62 Easy Camping Meal Ideas for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Are you planning a camping trip and not sure what to prepare for meals? I’ve got you covered. Whether you have a camp stove or planning to cook over an open fire, here are 28 easy camping meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that will satisfy your cravings and keep you fueled for your outdoor adventures.

I absolutely love to camp. I’ll backpack, car camp, or pull a travel trailer. When it comes down to it, they all have some delicious options for easy camping dinner ideas. but for some reason, that’s the number one question people ask me. What should I make? 

Today I’m breaking down some of my families favorite camping recipes to make.

What methods are there to cooking while Camping? 

Campfire cooking is what most people think of. You can roast hotdogs over a fire, have a smore, grill over an open flame, use it as an oven with foil, or make foil packets. 

Most people bring a portable stove, opening up the door to an endless idea of camping foods. 

If you have a camper, also have a microwave available and electricity to plug in crock pots, coffee makers and more. Some higher end campers may even come with an oven. 

What is the best method for cooking while camping? 

This all depends on your type of camping. But my own personal preference is to use gas whenever possible. That’s because I don’t want to waste wood for cooking. I’d rather use a bundle of wood for smores and a late-night fire. 

I’ve also learned never to rely on campfires for your cooking. If it rains, or if you are in a drought area, with campfire restrictions, you’ll want a backup. 

What makes cooking in a camper different than car camping? 

Camping meals are not inherently special. Unless you are talking about cooking over a fire. Otherwise, most everything you can make at home, without an oven, can be made camping too. Car camping or in a Camper. The only differences are a camper usually has a little more space for cold products, and a Freezer. 

What are some hacks to Quick and Easy Camping Meals? 

Lets face is, recipes are the way to go especially when you’ve spent most of the day exploring, playing and relaxing. When you don’t have all the comforts of home, these hacks are perfect for camping.

Freezer Meals  

When going on a longer trip, make it at home and freeze them flat in a zip lock freezer bag. Then stack up your meals in your freezer.

We did this on a two-week trip, and it worked great. A few days before we wanted to eat, we’d let it thaw out in the fridge. Then rewarm everything a pot or pan. This is a great option if you are looking for quick and easy meals for your next trip.

This hack works well with coolers too. You can use dry ice to keep things frozen. Just be careful as it can cause burns if you touch the ice. Check with your dry ice provider for tips. 

Prep Everything

No one wants to spend time cutting vegetables, grating cheese and stuff. If possible, put everything chopped up in ziplock bags. Then take out what you need.

When you finish off the bag, it’s easy to throw away. Tupperware is nice, but having stacks of bins left in the fridge can take up valuable space. 

Bring Extra Snacks

I’m sure why, but when you go camping, there is a tendency to bring everything under the sun, including double portions of the main course. You’d can easily burn through your entire weeks grocery budget on a single weekend.

Instead of doubling up on the main course, bring extra side dishes and snacks that don’t require refrigeration. This way you wont have to worry about packing up leftovers and finding room for them. 

Let’s dive into why you are really here. 

Camping Breakfast Ideas

Yogurt Parfait

Layer yogurt, granola, and your favorite fruits in individual cups or jars. They are simple to make on your next trip and refreshing for a hot day.

Instant Oatmeal Packets

Pre-portion individual servings of instant oatmeal into resealable bags. When ready to eat, simply add hot water and let it sit for a few minutes to cook.

Peanut Butter Banana Toast

Toast slices of bread on a portable camping stove or using a toaster if available. Spread peanut butter on the toast and top with sliced bananas.

Energy Bars or Granola Bars

Pack a variety of energy bars or granola bars for a quick grab-and-go breakfast that requires no preparation.

Fruit and Nut Mix

Create your own custom mix of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds for a nutritious and portable breakfast option. They also sell premade version at most stores.

Cold Cereal

Pack your favorite cereal in resealable bags or containers. In the morning, simply pour milk into a bowl, add the cereal, and enjoy.

