21 Easy Camping Meals For Families In 2023
Camping is undoubtedly one of the best outdoor activities ever. You and your family may be one of those people who look forward to the perfect weather all year, so you can go out and have some fun in the wild!
There’s nothing like the great outdoors, particularly when you get to enjoy that wild beauty and freedom with your family. The only downside to camping might be the excessive preparations you need to make for the trip itself.
Cooking ahead or during the trip can be quite a hassle. In that case, here’s a guide to a whopping total of 21 recipes for easy camping meals for families for your next big camping trip!
1. Chickpea Salad
Salads are the easiest thing to make ahead of time – you can even eat them on the road as snacks! They’re packed with proteins so you won’t need to worry about your kids consuming too much junk.
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove of garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups of cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber
- 15 oz chickpeas
- 4 oz diced feta cheese
- 1 thinly sliced red onion
- 1 sliced avocado
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (optional)
Directions:
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl and whisk thoroughly
- Add the rest of the ingredients and toss to coat the salad.
- Adjust the dressing according to your taste.
2. Campfire Mac n’ Cheese
Mac n’ Cheese is a staple dish and one of the easiest ones to make! You can prepare this classic dish ahead of time, or if you’re planning on taking a dutch oven on your trip, then you can make this by the campfire as well.
Ingredients:
- 1 box macaroni noodles
- 8 oz jar of alfredo sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
- ½ cup milk
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package, then drain and rinse with water.
- Add the macaroni, sauce, and cheese to a pot. Slowly stream in milk to create a smooth sauce.
- Heat over the campfire for 5-10 minutes until the cheese has completely melted.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
Banana bread is undeniably the favorite snack of many kids, so it’s the perfect make-ahead meal for your upcoming camping trip!
Ingredients:
- 380 g mashed bananas (3-4 medium bananas)
- ½ packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325F.
- Add flour, baking soda, and salt to a bowl and whisk until combined.
- In a separate bowl, add the melted butter and sugar and mix until a paste is formed. Add mashed bananas, eggs, yogurt, and vanilla.
- To this wet mixture, fold in the dry ingredients, followed by the chocolate chips.
- Line a 9×5 baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 1-1¼ hours until the toothpick only has a few crumbs. Let cool completely before removing from the pan and packing it.
4. Instant Oatmeal
Instead of getting your prepared oatmeal from the store, DIY your instant oatmeal for double the fibers and proteins!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup oats
- 2 tsp chia/flax seeds
- 2 tsp dried milk powder
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 2 tbsp dried fruits (walnuts, raisins, dried apricots, chopped dates etc.)
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- Combine all the ingredients in a Ziplock bag, and shake vigorously until fully mixed.
- To cook, empty the pouch into a pan with ¾ cups of water and cook for a couple of minutes.
5. Pancakes
Nothing says breakfast like pancakes! It’s a perfect breakfast meal for home, and the same goes for the great outdoors (if you have a stove, of course).
Ingredients:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 4 tbsp milk powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 eggs
- 600ml water
- Butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder (optional)
- Berries (optional)
Directions:
- Combine flour, baking powder, milk powder, sugar, and any additional sweetener into a jar. This can be stored until you’re ready to make those pancakes.
- To cook, add the eggs and water into the jar, mixing until homogenous.
- Grease the skillet with a teaspoon of butter and pour the batter.
- Cook until one side is golden brown. Flip and repeat with the other side.
6. Campfire Burritos
What’s a camping trip without burritos? Burritos have a bit of everything in them, so you won’t need to worry about being unhealthy.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of taco meat
- 1 cup cooked rice
- ½ cup grated cheese of choice
- ½ cup salsa verde
- 4 tortillas
- Cooking spray
- Tinfoil
Directions:
- Add the cooked rice, meat, and cheese into a Ziplock bag or plastic container and freeze the mix.
- Thaw the ingredients on the grill before using it to fill out each tortilla.
- Fill each tortilla according to preference before rolling and folding the ends.
