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 even to 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 your next camping trip.
The best part. They are budget-friendly, and 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 hearty meal without going over budget.
What are some meal ideas for camping?
Are you looking for traditional quick and easy camping meal ideas like hot dogs, burgers, and s'mores, or do you want to flex your culinary skills?
Regardless of your palate, it is essential to stick to easy meals when it comes to meal planning for a family camping trip. An easy meal doesn't necessarily mean boring, and you will be surprised what you can make with a few ingredients in the great outdoors. The key is to plan.
Here are some meal ideas to get you started.
Meal Ideas for Camping
Camping is a great way to get out and enjoy nature, but it can also be a lot of work. One of the most important things to remember is to bring enough food for everyone who is going. Here are some meal ideas that will make camping a bit easier.
Looking for an easy camping recipe that will please the whole family? This Dutch oven casserole is the perfect meal to cook over a campfire! Featuring chicken and squash, it's a healthy and hearty dish that everyone will love. Plus, it's simple to prepare – just toss all the ingredients in a Dutch oven and let the campfire do the work!
This BBQ Pork Tenderloin is made with simple ingredients but has a wonderfully sweet and smokey flavor. It can be made in made on the grill or in your oven.
This easy skillet breakfast recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. It's simple to make and it tastes great! Plus, it's a great way to start your day off right.
Warm-up your appetite with this cheesy Campfire Grilled Nachos Recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and hearty snack that will keep you fueled while camping. So gather your friends and fire up the grill for some nacho fun!
These foil packets are the perfect way to cook up a delicious and healthy camping meal. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the potatoes are perfectly crispy. Plus, the honey garlic sauce is to die for!
Easy camping meals for your next camping trip
We love quick and easy. The quicker, the better. So here are some camping recipes (Including an easy version of campfire pizza) that you can do in under 30 minutes.
Camping Meals in under 30 minutes
It can be tough to get a camping meal on the table in under 30 minutes - but it's not impossible! These recipes are easy to make and will leave you satisfied. Plus, they're all perfect for cooking over a campfire. So get ready to enjoy some delicious food out in the great outdoors!
What could be better than a delicious, hot pizza after a long day of camping? With this easy recipe, you can enjoy a classic Italian favorite right by the campfire. All you need is English muffins, pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Just spread the sauce on the bread, top with cheese and toppings, and place it on the grill or in the coals for a few minutes. You'll have a warm and tasty sandwich that's perfect for any camping trip.
Camping just got a lot more delicious with these vegan walking tacos (aka Frito pie)! This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for feeding a hungry group of campers. The best part is that there's no need for any extra dishes - just grab a bag of Fritos and you're good to go!
Looking for something fun and easy to cook on your next camping trip? Give these chicken fajita foil packets a try! They're simple to make and taste great, plus they're a perfect meal for any time of day. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and get started!
This Sweet Tea Grilled Chicken is sure to be a hit with your family and friends! The chicken is marinated in sweet tea, then grilled to perfection. Serve with grilled vegetables, and you have yourself a delicious and easy camping meal!
A delicious, easy taco salad recipe perfect for your next camping trip! This recipe is quick and easy to make, and it's sure to be a hit with your friends and family. So why wait? Pack up your camping gear and get ready to enjoy a tasty taco salad under the stars!
Camping Food Hacks
The key to making things easy and pain-free is to keep things simple. There are a few camping hacks that I have learned along the way that has saved us so much time.
Eggs in a Bottle
If you plan on making scrambled eggs or omelets, plan by scrambling the eggs in advance and placing them in an empty water bottle. When you are ready, 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
This is the same concept as Eggs in a Bottle. Prepare your pancake batter in advance, and then pour into a hot skillet. Easy peasy.
Prepare and Freeze Meats
Prepping meals ahead of time is such a time saver. If you plan 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 a fantastic meal.
Campfire Foil Recipes
So let's start with the easy stuff. I love a good hack. Extra points if it is cheap. This is the most fantastic hack of all time. These are all easily prepped at home and make for easy cleanup.
Campfire Foil Recipes have to be my absolute 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. I love me a good foil recipe. Here are some of our favorites.
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.
These foil packets are the perfect way to cook up a hearty and delicious meal. The potatoes and sausage pair perfectly together, making for a mouth-watering dish that everyone will love. Plus, these packets are so easy to prepare...you'll have dinner on the table in no time!
Shrimp Foil Packets With Zucchini {Keto, Low Carb, Paleo, Gluten-Free}
These shrimp foil packets are the perfect easy camping recipe! Just load up your veggies and shrimp in a foil packet, cook over the fire, and enjoy. These are also keto, low carb, paleo, and gluten-free, so they're perfect for any diet.
