the right ingredients. Cobbler recipes can vary depending on the type of cobbler being made, but some common ingredients include fruit, cake mix, soda, butter, and cinnamon. To make the cobbler, mix the ingredients together and pour them into the Dutch oven. Let the cobbler bake for around 20 minutes.
A perfect accompaniment to your cobbler is a warm, sweet, and crunchy topping. To make this topping, mix butter, sugar, and cinnamon together in a bowl and top it over the cobbler. Once the cobbler is finished, you can enjoy a delicious dessert made from scratch.
With the right ingredients and a dutch oven, you can create a delicious cobbler for your outdoor getaway.
Whether you’re looking for a classic cobbler or a more creative version, you can make a delicious dessert with minimal effort. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a warm and sweet cobbler that will make your escape to the great outdoors even more enjoyable.
No matter what type of dessert you choose, you can be sure that your camping trip will be filled with sweet memories. From classic s’mores to unique campfire cones and delicious cobblers, you can make a variety of easy camping desserts that will make any camping trip even better.
Don’t forget about the snacks!
No camping trip is complete without snacks!
Snacks are an excellent way to sustain your family’s energy and satisfaction throughout the day, especially when engaging in rigorous activities.
Whether you’re looking for something to munch on during a hike, something to keep your kids occupied, or something to enjoy around the campfire, snacks are a must. From trail mix to popcorn to fruit leather, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to camping snacks.
Trail mix.
Trail mix is a great snack to bring along on any outdoor excursion. It’s easy to make, doesn’t need to be refrigerated, and can be stored in a plastic bag.
What more would you want?
Plus, trail mix packs a nutritional punch, making it an ideal snack for a family camping trip. For a classic trail mix, combine nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and peanuts), seeds (such as pumpkin seeds), dried fruit (such as raisins and cranberries), and sometimes candy or chocolate chips. Other possible ingredients include coconut, banana chips, and breakfast cereals like granola. There are no limitations to what goes in a trail mix, so get creative!
One of the great things about trail mix is that it is an easy snack to make ahead of time. You can simply mix the ingredients together in a bowl and store it in a plastic bag.
This makes it easy to grab and go when it’s time for your next family outdoor getaway. And because trail mix is so filling and packed with nutrients, it can help tide you over until your next meal.
Dutch oven popcorn.
Popcorn is a great snack to have while camping, and it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients. All you need are popcorn kernels, oil, salt, and butter (optional).
To make the popcorn, simply heat the oil in a pan or pot over a campfire or camp stove. Personally, we prefer to use our dutch oven for the job.
However, you can make it how you’d like.
When the oil is hot, add the kernels, cover the pot, and wait for the kernels to start popping. Once the popping slows down, the popcorn is ready to be served.
Popcorn is an easy way to get your kids involved in the cooking process. Ask them to measure out the ingredients, help stir the popcorn while it’s cooking, and add their favorite toppings. Popcorn is also a great snack to enjoy around the campfire while roasting marshmallows.
And yes, marshmallows and popcorn go surprisingly well together!
Fruit leather.
Fruit leather is a great way to add a sweet treat to your woodland escape. The ingredients are simple and require no special storage.
All you need is fresh fruit, water, lemon juice, and sugar. You can also use additives like pectin, spices, and honey if you want to add more flavor. Once you have the ingredients, all you have to do is blend them together and spread the mixture onto a baking sheet. Then you can bake the fruit leather in the oven or on a camp stove or even in a pie iron over an open fire.
Fruit leather is a fun way to get your kids involved as well, and it’s also a great way to use up extra fruits and vegetables.
Spice up your afternoon with something sweet! Why not try a new recipe? You can also try making your own energy bites by mixing and rolling your favorite ingredients together. Or try making your own fruit snacks by blending your favorite ingredients and baking in the oven.
With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can make your own delicious fruit leather snacks for your camping expedition.
FAQs from our experts.
As a known leader in the camping and glamping worlds, we get questions all of the time about the best meals and snacks to bring on a trip. So to help get you started on your next camping adventure, we’ve compiled a few FAQs from our experts.
What is the easiest camping food?
For those looking for a simple and easy camping food option, snacks are always a great go-to. Things like trail mix, chips and dip, granola bars, nut butter, and jelly sandwiches, and pre-packaged snacks all provide options for an easy and nutritious meal on the go. Remember, you want to pack foods that are easy to prepare and require minimal clean up.
What is the best food to bring for camping?
The best food to bring for camping is are foods that are both easy to make and will provide lasting energy throughout the day. Things like oatmeal, eggs, granola bars, trail mix, and nuts are all great options that will provide protein and carbohydrates to help keep you full longer.
What are classic camping meals?
Staying nourished and energized while camping doesn’t have to be complicated! Popular camping meals include hot dogs and hamburgers, pancakes and eggs, easy one-pot dishes, grilled salmon and veggies, classic s’mores, and more. Honestly, from our experience, every family considers different meals, classic camping meals. For example, our family considers the campfire banana boats a classic, but many new campers haven’t heard of them before.
What’s the best way to store food for camping?
Always be sure to pack food items in air-tight containers and coolers with insulated walls. This will help keep your food from spoiling, as well as protect it from any critters or insects that may want a bit as well. These air-tight containers also keep wandering bears and other wildlife from being attracted to your campsite.
How should I store perishables on a camping trip?
Perishables like meats, dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables should be stored in an electric cooler or ice chest for optimal food safety. Be sure to keep the ice chest closed as much as possible and open it only when you are retrieving items from it. Use separate coolers for drinks and perishables, as the drinks may be opened often and allow warm air to enter.
What tips do you have for food storage while camping?
When packing for your trip, it’s best to keep foods that require refrigeration in cooler or insulated bags with ice or cold packs. Foods that don’t need refrigeration, like crackers and chips, can be stored in sealed containers or plastic bags. Additionally, it’s a good idea to store your cooler in a shaded spot, as this will help keep it cooler for longer. Lastly, when packing your cooler and food items, remember to layer heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. This will help keep food from shifting during transportation.
Do you prefer an open fire or a camping grill?
There are definitely pros and cons to both open-fire and camping grills. For those who like the flavor of food cooked over an open flame, an open fire is a great option. However, it’s important to make sure that you know how to properly build and maintain your fire in order to avoid any unwanted issues. On the other hand, a camping grill is much easier to use and provides more control over the heat. Additionally, most camping grills come with a lid, which helps trap the smoke and perform like an oven.
Start preparing your easy camping meals for your family camping trip!
With so many delicious and easy camping meal options available, families across the globe can start planning their next adventure with confidence. From simple standout breakfast ideas, including campfire french toast and sausage and egg breakfast burritos, to savory lunch and dinner options such as kebabs and foil packet dinners to unique desserts such as campfire cones and cobbler to handy snacks such as trail mix and popcorn, there are plenty of fun and creative meals that the entire family can enjoy while on their next camping trip.
So get creative, get cooking, and have fun! That’s what these easy camping meals for your family adventures are all about.
