Camping can be a fun and exciting way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, one of the biggest challenges when it comes to camping is meal planning. Cooking meals in the great outdoors can seem daunting, especially if you’re not an experienced camper. But fear not! With these easy camping meals, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and satisfying meals while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Essentials to Bring
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Before we dive into the list of easy camping meals, let’s first discuss the essentials you need to bring for a successful camping trip. Along with your tent and sleeping bag, here are some items that will make meal planning a breeze:
- Portable cookware: When it comes to camping, space is limited. That’s why it’s important to have portable cookware that can easily be stored and transported. Look for lightweight options such as a collapsible pot or a compact stove.
- Utensils: Don’t forget to pack utensils such as forks, knives, and spoons. If you don’t want to bring your regular utensils, you can opt for reusable and lightweight camping utensil sets.
- Coolers: Keeping your food and drinks cold is essential for any camping trip. Look for coolers that are durable, easy to transport, and have good insulation.
- Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is a must-have for any camping trip. Not only is it versatile, but it can also withstand high heat and is easy to clean.
- Dutch Oven: Another versatile piece of cookware, a Dutch oven is great for cooking over an open fire. You can make anything from stews to casseroles in a Dutch oven.
- Plates and bowls: Disposable plates and bowls are convenient, but they can also create a lot of waste. Consider investing in reusable plates and bowls made from durable materials such as stainless steel or enamel.
- Water filter: Depending on where you’re camping, access to clean water may be limited. A portable water filter can ensure that you have safe drinking water during your trip.
- Aluminum Foil: An absolute must item for camping meals. Use your aluminum foil to cover food, cook foil bags on the grill or over the fire or to help store leftovers.
Best Coolers For Storing Camping Meals
As mentioned earlier, a good cooler is essential for keeping your food and drinks cold during your camping trip. Here are some of the best coolers on the market:
- Roam Adventure Co 55QT Rolling Rugged Cooler: This cooler is perfect for longer camping trips as it can keep ice frozen for up to 10 days. It also has a built-in bottle opener and cup holders, making it convenient for meal times.
Shop The Adventure Co Rolling Cooler on Sportsaber
- Yeti Tundra 45: This cooler is known for its excellent insulation and can keep ice frozen for up to five days. It’s also durable and can withstand rough terrain.
Shop The Yeti Tundra 45 on Amazon
- Coleman Xtreme: With a budget-friendly price tag, the Coleman Xtreme cooler still offers good insulation and can keep ice frozen for up to four days.
Shop The Coleman Xtreme on Amazon
- Pelican Elite: This high-end cooler is perfect for longer camping trips as it can keep ice frozen for up to ten days. It’s also bear-proof and has a lifetime warranty.
Shop The Pelican Elite Cooler on Amazon
Now that you know what essentials to bring, let’s explore some easy camping meals that are perfect for the great outdoors!
Easy Camping Meals Recipes
Breakfast
- Campfire French Toast: Cut thick slices of bread and dip in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon. Cook on a greased skillet over the fire until golden brown.
- Breakfast Burritos: Cook scrambled eggs, bacon or ham, and cheddar cheese on a skillet over the fire. Place in tortillas and add your favorite toppings such as avocado, salsa, or hot sauce. Even better, you can make these at home before your trip and just heat them up over the fire.
- Maple Breakfast Sausage: Meal prep these delicious maple breakfast sausages before your trip for a super easy eggs and sausage breakfast.
- Breakfast Egg Muffin: Make these delicious egg muffins at home before your trip, freeze and just warm up over the fire for a simple breakfast option.
- Donuts: What could more simple than donuts for breakfast! Stop at your favorite donut place on the way to your camping trip or make one of our favorite glazed donut or mini chocolate donut recipes and bring with you.
- Sunday Morning Low Carb Hash Bowl: This is an easy recipe to make on a cast iron skillet over the camp fire. Includes eggs, cheddar cheese, bacon, avocado, green onion, radishes and seasonings.
