Camping trips are fun, but cooking outdoors can be tricky. You don’t have to settle for boring meals just because you’re away from your kitchen. With the right recipes, you can make tasty food at your campsite without much fuss.
These 30 camping recipes will help you cook great meals in the great outdoors. They’re easy to make and don’t need many tools or ingredients. From quick breakfasts to filling dinners, these recipes cover all your camping food needs. You’ll find ideas for grilling, foil packets, and one-pot meals that are perfect for cooking over a campfire.
Campfire chili is a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for outdoor cooking. You’ll need a Dutch oven and some basic ingredients to make this delicious dish.
Start by browning ground beef or turkey over the campfire. Add diced onions, peppers, and garlic for flavor.
Stir in canned tomatoes, beans, and your favorite chili spices. Let the chili simmer over the fire, stirring occasionally.
Cook until the meat is fully done and flavors have melded. Serve hot with toppings like cheese or sour cream if desired.
This easy one-pot meal will warm you up after a long day of outdoor activities.
Grilled vegetable skewers are a tasty and colorful addition to your camping menu. You can make them with a variety of veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms.
To prepare, cut your vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Soak wooden skewers in water for 15-30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the veggies onto the skewers, alternating colors for visual appeal.
Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 5-8 minutes per side. They’re done when the vegetables are tender and have nice grill marks.
Serve your grilled veggie skewers hot off the grill. They make a great side dish or can be a light main course for vegetarian campers.
Dutch oven pot roast is a classic camping meal that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy. Start by seasoning your roast with salt and pepper. Heat some oil in your Dutch oven and sear the meat on all sides.
If you’re cooking over a campfire, place some hot coals on top of the lid for even heating. The result is a tender, flavorful roast with perfectly cooked veggies. It’s a hearty meal that’s perfect after a day of outdoor activities.
Start by chopping sausage, potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, corn, and onions. Toss the ingredients with olive oil and your favorite spices in a bowl.
Place the mixture on sheets of heavy-duty foil. Fold and seal the edges to create packets. Cook on the grill or campfire for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The result is a flavorful blend of juicy sausage and tender veggies. It’s a filling meal with minimal cleanup – perfect for your next camping trip.
Dutch oven pizza is a tasty camping treat. You can make it over a campfire or with charcoal briquettes.
To start, preheat your Dutch oven to about 450°F. For a 12-inch oven, use 11 coals underneath and 22 on top.
Roll out your pizza dough and place it in the hot oven. Add sauce, cheese, and toppings. Cover with the lid.
Cook for 20-30 minutes, turning the oven and lid every 10 minutes for even baking. Your pizza is ready when the crust is golden and the cheese is melty.
Campfire breakfast burritos are a tasty and filling way to start your day outdoors. You can make them ahead of time or prepare them at the campsite.
To make these burritos, cook bacon or sausage in a skillet. Add chopped bell peppers and onions, sautéing until soft. Scramble eggs with salt and pepper, then cook them with the meat and vegetables.
Place the mixture on tortillas and top with shredded cheese. Roll up the burritos tightly and wrap them in foil. You can store them in a cooler until you’re ready to eat.
When it’s time to eat, place the foil-wrapped burritos on hot campfire coals or a grill grate. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until warmed through.
Veggie and hummus wraps make a tasty, no-cook camping meal. Start with tortillas or flatbreads as your base. Spread a generous layer of hummus on each wrap.
Add sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots for crunch and flavor. You can also include avocado slices for creaminess.
Top with mixed salad greens or spinach leaves. For extra protein, sprinkle on some crispy chickpeas.
Roll up your wraps tightly and slice in half. These wraps are easy to customize with your favorite veggies and hummus flavors. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner at the campsite.
Dutch oven lasagna is a tasty camping meal you can make over a campfire. You’ll need lasagna noodles, sauce, cheese, and your choice of meat or vegetables.
Start by preheating your Dutch oven with hot coals underneath and on the lid. Brown the meat if using, then layer noodles, sauce, and cheese.
Repeat the layers until you’ve used all ingredients. Place the lid on and surround it with hot coals. Cook for about 45 minutes, checking occasionally.
