33 Best Camping Food Ideas for Your Trip in 2024
Deciding on a few camping food ideas is a part of the planning process when your family and friends want to trek into the woods on a fun adventure. While it’s often important to pack light and keep preparation time to a minimum, the meals do not have to be plain or boring. When you plan your menu creatively and figure out a few shortcuts for meal preparation, your camping culinary adventure can be fun and interesting and appeal to everyone in your party.
What are the best foods to take camping? Is there an easy way to figure out what foods to take camping without cooking or with minimal preparation needed? We’ve rounded up a list of easy treats, snacks and meals, and camping food ideas that are fun and flavorful for every outdoor excursion. Let’s dive into the deliciousness and plan the menu for your next adventure.
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Easy, No-Cook Camping Food Ideas
1. Cereal Trail Mix
No cooking camping food ideas are ideal for your most active times when you are on the go hiking or swimming. A favorite is cereal trail mix. Start with a few favorite cereals with different textures and flavors, such as crunchy granola, sweet honey nut O's, and whole grain squares. Then, add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, dried strawberries and banana chips. For an extra boost of protein and healthy fats, mix in nuts and seeds, such as almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, cashews and pumpkin seeds. Portion the mix into individual baggies for a fun camping food idea that is easy to grab and go.
2. Hummus and Veggie Sticks
Hummus and veggie sticks are simple camping food ideas that will appeal to the whole family. Purchase prepared hummus and store it in the cooler until you are ready to eat. Then, chop your favorite veggies, such as celery, cucumbers, carrots and broccoli, for dipping. This is a healthy snack to hold everyone over until mealtime, and it can also serve as a lunchtime camping food idea on a day when you need a lighter meal that is easy to pack.
3. Taco Bowls
Making no-cook taco bowls as a camping food idea is convenient, customizable and tasty. Start by preparing and packing key ingredients in separate resealable bags or containers: pre-washed and chopped lettuce, canned and rinsed black beans, canned corn, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes and your favorite salsa or taco sauce. Pre-cooked and seasoned shredded chicken or crumbled tofu can be a protein base. At the campsite, simply assemble the taco bowls by layering the ingredients and topping them with salsa and shredded cheese. Serve this camping food idea with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.
4. Antipasto Salad
A vibrant yet simple antipasto salad is an ideal camping food idea requiring no cooking time. It’s delicious and refreshing when the temperatures rise and there is no air conditioning in sight. Begin with a few ready-to-eat ingredients: mixed olives, marinated artichoke hearts, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers and slices of salami or prosciutto. Add in cubed mozzarella or provolone cheese and some fresh basil leaves. At the campsite, combine all the ingredients to quickly build your salad. Drizzle with high-quality olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar, then toss gently to mix this easy-to-prepare camping food idea.
5. Charcuterie Board
This easy camping food meal for the family can be made ahead. It’s also a camping food idea with no cooking required. Simply slice up your favorite meats and cheeses and arrange them on a board or in individual bento box-style containers. Add an assortment of nuts, small candies, chips, olives, dips or mini pitas to make the charcuterie board colorful and enticing.
6. Breakfast Banana Split
With this lazy camping food idea, transform one of America’s favorite desserts into a fun and healthy breakfast. Peel and split a few bananas and place them in bowls with the cut sides facing up. Top with yogurt, fruit, chia seeds, flaxseed and granola. To make the recipe a bit decadent, top your creations off with dark chocolate chips and a drizzle of honey.
7. Stuffed Avocado Halves
Building stuffed avocado halves is a creamy, tasty and nutritious camping food idea that won’t leave you slaving over a hot campfire. Start by packing ripe avocados, canned tuna or chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh cilantro and lime. At the campsite, cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. These are your edible bowls. Then, mix the canned tuna or chicken with diced cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion and chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, plus salt and pepper. Stir until well combined. Spoon the filling into the avocado halves to complete this popular camping food idea.
8. Ice Cream in a Bag
What are the easiest camping meals to make when you also want to incorporate an activity? One option is ice cream in a bag. This camping food idea doubles as a fun and engaging activity for a camping trip, providing a refreshing treat. No ice cream maker is necessary! Start by filling a small resealable plastic bag with a mixture of half-and-half or heavy cream, sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring it is leak-free. Next, fill a larger resealable bag halfway with crushed ice and add a generous helping of rock salt. Place the small bag inside the larger bag. Then, seal the larger bag and shake vigorously for a few minutes. The salt lowers the freezing point of the ice, and the mixture freezes into creamy ice cream that can be scooped into bowls.
9. Rocky Road Rice Krispy Treats
There is no need for a campfire to make this tasty camping food idea: rocky road Rice Krispy treats. Start by packing the essential ingredients: pre-made Rice Krispy treats, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and chopped nuts. At the campsite, break the pre-made Rice Krispy treats into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add the mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and nuts. Then, mix everything together. For an extra touch, drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top.
10. Tuna Salad and Crackers
Prep tuna salad ahead of your trip for an easy camping food idea that travels well and everyone loves. Simply mix canned tuna, mayonnaise, a little mustard and sliced scallions to create the salad. Pack this in an ice-cold cooler to keep it fresh. Pair the tuna salad with your favorite variety of crackers for a simple and fast camping food idea and lunch idea for adults or children.
