There’s something magical about sitting around a campfire with family and friends, swapping stories, and listening to the crackle of burning wood as you dig into a warm, hearty meal.
But let’s be honest, cooking during camping trips can sometimes feel like a chore. That’s why we’re sharing six easy camping dinner ideas that are hassle-free, fun to make, and most importantly, delicious. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to simple, tasty meals that will make your camping adventures even more enjoyable and stress-free.
Easy Camping Meals The Whole Family Will Love
When it comes to camping food ideas, simplicity is key. The goal is to spend less time fussing over a camp stove and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
One-Pot Meals
Let’s face it—no one wants to deal with a mountain of dishes on a camping trip. Enter the hero of easy camping dinners: one-pot meals. These dishes are perfect for campers looking for hearty, simple recipes that don’t involve juggling multiple pans over a camp stove.
- Campfire Chili: Brown some ground beef or your favorite plant-based alternative, add canned beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning, and let it simmer. Top it with shredded cheese or sour cream for a finishing touch.
- One Pot Pasta: Combine pasta, diced tomatoes, garlic, and your favorite seasonings in a pot. Add enough water to cook the pasta and let it simmer until done. Stir in spinach or basil for a pop of freshness.
- Campfire Stew: Brown ground beef with diced onions and garlic, then add canned mixed vegetables, potatoes, and beef broth. Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender for a hearty, warming stew.
Make it Even Easier: Pre-measure all your ingredients at home and store them in separate containers to make throwing everything into the pot a breeze.
Foil Packet Dinners
Foil packet dinners are the MVP of campfire cooking. They require almost no cleanup and can be customized to fit everyone’s taste preferences. Just toss your ingredients in a foil packet, seal it up, and let the campfire do all the work.
- Chicken and Veggie Packets: Combine chicken breast, chopped bell peppers, onions, and potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Seal it in a foil packet and cook over the campfire or grill for 20-30 minutes.
- Shrimp Boil Packets: Toss shrimp, corn on the cob chunks, sliced sausage, and baby potatoes with Old Bay seasoning. Cook over the fire until everything is cooked through and tender.
- Salmon and Asparagus Packets: Place a salmon filet on a sheet of foil, top with lemon juice, fresh dill, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add asparagus on the side, seal the packet, and cook over the campfire for about 15-20 minutes.
Make it Even Easier: Prep your foil packets at home, wrap them up tightly, and store them in the cooler so they’re ready to go when you reach the campsite.
Kabobs
Nothing says an easy camping meal quite like kabobs. They’re fun and customizable, and you can prep them ahead of time. Plus, there’s something inherently satisfying about cooking food on a stick over an open flame.
- Classic Steak and Veggie Kabobs: Skewer cubes of steak, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Brush with a little marinade and grill until the steakis cooked to your liking.
- Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs: Marinate chicken pieces in teriyaki sauce and skewer with pineapple chunks and red peppers for a sweet and savory combination.
- Veggie and Halloumi Kabobs: Skewer chunks of halloumi cheese, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and bell peppers. Grill until the cheese is golden and the veggies are tender for a satisfying meat-free option.
Make it Even Easier: Assemble your kabobs before you leave and marinate them in ziplock bags for extra flavor and minimal effort at the campsite.
Pasta and Rice Dishes
Pasta and rice dishes are hearty, filling, and can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. They’re perfect as both an easy camping dinner or an easy camping lunch to power your day.
- Camping Pasta Salad: Prep a pasta salad at home with cooked pasta, diced veggies, olives, and a simple vinaigrette. It’s a great no-cook option that’s easy to pull out of the cooler.
- Rice and Beans: Simmer instant rice and canned black beans with a bit of cumin, garlic powder, and salsa for a quick meal. Add avocado slices or shredded cheese for extra flavor.
- Creamy Pesto Pasta: Cook pasta and toss it with store-bought pesto, a splash of cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan for an easy, gourmet camping dish.
Make it Even Easier: Use quick-cook pasta or instant rice to cut down on cooking time.
