34 Camping Dinner Recipe Ideas Perfect for Cooking Under the Stars

When the day’s hikes are done and the campfire crackles to life, a good dinner turns any campsite into home. The following recipes are built for minimal gear yet pack maximum flavor, relying on foil packets, cast-iron skillets, and trusty Dutch ovens. Each idea is simple enough for beginners but interesting enough for seasoned camp cooks. Mix and match to cover a whole trip’s worth of meals, or cherry-pick a few favorites for your next weekend in the woods.

1. Foil-Packet Lemon Herb Chicken

Layer thin chicken breasts with lemon slices, garlic, and mixed vegetables, then seal everything in foil for an all-in-one entrée. Twenty minutes over hot coals produces juicy meat and tender veggies bathed in herb-infused juices. Cleanup is as easy as folding up the foil and tossing it in the trash bag.

2. Campfire Turkey Chili & Cornbread

Ground turkey keeps this chili lean, while beans and tomatoes add heartiness and fiber. Simmer everything in a Dutch oven, letting smoky campfire flavors deepen the pot. Bake quick cornbread batter in a separate skillet and serve wedges for dunking.

3. Cast-Iron Sausage and Peppers

This Italian-American classic is tailor-made for a single skillet. Brown the sausages first so they release tasty drippings, then toss in onion and pepper strips to soak up every bit of flavor. Pile the mixture into hoagie rolls or spoon it straight onto plates for a low-carb option.

4. BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Cook a small pork shoulder low and slow in your Dutch oven until it shreds with a fork. Stir in barbecue sauce and let the mixture bubble for a few extra minutes so flavors marry. Serve on buns with pickle chips for crunch and tang.

5. Dutch Oven Veggie Lasagna

No-boil noodles make campsite lasagna surprisingly simple. Alternate layers of pasta, ricotta, sautéed vegetables, and marinara, then let the Dutch oven work like a mini oven over embers. You’ll slice into bubbly, cheesy goodness that rivals any home kitchen version.

6. One-Pot Bacon Mac and Cheese

Cooking the pasta directly in milk produces a thick, velvety sauce without extra pans. Stir in shredded cheese and bacon at the end for smoky richness. Kids and adults alike will scrape the pot clean.

7. Teriyaki Salmon Foil Packs

Place salmon on a bed of sliced pineapple and veggies, drizzle with bottled or homemade teriyaki, then seal tightly. Ten to twelve minutes over medium coals yields flaky, flavorful fish. The sweet-savory juices make an instant sauce that’s great over rice.

8. Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas

Quesadillas are a campsite staple because they need only a griddle or skillet. Mash black beans with spices, spread on tortillas, sprinkle cheese and corn, then toast until golden. Cut into wedges and pass the hot sauce around.

9. Pesto Tortellini Skillet

Store-bought tortellini cooks in just a few minutes, making it ideal for quick dinners. Once tender, toss in jarred pesto and halved tomatoes for freshness. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over top and dinner is done.

10. Campfire Beef Nachos

Layer chips, cooked beef, beans, and cheese in a skillet, cover with foil, and set near the coals. Heat until cheese melts and chips crisp around the edges. Serve family-style with salsa, sour cream, and avocado.

11. Skillet Beef and Potato Hash

This hearty hash turns humble ingredients into stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. Par-cook potato cubes in a little water, then add beef, onions, and spices. Everything browns together, picking up smoky notes from the pan.

12. Smoky Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burritos

Roast diced sweet potatoes until caramelized, then fold them with beans and cheese into tortillas. A touch of chipotle powder adds campfire-worthy smokiness. Toast the wrapped burritos seam-side down for extra crunch.

13. Coconut Curry Ramen

Combine instant ramen with coconut milk, red curry paste, and a dash of soy sauce for a Thai-inspired twist. Add quick-cooking veggies like mushrooms and spinach to round things out. The result is comforting, aromatic, and lightning fast.

14. Italian Meatball Subs

Simmer frozen or pre-made meatballs in jarred sauce right in your skillet until heated through. Tuck them into toasted rolls, pile on cheese, and cover briefly so everything melts. A sprinkle of dried oregano finishes the sandwich shop vibe.

15. Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Instant grits make this Southern classic quick enough for camp. Season peeled shrimp with Cajun spices, sauté until pink, and spoon them over buttery grits. A squeeze of lemon brightens each bite.

16. Greek Chicken Pita Wraps

Marinate chicken in olive oil, oregano, and lemon, then grill or pan-sear until juicy. Stuff the meat into warm pitas alongside crisp veggies and creamy tzatziki. It’s fresh, filling, and perfectly portable.

