30+ Homemade Budget Camping Dinners That Will Make You Feel Like a Gourmet Chef Under the Stars!
Camping dinners don’t have to be boring or bland! Imagine cooking up gourmet meals while surrounded by nature, the stars twinkling above you. Let’s explore some delicious budget-friendly recipes that will impress your friends and elevate your camping experience.
This hearty chili is packed with flavor and is perfect for warming you up after a day of outdoor adventures. Cooked over a campfire, it brings a smoky essence to the dish.
1 can of black beans
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 teaspoons chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
This chili is popular because it’s easy, filling, and you can customize the spices to your liking. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, making cleanup a breeze after a fun evening by the fire.
These foil packet fajitas are a fun and interactive way to enjoy a Mexican classic while camping. The flavors blend beautifully as they cook over the fire.
2 bell peppers, sliced
1 onion, sliced
1 pound of chicken breast, sliced
2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
Tortillas for serving
What makes foil packet meals special is their simplicity and ease of cooking. Just toss everything into the foil, seal it up, and let it cook while you relax by the campfire!
This creamy, cheesy dish will remind you of childhood comfort food, but with a gourmet twist. The campfire adds a unique flavor that you just can’t replicate at home.
8 ounces of elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite)
2 cups milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
Everyone loves mac and cheese, and when cooked over an open flame, it becomes a delightful experience. The melted cheese and creamy texture will satisfy any craving, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
This dish makes dinner a cinch with minimal cleanup required. The combination of savory sausage and fresh vegetables creates a colorful and nutritious meal.
1 pound of sausage (Italian or your choice)
2 zucchinis, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe is special because it’s versatile! You can swap in whatever veggies you have on hand, making it perfect for using up leftovers. Plus, it’s packed with flavor with just a few ingredients!
These crispy potato packets are a delightful side that pairs perfectly with any main dish. The potatoes get tender and flavorful as they cook in their own little steam bubble.
4 medium potatoes, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: herbs like rosemary or thyme
What makes these packets so popular is their crunch and seasoning. They are super easy to prepare and are a hit with everyone, making them a must-have at any camping trip.
These quesadillas are a crowd-pleaser and can be filled with your favorite ingredients. Quick to cook and fun to eat, they’re perfect for any evening around the fire.
4 flour tortillas
2 cups shredded cheese
1 can of black beans, rinsed
Optional: diced peppers or chicken
What’s great about quesadillas is that they are endlessly customizable. You can add whatever fillings you like, making them a versatile option for everyone’s taste buds!
These colorful skewers are not only a feast for the eyes but also pack a punch of flavor. They are grilled to perfection, bringing out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, sliced
1 red onion, chopped
Cherry tomatoes
Olive oil and your favorite seasoning
Grilled veggie skewers are especially popular for their healthiness and vibrant colors. They can serve as a side or a main dish, and they’re a fantastic way to add some greens to your camping meals.
This flavorful salmon dish is not only good for you but also incredibly easy to prepare. Wrapped in foil, it cooks perfectly over the campfire.
2 salmon fillets
1 lemon, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs (like dill or parsley)
What makes tin foil salmon a favorite is the way the flavors meld together as it cooks. The result is a flaky and moist piece of fish that feels luxurious, even in the great outdoors!
This fragrant coconut rice dish is a delightful change from traditional camping meals. The warmth of curry mingles beautifully with the creamy coconut milk.
2 cups rice
1 can coconut milk
2 cups water
2 tablespoons curry powder
Salt to taste
This dish is special because it transports your taste buds to a tropical paradise. It’s a simple yet exotic meal that pairs well with any protein you might have, making it versatile too!
This quick stir fry is full of flavor and nutrients, making it a wholesome dinner option. Cooking it over a campfire adds a smoky taste that elevates the dish.
1 pound beef (sliced thin)
2 cups broccoli florets
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
This recipe shines because it’s quick to prepare and packed with protein and veggies. Plus, the soy sauce brings a savory depth that’s hard to resist!
Rating: 4.8 (467 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.
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These vibrant stuffed peppers are as delicious as they are colorful. Filled with a tasty mixture, they cook perfectly over the flames.
4 bell peppers
1 cup cooked rice
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup black beans
1 teaspoon cumin
This recipe is special because it’s a complete meal in one package. The peppers add a sweet crunch that complements the savory filling beautifully, making it a favorite among campers.
These gooey nachos are perfect for sharing and make for a fun, interactive meal. Layered with cheese and toppings, they’re sure to satisfy any craving.
1 bag tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheese
1 can black beans
1 jalapeño, sliced
Sour cream for serving
What makes campfire nachos special is their cheesy goodness and the ability to customize with any toppings you like. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
This earthy pilaf combines wild rice with savory mushrooms for a comforting dish. It’s fragrant, hearty, and perfect for a camping dinner.