Short on fridge space, or on a long trip? Bring shelf stable almond milk with you. It only needs to be refrigerated after opening. 

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Cook a batch of hard-boiled eggs ahead of time and store them in a cooler. They make a convenient and protein-packed breakfast option that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

French Toast

Dip slices of bread in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and cinnamon. You can mix and dip everything in a Ziplock bag for easy cleanup. Cook them on a greased griddle or skillet over the campfire until golden brown. 

Need topping ideas other than syrup? Try powdered sugar, fresh fruit and whip cream are all easy to clean up afterwards.

Omelets

Beat eggs with your choice of vegetables, cheese, and cooked meats. Pour the mixture into a greased skillet and cook over the campfire, folding the omelet in half when it’s set.

Overnight Oats

Prepare individual portions of oats, milk (or yogurt), and your favorite mix-ins (such as fruits, nuts, and sweeteners) in resealable containers. Leave them in a cooler overnight, and they’ll be ready to enjoy in the morning.

Pancakes

Mix pancake batter ahead of time and store it in a squeeze bottle. Squeeze the batter onto a greased griddle or skillet over the campfire to make fluffy pancakes.

Look for just add water mix for easy prep. Or make it ahead at home, freeze or refrigerate the pancakes and reheat them once you arrive. 

Breakfast Skillet

Cook diced potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and your choice of breakfast meat (such as bacon or sausage) in a skillet over the campfire. Crack eggs on top and cook until they’re done to your liking.

Granola

Toss oats, nuts, dried fruits, honey, and spices in a skillet and toast them over the campfire until golden and fragrant. Enjoy it with yogurt or milk.

Breakfast Quesadillas

Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of fillings (such as diced vegetables and cooked bacon or ham). Cook them in a skillet over the campfire until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.

Breakfast Hash

Cook diced potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and sausage in a skillet over the campfire until golden brown. Crack eggs on top and cook until they’re done to your liking.

Muffins

Bring some of your favorite muffins from home (or the store). Warm them up in tin foil over the fire, on a gas stove or just let them sit in the morning sun!

Skillet breakfast burritos

Skillet breakfast burritos are a hearty and delicious breakfast option. Simply cook scrambled eggs, diced potatoes, diced onions, and diced bell peppers in a skillet and wrap them in a tortilla with your favorite toppings like salsa or hot sauce.

These can be made ahead of time and frozen. Nuke them in a microwave, or wrap them in foil and put them on the campfire, or on the stovetop to re-heat.

Easy Meals for Lunch or Dinner while camping

What are some easy camping meals to make over a campfire?

Campfire cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are some easy campfire meals that are delicious and effortless to prepare.

Campfire pizza

Campfire pizza is a fun and easy campfire meal that everyone will enjoy. Simply top a premade pizza crust with pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings like sliced vegetables, sausage, or pepperoni. Cook it on a grill or over the campfire until the cheese melts.

Campfire grilled chicken

Campfire grilled chicken is a simple yet satisfying meal. Simply marinate chicken breasts in your favorite seasoning and cook them over the campfire or on a grill. 

Campfire chili

Campfire chili is a hearty and flavorful meal that is perfect for chilly nights. Simply cook ground beef, canned tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili seasoning in a Dutch oven or cast-iron pot over the campfire.

Campfire nachos

Campfire nachos are a delicious and easy campfire meal. Simply layer tortilla chips with shredded cheese, black beans, diced tomatoes, and diced avocado in a cast iron skillet over the campfire until the cheese melts.

Sandwich Press

Spray down the press with some cooking oil, place to piece of bred on either side. Top with your favorite sandwich fillings, like ham and cheese. Or make a pizza with sauce and your favorite toppings. Then place over the fire.

You can also rest it over the grate or in coals until everything gets toasty and melted. If you don’t have a Sandwich Press, you can pick one up online.

