26 Easy Camping Meals Ideas

26 easy camping meals to make on your next camping trip. Be sure to grab the free printable camping meal packing lists at the end of the post to make your packing easier!

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NEED EASY CAMPING MEALS?

Getting ready to go camping is a lot of work! You have to shortlist a place, plan the itinerary, decide the mode of transport, pack the meals and manage so many other things.

But of course, out of all of these, deciding the meals remains the toughest task. You may have sorted all other preparations, may have even bought separate shoes and socks for outdoor activities, but if camping meals are the only thing that's left, you are at the right place.

Here's a ton of kid-approved, easy camping meals for you to eat on your next adventure. Most of them don't even need a recipe!

We've been camping for 15+ years, so we know you'll find these camping recipes and tips super helpful!

Related: 10 Super Awesome Camping Traditions Everyone Will Love!

CAMPING COOKING GEAR FOR EASY CAMPING MEALS

Before we get to the easy camping meal ideas, you'll want to have some gear to help you prepare your food, as well as keep it fresh while you're camping. Camping outdoors without the amenities and safety of a home kitchen can be quite daunting. There is a way, however, that you could take whatever equipment you need, without burdening your back. A converted campervan that's got all the kitchen amenities you need is the ideal piece of machinery you're going to need to make some tasty food. It's not hard either, vw transporter conversions are offered by many online services, and they make campervans that stand out. A traveling kitchen could make your camping experience that much more fulfilling. Once you've got your van, make sure to have:

• Cooler: depending on how long you're camping, you'll want a good cooler that will keep your food cold for as long as you're away. Use ice blocks or dry ice to keep your food cold.
• Plastic Table Cloth & Clips : camping tables can be pretty gross! Be sure to take a table cloth to cover the table with. We love using red & white checkered tablecloths (because they are so festive!) but we've also used black plastic covering as well. These Clips keep the table cloth in place when wind comes.
• Hot Dog & Marshmallow Roasting Sticks: no camping trip is ever complete without roasting marshmallows or hot dogs. We recently invested in these small and compact hot dog roasting sticks that are not only safe for kids, but are easy to store and keep in our camping box!
• Slot Dog Hot Dog Cutter : to make the best hot dogs ever!
• Water Jug: It's so nice to have a water jug you can keep full of water for drinks or cooking.
• Veggie/Fruit Tray : It's easy to eat fruits and veggies camping if they are easily accessible! We love taking this plastic veggie tray and fill it with fruits and veggies and dip for quick snacks.
• Fold-Top Camp Box: We store all of our camping kitchen gear in a big plastic tote with hinged lids like this. Everything stays packed in year-round, so we can quickly grab it and have it ready for our camping trip.

OUR FAVORITE CAMPING SUPPLIES

EASY CAMPING BREAKFAST MEALS

1. FLUFFY HOMEMADE PANCAKES

This fluffy pancake mix is amazing! You'll never want to eat a Krusteaz pancake again. Ha! This mix can be prepared in just a few minutes. Store it in a large air-tight canister or zipper-locked bag to take with you.

When you're ready to make pancakes, you'll just add a few eggs, oil, and water! Easy peasy.

For a heartier option, make this cinnamon oatmeal pancake mix recipe.

This homemade buttermilk syrup is to die for! You can make it before you go and just warm up when you are camping.

2. FRENCH TOAST & BUTTERMILK SYRUP

Put that skillet to use by making french toast! To make, just combine a few eggs, milk, cinnamon and 1 tsp. vanilla to make a batter. Dip each slice of bread into the mix and then place on a hot griddle. Flip as soon as one side is brown.

Serve with the most amazing buttermilk syrup, maple syrup, berries, peanut butter or jam.

3. BREAKFAST BURRITOS

Breakfast burritos are a good break from the usual camping meals. To make them, scramble up eggs. Cook your favorite potato hash browns. Grab a tortilla and fill it with eggs, potatoes, cheese and salsa!

Here's a make ahead version.

5. FRUIT PARFAITS

Fruit, yogurt, and granola parfaits are a great breakfast option for camping since they don't require any cooking! Just layer a cup or bowl with your favorite granola, vanilla yogurt and then berries.

Fruit parfait recipe here

6. COLD CEREAL & MILK

Cold cereal & milk is another quick and easy option. We always have cold cereal on our last morning since there is a lot of work to do to break camp.

7. MUFFINS

Muffins are a favorite for breakfast camping meals. Pick up a big box of muffins from Costco or make your own. The great thing about muffins is that you can make them ahead of time, freeze them, and pull them out of the freezer just as you are ready to leave on your camping trip.

For homemade muffins, try these Brown Sugar Muffins or Bran Muffins.

EASY CAMPING LUNCH IDEAS

1. TURKEY & CHEESE ROLL-UPS (MAKE-AHEAD RECIPE)

Perfect for on-the-go, these incredibly easy turkey or ham and cheese roll-ups can be made ahead of your camping trip. Freeze them until you go. Keep in the cooler and pull out when you are on the drive or need a quick camping lunch that's already made!
That being said, if you like fresh food, instead of packing a meal, you can get fresh meat during camping. If you are up for hunting and don't mind spending a few hours in the wild, then bring your best weapon. You can bring along a rifle or any weapon of your choice.

Hunting has proven to be a good sport for relaxing for many. It could also be a great source of food for you during the shortage of meals (talk about killing two birds with one stone). They are a great source of nutrition unlike the store-bought ones as they are truly organic. The other benefits include the protection of agriculture. When animal populations go out of control, they can invade the agricultural land and destroy the harvest. There are few places the government has permitted to hunt for this same reason. Even if you're not a great shot or an experienced hunter, you could still be able to bag some wild game with the right equipment. Using an eotech exps3-0 scope, for example, you would be able to shoot more precisely, increasing your chances of a confirmed kill. This, along with a few mindful strategies, and you've got yourself a feast!

