Crackling flames, starry skies, and the smell of good food make camping unforgettable. Cooking over an open fire isn’t just about eating—it’s part of the adventure. These 31 easy and delicious camping food ideas bring you hearty meals, quick snacks, and sweet treats that turn any campsite into a feast.
Contents
- 31 Easy and Delicious Camping Food Ideas
- 1. Campfire Chili
- 2. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
- 3. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff
- 4. Campfire Nachos
- 5. Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
- 6. Grilled BBQ Chicken
- 7. Foil-Packet Tacos
- 8. Lemon Herb Fish Fillets
- 9. Dutch Oven Pizza
- 10. Sausage Veggie Scramble
- 11. Campfire Cornbread
- 12. S’mores Cone
- 13. Loaded Baked Potatoes
- 14. Spicy Black Bean Quesadillas
- 15. Stuffed Bell Peppers
- 16. Foil-Packet Cajun Shrimp
- 17. Breakfast Burritos
- 18. Sweet Potato Hash
- 19. Garlic Herb Grilled Corn
- 20. Peanut Butter Banana Sandwiches
- 21. Campfire Paella
- 22. Honey Lime Chicken Skewers
- 23. Veggie Omelette Wraps
- 24. Chocolate Lava Cakes
- 25. Maple Bacon Pancakes
- 26. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
- 27. Spicy Chorizo and Egg Skillet
- 28. Caprese Salad Skewers
- 29. Spinach and Cheese Quesadillas
- 30. Pineapple Teriyaki Kebabs
- 31. Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
- Tips for Preparing Meals Outdoors
- Conclusion
31 Easy and Delicious Camping Food Ideas
Camping food ideas can be the difference between a simple meal and a memorable outdoor feast. The right recipes save time, pack well, and cook easily over a fire. A good mix of flavors keeps energy levels up for hiking, fishing, or late-night storytelling. Smart planning means less hassle and more time enjoying nature.
1. Campfire Chili
Imagine sitting around a cozy campfire, the cool evening air mixed with the warm, inviting aroma of campfire chili bubbling in a Dutch oven. This hearty dish is perfect for camping, combining beans, tomato, and spices to create a comfort food that warms you from the inside out. If you’re feeling adventurous, spice it up with chipotle peppers for a smoky twist.

2. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Consider adding colorful grilled vegetable skewers to your camping menu. These skewers offer a delightful mix of veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, all packed with flavor. Enjoy the natural sweetness and earthy taste that grilling brings out, making them a perfect companion to your outdoor meals.
3. One-Pot Beef Stroganoff
When you’re on a camping trip, you want meals that are simple yet satisfying, and one-pot beef stroganoff is just the ticket. This dish combines tender beef, creamy sauce, and savory flavors for an unforgettable meal. As the pasta noodles cook right in the pot, the recipe becomes both delicious and convenient. Consider the simplicity of preparation and flavor profile, which enhance the camping experience.
4. Campfire Nachos
Campfire nachos are a delightful addition to any camping menu. Picture a blend of crispy tortilla chips layered with gooey melted cheese, savory beans, and freshly chopped veggies, all finished with a hint of spice. Whether you’re a passionate meat-lover or a dedicated vegetarian, these nachos can be customized to suit your preference, making them a versatile choice for everyone gathered around the campfire.
5. Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
When you’re camping, few things are as delightful as waking up to the smell of lemon blueberry pancakes. Imagine this: the zestiness of lemon combined with juicy blueberries creates a refreshing start to your day. Perfect for an outdoor morning, these pancakes are both a treat for your taste buds and a boost of energy for your adventures.
6. Grilled BBQ Chicken
Grilled BBQ chicken is a fantastic option for camping meals. The smoky aroma combined with a tangy barbeque sauce creates a delightful taste that brings excitement to any outdoor meal. Whether you’re grilling over a campfire or using a portable grill, this dish is sure to impress everyone.
7. Foil-Packet Tacos
Foil-packet tacos are a fantastic choice for camping because they’re simple and delicious. These tacos combine seasoned meat, like ground beef or chicken, with vegetables and spices, all wrapped and cooked in foil. The result is a flavorful meal that’s incredibly easy to prepare and enjoy around the campfire. They offer a fun way to customize your meal with different toppings and ingredients.