Vegetarian and Vegan Dinners
Even if you’re not strictly plant-based, having a few vegetarian or vegan camping food options can be a game changer. They’re usually easier to store and don’t require as much refrigeration.
- Grilled Portobello Burgers: Marinate large portobello mushroom caps in balsamic vinegar and grill over the campfire. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings like avocado, lettuce, and tomato.
- Chickpea Stir-Fry: Sauté canned chickpeas, bell peppers, and onions with a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of garlic powder for a quick, protein-packed dinner.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and salsa. Wrap each pepper in foil and place on the campfire until the peppers are soft.
Make it Even Easier: Use canned and pre-cooked beans or chickpeas to skip the soaking and cooking process entirely.
Breakfast For Dinner
Who says you have to save your camping breakfast for breakfast time? Everyone loves breakfast for dinner! It’s simple, fun, and a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.
- Scrambled Eggs and Sausage: Cook scrambled eggs with pre-cooked sausage over a camp stove. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese and serve with toast or tortillas.
- Breakfast Burritos: Scramble eggs and add cooked bacon or sausage, cheese, grilled corn, and some salsa. Wrap in a tortilla and top with a dollop of sour cream. Wrap them in foil to keep them warm while serving the group.
- Campfire Pancakes: Make a simple pancake batter at home and store it in a squeeze bottle or shaker bottle. Pour the batter onto a hot griddle over the fire and serve with maple syrup and fresh fruit for a breakfast twist at dinnertime.
Make it Even Easier: Pre-scramble your eggs and store them in a shaker bottle for easy pouring into your pan.
Kid-Friendly Dinners
If you’re camping with kids, having a few tried-and-true meals can make all the difference in convincing a tired, cranky kid to eat dinner. These are simple, kid-approved dinners that everyone will enjoy.
- Hot Dogs and Chips: A camping classic that’s easy to make over a campfire. Kids can even roast their own hot dogs, with supervision, of course.
- PB&J: Sometimes simple is best. A classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich requires no cooking and is always a hit.
- S'mores: No camping adventure is complete without s’mores. Pack graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows, and watch the campfire magic unfold.
Tips for Simple Meals and Easy Cleanup
The goal of camping food is to be as delicious as it is simple. Here are some extra tips to make sure your next camping trip is a breeze.
Meal Prep Ahead of Time
Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and pre-measure spices before you leave. Store everything in ziplock bags for easy access and minimal cleanup. Prepping at home means you’ll spend less time chopping and more time enjoying the outdoors. Bonus: Label the bags with the meal name and cooking instructions to make camp cooking even smoother.
Layer Your Cooler
Keep raw meats at the bottom and ready-to-eat items at the top to avoid cross-contamination. Ice packs and frozen water bottles can help maintain a steady temperature. A hard cooler with a snack rack and dividers will help you keep ingredients organized and easy to find. This setup also helps keep your cooler neat and minimizes the amount of time it’s open, preserving ice longer.
Invest in a Camping Stove
A good camping stove will expand your meal options and give you more control over cooking. It’s worth the investment for quick and efficient meals. Look for stoves with adjustable heat settings to handle everything from simmering soups to searing meats. Pair it with a fuel-efficient camp pot or pan to maximize cooking potential.
Make Cleanup Easy
Use disposable plates and utensils or bring a lightweight wash basin for dishes. Biodegradable soap is a must for eco-friendly cleanup. Pack a microfiber towel for quick drying and keep a small trash bag handy for waste disposal. For a no-hassle approach, use foil liners on pans or grills to prevent food from sticking and speed up the cleaning process.
Make Your Next Campfire Dinner Unforgettable
Dinner around the campfire doesn’t have to be complicated. With these easy camping dinner ideas, you can whip up your favorite camping meal without the stress and mess. So pack your Rugged Road cooler, grab your camp stove, and get ready to enjoy some delicious meals on your next camping trip. After all, nothing tastes better than food cooked in the great outdoors!
