This list of camping meal ideas provides 7 easy and nutritious meals over the fire. These ideas are easily modified to suit your unique taste on any camping trip. Camping is a great way to relax and connect with nature. Click here to learn how nature can improve your mental and physical health through nature therapy.
Cooking Methods
There are various ways to cook food while camping. The region you’re camping in can affect the way you cook, as some areas prohibit campfires to protect native wildlife. Research the area you’ll be camping to view the local regulations and restrictions on campfires, to prevent forest fires or damage to the environment. This information can typically be found on the state website. These camping meal ideas can be prepared over a fire, grill, or using a camp stove. Typically, camp cooking can take a bit longer than cooking at home, since fire temperatures are not as accurate as a stove or oven.
A camp stove is a convenient, compact option if you plan to camp while hiking. In most areas, campfires are prohibited above certain elevations due to tree growth rates and higher risk of forest fires. A camp stove allows you to cook anywhere without damaging the environment or weighing down your pack.
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Utensils
Choosing the right utensil is crucial to camp cooking. Fire can damage certain materials used for cooking, and there usually isn’t a sink close by to wash your utensils thoroughly after your meal. Camp cooking utensils are easy to clean, and will hold up longer than typical kitchen appliances. Especially when hiking, dedicated multi-use items are easier to carry long distances while providing everything you need for a meal.
Camping Meal Ideas
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a nutritious, antioxidant and fiber filled meal. Additionally, oatmeal can also be customized to suit your taste by adding protein and fruit. The ratio of oats to liquid is 1:2, which can be tailored to the amount of servings.
1 cup rolled oats
2 cups water, milk, or nut milk
pinch salt
1/2 tbsp cinnamon
1/4 cup nuts
1/4 cup fruit
maple syrup to taste
Add liquid and salt into a pot and bring to a boil. Add oats and cinnamon and allow to boil until desired consistency, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat, add toppings and maple syrup to sweeten.
Breakfast Burritos
Burritos are an easy camping breakfast that travels well. Breakfast burritos are customizable and ingredients can be substituted to create variation.
flour tortillas
eggs, scrambled
cheese
meat (bacon, ham, sausage, etc.), diced
onion, diced
bell peppers, diced
oil
salt and pepper
salsa (optional)
Heat oil in a pan or skillet and add onion and peppers. In a bowl, mix eggs thoroughly with salt and pepper. Cook until tender, then add your meat of choice. Cook until completely done, then add eggs. Once scrambled, remove the pan from the fire. Separate mixture onto tortillas and sprinkle cheese on top. Wrap up your burritos and dip in salsa if desired.
Ham and Cheese
Ham and cheese sandwiches are a quick, easy, protein filled camping meal. This option is easy to assemble and customize. Makes 12 sandwiches.
1 lb sliced ham
12 rolls
12 slices of cheese (provolone, swiss or cheddar)
butter
barbecue sauce (optional)
Assemble the rolls placing the desired amount of ham and cheese inside. Add barbecue sauce if desired. Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of the roll, then wrap in aluminum foil. Do not place directly on a flame as this can burn the roll. Cook 10-15 minutes, flipping frequently until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
Sausage and Vegetables
This recipe is a filling meal, rich in protein and nutrients. Customize the vegetables and meat to suit your taste, or to create variation in this recipe.
1 package Italian sausage (Or protein of choice: chicken, steak, shrimp, etc.)
2 cups potatoes, diced
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 cup baby bella mushrooms, sliced
2-3 bell peppers, diced
2 tbsp minced garlic
4 tbsp oil
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes to taste. (measure with your heart, if you don’t like it, don’t add it)
Cut your protein into bite sized pieces. Add meat, potatoes, onion, mushrooms, peppers and seasoning to a bowl and toss with oil. Divide ingredients into foil wraps and place over heat. Flip frequently and cook until meat is fully cooked and vegetables are tender (about 30-40 minutes).
Chili
Chili is an easy, quick recipe filled with protein and nutrients. Additionally, this meal is an inexpensive option that yields 5 servings.
1 lb ground beef, venison, or turkey
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 can diced tomatoes and green chiles
8 oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 can whole kernel corn, drained (optional)
8 oz. can chili beans
1 packet chili seasoning
1 tbsp oil
salt and pepper
sour cream (optional)
cheddar cheese (optional)
In a large pot, combine oil and diced onion and heat about 5 minutes. Add meat and brown. Incorporate chili seasoning and mix thoroughly. Add tomatoes, green chiles, corn and beans, stirring occasionally until bubbling. Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer to a bowl and add sour cream and cheese.
Salmon, Rice and Vegetables
This camping meal idea is quick, easy, and nutritious. Salmon is a complete protein that provides various vitamins and minerals. Combined with rice and vegetables, this is a great option on the list of camping meal ideas.
skin-on salmon filets
minute Rice
frozen broccoli (or vegetable of choice)
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
salt, pepper, garlic powder, cajun seasoning (if you don’t like it, don’t add it)
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Place rice bag into boiling water and cook according to package. Place the salmon filets skin side down onto foil. Coat with a small amount of oil, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cajun. Go easy on the salt as salmon is naturally salty. Drizzle a small amount of lemon juice over the filets and wrap completely. Place over the fire and flip frequently about 15-20 minutes. Do not place directly in flame to prevent burning. Season vegetables with the same seasonings and drizzle with oil. Wrap in foil and place over the fire, flipping frequently until tender.
Apple Crisp
This camping recipe is a healthier dessert option that is easy and delicious. Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants.
3 apples, sliced
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg or apple pie spice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
1 cup granola
Heat butter in a pan or skillet, and add thinly sliced apples. Mix thoroughly and cook until apples soften, add sugar and spices and mix. Continue mixing occasionally and cook until apples are tender. Remove from fire and top with your granola of choice.
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