Camping trips are all about reconnecting with nature, savoring fresh air, and spending quality time with friends and family. But while you’re taking in the scenic beauty, hunger inevitably hits. The thought of complicated cooking while camping can be daunting, especially after a long day on the trail. The key to a great camping trip is to keep meals simple yet delicious, making sure they’re quick to prepare, tasty, and capable of fueling your adventures. In this guide, we share 21 quick and easy camping recipes that are perfect for the trail, satisfying for the stomach, and hassle-free.
1. Breakfast Burritos to Go
A breakfast burrito is a great way to start your day off right. Prepare the filling at home with scrambled eggs, cooked sausage, cheese, and veggies, and wrap it all in a tortilla. Store them in foil, and when you’re ready for breakfast, simply heat them over the campfire or camp stove. They’re quick, easy, and super satisfying—the perfect fuel for a day of adventure.
2. Campfire Banana Boats
For a sweet treat that’s easy to prepare, try campfire banana boats. Slice a banana down the middle (without peeling it), and stuff it with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and crushed nuts. Wrap the entire banana in aluminum foil and place it over hot coals for a few minutes. When you open it up, you’ll have a gooey, delicious dessert that’s bound to satisfy your sweet tooth.
3. Tin Foil Packet Fajitas
Tin foil packets are a camper’s best friend. Slice chicken, bell peppers, and onions, and season them with fajita seasoning. Place everything on a large piece of foil, seal it up, and cook it over the campfire or grill. In about 15 minutes, you’ll have savory, smoky fajitas ready to be served with tortillas.
4. Pancake Mix Hack
Camping mornings are made better with a stack of warm pancakes. Before your trip, prepare a mixture of pancake flour, sugar, and powdered milk. At the campsite, just add water and cook them on a greased skillet. Top with maple syrup or fresh berries for a classic breakfast that’s hard to beat.
5. One-Pot Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, even when camping. For a quick meal, bring along elbow pasta, powdered cheese, and powdered milk. Cook the pasta in one pot, drain most of the water, and stir in the cheese and milk powder. Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this dish will warm you up on chilly nights.
6. Campfire Chili
Chili is an excellent option for camping because it’s hearty, comforting, and can be made in one pot. Prepare the beans, ground beef (or veggie substitute), tomatoes, and spices at home, and then combine them all in a pot over the campfire. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, and you’ve got a warm, savory dish that will keep everyone happy.
7. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Bring a few russet potatoes, pierce them with a fork, and wrap them in foil. Bury them in the hot coals for around 45 minutes until tender. Top with sour cream, cheese, chives, and bacon bits for a filling and simple meal.
8. S’mores Cones
Who doesn’t love s’mores? Put a twist on the traditional version by using ice cream cones. Fill the cones with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and your favorite toppings. Wrap in foil and place over the campfire for a couple of minutes until everything melts. Easy, fun, and much less messy than the classic version.
9. Grilled Skewers
Grilled skewers are a great way to enjoy some protein while camping. Thread cubes of steak or chicken with veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini onto skewers. Season well and cook over the campfire for a quick, tasty, and balanced meal.
10. Campfire Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a crowd-pleaser, and they’re incredibly easy to make while camping. Layer tortillas with cheese and your favorite fillings, such as cooked chicken, veggies, and beans. Place them on a skillet over the campfire or a grill grate, flipping until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
11. Trail Mix Energy Bites
Sometimes you just need a little snack to keep you going. These energy bites are perfect for hikes and require no cooking. Mix oats, peanut butter, honey, chocolate chips, and nuts. Roll them into bite-sized balls and store in an airtight container. They’re perfect for a quick burst of energy on the trail.
12. French Toast Skewers
Make French toast a little easier by turning it into a skewer dish. Pre-make French toast, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and thread onto skewers with fresh fruit like strawberries and bananas. Warm them up over the campfire and serve with a drizzle of maple syrup.
13. Sausage and Veggie Skillet
Throwing together a sausage and veggie skillet is quick and simple. Slice sausages and cook them in a skillet with diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Season everything with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika for a savory one-pan meal.
14. Campfire Pizza
For a camping twist on pizza, bring along some pre-made pizza dough, pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Roll out the dough, spread on the sauce and toppings, and cook it in a cast iron skillet or over a grill grate. It’s a fun meal that everyone can customize.
15. Instant Noodle Stir Fry
Instant noodles aren’t just for boiling. Add some stir-fry vegetables, soy sauce, and protein like chicken or tofu to transform them into a quick stir fry. A portable and adaptable dish, perfect for a quick camping meal.
16. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn is the ultimate summer camping side dish. Coat the corn in butter, sprinkle with salt and pepper, wrap in foil, and place it on the campfire. Cook for about 15 minutes, rotating occasionally for a charred, smoky flavor.
17. Campfire Nachos
Campfire nachos are a fantastic snack or dinner option. Layer tortilla chips, cheese, beans, jalapenos, and salsa in a cast iron skillet, cover with foil, and place over the fire until everything is melted and warm. Serve with guacamole and sour cream.
18. BBQ Chicken Sandwiches
Pre-cook some shredded chicken at home and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Reheat the mixture over the campfire and serve on buns. Add a slice of cheese or some coleslaw, and you’ve got a satisfying sandwich that’s perfect for dinner.
19. Tuna Salad Wraps
For a quick, no-cook meal, tuna salad wraps are a great choice. Mix canned tuna with mayo, add some chopped celery, onion, and pickles, and wrap it in tortillas. It’s a light and easy lunch option that requires no cooking equipment.
20. Campfire Apple Crisp
Apple crisp is an easy dessert to make while camping. Mix sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and a bit of lemon juice. Place in a cast iron skillet and top with oats, brown sugar, and butter. Cover with foil and place over the campfire until the apples are tender and the topping is crisp.
21. Fire-Roasted Veggie Packets
A simple yet tasty way to get your veggies in. Slice up your favorite vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes) and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Wrap them in foil and place them over the fire until tender. These veggie packets are perfect as a side or even a main for vegetarians.
Camping doesn’t have to mean sacrificing good food. With these 21 quick and easy recipes, you can make your next camping trip both delicious and stress-free. All these dishes are easy to prepare, require minimal equipment, and offer a balance of flavors that will keep everyone fueled and satisfied. Happy camping and happy eating!
