Planning what to cook on a camping trip can be overwhelming. What can you cook that tastes great, and is easy to cook? Learn how to prepare easy camping meals that won’t take away precious family time.
Why Cook Easy Camping Meals
Searching through camping meals, we found the top 10 easy camping meals for you and your family to enjoy while in the outdoors. Most of the meals below can be cooked fast, easily, and with minimal utensils. The ingredients can be purchased and packed ahead of time to make things that much easier. These easy camping recipes will save you a ton of time at the campsite. Leaving more time for family!
#1 Breakfast Sandwiches
Making a hearty breakfast at the campsite is a necessity to get a good start to the day. This easy campsite breakfast recipe is quick and easy.
Ingredients
- Engish Muffin
- Handmade Sausage Patties
- Eggs
- Salt/Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Cook the sausage in a cast iron skillet leaving the grease intact after they are fully cooked. Next, cook the eggs in the same pan. While the eggs are finishing up, toast the English muffins on a grate over the open flame of the campfire. Add salt/pepper to taste. Lastly, assemble the sandwich using one English muffin, one egg, and one sausage patty. Make as many as you like for your family to enjoy.
#2 Campfire Mac & Cheese
Mac & cheese has been a go-to for many families in America for quite some time. Cooking mac & cheese at the campsite is easy and quick. Mac & cheese is a hearty meal that is great for lunch.
Ingredients
- White Cheddar Cheese
- Macaroni
- Garlic Powder
- Mustard
- Breadcrumbs or Potato Chips
Cooking Instructions
Cook the macaroni in a cast iron pan or pot. Once fully cooked, shred the white cheddar cheese and spread it across the macaroni. Use a ratio of 1 part macaroni to 2 parts cheese. Add garlic and mustard to taste. This will give the dish a great flavor. Lastly, add breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips on the top. Place back over the fire and cook until the cheese is melted.
#3 Easy Trail Mix
Trail mix is a camping favorite food. It’s easy to make and can be carried while hiking. Nuts provide energy for long days on the trail or cutting firewood.
Ingredients
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Raisins
- Coconut Flakes
- Coconut Oil
- Maple Syrup
- Real Salt
- Vanilla
How to Make Trail Mix
Mix the ingredients to your taste. Coconut oil can be substituted for canola oil if that is what you prefer. Add only minimal maple syrup and vanilla. This is an easy camping meal that the whole family can enjoy.
#4 Baked Potatoes and Chili
This hearty meal is great for dinner around the campfire. This meal requires little preparation and is easy to cook. This meal will soothe your stomach after a long day of hiking, fishing, or boating.
Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Cheese
- Bacon
- Onion
- Beans
- Tomato Paste
- Beer
- Chili Powder
- Cumin
- Meat of Choice
How to Cook Chili and Baked Potatoes
Place the baked potatoes in foil and set over the campfire. These take the longest to cook, so start them first. Cook the bacon in a cast iron pan for the potatoes. Next, add chopped onion, beans, tomato paste, beer, chili powder, and cumin to a cast iron pot. While that mixture is simmering, brown your meat in a third pan. Once the meat is brown, place it with the rest of the chili mixture. Let the mixture cook over the fire while stirring. Once your potatoes are done, serve the chili. Top the potatoes with bacon and cheese.
#5 Chicken Skewers
Making chicken skewers is easy and rejuvenates the energy you expend while camping. They cook fast and have little preparation involved. These tasty skewers are sure to be a hit with your family.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Pineapple
- Red Onions
- Marinade (olive oil, honey, fresh lime juice, and cilantro)
- Olive Oil
How to Cook Chicken Skewers
Clean and place the chicken in the marinade using a mason jar before your camping trip. At the campsite, start cooking your chicken in a cast iron skillet. While the chicken chunks are cooking, cut the onions and pineapple. Grill the onions and pineapple on a grate over the fire. After everything is fully cooked, place on skewers, brush with oil, and serve.