The lasagna is done when the cheese is bubbly and the noodles are soft. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This hearty dish is perfect for feeding a hungry group of campers.
Hobo stew is a classic camping meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. You can cook it in foil packets right on the campfire.
To make hobo stew, start by laying out a large sheet of heavy-duty foil. Add your favorite ingredients like ground beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Fold the foil to create a sealed packet.
Place the foil packet on hot coals and cook for 30-60 minutes, rotating occasionally. Cooking time depends on the ingredients you use.
When it’s done, carefully open the packet and enjoy your hearty, hot meal. Hobo stew is perfect for camping trips and outdoor adventures.
Grilled pineapple is a tasty treat for your camping trips. It’s easy to make and adds a tropical touch to your outdoor meals.
To prepare, slice a fresh pineapple into rings or chunks. You can marinate the pieces in a mix of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for extra flavor.
Place the pineapple directly on the grill grates or use skewers. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until you see grill marks and the fruit is warm.
Grilled pineapple pairs well with many dishes. Try it with grilled chicken or as a sweet side to your main course. You can also enjoy it on its own as a simple dessert.
Stuffed peppers make a tasty and filling camping meal. You can prepare them easily at your campsite with a few simple ingredients.
Start by washing and cutting the tops off bell peppers. Remove the seeds and veins. In a bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
Stuff the peppers with this mixture. Place them upright in a Dutch oven or cast iron skillet. Cook over campfire coals for about 30-45 minutes.
For extra flavor, add garlic, onions, or your favorite herbs to the stuffing. You can also use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
Banana boats are a fun and tasty campfire treat. You can make them easily with just a few ingredients. Start by slicing a banana lengthwise, keeping the peel on.
Fill the banana with your favorite toppings. Popular choices include chocolate chips, marshmallows, and nuts. You can also try peanut butter, caramel, or fruit.
Wrap the banana in foil and place it near the campfire coals. Cook for about 5-10 minutes until the banana is soft and the toppings are melted.
Carefully unwrap the foil and eat your gooey, warm banana boat with a spoon. It’s like a banana split, but cooked over a campfire.
Peanut butter s’mores are a tasty twist on the classic campfire treat. To make them, you’ll need graham crackers, marshmallows, chocolate, and peanut butter.
Start by spreading peanut butter on one side of a graham cracker. Roast a marshmallow over the fire until golden brown.
Place the hot marshmallow on top of the peanut butter. Add a piece of chocolate and top with another graham cracker.
Press gently to melt the chocolate and squish the marshmallow. The warm marshmallow will blend with the peanut butter, creating a gooey, delicious filling.
For extra flavor, try using peanut butter cups instead of plain chocolate. This adds even more peanut butter goodness to your s’mores.
Mason jar salads are perfect for camping trips. They’re easy to pack, stay fresh for days, and require no extra bowls.
Layer your ingredients strategically. Start with dressing at the bottom, then add hard veggies like carrots or cucumbers. Next, add proteins like chicken or beans.
Top it off with leafy greens and any crunchy toppings. When you’re ready to eat, just shake the jar and pour onto a plate.
Try a chicken cobb salad with romaine, tomatoes, and blue cheese. Or make a quinoa and sweet potato salad for a hearty vegetarian option.
Pack several jars with different salads to keep meals interesting throughout your trip. These convenient salads will help you eat well while enjoying the outdoors.
Skillet cornbread is a tasty camping treat you can easily make over a campfire. You’ll need a cast iron skillet, cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, and butter.
Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Melt some butter in your preheated skillet. Pour the batter into the hot skillet and cover it with foil.
Place the skillet on hot coals near your campfire. Cook for about 20 minutes, rotating the skillet every few minutes for even heating. The cornbread is done when a toothpick comes out clean.
Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy your warm, crispy-edged cornbread with your favorite camping meal.
Chili cheese fries make a tasty camping meal. You’ll need frozen fries, canned chili, shredded cheese, and aluminum foil.
Start by placing a portion of fries in the center of a foil sheet. Pour chili over the fries and top with cheese. Fold the foil to create a sealed packet.