- Apply cooking spray on the tin foil and wrap up the burrito.
- Cook directly on the coals or grill for around 3 minutes per side, and then you’re all done!
7. Breakfast Burritos
Burritos come in a variety of types, including the breakfast burrito! There are only some slight changes in the recipe, but the overall process is very similar to the last.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 scrambled eggs
- ½ cup grated cheese of choice
- ½ cup salsa verde
- 2 cups of chopped potatoes (frozen for convenience)
- 4 tortillas
Directions:
- Add the eggs, potatoes, and cheese to a bowl and mix.
- Fill each tortilla and add a dollop of salsa according to taste.
- Apply cooking spray on the tin foil before wrapping it up.
- Cook directly on the coals or grill for around 3 minutes per side.
8. Potato Boats
If your kids like baked potatoes, then this meal is a must-cook! A slight spin on the classic baked potatoes can work wonders for your camping meals.
Ingredients:
- Large russet potatoes
- Sliced ham or bacon
- Green onions
- Cheese slices
- Sour cream
- Butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Tinfoil
Directions:
- Slices each potato into six pieces, leaving the bottom connected.
- Add cheese and bacon between the cuts.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and dab a bit of butter at the top.
- Spray the tin foil with cooking spray and double wrap the potato.
- Cook on the grill for around 20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
- Top them off with sour cream and green onions (or garnishing of choice!)
9. Carrot Sticks
Here’s another snack to give to kids on the go. It’s easy to make and even easier to clean up!
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of ready-made hummus
- 1 pack of carrot sticks
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Add all the ingredients and seasoning into a Ziplock bag and shake until mixed evenly.
- Add salt and pepper according to taste, and you’re done!
10. Breakfast tortillas
There’s no limit to what you can make with a tortilla and some leftover ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peanut butter spread (or spread of choice)
- Sliced fruits of choice
- Nuts of choice (chopped)
- 4 tortillas
Directions:
- Spread the butter on your tortilla. This layer will let the fruit and nuts stick to the tortilla and not fall out!
- Add as many fruits and nuts as you desire.
- Wrap it up and grill the tortilla for a couple of minutes on each side.
11. Sriracha Chicken Kabobs
You can’t have the best camping experience without some delectable skewers at least once, so here’s a recipe for mouth-watering chicken kabobs you can grill up for dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 cubed chicken breasts
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 cubed pineapple
- 1 cubed red bell pepper
- Any other leftover vegetables (optional)
Directions:
- Seal chicken breasts in a large Ziplock bag.
- Mix the sauces with salt and pepper to taste in a small bowl. Add the mixture to the bag and shake vigorously to coat every piece.
- Marinate for at least half an hour in the cooler.
- Skewer the chicken, pepper, and pineapple onto the wooden sticks and grill for 10 minutes, flipping occasionally.
- You can add leftover veggies to the skewers as well, such as onions and mushrooms, if you have any.
12. Foil Packet Potatoes
Here’s another one for the vegetarians out there!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cubed potatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp curry powder
- Toppings of choice (salsa, red pepper flakes, avocado etc.)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400F.
- Toss your potatoes in olive oil and other seasonings.
- Line a baking tray with a sheet and place 1 cup of your potatoes on it.
- Bake at 400F for around half an hour, flipping the potatoes once at half-time.
- Remove from the tray and wrap in foil. When you want to serve, remove them from the foil and garnish with your dressing of choice!
13. Chili Cheese Fries
You can’t expect to eat healthy every single day of your camping trip (nor would you want to!), so chili cheese fries are great for that carb overload!
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of pre-made fries
- 1 cup of grated cheese
- 1 pack of pre-made chili
- Tinfoil
Directions:
- Spray some non-stick cooking spray onto the tin foil.
- Fold your fries in, before cooking it for around 20 minutes.
- Once the fries are done, add as much cheese and chili as you want.
- Cook for an additional couple of minutes so the cheese can melt completely.