A feast for the outdoor adventurer! This easy hobo dinner foil packet meal is perfect for camping or a quick and easy dinner solution. Packed with hearty flavor, it's sure to please.
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.
This Cheddar BBQ Chicken Foil Packet Meal is the perfect way to feed a crowd while camping! The cheesy, BBQ-flavored chicken is sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, this meal is super easy to prepare – just pop it in right on the grill!
Italian Sausage and Pepper Foil Packet Meal and the Perfect Grill to Cook it On!
Looking for a delicious and easy camping meal? Try this Italian Sausage and Pepper Foil Packet Meal! The perfect blend of spices makes this dish flavorful and satisfying. Plus, it's easy to cook on the grill - just make sure to use a foil packet grilling pan for best results. Serve with some warm bread and a glass of red wine, and you'll have an amazing outdoor dining experience.
These Cheesy Potato & Sausage Foil Packets are perfect for camping! Simply wrap potatoes, sausage, and cheese in foil and bake over the campfire. The packets are easy to make and taste delicious. Plus, they're a great way to use up leftovers. Add eggs for a little brunch treat.
Looking for a fresh and easy way to cook salmon while camping? Try our Salmon in Foil with Veggies recipe! This dish is delicious, healthy, and simple to prepare – perfect for a quick and satisfying meal while on the go. Plus, you can customize it to include your favorite veggies.
Camping Breakfast Recipes
Did someone say breakfast in bed? I love starting my day with a hearty breakfast. Especially when camping. And these recipes are so good I can have these recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they are all yummy and super easy to prepare.
Breakfast of Champions-The Camping Edition
Camping breakfasts are usually simple and easy to prepare, which is perfect when you're trying to pack light. Here are 5 tasty recipes that will help get your day off on the right foot! Grab some of these ingredients before heading out for a fun-filled adventure with friends or family...you won't regret it.
This camping recipe is the perfect way to start your day! You'll love the delicious combination of SPAM and eggs. It's easy to make, and it's a great source of protein. It's not only for breakfast either. You can easily prepare this meal for lunch or dinner as well.
Looking for a fun and easy camping recipe? Look no further than our Campfire Granola & Banana Boats! This simple and tasty dish is perfect for a quick breakfast or snack on the go. Just layer your favorite granola, banana, and other toppings in a foil boat, and place it near the campfire to cook. The delicious results are sure to please everyone!
Looking for an easy camping breakfast that you can make over the campfire? These Campfire Egg Cups with Ham are perfect! They're simple to make, and they're a great way to start your day. Plus, they're packed with protein, making them a perfect breakfast option. Ready to give them a try?
This is the perfect breakfast skillet for camping! You can cook everything right in the pan, and it's so easy to clean up afterward. Plus, it's a great way to start your day outdoors.
Craving something sweet and crunchy? This homemade granola is perfect for a quick morning snack on the go! Made with nutritious ingredients like oats, cranberries, and maple syrup, it's a delicious way to fuel your next camping adventure.
Camping Recipes Lunch & Dinner
My most successful camping trips are the ones where we spend the entire day just grilling and eating, and 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. There are even some options for those that are looking for a hearty dinner.
The Best Camping Recipes
We all know that cooking in the great outdoors can be a bit of a challenge. But with these amazing camping recipes, you'll be able to rustle up some delicious food without even having to light a fire! From hearty stews to tasty snacks, we've got everything you need to make your next camping trip a culinary adventure. So why not give them a try?
You had me at tacos. Camping food doesn't have to be boring! These Walking Tacos are the perfect way to spice up your camping trip. With this easy recipe, you'll have a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
I grew up eating pinchos which are grilled meat skewers. What is great about these is that you can mix and match the ingredients depending on the type of protein you prefer. These are easy to make ahead and pack in the cooler. And they cook up really quickly over an open fire.
Add some spice to your next camping trip with these delicious chicken fajitas! They're perfect for cooking on the grill or over an open fire, and they're low carb so you can indulge guilt-free.
Camping is all about enjoying simple, outdoor pleasures like cooking over an open flame. With this recipe, you can make amazing corn on the cob with little effort – just prep it ahead of time and throw it on the campfire when you're ready to eat!
Campfire Stew - 4 Ways {Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Oven, Campfire}
Campfire Stew is the perfect dish to make while camping! It's easy to prepare, and there are four different ways to cook it so you can pick the way that works best for your camping style. Plus, it's hearty and filling, so you'll stay full all day long.
