It’s camping weather. The best time of year. However no matter how prepared I am the one question I can’t answer is “What is for dinner?”
Do you feel the same way? Please say you do. I mean the easy thing to do is try to find the closest restaurant and call it a night but doesn’t that defeat the purpose of camping out in nature, in the middle of the woods, with no google or cell phone service to even ask Siri “Where is the closest diner?”
With the help of a few fellow camping enthusiasts that know their food I put together some great recipes that you can keep in mind for you next camping trip.
The best part. They are budget-friendly. Because you know I love anything that is cheap and on a budget.
One of the things I gave up to travel is eating out. And while we still splurge here and there it is amazing how much you can save by just making your own food. And these recipes are proof that you can still have a great meal without going over budget.
Camping Food Hacks
The key to making things easy and pain free is to keep things simple. There are few camping hacks that I have learned along the way that have saved us so much time.
Eggs in a Bottle
If you are planning on making scrambled eggs or omelets plan ahead by scrambling the eggs in advance and placing them in an empty water bottle. When you are ready just pour the eggs into a hot skillet and you’re good to go. A lot easier than trying to crack and scramble eggs on the fly.
Make Ahead Pancakes
Same concept as Eggs in a Bottle. Prepare your pancake batter in advance and then just pour into a hot skillet. Easy peasy.
Prepare and Freeze Meats
Prepping meals ahead of time is such a time saver. If you are planning on grilling meats season them at home, then freeze them. In the morning pop them in the cooler. By the time you are ready to cook them they will have been defrosted. The last time we went to the Hudson Valley we seasoned up pork chops and by the time we finished setting up camp they were defrosted and ready to go. We threw them on the grill and had an amazing meal.
Foil Recipes
So let’s start out with the easy stuff. I love a good hack. Extra points if it is cheap. These are the greatest hack of all time. These are all easily prepped at home and make for easy clean up.
Campfire Foil Recipes
Campfire Foil Recipes have to be my absolutely favorite. Why? Well because of the easy cleanup. You can make them ahead of time and all you have to do is pop them on the grill or over the campfire and Voila!!! You have a full meal. And no mess. Here are some of our favorites.
I am definitely a meat and potatoes girl. So this has my name written all over it.
Shrimp Foil Packets With Zucchini {Keto, Low Carb, Paleo, Gluten-Free}
I always shop the sales at the grocery store so if you see shrimp on sale then give this recipe a try. It makes for a great summer night meal.
If steak is more your style then this will hit the spot. I call it a steak dinner in a foil packet.
Garlic Salmon And Summer Vegetables In Foil Packets (Grilled Or Baked)
Another summer favorite, be on the look out for sales at your local grocery store. I often see Salmon on sale and when I do I snatch it up. Feeling fancy? Grab a nice white wine, light some candles and pretend your dining at the most exclusive restaurant in all the world.
There are so many reasons why I love this. I mean look at the list of ingredients. They are all faves. This is a great meal for the whole family.
Italian Sausage and Pepper Foil Packet Meal and the Perfect Grill to Cook it On!
Italian Sausages are such an economical and delicious meal. Grab some peppers from a local farm or farmers market and you have a colorful and budget friendly meal.
Are you seeing a bit of a theme here. There are so many ways you can prepare sausages and this is another great way. Add a side of eggs and this is a great idea for Sunday brunch at the campsite.
Salmon is always a good idea. And when it's this easy I am sold.
Camping Recipes Breakfast
Did someone say breakfast in bed? I personally can have any of these recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They are all yummy and super easy to prepare.
Breakfast of Champions-The Camping Edition
Camping Recipes Lunch & Dinner
My most successful camping trips are the ones where we spend the entire day just grilling and eating. That is life. So whether you are a snacker or like an all out gourmet meal here are some of my fave recipes for lunch and dinner.
The Best Camping Recipes
You had me at tacos. The first time I saw this recipe I wanted to make it at home. Another simple recipe with easy clean up.
Campfire Stew - 4 Ways {Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Oven, Campfire}
Camping Recipes Dessert
Did someone say s’mores? I have a confession. I do not love sweets. However there is something about yummy gooeyness of chocolate and marshmallows on a graham cracker that has me forgetting I hate sugar.
S'mores and More
Grilled Dessert Bananas | S'mores, Chocolate- Coconut, and Elvis!
Take-Along Watermelon Skewers with Feta and Mint Pesto • Happy Kitchen
Poor In A Private Plane Tip:
Invest in nice tableware. Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you have to rough it. We have a table cloth, set of plates, cutlery and even glassware that we take with us camping and we always set the table for all our meals.
For extra points pick up some fresh flowers during your morning hike for a centerpiece.
This little touch really makes a difference and almost makes you feel like your eating out an exclusive restaurant.
Are you hungry yet!!?? I know I am. But before you start shopping for your next camping trip don’t forget to pick up some gear. It is not necessary to break the bank. You can get away with the bare minimum however here are some items to keep in mind.
Let’s start with what you are going to need. To be honest if you are looking for a hot cooked meal while camping the only thing you truly need is a fire. You can go all out and build a camping kitchen. I am not that fancy. I try to keep things simple. Here are some camp kitchen essentials that I like to pack on my camping trips. This is one of the first investments we made a few years back and it hasn't disappointed. It's portable yet big enough to grill enough for a family meal. If you only want to buy one thing then it should be a cast iron skillet. We use ours to cook bacon and eggs in the morning. And steaks for dinner. And this one is under $20. Click to Shop. Pick your favorite meat, seafood or veggies and roast over the fire. Skewers are a quick and easy way to make a yummy meal right over the campfire. This set include plates, utensils and even cloth napkins. All in it's own carry case. Everything you need is included in this set. How convenient. Camping Cooking Gear
Coleman Roadtrip 225 Portable Propane Grill
Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - 12.5 Inch - Black
Stainless Steel 14-Inch Skewers, Set of 6, Silver
Camping Dinnerware Set for 2
Camp Kitchen Utensils
Next time you go camping don’t let “I’m Hungry” or “What’s for Dinner?” kill your camping vibe. If you’re looking for me I will be chowing down on some s’mores and grilled corn on the cob.
-Taima
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