Cook the packet over campfire coals or on a grill for about 15-20 minutes. Shake it occasionally to ensure even heating.
Cooking while camping can be fun and rewarding. These tips will help you prepare tasty meals outdoors with less stress.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Pick lightweight, durable cookware for your camping trips. A cast-iron skillet is great for cooking over a fire. Bring along a portable stove for quick and easy meals. Don’t forget utensils like tongs, spatulas, and a sharp knife.
Pack a set of measuring cups and spoons. They’re useful for following recipes. A collapsible water container is handy for storing and pouring clean water.
Bring aluminum foil for cooking packets and wrapping leftovers. A coffee percolator or French press can make your mornings better with fresh coffee.
Safe Food Storage
Keep your food safe from animals and spoilage. Use a cooler with plenty of ice for perishables. Store raw meats separately from other foods to avoid cross-contamination.
Pack dry goods in airtight containers to keep out moisture and bugs. Hang food in a tree or use bear-proof containers in areas with large wildlife.
Check food temperatures regularly. Throw away anything that’s been in the “danger zone” (40°F-140°F) for over 2 hours. Bring a food thermometer to check meat doneness.
Efficient Meal Planning
Plan your meals before you leave home. Make a list of ingredients and pack exactly what you need. Prep ingredients at home to save time at the campsite.
Choose recipes that use similar ingredients to reduce waste. Pack versatile items like tortillas, which can be used for multiple meals.
Cook one-pot meals to save time and reduce cleanup. Chili, stews, and pasta dishes are great options. Pre-cook some meals at home and reheat them at camp for even quicker dinners.
Bring no-cook options like sandwiches and salads for easy lunches. Don’t forget snacks for energy between meals.
Nutrition and Dietary Considerations
Eating well while camping is key for energy and health. Good meal planning helps you stay nourished and happy on your outdoor adventures.
Balancing Nutrients
Pack foods from all food groups for balanced camping meals. Bring proteins like nuts, jerky, and canned beans. Include whole grains such as oatmeal and granola. Don’t forget fruits and veggies – dried or fresh work well.
Aim for a mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats at each meal. This keeps you full and energized. Try peanut butter on whole wheat bread for a quick, balanced snack.
Plan portion sizes based on your activity level. You’ll likely need more calories when hiking or swimming a lot.
Addressing Food Allergies
Be extra careful with food allergies when camping. Pack safe foods and bring any needed meds.
Tell your camping buddies about your allergies. This helps them pick safe group meals. Bring your own cookware to avoid cross-contact.
Always read labels, even on familiar products. Brands may change recipes without notice.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Many tasty plant-based camping meals exist. Try these ideas:
Breakfast: Oatmeal with dried fruit and nuts
Lunch: Hummus and veggie wraps
Dinner: Bean and rice burritos
Pack protein-rich foods like lentils, quinoa, and tofu. These keep well and offer key nutrients.
Bring nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and B vitamins. Consider vegan jerky or protein bars for quick energy.
Plan your meals to ensure you get enough protein, iron, and B12. These nutrients can be tricky to get without animal products.
Cooking Methods and Techniques
Camping meals require adaptable cooking methods. You can use different techniques to prepare tasty food outdoors. Let’s explore some popular approaches for cooking while camping.
Cooking Over an Open Fire
Open fire cooking brings out rich flavors in your food. Start by building a fire and letting it burn down to hot coals. Use a grill grate over the fire pit for direct cooking.
Place pots, pans, or foil packets on the grate to cook meals. For grilling, put food directly on the grate. Skewer meats and veggies for easy turning.
Cast iron pans work great for campfire cooking. They distribute heat evenly and can go right in the coals. Dutch ovens let you bake and simmer dishes over the fire.
Remember to rotate food for even cooking. Keep a close eye on your meal to prevent burning.
Using a Camp Stove
Camp stoves offer more control over cooking temperatures. They’re great for boiling water and simmering foods. Most run on propane or other fuels.
Set up your stove on a flat, stable surface away from your tent. Light it carefully and adjust the flame as needed. Use pots and pans suitable for your stove size.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
