39+ Favorite Camping Meal Ideas to Savor Under the Stars
Camping is all about enjoying nature, good company, and delicious food. Picture yourself gathered around a crackling fire, with the aroma of mouth-watering meals wafting through the air. Let’s explore some irresistible camping meal ideas that will make your outdoor adventure unforgettable.
This hearty chili is a perfect blend of spices and beans, simmered to perfection over the campfire. It’s a warm, comforting dish that fills you up while you enjoy the great outdoors.
Ground beef or turkey
Canned beans (kidney, black, or pinto)
Canned tomatoes
Onion
Chili powder
Garlic
Salt and pepper
What makes this chili special is its ability to bring everyone together. Cooking it in a big pot over an open flame adds a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream!
These fajitas are packed with vibrant veggies and tender meat, all wrapped up in foil and cooked over the fire. The sizzling sound when you open the pack is music to your ears!
Chicken or beef strips
Bell peppers
Onion
Fajita seasoning
Tortillas
Olive oil
Foil pack fajitas are not just easy to make; they are also fun! Everyone can customize their own pack, making dinner a collaborative effort. The combination of grilled veggies and juicy meat is a fiesta for your taste buds!
Sweet and gooey, these cones are a twist on traditional campfire desserts. Stuffed with cinnamon rolls and chocolate, they’re a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.
Sugar cones
Cinnamon rolls (pre-made or homemade)
Chocolate chips
Marshmallows
These campfire cones are a hit with kids and adults alike! As they cook, the chocolate and cinnamon rolls melt together, creating a blissful dessert that feels like a warm hug. Perfect for sharing while telling stories under the stars!
These burritos are packed with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of fillings, all wrapped up for a delicious breakfast on the go. They’re perfect for early mornings when you want something hearty yet quick.
Eggs
Tortillas
Cheese
Bell peppers and onions
Salsa
Cooked bacon or sausage (optional)
Breakfast burritos are versatile, and you can mix and match ingredients based on what you love. They’re easy to make ahead of time, and when warmed over the fire, they become a delightful morning meal that fuels your adventures!
Who says you can’t have pizza while camping? With this easy campfire pizza, you can enjoy melty cheese and your favorite toppings right by the fire.
Pita bread or store-bought pizza dough
Pizza sauce
Shredded cheese
Your favorite toppings (pepperoni, veggies, etc.)
The beauty of campfire pizza is in its simplicity. You can create personal-sized pizzas, allowing everyone to customize their own masterpiece. Plus, the smoky flavor from the fire adds a unique twist to the classic dish!
These colorful skewers are loaded with fresh veggies and grilled to perfection. They’re a healthy and vibrant addition to any camping meal.
Zucchini
Bell peppers
Cherry tomatoes
Mushrooms
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Grilled vegetable skewers are not only tasty but also incredibly easy to prepare. The charred flavor from the grill enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies, making them irresistible. They’re a great side dish or can even stand alone as a light meal!
Loaded nachos with gooey cheese, beans, and toppings are an absolute crowd-pleaser! They’re perfect for sharing while you relax under the stars.
Tortilla chips
Shredded cheese
Canned black beans
Jalapeños
Guacamole and salsa (for topping)
These nachos are super fun to make and even more fun to eat! Just layer the ingredients in a cast-iron skillet, cover with foil, and let them melt over the fire. They’re perfect for a late-night snack or as an appetizer at any campfire gathering!
This one-pot pasta dish is a lifesaver when it comes to easy camping meals. With just one pot to clean, you can focus more on enjoying your time outdoors.
Pasta of your choice
Vegetable or chicken broth
Cherry tomatoes
Spinach or kale
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese
What makes this dish special is its simplicity and flavor. Everything cooks together, allowing the pasta to absorb the delicious broth. It’s a quick meal that’s filling and perfect after a long day of hiking!
Cheesy and crispy, these quesadillas are a tasty camping staple. You can fill them with all sorts of goodies, making them as simple or as gourmet as you like.