Who says vegan food can't be delicious? This Grilled Vegan Margherita Pizza is proof that you can have your pizza and eat it, too! The perfect meal for camping trips and picnics, this pizza is made with a whole wheat crust, fresh tomatoes, vegan cheese, and basil.
A summery kale salad that's perfect for camping! This recipe is easy to make and it's full of delicious flavors. Head out to the wilderness with a healthy, satisfying meal that you'll love.
Camping Recipes Dessert
Did someone say s'mores? I have a confession, and I do not love sweets. However, there is something about the yummy gooeyness of chocolate and marshmallows on a graham cracker that has me forgetting I'm not too fond of sugar.
Dessert Camping Recipes
Outdoor cooking doesn't have to be all about hot dogs and hamburgers! These dessert camping recipes are the perfect way to end a day of hiking or fishing. From s'mores to cookie crumble, there's something for everyone. So fire up the grill and get ready to indulge in some sweet treats!
Cast iron skillet cookies? Yes, please! These delicious cookies are perfect for camping trips. Just mix the ingredients together in a cast-iron skillet and bake them over the campfire. They're sure to be a hit with your friends and family.
Grilled dessert bananas are the perfect way to end a day of camping. Fire up the grill and cook some sweet, delicious fruit for a treat that everyone will love.
Looking for a fun and creative way to enjoy your camping trip? Then look no further than S'Mores Campfire Cones! These delicious treats are made by filling a waffle cone with chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers, then roasting it over the fire. They're the perfect snack for any outdoor lover.
S'mores are a classic camping staple, but they can get a little boring after a while. Shake things up with this recipe for OMG B.A.D smores! They're sure to tantalize your taste buds. Give them a try next time you go camping!
This recipe is perfect for a fun summer camping trip! The ingredients are simple and easy to find, and it only takes a few minutes to put together. Plus, the strawberry shortcake is sure to please everyone in your group!
Looking for something fun and different to cook over the campfire? Check out our easy camping recipes, like these delicious Campfire Eclairs! They're simple to make and sure to please your taste buds. So pack up your ingredients and get ready to have some outdoor cooking fun!
These skewers are a fun way to jazz up your next camping trip! The watermelon is the perfect refresher on a hot day, and the pesto gives it a delicious zing.
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.
What is a good side dish for camping?
Camping Side Dishes
Check out this collection of delicious side dishes that will please the whole family! From savory classics like mac and cheese to fresh and flavorful options like fruit salad, we've got something for everyone. So don't go camping without these recipes!
If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to take your camping cuisine up a notch, look no further than bacon-wrapped asparagus on the grill! This mouthwatering side dish is simple to prepare and sure to be a hit with your fellow campers. So fire up the coals and get cooking!
A summer classic, grilled corn on the cob is easy to make and a delicious way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer. This recipe is simple but full of flavor, with a touch of smoky sweetness from the grill. You'll love this tasty dish!
These red potatoes are the perfect side for your next camping trip! They're easy to prepare and cook on the grill, and they taste delicious smothered in olive oil and herbs. Plus, they're packaged in a convenient foil pack that makes cleanup a breeze. So grab a few packs of these grilled potatoes and head for the great outdoors!
Make your next camping trip even more delicious with this easy watermelon mint feta salad! Full of fresh flavors, this dish is perfect for any outdoor meal. Plus, it's simple to prepare, so you can focus on enjoying the great outdoors.
A Dutch oven is a perfect way to make creamy and delicious macaroni and cheese while camping. This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients, and it can be cooked over a campfire or even on your grill. Camping never tasted so good!
Camp Cooking Essentials
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 unnecessary to break the bank, and you can get away with the bare minimum; however, here are some items to consider.
Camping Cooking Gear
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.
Coleman Roadtrip 225 Portable Propane Grill
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.
Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet - 12.5 Inch - Black
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.
Stainless Steel 14-Inch Skewers, Set of 6, Silver
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.
Camping Dinnerware Set for 2
This set include plates, utensils and even cloth napkins. All in it's own carry case.
Camp Kitchen Utensils
Everything you need is included in this set. How convenient.
Looking for a little inspo on where to go on your next camping adventure. Check out this list of the best camping destinations in the US.
What will you be cooking on your next trip camping?
Next time you go camping, don't let “I'm Hungry” or “What's for Dinner?” kill your camping vibe.
Camping can be so much fun, especially when you have great recipes like these to enjoy! Whether you are looking for something sweet or savory, we've got you covered. So grab your camping crew, get outdoors and start cooking up some fantastic meals over the campfire.
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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