30 Delicious Camping Meals to Ignite Your Outdoor Adventure
My friend Jessica recently returned from a weekend camping trip, raving about the incredible meals she and her friends whipped up in the great outdoors. Her stories of savory campfire creations and clever cooking hacks inspired me to explore the world of camping cuisine.
Cooking Time: 30 min
. Ingredients: Black beans, sour cream, avocado, sharp cheddar cheese, tortilla chips
Gather ’round the fire for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Layer tortilla chips, shredded cheese, black beans, and diced tomatoes in a cast-iron skillet. Place it over the campfire or on a portable grill, and watch as the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Once it’s hot and bubbly, top with sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a zesty kick.
For a protein boost, add some pre-cooked ground beef or shredded chicken. This versatile dish can be customized with your favorite nacho toppings, making it a surefire hit for campers of all ages.
Embrace the simplicity of foil-packet cooking with this elegant and nutritious meal. Start by laying out a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place a salmon fillet in the center, and season it with lemon slices, fresh dill, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add some asparagus spears or sliced zucchini alongside the fish for a complete meal.
Seal the foil packet tightly and cook it over the campfire or on a grill for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. The result is a perfectly steamed, flavorful dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
. Ingredients: Sodium black beans, vegan sour cream, red kidney beans, tortilla chips, bell pepper
Nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty bowl of chili on a cool camping night. In a large pot, brown some ground beef or turkey over your campfire or camp stove. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and your favorite chili seasonings.
Let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve it up in bowls topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some crushed tortilla chips for added crunch. This comforting one-pot wonder is sure to become a camping staple.
Cooking Time: 22 min
. Ingredients: Sausage, cheddar cheese, flour tortillas, green bell pepper, butter
Start your day of adventure with a protein-packed breakfast that’s both delicious and mess-free. Before your trip, scramble some eggs with diced bell peppers, onions, and cooked bacon or sausage. Let the mixture cool, then portion it into resealable plastic bags and freeze.
At the campsite, simply reheat the bags in boiling water for about 10 minutes. Once heated through, pour the contents onto a warm tortilla, add some shredded cheese, and roll it up for a quick and satisfying breakfast burrito. This make-ahead meal saves time and reduces cleanup, leaving more energy for your outdoor explorations.
Cooking Time: 40 min
. Ingredients: Crust pizza crust, pizza sauce, green bell pepper, mini meatballs, pepperoni slices
Put a fun twist on everyone’s favorite food with these portable pizza cones. Start by shaping aluminum foil into cone-like structures. Wrap store-bought pizza dough around each foil cone, sealing the edges. Cook the dough cones over the campfire, rotating occasionally, until golden brown.
Once cooled slightly, remove the foil and fill the cones with pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, and your choice of toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Return the filled cones to the heat just long enough to melt the cheese. These handheld delights are perfect for on-the-go snacking during your camping adventures.
Cooking Time: 35 min
. Rating: 4.2
. Reviews: 378 reviews
. Ingredients: Self rising flour, white sugar, sliced peaches
Indulge your sweet tooth with this comforting dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make at camp. In a Dutch oven, combine sliced canned peaches (with their syrup), a box of yellow cake mix, and a stick of butter cut into small pieces. Don’t stir the ingredients; simply layer them in the pot.
Place the Dutch oven over hot coals or on a low-heat grill, and cover it with the lid. Cook for about 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the peaches are bubbling. The result is a warm, gooey cobbler that’s perfect for sharing around the campfire under a starry sky.
For a vegetarian-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor, try these colorful and satisfying skewers. Thread chunks of halloumi cheese, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and bell peppers onto metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers. Brush with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and dried herbs like oregano and thyme.
Grill the skewers over your campfire or on a portable grill, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the halloumi is golden and slightly crispy on the outside. The combination of smoky vegetables and salty, grilled cheese makes for a delightful and filling meal.
Transform ordinary bread into a luxurious breakfast treat with this simple yet delicious recipe. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Dip thick slices of bread into the mixture, allowing them to soak up the eggy goodness.
Cook the soaked bread slices in a cast-iron skillet over the campfire, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, and some fresh berries for a breakfast that feels indulgent yet energizing for the day ahead.
Repurpose empty, clean tin cans for this fun and customizable meal. Layer tortilla chips, refried beans, cooked ground beef or shredded chicken, and cheese in the can. Wrap the can in foil and place it near the hot coals of your campfire.
After about 10-15 minutes, carefully remove the can and unwrap it. Top your nachos with diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole. Each camper can create their own personal nacan (nacho can), making mealtime a interactive and enjoyable experience.
. Ingredients: Rotisserie chicken, hot sauce, flour tortillas, monterey jack cheese, black pepper
Elevate the humble quesadilla with this smoky, campfire-cooked version. Lay out a large piece of foil and place a tortilla in the center. Cover half the tortilla with shredded cheese, cooked and shredded chicken, and any other desired fillings like black beans or corn.
Fold the tortilla in half and wrap it tightly in the foil. Cook over the campfire, flipping occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. Serve with salsa and sour cream for dipping. This handheld meal is perfect for busy campers who want a quick and satisfying lunch.
As you plan your next camping trip, consider incorporating some of these delicious and creative meals into your outdoor menu. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners and indulgent desserts, these recipes prove that camping cuisine can be so much more than just hot dogs and baked beans.