17. Sweet Potato & Chickpea Stew

This vegan stew leans on pantry staples yet feels cozy and satisfying. Sweet potatoes simmer with chickpeas, tomatoes, and gentle spices until tender. Serve with crusty bread or over rice to soak up the flavorful broth.

18. Breakfast-for-Dinner Burrito Bowls

Scramble eggs with peppers and onions, then layer them over seasoned potatoes in individual bowls. Add cheese, salsa, and avocado for a customizable meal. It’s protein-packed and comes together in under 15 minutes.

19. Chorizo and Spanish Rice Skillet

Sauté chorizo so its spicy oils flavor the pan, then toast rice right in the drippings. Add broth, tomatoes, and peas, cover, and let everything absorb together. You end up with a one-pan dinner reminiscent of paella but far simpler.

20. Tuna Melt Wraps

Mix canned tuna with a little mayo, celery, and relish for crunch and tang. Wrap the salad with cheese in a tortilla, then toast on the skillet until golden and gooey. It’s a lighter take on the classic sandwich, perfect for fishing-trip suppers.

21. BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

Canned young jackfruit mimics pulled pork when simmered in sauce and shredded with forks. Heat it in a skillet, letting the edges crisp slightly for texture. Pile high on buns and add coleslaw for crunch—vegan campers rejoice.

22. Cajun Butter Steak Bites

Cube your favorite steak cut, season generously, and sear quickly over high heat. Finish with a knob of garlic herb butter that melts into a glossy coating. Spoon over instant mashed potatoes or corn for a satisfying plate.

23. Creamy Mushroom Risotto

Yes, risotto is doable outdoors—just keep the broth warm and stir often. Arborio rice releases starch, creating a naturally creamy texture without extra cream. Stir in sautéed mushrooms and a splash of white wine (optional) for depth.

24. Hawaiian Ham & Pineapple Kebabs

Thread ham, pineapple, and colorful peppers onto skewers, then brush with a simple teriyaki glaze. The sugar in the fruit caramelizes, giving each bite sweet-savory balance. Serve over quick-cooking couscous for a breezy tropical twist.

25. Peanut Sesame Noodle Stir-Fry

Cook rice noodles in the same pot you’ll use for the stir-fry to save water. Toss with a quick sauce of peanut butter, soy, lime, and sesame oil, then add crisp vegetables. It’s flavorful, fast, and even delicious cold the next day.

26. Chili-Lime Corn and Bean Salad

Mix canned corn and black beans with diced veggies, then splash with lime juice and chili powder. This salad doubles as a side dish or a light main when temperatures soar. Make it ahead so the flavors meld while you relax.

27. Campfire Skillet Pizza

Press refrigerated dough into an oiled skillet, slather with sauce, and scatter cheese and toppings. Cover with foil and place over medium coals until the crust crisps and cheese melts. Slice right in the pan for minimal fuss.

28. Lentil Sloppy Joes

Swap ground meat for hearty lentils simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. The texture feels familiar, while the legume base adds fiber and protein. Serve on buns with pickle slices for classic picnic flair.

29. Maple Dijon Pork Chops

Brush bone-in chops with a blend of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and garlic, then cook in a hot skillet. The glaze caramelizes into a sweet, savory crust. Apple slices roasted alongside make a built-in side dish.

30. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Hollow out peppers and fill them with a mixture of precooked rice, seasoned beef, and sauce. Nestle them upright in your Dutch oven, cover, and bake until tender. A sprinkle of cheese on top turns bubbly and brown in the final minutes.

31. Parmesan Herb Gnocchi

Shelf-stable gnocchi cooks in two minutes, making it perfect for tired campers. Toss the dumplings with melted butter, garlic, and fresh or dried herbs, then shower with Parmesan. The dish feels indulgent yet comes together in one pan.

32. Thai Coconut Shrimp Foil Pack

Combine shrimp, coconut milk, fish sauce, and a squeeze of lime in foil packets for a fragrant dinner. Ten minutes over hot coals yields tender seafood infused with Thai flavors. Serve over instant rice to soak up the aromatic broth.

33. Rustic Campfire Ratatouille

Chop summer vegetables into bite-size pieces and sauté until they soften and mingle. A splash of olive oil, garlic, and herbs de Provence brings French countryside vibes to the campsite. Enjoy as a vegetarian main or alongside grilled protein.

34. Chicken Alfredo One-Pot Pasta

Simmer pasta, broth, and evaporated milk together so the noodles absorb flavor while releasing starch. Stir in cooked chicken and Parmesan for a silky sauce that requires no draining. The single-pot method means dinner is ready with almost no cleanup.