Skillet shepherd’s pie

Skillet shepherd’s pie is a hearty and satisfying one-pot meal. Simply cook ground beef, frozen mixed vegetables, and mashed potatoes in a skillet and bake it in a campfire for 10-15 minutes.

What are some easy foil packet meals for camping?

Foil packets meals are a convenient option for camping as they require minimal cleanup and can be prepared in advance. Here are some easy foil packet meals for camping.

Black bean and avocado foil packets

Black bean and avocado foil packets are a healthy and flavorful campfire meal. Simply wrap black beans, diced avocado, diced tomatoes, and seasoning in aluminum foil and cook over the campfire or on a grill.

Campfire potatoes and vegetables

Simply wrap sliced potatoes, sliced onions, and sliced bell peppers in aluminum foil with seasoning and cook over the campfire or on a grill.

Foil packet cheesy chicken and broccoli

Simply wrap chicken breast, broccoli florets, and cheddar cheese in aluminum foil with seasoning and cook over the campfire or on a grill.

Foil packet salmon and asparagus

Simply wrap salmon fillet, asparagus, and lemon slices in aluminum foil with seasoning and cook over the campfire or on a grill.

Shrimp boil foil packets

Campfire shrimp boil foil packets are a tasty and easy dinner idea. Simply wrap shrimp, sliced potatoes, corn on the cob, and seasoning in aluminum foil and cook over the campfire or on a grill.

What are some easy skillet meals for camping?

Easy skillet meals are a great option for camping. The recipes use just a single skillet. They are similar a one pot dinner and are easy to prepare.

After a long day of hiking and exploring, a hearty dinner is a must. Here are some camping dinner ideas that are easy to make and will keep you satisfied.

Grilled sausages and peppers

Grilled sausages and peppers are a classic camping meal that is easy to prepare. Simply grill sausages and sliced bell peppers over a campfire or on a grill. Serve them on a hoagie roll and top with your favorite toppings like ketchup, mustard, or cheddar cheese.

Dutch oven chicken and vegetables

Dutch oven chicken and vegetables are a satisfying one-pot meal. Simply cook chicken, potatoes, carrots, and onions in a Dutch oven over the campfire or on a grill. Add seasoning to taste.

Skillet cheesy beef and rice

Skillet cheesy beef and rice is a comforting and delicious meal that is easy to prepare. Simply cook ground beef, rice, diced onions, diced bell peppers, and cheddar cheese in a skillet.

Skillet Breakfast Hash

Cook diced potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and sausage in a skillet until golden brown. Crack eggs on top and cook until they’re done to your liking.

Shrimp and Sausage Skillet

Sauté shrimp, sliced sausage, bell peppers, and onions in a skillet until cooked through. Serve with rice or crusty bread.

Paella

Cook chicken, chorizo, shrimp, rice, vegetables, and spices in a skillet over the campfire until the rice is tender and the flavors meld together.

BBQ Chicken and Veggie Skillet

Sear chicken breasts, then add chopped vegetables and barbecue sauce to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

One-Pan Spaghetti

Cook spaghetti in a skillet with ground beef, marinara sauce, and water. Simmer until the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened.

Cajun Shrimp Boil

Combine shrimp, corn on the cob, sausage, and potatoes in a large skillet with Cajun seasoning and butter. Cook over the campfire until everything is cooked through.

Fajitas

Cook sliced chicken or beef, bell peppers, and onions in a skillet with fajita seasoning. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Sauté sliced beef, broccoli florets, and garlic in a skillet with soy sauce and honey until the beef is cooked and the broccoli is tender-crisp.

Jambalaya

Cook rice, chicken, sausage, shrimp, and vegetables in a skillet with Cajun spices and broth until the rice is cooked and the flavors blend.

Cheesy Skillet Lasagna

Layer lasagna noodles, ground beef, marinara sauce, and cheese in a skillet. Cook until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted.