14. Mexican Street Corn
Grilled corn is one of the best side dishes ever, especially if you’re planning on doing a BBQ on your trip in the wild!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 lime zested and juiced
- 4 sweet corn on the cob
- Chili powder (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your grill to 400F.
- Combine your cream, powders, and spices in a bowl, and stir until nixed completely.
- Grill your corn for about 6-8 minutes until charred and cooked.
- Brush your mixture over the corn and spread it evenly. Add your parmesan cheese and cilantro and the top.
15. Campfire French Toast
If you’re not into breakfast tortillas or burritos, then here’s a recipe for some deliciously syrupy and sweet french toast for you.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf of bread
- 8 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 500g fresh strawberries
- Icing sugar
- Syrup (of choice)
Directions:
- Whisk the eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and milk together until a frothy mixture is formed. Pour the mixture evenly over a loaf of bread.
- Wrap the loaf tightly in foil and parchment paper to ensure no leaks.
- Grill over a campfire for at least 40 minutes.
- Dice up the strawberries and sprinkle on top of the cooked bread. Add icing sugar and syrup according to taste.
16. Couscous Salad
Doing a BBQ and don’t know what side dish to make with it? Try this healthy salad – it’ll perfectly balance the richness of the meat!
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup couscous
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1 chopped bell pepper
- 1 small thinly sliced red onion
- ⅓ cup feta cheese
- ⅓ cup parsley
- 1 tbsp butter
For dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 ½ tsp honey
- 1 clove minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Add butter, water, and salt to a pan and bring it to a boil.
- Add couscous and cover the pan, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for around 5 minutes.
- Mix the dressing ingredients until fully mixed.
- Add the couscous to a bowl and mash with a fork.
- Wait until the couscous is completely cooled to add the rest of the salad ingredients and dressing.
- Toss until all ingredients are equally covered, and it’s ready for serving!
17. Greek Yogurt Salad Dressing
Want to incorporate more fruits into your camping meals? This Greek yogurt dressing will be your new favorite dressing to eat those fruits with!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Greek yogurt
- 1 lemon juiced
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- All you need to do is whisk all these ingredients until smooth, and your dressing is ready.
- Add your fresh fruits to the bowl, and there you have it – the easiest camping meal!
18. Hot chocolate
Temperatures can change drastically while camping, so who doesn’t love a hot drink to sip beside the campfire?
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon powder
Directions:
- Mix the cocoa, sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan until homogenous.
- Add the milk and whisk until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Heat it over an open fire until there are no lumps and the drink has reached your desired consistency.
19. Campfire Banana Boat
This is another great recipe to make for kids (and adults!). You can have your family customize their boats according to their practice so it can become a fun activity!
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 2 tbsp milk chocolate
- 1 graham cracker square
- Mini marshmallows
- Nuts (optional)
Directions:
- Slice the banana along its length – keep the peel on and make sure you don’t cut through it completely.
- Add the marshmallows and chocolate in the middle.
- Wrap the banana in foil and grill it until the chocolate has completely melted.
- For an extra special touch, sprinkle the top with crushed crackers or chocolate chips.
- You can even add nuts to make it healthier!
20. Grilled Peach Packets
When you’re on a camping trip, you must have as many things to grill as possible – that’s what makes the whole trip so much fun!
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches
- 4 tbsp granola
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- Tin foil
- Frozen yogurt (optional)
Directions:
- Mix the sugar, salt, and butter in a bowl.
- Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits.
- Stuff the emptied pits with the sugar mix and wrap it in tin foil.
- Grill for around 15 minutes. Let it cool completely before topping them with granola and yogurt.
21. Potato Hash and kielbasa
Last but not least, here’s a healthy skillet dish combining the best of both worlds: veggies and meat!
Ingredients:
- 14 oz turkey kielbasa
- ½ red bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2-3 potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Dice all the veggies up and slice the turkey.
- Add 2 tbsp of olive to your skillet before adding potatoes. Book them until they turn brown, and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Set the potatoes aside as you book the kielbasa. Then, add the peppers and onions.
- Lastly, mix the potatoes back in and season generously with your spices of choice.
