Camping can be a fun and adventurous experience, but preparing meals while camping can be a hassle. Traditional cooking methods and limited resources make it challenging to enjoy delicious and hassle-free meals in the great outdoors.
Imagine spending hours struggling with campfire cooking, dealing with messy ingredients, and ending up with unsatisfying meals that leave you hungry and disappointed. It’s frustrating to sacrifice good food for convenience while camping.
Introducing Easy Camping Meals – your solution to hassle-free camping cooking! Our range of ready-to-eat camping meals lets you enjoy delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make dishes without fuss. Simply choose from our wide selection of pre-packaged meals, heat them using a portable stove or campfire, and indulge in a tasty outdoor feast.
Our Easy Camping Meals are carefully crafted using high-quality ingredients that retain freshness and flavour. From hearty breakfast options to satisfying dinners and even desserts, we have various options to suit every camper’s taste buds.
Say goodbye to the stress of meal planning, grocery shopping, and complicated cooking techniques while camping. With Easy Camping Meals, you can focus on enjoying nature and creating lasting memories while still satisfying your culinary cravings. So why settle for mediocre meals when you can have convenient and delicious camping food at your fingertips?
Introduction
When camping, it’s important to have tasty and affordable meals. Nobody wants to spend a lot of money on food while enjoying nature. In this section, we’ll discuss some simple camping meals that are both easy to prepare and budget-friendly.
One of the simplest and most cost-effective camping meals is foil packet dinners. These meals involve wrapping your choice of protein, such as chicken or fish, along with vegetables and seasonings in aluminum foil and cooking them over a campfire or grill. The best part is that you can customize these packets to suit your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.
Another budget-friendly option for camping meals is one-pot wonders. These hearty dishes require minimal ingredients and can be cooked in a single pot. Think chilli, stew, or even pasta dishes like spaghetti, macaroni, and cheese. You can create satisfying meals without breaking the bank by using affordable ingredients like canned beans, vegetables, and inexpensive cuts of meat.
Additionally, sandwiches are a classic choice for quick and easy camping meals on a budget. You can pack your favourite deli meats, cheese, condiments, and bread to make delicious sandwiches that require no cooking. They are portable, customizable, and perfect for picnics or hikes during your camping trip.
Lastly, don’t forget about breakfast! Camping breakfasts can be as simple as cereal with milk or granola bars for those on-the-go mornings. However if you have access to a camp stove or grill pan, you can easily cook up some scrambled eggs with bacon or sausage alongside toasted bread for a more substantial start to your day.
There are plenty of options for easy camping meals that won’t break the bank. From foil packet dinners to one-pot wonders and simple sandwiches – there’s something for everyone’s taste buds regarding affordable outdoor dining experiences!
The 23 Easy Camping Meals List
Campfire Nachos
Chicken Tzatziki Skewers
Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Easy Chickpea Curry
Sausage Breakfast Sandwiches
Chicken Pad Thai
Dutch Oven Mac & Cheese
One Pot Pasta Primavera
Easy Trail Mix Recipes
Foil Wrapped Sweet Potatoes & Chili
Campfire Apple Crisp
Campfire Grilled Fish Tacos
Grilled Mexican Style Street Corn
Campfire Banana Boats
Avocado Toast Breakfast Sandwich
Chickpea Breakfast Hash
Sweet Potato Peanut Stew
Cheesy Asparagus One Pot Orzo
Camp Stove Chilaquiles
Lime & Cilantro Grilled Chicken Tacos
Pineapple Chicken Skewers
Cast Iron Brats With Onions And Peppers
Banana Bread Pancakes
Camping foods that are easy on the budget
Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and relax. However, it can be expensive to do it regularly. That’s why finding easy camping foods on a budget is essential.
One of the best ways to do this is to make camp food yourself. This means you can cook your food without using utensils or outside sources. This makes it much easier on your wallet, and you can control the ingredients used in your food.
Another great way to save money while camping is to pack your food. This means you don’t have to spend money on snacks or meals when camping. You can bring along enough food for the duration of your trip.
Both methods – cooking or packing your food – are easy and affordable ways to camp without spending much money.
How do you prepare camping meals?
Camping is a great way to get out of the city and experience nature. However, it can be expensive to camp. One way to make camping more affordable is to prepare your meals.
There are a few things you’ll need before you start cooking: a camp stove, pots and pans, and utensils. You can buy these items separately or in a set, but they’re usually affordable.
Once you have your supplies, the best way to cook your food is with a campfire. This method is safe and easy, but you’ll need supplies to make it happen. You’ll need wood, tinder, and kindling. You can find these items at most stores or gas stations.
Once you have all your supplies, cooking meals is easy and affordable!
Easy Camping Meals
For Breakfast
Breakfast burritos with eggs, cheese, and tortillas.
Pancakes or waffles with pre-made mix.
Yogurt with granola and fruit.
For Lunch
PB&J sandwiches with fruit or veggies.
Wraps with deli meat, cheese, and veggies.
Ramen noodles with added vegetables and protein.
For Dinner
Foil packet meals with potatoes, veggies, and proteins.
Grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup.
One-pot pasta dishes with pre-made sauce and veggies.
For Snacks
Trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.
Popcorn cooked over the campfire.
S’mores made with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate bars.
Tips for cooking on the trail
camping isn’t about packing the heaviest stove, taking the most expensive gear, or having the best food. Forkforks are light on your feet and allow you to cook with what you have. Here are some tips for cooking easy camping meals on the trail:
- Carry a small propane stove. These stoves are lightweight and very portable, making them perfect for camping. They also use very little fuel, so they are an excellent option for cooking simple meals without going out to get supplies.
- Bring lightweight utensils and containers. Like your stove, lightweight forks will help keep your camp kitchen light and portable. Utensils like openers and spoons can be easily packed away in a backpack or storage container when you’re not using them, saving you weight and space in your pack.
- Prep food ahead of time. If cooking on the trail isn’t your thing, plenty of restaurants near tracks will serve you hearty campfire meals. By prepping your food beforehand, you can save time and hassle while out camping.
Carrying these tips with you will make your camping experience more enjoyable and save you weight and space in your pack. Good luck, and happy hiking!
Importance of budget-friendly meals while camping
Budget-friendly meals are important while camping for several reasons:
1. Saves money: Camping can be an affordable way to travel and experience the outdoors, but costs can quickly add up if you’re not careful. By preparing budget-friendly meals, you can save money on food expenses and free up your budget for other camping activities.
2. Easy to plan: Budget-friendly meals are often simple and easy to plan, saving you time and energy. With a little bit of meal planning before your camping trip, you can ensure that you have all the ingredients you need and avoid the need to make trips to the store while you’re camping.
3. Makes camping accessible to more people: By offering budget-friendly meal options, camping can be made accessible to more people who may not have the financial means to afford more expensive meals while on a camping trip. This can help make camping a more inclusive and welcoming activity for all.
4. Encourages creativity: Preparing budget-friendly meals while camping can encourage creativity and resourcefulness in the kitchen. With limited ingredients and cooking tools, campers must think outside the box to create delicious and satisfying meals.
Preparing budget-friendly meals while camping is an essential aspect of the camping experience. It can save you money, time, and energy while making camping more accessible and fostering creativity in the kitchen.
Recipe ideas
Pancakes, breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, granola bars
Camping can be a great experience, but it can also be expensive. One way to save money while camping is to make your meals. Here are some grill-grilling recipes that are easy on the budget.
1- Pancake
Pancakes can be easily prepared using a basic pancake mix or by making the batter from scratch with flour, eggs, milk, and a pinch of salt. The batter can be mixed in advance and stored in an airtight container for convenience during camping trips.
You only need a portable stove or campfire grill to cook pancakes while camping. A nonstick skillet or griddle can be used to cook the pancakes evenly. It is important to grease the cooking surface with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
One of the great things about pancakes is their versatility. They can be customized with various toppings such as fresh fruits, syrup, honey, chocolate chips, or even bacon for those who enjoy a savoury twist.
Pancakes make for a filling breakfast or brunch option while camping. They provide energy and satisfy hunger after an active day outdoors. Plus, they are loved by both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
Two tablespoons sugar
One teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
Two tablespoons melted butter
One teaspoon of vanilla extract
Two eggs
Directions:
Preheat the grill or skillet over medium heat. Grease with butter if necessary. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
Add eggs and blend until smooth. Spoon 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the griddle or skillet. Cook for 2 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes. Flip and cook for an additional minute or two until golden brown on both sides. Serve with syrup, fruit or whatever you like!
2- Breakfast burritos
To make breakfast burritos while camping, you can start by prepping your ingredients at home. This can include scrambling eggs, cooking bacon or sausage, and chopping vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. You can also add cheese, salsa, and other condiments to enhance the flavors.
Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble the burritos. Lay out tortillas on a flat surface and place a portion of the cooked ingredients in the center of each tortilla. Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up tightly into a burrito shape.
If you prefer to cook your breakfast burritos on-site, you can wrap them individually in aluminum foil and place them over hot coals or on a grill grate. Cook for 10-15 minutes until heated and the tortilla is slightly crispy.
Breakfast burritos are not only versatile but customizable, too. To suit your taste preferences, you can add different fillings like avocado slices, black beans, or even hash browns. They provide a balanced meal with protein from eggs or meat and carbohydrates from tortillas.
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned about 5 minutes. Add the onions and peppers and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the eggs and scramble until cooked, about 5 minutes.
3. Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds. Add the egg mixture to the tortillas and some cheese and hot sauce if desired. Roll them up and serve immediately.
3- Scrambled eggs
Preparing scrambled eggs while camping is simple and requires minimal ingredients and equipment. You only need fresh eggs, a stove or campfire, a nonstick pan, and basic seasonings like salt and pepper.
Start by cracking the desired number of eggs into a bowl to make scrambled eggs. Whisk them together until the yolks and whites are fully combined. Add milk or cream to make the eggs creamy if you can access it.