8. Lemon Herb Fish Fillets
Lemon herb fish fillets are perfect for your camping adventures. The combination of fresh herbs and lemon juice creates a flavorful dish that delights your taste buds. You can use a variety of fish, like barramundi or snapper, wrapped in foil with butter and seasonings for a simple yet tasty meal cooked over a campfire.
9. Dutch Oven Pizza
When you’re camping, making Dutch oven pizza can be a delightful change from traditional campfire meals. Imagine relaxing under the stars with a hot, freshly baked pizza straight from your Dutch oven. This method gives you a crispy crust and allows the toppings to meld beautifully.
10. Sausage Veggie Scramble
When you’re out camping, a sausage veggie scramble is a tasty way to kickstart your day. This dish combines savory sausage with fresh veggies like bell peppers and spinach, creating a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s not only delicious but also a hearty meal that will keep you energized for outdoor adventures.
11. Campfire Cornbread
Campfire cornbread offers a delightful mix of crispy, golden edges, and a moist, tender interior, making it a favorite among camping enthusiasts. Ideal for a diverse range of meals, it pairs well alongside a hearty bowl of chili or as an accompaniment to grilled meats. The aroma of baking cornbread over an open fire creates an irresistible, comforting atmosphere for your outdoor meal.
12. S’mores Cone
S’mores cones is a delightful twist on the classic campfire treat that brings convenience and fun to your camping adventure. Instead of using traditional graham crackers, you fill a waffle cone with marshmallows and chocolate and warm it up. The cone adds a delightful, crispy texture, and the melted filling creates a gooey, irresistible sweetness.
13. Loaded Baked Potatoes
When you’re out camping and craving something both hearty and customizable, loaded baked potatoes hit the spot. You have the freedom to add your favorite toppings, whether that’s crispy bacon, chives, or a generous sprinkle of cheddar. It’s a comfort food that brings a touch of home to the great outdoors.
14. Spicy Black Bean Quesadillas
When camping, spicy black bean quesadillas make a delightful meal that packs flavor in every bite. The combination of black beans, cheese, and spicy seasonings creates a dish both satisfying and exciting. This recipe is perfect whether you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian option or just something simple to cook over a campfire.
15. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic camping meal that combines convenience with hearty flavors. They are packed with ground meat, rice, and spice to create a delicious and filling option for outdoor cooking. Perfect for a campfire meal, these nutrient-rich peppers satisfy both meat lovers and vegetarians alike with their versatility and taste.
16. Foil-Packet Cajun Shrimp
Foil-packet Cajun shrimp offers a delightful mix of flavors perfect for your camping adventures. As you unwrap each packet, enjoy the aroma of juicy shrimp mingling with smoked sausage, baby red potatoes, and sweet corn. Customize your packets with your favorite vegetables, allowing everyone in your group to have a personalized meal experience filled with Cajun spices.
17. Breakfast Burritos
When you’re out camping, breakfast burritos offer a delicious way to start your day. Wrapped in a warm tortilla, they can be packed with a variety of ingredients like eggs, sausage, or cheese. This flavorful combination is satisfying and also provides the energy you need for an adventurous day ahead.
18. Sweet Potato Hash
Sweet potato hash is a delightful option for camping breakfasts. Its mix of sweet potatoes, sausage, and peppers creates a satisfying, hearty meal. The caramelization of sweet potatoes adds a golden-brown texture that bursts with flavor. Pairing it with a couple of fried eggs makes for a comforting start to your day.
19. Garlic Herb Grilled Corn
Garlic herb grilled corn is a delightful addition to your camping menu. Imagine sinking your teeth into sweet, juicy corn perfectly charred on the grill and infused with garlic and herbs. The aroma alone is enough to bring everyone together around the campfire.
20. Peanut Butter Banana Sandwiches
Peanut butter banana sandwiches are a delightful blend of creamy and sweet flavors, perfect for a camping adventure. The combination of nutty peanut butter and ripe bananas creates a satisfying taste and texture. They’re quick to prepare and don’t require refrigeration. Feel free to experiment with variations, like adding honey or sprinkling some cinnamon, to personalize the taste.
21. Campfire Paella
When you’re camping, a dish like campfire paella can add a touch of culinary delight to your outdoor adventure. Combining fresh seafood, flavorful spices, and aromatic vegetables, paella offers a rich blend of taste and texture. It’s a dish that transforms a simple camping meal into a memorable dining experience under the stars.