Flour tortillas
Shredded cheese
Cooked chicken or beans
Salsa
Sour cream (for dipping)
These quesadillas are super easy to customize. Just layer your favorite fillings, grill them over the fire, and you’ve got a delicious meal in no time. They’re a fantastic option for lunch or dinner, especially when served with your favorite dips!
Rating: 5 (76 reviews). Total Time: graham cracker, banana, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows.
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Sweet and indulgent, banana boats are a must-try camping dessert. With a chocolatey melt-in-your-mouth filling, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Bananas
Chocolate chips
Marshmallows
Aluminum foil
Simply slice a banana down the middle, stuff it with chocolate and marshmallows, wrap in foil, and let it cook over the fire. The result is a warm and gooey treat that’s perfect for sharing. Plus, they’re super easy to make and require minimal cleanup!
This creamy, cheesy delight is comfort food at its finest. Cooking it over the fire adds a smoky flavor that takes it to the next level.
Macaroni
Shredded cheese
Milk
Butter
Salt and pepper
Campfire mac and cheese is all about nostalgia and simplicity. Just combine the ingredients in a pot, let them cook over the fire, and enjoy a warm bowl of cheesy goodness. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
Rating: 4.8 (467 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.
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These vibrant stuffed peppers are filled with a savory mixture of rice, beans, and spices. They’re not only delicious but also visually appealing!
Bell peppers
Cooked rice
Canned beans
Spices (cumin, paprika)
Cheese
Stuffed peppers are a great way to pack in flavors and nutrients. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and can be cooked right over the campfire. Plus, they look gorgeous on your plate!
Sometimes, simple is best! These wraps are a fun, portable twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Tortillas
Peanut butter
Jelly or jam
Banana or apple slices (optional)
These wraps are quick to make and perfect for a picnic lunch. Add some fruit for extra flavor and nutrition. They’re a hit with kids and adults alike and can be made in minutes!
Setting up a taco bar by the campfire is a fun way to enjoy dinner. With all the fixings, everyone can build their own taco just how they like it!
Ground beef or turkey
Taco seasoning
Tortillas
Cheese
Salad toppings (lettuce, tomato, etc.)
Campfire tacos are all about personalization. The joy of creating your own taco masterpiece adds excitement to the meal. Plus, the flavors of grilled meat with fresh toppings are unbeatable!
This classic favorite is perfect for camping. With crispy bread and gooey cheese, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal.
Bread
Cheese (your choice)
Butter or margarine
Grilled cheese sandwiches are easy to make and can be customized with extras like tomato or bacon. Cooking them over the fire gives them a delightful crunch. They’re perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner!
These chili cheese dogs are a fun and messy camping treat that everyone loves. With spicy chili and melted cheese, they’re a crowd-pleaser!
Hot dogs
Buns
Canned chili
Shredded cheese
Chili cheese dogs are easy to prepare and even easier to eat. Just heat the chili over the fire and top your hot dogs with it and some cheese. They’re perfect for a casual campfire meal!
Start your camping day with a refreshing fruit and yogurt parfait. It’s a healthy and energizing way to fuel your morning adventures!
Yogurt (Greek or regular)
Granola
Fresh fruit (berries, bananas, etc.)
These parfaits are versatile and can be made with whatever fruits you have on hand. Layer the ingredients in a cup for a delicious breakfast that looks as good as it tastes. It’s a light and nutritious option that everyone will love!
This creamy risotto is a delightful twist for camping meals. Cooked slowly over the fire, it’s rich and comforting.
Arborio rice
Chicken or vegetable broth
Onion
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Campfire risotto may take a little patience, but the results are well worth it. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a creamy dish that warms you from the inside out. It’s a gourmet experience right in the great outdoors!
These potato packets are simple yet incredibly satisfying. Packed with flavor and cooked to perfection, they make a great side dish!
Potatoes
Butter
Salt and pepper
Herbs (rosemary or thyme)
Potato packets are all about convenience and flavor. Wrap them in foil and let them cook over the fire for a delicious side that complements any meal. The earthy flavors combined with herbs make them hard to resist!