- Lunch
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Butter two slices of bread and add cheese in between. Cook on a skillet over the fire until golden brown and cheese is melted. Make it keto by using your quick and easy keto bread recipe.
- Tacos: Crush up some chips in a bag and add your favorite toppings such as ground beef, beans, cheese, and salsa. Eat straight out of the bag for an easy and mess-free meal.
- Chicken Quesadilla: These chicken quesadillas are quick and easy to make. Use some left over chicken and bring some shredded chicken with you, add some cheese and tortillas and cook on a cast iron skillet. You can make this option low carb by using low carb tortillas.
- Classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich: A staple in every kids life, add these easy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by just packing some bread, peanut butter and jelly of your choice.
- Mason Jar Salad: An easy way to store and pack a salad is to chop up and add your favorite salad topping such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, salad then add in your favorite dressing. Shake and enjoy.
Dinner
- Campfire Three Meat Chili: Brown ground beef in a Dutch oven over the fire. Add pulled pork, sausage, beef stock, canned chili, diced tomatoes, seasoning and optional black beans. Cook until heated through and serve with toppings such as cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
- Hobo Stew: In a dutch oven brown ground beef . Add in carrots, celery, onion, garlic. Let cook then add in broth, tomato soup, seasoning. Then add in potato, corn, peas and green beans and let simmer for 1 1/2 -2 hours.
- Hot Dogs: An easy classic, just cook over the fire and add your favorite toppings. You can also wrap them in crescent rolls or use our famous keto hot dog buns for a keto option.
- Campfire Nachos: Layer tortilla chips, ground beef or shredded chicken, cheese and your desired toppings such as peppers, onions, salsa and guacamole on a baking sheet. Place over the fire until cheese is melted and serve with sour cream.
- Campfire Pizza Log: Wrap pizza toppings such as sauce, cheese, pepperoni and veggies in foil. Cook over fire for 10-15 minutes until hot and melty.
Snacks and Sides
- Trail Mix: Combine your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips for a quick and easy snack that can also provide energy during hikes.
- S’mores: Roast marshmallows over the fire and sandwich between graham crackers and chocolate for a classic camping treat.
- Fresh Fruit: One can never go wrong bringing some fresh fruit on your camping trip. Some of the easiest fruit to bring are blueberries, strawberries, grapes and oranges.
- Potato Salad: Cook and dice potatoes at home before your trip, mix in mayo, mustard, pickles or relish and seasonings for an easy side dish.
- Keto Tortilla Chips: Make some low carb chips ahead of time and bring them with you on your camping trip. Have with your favorite salsa or guacamole.
- Waffle Cone Dessert: An easy and fun dessert to make over the campfire. Fill a waffle cone with sliced fruit, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Wrap in foil and cook over the fire until melted.
Keto Camping Meals Options
For those following a keto diet, here are some easy camping meals that are low in carbs but still delicious:
- Bunless Burgers: Skip the bun and wrap your burger patty in lettuce instead. Add toppings such as avocado, bacon, and cheese for a filling meal.
- Keto Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken pieces in olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Thread onto skewers with vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Cook over the fire until chicken is cooked through.
- Cauliflower Fried Rice: Pre-cook cauliflower rice at home and bring it to your campsite. Cook in a skillet over the fire with your choice of protein, vegetables, and seasoning for a quick and easy keto meal.
- Keto Raspberry Muffins: Another easy meal prep breakfast recipe are these tasty and flavorful raspberry muffins. Make them at home in advance for a no cook breakfast option.
- Keto Everything Bagels: Make these bagels at home before your trip. Just toast them up on the fire and add your favorite cream cheese.
Conclusion
Camping meals can be both convenient and delicious with the right essentials and recipes. Make sure to pack lightweight cookware, utensils, a good cooler, and other items mentioned above to make your camping experience even better. And don’t forget to try out some of these easy and keto-friendly meals on your next trip!
Happy camping!