Explore a few spots around biodiverse fields and you might be able to find good hunting grounds. Make sure to take the rifle you are comfortable with, but most recommended guns happened to be .308 and 30-06 for hunting, and be sure to buy ammo in bulk. If you are in and around California, you can get options like bird quail, chukar, turkeys, etc., to hunt and if you are worried about excess meat then you can give it to local communities.

Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups Recipe

2. HOAGIE SANDWICHES

No recipe required! Just pick up a package of hoagie sandwich buns and add your favorite meat, cheese, and veggies!

TIP: If you have a Walmart nearby, you can order a 6 ft. sub sandwich for $40! Pick one up before you go and slice it for quick lunches!

3. MANGO SALSA & CHIPS

For a lighter lunch option, try this amazing fresh mango salsa! Make a big bowl, pull out a bag of chips and you've got a quick camping lunch in minutes.

4. PB & J SANDWICHES

Never underestimate the power of PB&J. These are great since you don't need to keep anything chilled.

5. TERIYAKI CHICKEN BOWTIE PASTA SALAD

Everything for this amazing Teriyaki Chicken Bowtie pasta salad can be prepped before you leave, making this salad a quick lunch or dinner while you camp! Simply toss all the ingredients together when you are ready to eat in the great outdoors.

6. CRACKERS, CHEESE, & MEAT

EASY CAMPING DINNERS

1. GOURMET HOT DOGS

Ready to eat THE BEST HOT DOG EVER? Take your hot dog game to the next level with these gourmet hot dogs! For anyone who lives in Utah, you probably know what a J Dawg is. But if you've never tried one or want to create your own, never fear! I've shared how to make the best Hot Dog right over here-- including how to cut/roast them plus the most amazing simple recipe for Hot Dog Special Sauce! You'll love them.

Tip: Plan to make hot dogs on your first night camping since you'll be busy setting up camp.

2. NAVAJO TACOS / TACO SALAD

Navajo Tacos always make an appearance on our camping trips. Because cooking outdoors is so fresh, frying up scones for Navajo Tacos is actually enjoyable!

How to Make:

• Let frozen roll dough like Rhodes thaw. You can let it thaw in your cooler and use on one of your first nights. Stretch the dough apart to make scones. Fry them in hot oil. Top with taco meat, beans, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, etc.

Tip: Pre-cook the beef and season it at home and freeze. When you are ready to eat camping, just let it thaw and reheat over a camp stove.

3. DUTCH OVEN PIZZA

Who says you can't have delicious pizza without an oven? Make dutch oven pizza! There are so many different varieties you can try, making dutch oven pizza great for the pickiest eaters!

4. DUTCH OVEN LASAGNE

Here's an easy dutch oven lasagna recipe with no pre-cooking the noodles!

5. SPAGHETTI & GARLIC BREAD

Another quick and easy meal, spaghetti and garlic bread is a favorite by all! Again, if you like to add meat or meat balls to your marinara sauce, cook it up at home and keep frozen until you're ready to eat.

6. TIN FOIL DINNERS

7. FRENCH BREAD PIZZA via A Thrifty Mom

CAMPING TREATS & DESSERTS

1. S'MORES (DIFFERENT OPTIONS)

S'mores are classic! Roast big marshmallows and place them on a graham cracker with a chocolate bar.

Other S'more Options:

• Use a Reese's peanut butter cup instead of a chocolate bar.
• Instead of graham crackers, use fudge-striped cookies. It's got the "graham cracker" and chocolate all together!
• Campfire cones- use sugar cones and place mini marshmallows and other mini toppings inside the ice cream cone. Wrap it up in tin foil and place on the coals for a few minutes, until everything is melted.

For an easy campfire treat you can make before you go, try these Incredible Indoor S'mores.

2. ROASTED STARBURSTS

Yep, you heard that right. Just take a Starburst and place it on a roasting stick. Leave it over the fire coals for a minute or so. The starburst will become soft and warm and really yummy!

3. RICE KRISPIES TREATS

Rice Krispy treats can be made before your camping trip or you can make them right in the great outdoors! You'll just need a cooking stove.

To make the best rice krispy treats use this simple recipe: 6 Tbsp. butter, 6 cups marshallows, and 6 cups rice krispy cereal.

4. SPECIAL K COOKIES

If you like Rice Krispies treats, you'll LOVE Special K Treats! They are just as easy to make, but wow! Just wow. They taste so much better. But warning, you won't be able to stop at one. The fun thing about Special K treats is you can make them before you go camping, or you can make them while you are there on your cooking stove for a fun campfire treat.

You only need a few ingredients to make them! And once they are made, you can store in a big air-tight bowl with lid and they will stay fresh for a few days. Well, that is if this incredibly yummy treat lasts that long.

Here's the Special K recipe!

5. CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE BARS

For 2 dozen amazing chocolate chip cookies in under 30 minutes, make a pan of The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars! These freeze wonderfully, well, too!

6. EASY DUTCH OVEN PEACH COBBLER

My dad is famous for his dutch oven peach cobbler, and lucky for you, he was willing to share the recipe. Get the dutch oven peach cobbler recipe here.

FREE CAMPING PACKING & MEAL CHECKLISTS

Download these free printable camping packing & meal lists from our Freebies Library. Click here to get access!

I hope this list has given you some yummy food ideas for your next camping trip! And now, we'd love to hear your favorite camping meals so we can add them to this list! Leave a comment below!

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