Food Ideas for Camping: Simplify your next Adventure

Need a few tips for planning meals for your next camping getaway? Read on for our beginners list of food ideas for camping.

 

 

Setting out on a camping trip is an adventure where you can escape from the hustle of the daily grind to enjoy the serenity of nature. Whether you’re planning to take yourself for an adventure-filled day or to laze around the campsite in luxury- we've got you covered with our top tips on how to create your own food itinerary to suit your getaway.

 

Planning Your Camping Meals

Meal planning is important for a seamless camping trip. If you’re organising a longer getaway, try and use non-perishable foods like pasta, rice, canned goods, and dehydrated meals. For shorter trips, fresh produce, meats, and dairy can add zest to your campsite cooking. Meals that require minimal preparation and clean-up are great for maximising your time outdoors.

 

 

Select staples that can be blended and matched to make various meals. Remember to bring spices and sauces for that extra finishing touch. I’ll split the ideas below into two categories: the quick and easy option for those wanting to get out and adventure and the more involved option for those that are spending the day relaxing at base camp.

 

Breakfast - Fuelling Up for the Afternoon

On the go:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast to fuel you for your outdoor activities. Choices like speedy oats with dried berries or nuts set you up for a nutritious beginning to your day, while pre-made hotcake blends just need water for a delightful morning treat.

Another fast and delightful choice is yoghurt blended in with granola and fresh, natural products. It's a refreshing choice, particularly during hotter camping trips. These breakfast choices are delicious as well as give  vital energy to a daring day ahead.

 

 

Time to kill:

For a protein-stuffed breakfast, go for fried eggs, bacon, mushrooms and beans cooked over a campfire or portable stove. Add any of these ingredients to a burrito with some cheese, fold them in foil and warm them around the campfire for a delicious breakfast burrito.

With the same ingredients (maybe add some shallots!) chopped up and tossed into a skillet with some whisked egg and milk you can make a delicious breakfast omelette. Once everything's in the skillet, cover with a lid or foil so the top of the omelette cooks and you don’t have to worry about flipping it.

 

Lunch - Keeping it Light and Tasty

On the go:

Cold meat sandwiches or wraps. Pre-made plates of mixed greens with fixings like beans, pasta, or couscous are filling and easy to prepare. Hummus and vegetable sticks, or cheddar, can make for a fast, no-cook lunch choice that are both fulfilling and easy to put together.

These lunches are great for a speedy break between activities, permitting you to partake in your time outdoors without spending too much time on meal preparation.

 

 

Time to kill:

Lunch can still be a great meal without any extra effort - camping is a great excuse to have bacon and eggs for two meals a day (I’ve certainly done it a lot). If you're camping in January, bring your leftover Christmas leg ham in a container and a jaffle iron. Leg ham off the bone and cheese jaffles cooked in the campfire is about as good as lunch can be in my opinion.

For a fresher (and healthier) option I’ve pre-made roasted pumpkin and feta salads to bring and it’s always a winner. Just be sure to keep the wet ingredients in a separate container and combine them all right before you eat so it’s still crispy.

 

Dinner - The Main Event

Dinner is your opportunity to get imaginative at the campsite. One-pot meals like stews, chilli, or pasta dishes are wonderful as they limit cleanup time. To change up your dinner you can prepare bundles with various blends of meat, potatoes, vegetables, and spices at home.

 

 

At the campsite, simply put them on the barbecue or campfire coals, and a healthy meal is prepared with no mess (I personally love wrapping potatoes or corn cobs with butter, salt and garlic to chuck on the campfire).

The trick is getting the temperature of the coals right and definitely takes a bit of practice if you’ve never cooked like this before. I promise it’s worth learning but - the smoky flavour from the fire makes everything taste way better. End the day with a warm, filling meal, uniting everyone to share food and stories under the stars.

 

Snacks and Desserts - The Little Extras

Don’t forget about snacks and desserts, as they can be the highlight for some campers, particularly kids. Healthy options such as fruit, nuts, and energy bars are perfect for in a hurry nibbling.

 

 

For dessert, customary campfire treats like cooked marshmallows are always a hit. You could also prepare a charcuterie board with a mix of cheeses, dips, fruits and nuts as an afternoon treat to turn your outdoor adventure into a luxurious glamping experience.

 

Give it a go!

With these camping food ideas, you'll be all set to turn your next outdoor adventure into a tasty journey in the great outdoors. Just remember, the right meals can really amp up your camping experience, making it even more enjoyable and memorable.

 

 

For those hoping to elevate their camping experience not just with food, but also with the most unique and functional tents on the market, explore our range here. Our tents create the perfect atmosphere for you and your family, making sure you're comfortable and adding a touch of style to your connection with nature.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are some easy food ideas for camping?

For easy camping meals, centre around minimal preparation. Sandwiches are an excellent choice, taking into consideration various fillings to suit any taste. Pre-made servings of mixed greens, particularly those with good fixings like pasta or beans, can be both nutritious and fulfilling.

One-pot meals like stews, chilli, or pasta dishes are likewise incredible choices as they can be cooked over a camp stove or fire with minimal effort (and only one pan to wash!). Also, remember the easiest camping delicacy: marshmallows cooked over the fire.

How do I keep food fresh while camping?

Keeping food fresh while camping is essential. Use coolers with ice packs or frozen gel packs for perishables like meat, dairy, and fresh vegetables. Store dry goods like bread, snacks, and non-perishable items in airtight containers to prevent them from going stale and to shield them from wildlife.

A great way to organise your meals is to sort out your cooler by meal and day, involving separate coolers for beverages and food to restrict the number of times the food cooler is opened.

What is the ideal way to prepare food while camping?

The ideal way to prepare food while camping, to a great extent, relies upon your gear and preference. Portable camp stoves are great for easy and effective cooking, particularly for boiling water or cooking one-pot meals. They give a controlled heat source that is easy to manage, just be sure to shield it from the wind for consistent temperature.

Campfires, while more difficult to cook on, offer a more conventional and natural cooking experience. You can barbecue meats, toast bread, or even cook meals in cast iron cookware over the open fire. Make sure to constantly observe campsite guidelines and safety guidelines while utilising a campfire.

Can I prepare meals ahead of time to save on cooking while camping?

Absolutely! Preparing meals early is an incredible method for saving both time and effort during your camping trip. Consider prepping elements for meals like stews, marinating meats for barbecuing, or gathering sandwich fillings. These can be put away in airtight containers or ziplock bags. Pre-created frozen meals can likewise double as ice packs in your cooler, keeping different items chilled.

How do I keep my food safe and avoid attracting wildlife at the campsite?

Food safety and wildlife prevention are vital while camping. Continuously store your food in airtight containers and keep them in a cooler or hung up in a tree, away from your tent. Never leave food unattended or in an open container. Clean up following meals and discard junk in assigned wildlife-proof bins.