28 Easy Camping Meal Ideas for the Whole Family
These easy recipes will make everyone a happy camper.
The best part of any camping trip, is eating a warm camping meal with the family, gathered around the fire after a long day hiking. Food just doesn't taste better—maybe because you end up working for it. These simple, mostly make ahead camping meal ideas includes recipes for beach camping, a few fancy camping meals, as well as make-ahead and no-cook camping recipes. No matter where you're going, you'll be sure to eat well!
White Turkey and Poblano Chili
We love chili for cookouts. It's perhaps one of the best make-ahead meals you can have. Pack it in containers and you can simply heat it and eat as much of the hearty, filling meal as you want! This version, which uses healthier turkey and white beans is long on flavor.
Sausage Pinwheels with Marinated Peppers and Grilled Broccolini
Bringing your camping grill? This filling recipe should be first on the list!
Get the recipe for Sausage Pinwheels with Marinated Peppers.
Skillet Spinach-Artichoke Dip with Fire-Roasted Bread
Just because you're roughing it doesn't mean appetizers are off the menu. Start dinner off right with everyone's favorite dip. Or make it the main course for your vegetarian camping meal.
Grilled Corn, Three Ways
Camping and fresh grilled corn go hand in hand as must-have summer experiences. Why not combine them? To make this seasonal veggie even better, we offer three upgrades:
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Pesto and Basil Schmear.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Mexican "Street Style" Topping.
Get the recipe for Grilled Corn with Red Pepper Jelly Glaze.
Spicy Beef Burgers
A plain ol' burger on a bun will do, of course. But if you want to take the flavor (and heat) up several notches, we have some ideas.
Chicken and Black Bean Nachos
The best thing about this foil pack recipe? You can pack a bunch of these, pre-made, in the cooler and just grill them when you're ready to eat.
Salmon in Foil with Vegetables
Pull 'em out of the cooler, put 'em on the grill, and simply unwrap when done. What could be easier?
Easy Sloppy Joes
You're probably better off eating these tasty but messy sandwiches outside anyway.
Vegetarian Chili with Grains and Beans
You can make this one-pot meat-free chili on a camp stove! Add a dollop of sour cream, and dinner is done!
Make-Ahead Whole-Grain Pancake Mix
Pancakes make practically perfect campfire food: You can pre-make (and pack) the dry and wet ingredients separately, then mix them up right when you need them.
Hot Dogs with Quick Cast-Iron Beans
At least once per trip, you have to grill a camping meal directly over a fire. It's a rite of passage.
Grilled Hot Dog Fixin's
Hot dogs are already a classic roast-and-eat campfire food. Pair yours with some of these delicious make-ahead toppings, including spicy chiles, zesty horseradish, and tangy pickled onions.
Tangy Collard and Cabbage Slaw
If you're looking to make your camping meals a little healthier, this sure-to-please dish is a great addition. Easy to prepare, it travels well—perfect for adding crunch.
Ham and Cheese Pinwheels
These filling, easy-to-make breakfast pinwheels can be whipped up ahead of time, then just unpacked and eaten in the morning! All you need to make is the coffee.
Rustic Tomato Galette
Going glamping? This fresh summer tomato and Cheddar galette makes an elegant al fresco dinner. It's delicious cold, so make it ahead and serve with a cold glass of rosé.
Cowboy Steaks and Potatoes
You deserve a mouthwatering steak and a hearty baked potato after a day spent climbing a mountain or paddling a canoe! Get a head start by baking your potatoes and broccoli ahead of time. Wrap in foil and reheat over the fire while the steak cooks.
Salami Sandwiches with Cauliflower Relish
If you're planning a long mid-day hike, these no cook camping sandwiches will be a lifesaver. You can put them together, pack them somewhere cool, and they'll stay tasty for hours.
Guinness Beef Stew
Soups and stews make delicious, one pot camping meals, and you can just let it burble while you relax and enjoy the evening.
Loaded Breakfast Sandwiches with Fennel Herb Sausage Patties
Griddled tomatoes, campfire-toasted bread, scrambled eggs, and this delicious homemade sausage make a real handful of a meal.
Chive Potato Salad
This herby potato salad skips the mayo — and any worries about letting it sit out too long — for a deliciously simple oil and vinegar concoction. It's perfect for a beach camping meal!
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