Start your morning off right with fluffy campfire pancakes. They’re easy to make and can be topped with your favorite fruits or syrups!
Pancake mix
Water or milk
Cooking spray or butter
Maple syrup
Making pancakes while camping adds a fun twist to breakfast. You can cook them on a skillet over the fire or on a griddle. It’s a delicious way to kick off a day of adventure!
These energy bites are perfect for snacking between hikes. Packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, they’re both nutritious and delicious!
Oats
Nut butter
Honey or maple syrup
Dried fruits
Nuts and seeds
Trail mix energy bites are easy to prepare ahead of time and are great for a quick energy boost. They’re customizable based on your preferences, making them a favorite among campers. Plus, they’re bite-sized and perfect for munching on the go!
These stuffed mushrooms are savory and packed with flavor. They make for an elegant appetizer or side dish that everyone will love!
Large mushrooms
Cream cheese
Garlic
Herbs (parsley or thyme)
Stuffed campfire mushrooms are simple yet impressive. The creamy filling combined with the earthy mushrooms creates a delightful bite. They’re perfect for gatherings and easy to cook right over the fire!
This s’mores dip takes the classic camping treat to a whole new level. It’s warm, gooey, and perfect for dipping!
Chocolate chips
Marshmallows
Graham crackers (for dipping)
Campfire s’mores dip is a fun and interactive dessert. Simply layer the chocolate and marshmallows in a cast iron skillet and let them melt over the fire. Dip in graham crackers for an unforgettable sweet treat!
This hearty vegetarian curry is loaded with flavors and spices, perfect for warming you up after a day outdoors. Cooked in one pot, it’s easy to make and even easier to clean!
Coconut milk
Curry paste
Vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
Rice or quinoa
Vegetarian curry is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting meal while camping. The coconut milk adds creaminess, while the spices provide an explosion of flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy dish while surrounded by nature!
Baked apples are a warm, sweet treat that captures the essence of camping. With cinnamon and sugar, they’re a delightful dessert!
Apples
Cinnamon
Sugar
Aluminum foil
Simply core the apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, wrap in foil, and bake over the fire. The result is a soft, caramelized apple that’s absolutely delicious. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to end your camping day!
This quick and easy ramen dish is perfect for a camping meal. With rich broth and tasty toppings, it’s a comforting dish that warms you up!
Instant ramen noodles
Broth (chicken, vegetable, or miso)
Vegetables (scallions, spinach)
Egg (optional)
Campfire ramen is all about simplicity and comfort. Cooking it over the fire adds a unique flavor, making it even more enjoyable. It’s a great meal option when you want something warm and filling!
These breakfast skewers are a fun and easy way to enjoy breakfast outdoors. With protein-packed sausage and eggs, they’ll keep you energized for the day!
Breakfast sausage links
Eggs
Bell peppers
Onion
Breakfast skewers are customizable and can be made ahead of time. Simply grill them over the fire for a delicious and hearty breakfast. They’re perfect for a fun family meal before heading out on an adventure!
These wraps are a fresh and healthy option for camping meals. Packed with colorful veggies and creamy hummus, they’re both nutritious and delicious!
Tortillas
Hummus
Fresh veggies (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers)
Veggie and hummus wraps are quick to prepare and make for a refreshing meal. They’re a great way to enjoy a healthy option while camping. Plus, they’re easy to pack and perfect for lunch on the go!
This fun snack is perfect for movie nights under the stars. With a satisfying crunch, it’s a tasty treat that everyone will love!
Popcorn kernels
Oil (coconut or vegetable)
Salt
Making popcorn over the campfire adds a nostalgic touch to your camping experience. It’s easy to make and can be flavored to your liking. Whether you prefer classic salted or sweet variations, it’s a delightful snack to enjoy around the fire!
This tropical treat is a perfect way to end a camping meal. Grilling pineapple brings out its natural sweetness and adds a caramelized flavor!
Fresh pineapple
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Grilled pineapple is simple to prepare and makes a refreshing dessert. Just sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon before putting it on the grill. It’s a delicious way to celebrate your camping experience!