Cowboy Skillet

Cook ground beef, beans, corn, tomatoes, and spices in a skillet. Top with shredded cheese and cook until the cheese is melted.

Sausage and Potato Skillet

Brown sausage and cook diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers in the same skillet. Season with herbs and spices.

Quesadillas

Fill tortillas with cheese, cooked chicken or beef, and your favorite toppings. Cook in a skillet over the campfire until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy.

Skillet Tacos

Cook ground beef with taco seasoning in a skillet. Serve in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies

Sear chicken breasts, then add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Cook until the chicken is done, and the vegetables are tender.

Mediterranean Skillet

Sauté chicken, olives, tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and herbs in a skillet. Serve over couscous or rice.

Skillet Ratatouille

Cook eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes in a skillet with herbs until the vegetables are tender.

Teriyaki Pork Stir-Fry

Sauté sliced pork, mixed vegetables, and teriyaki sauce in a skillet until the pork is cooked through and the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Shakshuka

Cook onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a skillet with spices. Make wells and crack eggs into them. Cook until the eggs are done to your liking.

Mexican Quinoa Skillet

Sauté ground beef, bell peppers, onions, corn, and quinoa in a skillet with Mexican spices and broth. Cook until the quinoa is tender.

Skillet Shrimp Scampi

Sauté shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon juice, and herbs in a skillet until the shrimp are cooked through. Serve with pasta or crusty bread.

Vegetable Fried Rice

Sauté mixed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and cooked rice in a skillet with soy sauce and sesame oil until heated through.

Goulash

Cook ground beef, macaroni, tomatoes, onions, and spices in a skillet until the macaroni is cooked and the flavors combine.

Skillet BBQ Beans and Sausage

Sauté sliced sausage, onions, and bell peppers in a skillet. Add canned baked beans and barbecue sauce. Cook until heated through.

Greek Lemon Chicken Skillet

Sear chicken thighs, then add potatoes, onions, lemon slices, and herbs to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is done, and the potatoes are tender.

Skillet Cornbread Chili

Cook ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices in a skillet. Top with cornbread batter and cook until the chili is bubbly, and the cornbread is golden.

Sausage and Lentil Skillet

Brown sausage, then add lentils, vegetables, and broth to the skillet. Cook until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld together.

What are some easy Camping Dessert Ideas?

No camping trip is complete without some sweet treats. Here are some easy desserts to make around the campfire that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

S’mores banana boats

S’mores banana boats are a fun and delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy. Simply cut a slit in a banana and stuff it with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham crackers. Wrap it in aluminum foil and cook it over the campfire or on a grill.

Campfire apple crisp

Campfire apple crisp is a comforting and tasty dessert that is perfect for cool evenings. Simply mix sliced apples with oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Wrap it in aluminum foil and cook it over the campfire or on a grill.

Campfire cinnamon rolls

Campfire cinnamon rolls are a delicious and easy breakfast or dessert option. Simply wrap canned cinnamon rolls in aluminum foil and cook them over the campfire or on a grill.

Smore’s Cones

These are the latest trend. Take a sugar cone, or waffle cone. Fill it with all your favorite smore’s goonees. Use Mini Marshmallows layered with Strawberries, Mini Chocolate, Chips, Resse’s Pieces, and more. 

Wrap it up in some heavy-duty foil. Place it on the grate of the campfire and rotate halfway through. 

Quick tip, these can go from toasty fresh to flattened in a matter of minutes. I recommend them sit for two minutes on both side, then start checking for doneness. 

What Will You Eat on Your Next Camping Trip?

These camping meal ideas are perfect for your next outdoor adventure. Don’t settle for hot dogs and burgers anymore. Try out some of the great home-cooked meals on your next trip. These super easy camping recipes are easy for anyone to make.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, you can create delicious and satisfying meals for your next camping trip. So, pack your camping gear and get ready to enjoy some delicious food in the great outdoors!