Next, heat your nonstick pan on your camp stove or over the campfire. Add a small amount of oil or butter to prevent sticking. Once the pan is hot enough, pour in your whisked egg mixture.
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the eggs as they cook. This will help create those fluffy scrambled egg textures that we all love. Season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
-1 tablespoon butter
-3 eggs
-¼ cup milk
-Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Beat together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour into the skillet.
4. Cook, stirring constantly, until the eggs are firm but moist.
5. Serve immediately.
4- Granola bars
Granola bars are popular for easy camping meals due to their convenience, portability, and nutritional value. These compact snacks contain energy-rich ingredients such as oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. They provide a quick and easy source of sustenance while on outdoor adventures.
When it comes to camping meals, simplicity is key. Granola bars fit the bill perfectly as they require no cooking or preparation. They can be easily stored in backpacks or coolers without refrigeration. This makes them an ideal option for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts who want a hassle-free meal on the go.
In addition to being convenient, granola bars offer a range of health benefits. They are typically high in fibre and protein, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied during your camping trip. The combination of carbohydrates from oats and natural sugars from dried fruits provides a quick energy boost when you need it most.
Moreover, granola bars come in various flavors and combinations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you prefer classic flavors like chocolate chip or more adventurous options like peanut butter crunch or mixed berry, there is a granola bar for everyone.
You’ll need the following:
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey
One teaspoon of vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, seeds
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Mix the oats, coconut, almond butter, honey, vanilla extract and salt in a large bowl until well combined.
If using any add-ins, mix them in now.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Some other ideas for easy camping meals:
Foil packet meals: These are a camping staple for a good reason. Simply wrap your choice of meat (chicken, beef, fish) and veggies in foil, seal it up, and cook it over an open flame or on a grill. You can season it with herbs and spices to add flavour.
One-pot meals: For those looking to minimize clean-up, one-pot meals are the way to go. From classic chilli to hearty stews, these meals can be cooked on a portable gas stove or over a fire and provide a filling meal for everyone.
Sandwiches and wraps: These are perfect for lunchtime when you’re on the go. Pack some bread, deli meats, cheese and condiments to make sandwiches, or create wraps using tortillas, hummus, veggies, and sliced chicken or turkey.
To start your day off right, whip up some breakfast burritos. Add scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, diced peppers, onions, and cheese, and wrap it in a tortilla.
S’mores: No camping trip is complete without s’mores! Bring graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows for a sweet treat around the campfire.
FAQ
What are some easy camping dinners?
1. Foil packet meals: These are popular among campers as they require minimal effort and offer various options. Simply wrap your choice of protein (such as chicken, fish, or tofu) and vegetables and seasonings in aluminum foil. Place the packets on the grill or over the campfire until cooked through.
2. One-pot meals: Opting for one-pot meals can save time and reduce cleanup. Consider dishes like chilli, pasta with sauce, or stir-fries that can be cooked in a single pot or skillet.
3. Kabobs: Kabobs are not only easy to assemble but also fun to cook over an open flame. Thread marinated meat (beef, chicken, or shrimp) and vegetables onto skewers and grill them until done.
4. Campfire sandwiches: Grilled sandwiches can be made using a pie iron wrapped in foil and placed over the fire. Fill them with cheese, deli meats, vegetables, or even pizza toppings for a quick and satisfying meal.
5. Pre-made wraps: Prepare wraps by filling tortillas with deli meats, cheese, veggies, and spreads such as hummus or mayo-based sauces. These can be easily packed for camping trips and enjoyed without cooking.
What is the most common camping food?
One of the most popular and versatile options is hot dogs. They are easy to cook over a campfire or grill and require minimal preparation. Hot dogs can be enjoyed independently or paired with condiments like ketchup, mustard, and relish.
Another common camping food is hamburgers. Like hot dogs, hamburgers are simple to cook and offer a delicious meal option for campers. They can be customized with toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
In addition to these classic choices, other commonly enjoyed camping foods include marshmallows for making s’mores, canned beans for quick and hearty meals, sandwiches for easy lunches on the go, granola bars for convenient snacks, and instant noodles for a warm and filling option.
Welcome to my corner of Enjoy Living Canada! As a passionate writer, I explore the vibrant landscapes, diverse cultures, and hidden gems of this beautiful country. Whether it’s sipping maple syrup in Quebec or chasing the Northern Lights in the Yukon, I’m here to share my adventures with you.
Why I Love Canada?
Canada is more than just a place; it’s a feeling. From the rugged Rockies to the serene Maritimes, every province has a story to tell. As an avid hiker, foodie, and history buff, I’ve immersed myself in the Canadian experience. Join me as we unravel the mysteries of the Great White North together.
Let’s Explore Together!
Whether you’re a fellow adventurer, a food enthusiast, or simply curious about Canada, I invite you to join me on this journey. Let’s celebrate the magic of Enjoy Living Canada, one story at a time.
- Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto is Now Called “Sankofa Square” - December 17, 2023
- Best Western Brooks’ SureStay Plus debuts in Alberta - December 16, 2023
- Air Canada Arrives in Tulum, Mexico as the First Canadian Airline - December 16, 2023