1 cup wild rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
This dish is popular for its rich flavors and textures. The nuttiness of the wild rice pairs perfectly with the mushrooms, making it a satisfying vegetarian option.
Gather around the fire for some DIY tacos! This interactive meal allows everyone to customize their tacos just the way they like them.
1 pound ground beef or turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
Taco shells or tortillas
Shredded lettuce, cheese, and toppings
Campfire tacos are a hit because they bring everyone together for a fun dining experience. The sizzling meat and fresh toppings create a meal that everyone will love!
This vibrant vegetable stir fry is quick and easy to whip up after a long day of hiking. It’s colorful, nutritious, and bursting with flavor!
2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional: cooked rice for serving
This recipe is popular for its simplicity and healthiness. It’s a great way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand, making it perfect for camping!
This Italian classic is surprisingly easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s a simple dish that highlights the taste of garlic and olive oil.
8 ounces spaghetti
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
Red pepper flakes to taste
Parsley for garnish
What makes Aglio e Olio special is its simplicity and depth of flavor. It’s a great way to impress your camping companions with a gourmet meal made from just a few ingredients!
This classic combo is warm and comforting, making it perfect for chilly camping nights. The grilled cheese gets crispy and gooey, while the soup is rich and flavorful.
4 slices of bread
2 cups cheese (cheddar or your choice)
1 can tomato soup
Butter for grilling
This recipe is beloved because it’s nostalgic and easy to make. Everyone loves the combination of melty cheese and warm soup — it feels like a hug on a plate!
These burritos are a fun and filling option for dinner. Packed with your choice of ingredients, they’re perfect for wrapping up all your favorite flavors.
4 large tortillas
1 can refried beans
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup shredded cheese
Sour cream for serving
What makes campfire burritos special is their portability and customization. Everyone can create their own burrito masterpiece, making it a fun group activity!
Finish your camping meals on a sweet note with this delightful cobbler. The combination of juicy peaches and blueberries creates a delightful dessert.
2 cups fresh peaches, sliced
1 cup blueberries
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
This cobbler is popular because it’s easy to prepare and tastes like summer in a bowl. Cooking it over the fire adds a unique flavor that makes it even more special!
This one-pan meal is hearty and satisfying. The combination of cabbage and sausage is simple yet delicious, making it a perfect camping dish.
1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
1 small head of cabbage, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cabbage and sausage skillet is a favorite because it’s filling and easy to make. It uses simple ingredients that come together to create a comforting meal!
These foil packets are a sweet and savory delight. The honey garlic sauce caramelizes beautifully, making the chicken incredibly tasty.
2 chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 cup broccoli florets
Salt and pepper to taste
What makes this recipe special is the ease of preparation and cleanup. The flavors meld together as it cooks in the foil, resulting in a deliciously simple meal!
These shrimp skewers are bursting with flavor and are quick to cook over the campfire. The chili lime marinade adds a zesty kick that’s irresistible.
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt to taste
What makes these skewers special is their quick prep time and fantastic flavor. They’re a great way to enjoy seafood while camping, making for a refreshing meal!
Rating: 4.9 (40 reviews). Total Time: 2 hr 50 min.
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This flavorful chicken dish is marinated in a spicy jerk seasoning that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Cooking it over a fire gives it a smoky flavor that enhances the spices.
4 chicken thighs
1 tablespoon jerk seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt to taste
Optional: lime for serving
This recipe is popular for its bold flavors and the ability to transport you to the Caribbean with every bite. It’s a delicious way to spice up your camping meals!
This warm oatmeal is a comforting way to start your day while camping. The combination of apples and cinnamon creates a cozy flavor that feels like a hug.
1 cup rolled oats
2 cups water or milk
1 apple, diced
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Honey or maple syrup to taste
This oatmeal is beloved for its ease and warmth. It’s a perfect breakfast option to fuel your adventures for the day ahead!
Rating: 5 (9 reviews). Total Time: graham crackers, dark chocolate, caramel chips, mini marshmallows, ripe bananas.
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These sweet treats are the perfect way to end a day of camping. Stuffed with chocolate and marshmallows, they’re a delicious dessert that’s easy to make.
Bananas
Chocolate chips
Marshmallows
Aluminum foil
What makes banana boats special is the gooey, melty goodness inside. They’re a fun and interactive dessert that everyone can customize, making them a camping favorite!
This stuffed zucchini dish is light yet filling, making it a great option for a healthy camping meal. The zucchini is filled with a savory mixture that’s bursting with flavor.
4 medium zucchinis
1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
1 can diced tomatoes
1 cup black beans
1 teaspoon cumin
This recipe is popular because it’s a great way to use fresh summer veggies. It’s a healthy yet satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy!
This chicken dish is marinated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal for any camping trip.
4 chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
What makes this recipe special is its sweet and savory flavor profile. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for grilling over the campfire!