22. Honey Lime Chicken Skewers
Honey lime chicken skewers are a delightful choice for camping meals as they offer a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Imagine juicy, bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in honey and lime, cooked to perfection over a campfire. This dish not only tastes delicious but also adds a touch of gourmet flair to your outdoor adventures.
23. Veggie Omelette Wraps
Veggie omelette wraps are a delightful breakfast option that can easily be enjoyed while camping. The combination of fresh vegetables and eggs creates a nutritious meal that’s both filling and flavorful. As you sit around the campfire, savor the mix of colorful veggies and fluffy eggs, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla.
24. Chocolate Lava Cakes
Chocolate lava cakes are a delightful treat to enjoy on a camping site. Imagine the moment you cut into the cake, and warm, gooey chocolate cascades out, mingling with the coolness of the evening. These cakes are not just about taste; their ease of preparation makes them a perfect dessert to whip up in the wilderness.
25. Maple Bacon Pancakes
As you enjoy the great outdoors, indulge in the mouthwatering combination of maple syrup and crispy bacon folded into fluffy pancakes. This savory and sweet twist is perfect for campers who crave familiar but flavorful meals. Consider prepping your ingredients ahead of time for ease, and let the campfire add a smoky aroma to this classic breakfast treat.
26. Teriyaki Chicken Bowls
Teriyaki chicken bowls are a tasty and convenient meal option for camping trips. You get tender chicken combined with flavorful teriyaki sauce, offering a delightful mix of savory and sweet. Pair it with crisp vegetables and fluffy rice to create a satisfying dish that’s both refreshing and energizing.
27. Spicy Chorizo and Egg Skillet
When you’re out camping and craving something hearty, a spicy chorizo and egg skillet is a delightful option. Combining flavorful chorizo and fresh eggs, this dish brings a touch of warmth to your outdoor adventures. The bold spices of the sausage mixed with the creamy texture of eggs create a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
28. Caprese Salad Skewers
When you’re camping, Caprese salad skewers make a fresh and tasty choice. These appetizers are simple to assemble and offer a burst of flavor with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzled with balsamic glaze for an extra zing, they bring a gourmet touch to your outdoor dining experience.
29. Spinach and Cheese Quesadillas
Spinach and cheese quesadillas are a delightful option for camping meals. The foods bring a nutritious twist to your outdoor dining. Combining fresh spinach with melted cheese creates a flavorful and satisfying dish. Cooking them on a portable skillet over a campfire adds a unique smoky flavor, making this simple dish a memorable camping experience.
30. Pineapple Teriyaki Kebabs
Pineapple teriyaki kebabs make a delightful addition to your camping menu. It provides a fusion of sweet and savory flavors. You’ll enjoy the succulent combination of juicy pineapple chunks paired with your choice of protein like chicken or pork. The teriyaki marinade enhances the taste and offers a rich umami flavor that complements the fruity pineapple notes beautifully.
31. Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Cinnamon French toast sticks are a delightful addition to your camping menu, providing a sweet, finger-friendly breakfast option. They offer the comforting flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, making them a beloved choice for both kids and adults. Pair them with maple syrup or fresh fruit for a quick and tasty treat that’s easy to enjoy around the campfire.
Tips for Preparing Meals Outdoors
Preparing meals outdoors can be a fun and rewarding experience if you plan ahead and simplify your cooking process. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your outdoor cooking adventures:
- Plan Your Menu: Choose meals that are easy to cook and require minimal ingredients to simplify your trip.
- Prep Ingredients at Home: Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and pre-measure spices to save time at the campsite.
- Pack the Right Tools: Bring a portable stove, reliable utensils, and sturdy pots and pans for efficient cooking.
- Organize Your Cooking Space: Arrange your tools and ingredients to access them quickly and keep your area tidy.
- Be Mindful of Clean-Up: Bring a mess kit and waste bags for easy cleanup to respect the natural environment.
Conclusion
Camping is more enjoyable when you have delicious meals to look forward to. With these 31 easy camping recipes, you can savor the experience without the hassle of complicated cooking. Whether you prefer foil-packet meals or simple grill recipes, you’ll find everything needed to fuel your adventures. Try out different recipes to discover your favorites and make your outdoor experiences memorable.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.