Cooking while camping can be tricky. Making meals that will fill you up after a long day of exploring might seem daunting given the limitations in space and supplies. Throw in a couple of hungry kids, and these challenges only seem to get more intimidating. That said, with a little know-how, anyone can become a campsite chef just. Here are some super easy camping meals the whole family will enjoy.
Easy Camping Meals for Breakfast
Skillet Burritos
Sometimes the best ideas really are the simplest, and skillet burritos are no exception. Sizzle up some eggs, meat, beans, and veggies and serve straight from the skillet onto a tortilla or wrap in foil for later. Portable and delicious, they’re a flexible breakfast option you can count on.
Our recommendation:
Don’t forget the cheese and hot sauce.
Easy Camping Meals for Lunch
Dried Surprise
While not the most luxurious option, dried food is king of the trail for a reason. Dehydrated meat, fruit, and veggies offer families nutritious options without taking up valuable cooler space. These meals are also easy to prepare in advance and customize based on personal preference. For all the picky eaters in your family, that versatility might prove to be a lifesaver.
Our recommendations:
- Dehydrated Blueberries, Apples, Broccoli, Carrots
- Beef / Venison Jerky
- Almonds, Walnuts
Easy Camping Meals for Dinner
One Stop Pot
Only got room for one cooking dish? No problem! A hearty stew at the end of a chilly day of hiking is guaranteed to warm everyone’s spirits. Simply add in your favorite ingredients to a pot with water or broth and let the fire do the rest. This one might take an hour so to get it right, but it’ll be worth it.
Our recommendations:
- Cut up beef chuck (or alternative protein, ideally a tougher cut) and add to pot first.
- Once meat is browned, add in remainder of ingredients. Tomatoes are highly recommended, but beans, carrots, and onions also tend to be worthy additions.
- Simmer with or without water/broth for 1-2 hours depending on quantities, level of heat, and desired consistency.
Campfire Pizza
We’re not talking about delivery! You might think it’s crazy to call this one easy, but all you need is a skillet, dough, toppings, and heat. For maximum ease, we recommend you purchase or prepare dough in advance and bring some cooking oil. Once that’s on hand, this one’s a cinch.
Warm up your skillet for 15 minutes to allow pan to absorb heat, the hotter the better. Coat with oil for easy removal of pizza. Add on your dough with toppings. Remove dough when toppings cook adequately and/or crust becomes crispy.
Pull off pizza under the stars, and you’ll be a hero.
Our recommendations:
- Bring a cast iron skillet or pizza stone/steel for cooking surface. These will absorb heat better and result in a crunchier crust.
- Don’t forget a spatula or something handy enough to place and remove dough from cooking surface.
- For more extensive directions, check out this recipe from Fresh Off the Grid.
Easy Camping Meals for Dessert
Banana Boats
Essentially s’mores with a fruity twist – if you haven’t shared this campfire classic with your family yet, now’s a good time to start.
To fix these, cut a banana down the middle but not all the way through, just enough to provide space for other toppings without the peel falling apart. Ideally, you’ll want to add ingredients that provide contrast, something melty, sweet, and crunchy all in one but make it your own!
Once all ingredients are packed in, cover up tightly with foil and cook evenly over heat. We recommend you cook just enough to melt desired ingredients rather than going overboard on the char.
Once that’s done, remove from heat with tongs. If banana is a little squishy, that means you nailed it. If it’s still a bit firm, it might need a few more minutes. Open foil carefully and enjoy!
Our recommendation:
Chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallows, graham crackers, almonds, coconut, honey, or berries make for great ingredients.
Spending time outdoors doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy delicious meals. In fact, meals after outdoor adventures can be even better. Here’s to big smiles and special times around the dinner table, no matter it is.