11. Fruit Salad
This is a simple make-ahead camping food idea that requires no cooking. Purchase, wash, chop and mix an assortment of your favorite seasonal fruits in a bowl. Add a dash of lemon juice to help the fruit retain its freshness and color. Then, seal the fruit salad tightly and store it in an ice-cold cooler. Serve the fruit salad in individual bowls, and add a dollop of whipped cream for extra flavor.
Easy Camping Meals for Family
12. Campfire Lasagna
Use no-cook noodles to make preparing this camping food idea a little easier. Layer them in a 12-inch Dutch oven with a mixture of ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese plus sauce and sausage. The layering should look like this: noodles, sauce, ricotta cheese mixture, sausage and parmesan cheese. Prepare your campfire for cooking at medium-high heat, using coals and arranging a hole in the center to fit your Dutch oven. Place the covered Dutch oven in the hole. Use heat-resistant tongs or a shovel to add a few coals atop the lid of the Dutch oven. Cook for 20 minutes, rotating the pot occasionally. After cooking, let your meal sit, covered, for 15 minutes before serving.
13. Cast Iron Skillet Pan Pizza
Prepare cast iron skillet pan pizza for a fun campground pizza night. This is an excellent camping food idea for a popular family dinner. You must pack pre-made pizza dough, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese and your favorite toppings. Those might include pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and olives. Lightly oil a cast iron skillet at the campsite and stretch the pizza dough to fit inside the pan. Form your pan pizza by pressing the dough up the sides slightly. Spread pizza sauce over the dough, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese. Add the toppings across the pizza. Place the skillet over the campfire. It must sit securely on a grill grate or a stable arrangement of rocks to allow even cooking. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil to help the cheese melt. Let the pizza cook for 15-20 minutes, occasionally checking to prevent burning. The pizza is done when the crust is golden, and the cheese is bubbly.
14. Grilled Foil-Packed Chipolte Shrimp
Grilled foil-packed chipotle shrimp is the ideal camping food idea for kids and adults on a family trip. It is easy to prepare, and the flavor is bold and satisfying. To start, marinate the shrimp in a mixture of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil and salt and pepper. Prepare foil bowls for cooking while the shrimp marinates. Evenly distribute the shrimp, adding slices of bell peppers, onions and other favorite vegetables. Seal the packets tightly to prevent any juices from escaping. What do you cook your food on camping? A portable grill or camp stove. Simply place the foil packets over medium-high heat and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp should be pink and opaque.
15. Chocolate, Berry and Banana Sheet Pancake
Making sheet pancakes with berries, chocolate, and bananas is an easy and fun camping food idea for breakfast or brunch. Prepare your favorite pancake batter at home, storing it in a portable container. While camping set up a disposable aluminum tray on a stable grill grate over the campfire. Pour the pancake batter evenly across the sheet. Top the batter with fresh berries, sliced bananas and milk chocolate chips. Cover the pan with aluminum foil. Place the sheet over the campfire and cook for about 15-20 minutes for golden brown pancakes. Cut the pancakes into single-serving squares and serve with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
16. Chicken Wraps
Chicken wraps are an excellent camping food idea for families, offering a tasty, convenient and versatile meal option that requires little prep time or equipment. To make them, simply grill or sauté seasoned chicken breasts until cooked through, then slice them into strips. You can even do this step before leaving home for a more ready-to-eat dish. Lay out tortillas and fill them with the chicken and garden fresh veggies like spinach, heirloom tomatoes, and yellow bell peppers. Add your favorite dressing or sauce, such as Thai or balsamic. Roll them up tightly, and this camping food idea is ready to eat!
17. Coconut Chai Pudding
Coconut chia pudding is a heart-healthy camping food idea that is filling and easy to serve to the entire family. Mix 1 cup of coconut milk with 3 tablespoons of chia seeds in a bowl to make this nutritious and tasty treat. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup for sweetness and a dash of vanilla or hazelnut extract for extra flavor. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, then stir again to prevent clumping. Cover the bowl and place in a cooler overnight. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid. The end result is a creamy, pudding-like treat that is ideal for breakfast or as an anytime-of-day snack. To serve this camping food idea, give it a good stir and scoop it into individual cups, topping it with berries, mixed nuts, coconut flakes, chocolate chips or granola.
18. Sausage Skewers with Corn Slaw
Serving sausage skewers with fresh coleslaw is a filling and wholesome family camping food idea that combines hearty flavors with a refreshing crunch. Thread bite-size pieces of sausage and bell pepper chunks or other veggies onto skewers. Grill the skewers over a campfire or portable grill until the sausages are cooked through and the vegetables are slightly charred, turning occasionally. Mix shredded cabbage, grated carrots and thinly sliced red onion in a bowl for the fresh coleslaw. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will serve as your dressing. Toss the veggies with the dressing until well-coated.
19. Bagel Pizzas
Bagel pizzas are crispy yet chewy mini pizzas that work as an excellent camping food idea for families and picky eaters. They are extremely customizable and easy to prepare. To make them, start with plain bagels sliced in half. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over each bagel half, then let everyone add their favorite toppings—such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, pineapple, spinach, sausage and olives. Finish with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Place the bagel halves on a campfire grate and heat over the fire until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-10 minutes.
20. Cheeseburgers
Making delicious cheeseburgers over a campfire is a popular and enjoyable dinner camping food idea for the entire family. At your campsite, form ground beef into patties and season them with salt and pepper. Heat a cast iron skillet over the campfire and cook the patties until they reach your desired doneness. Expect about 4-5 minutes per side for medium. Clover Meadows Beef suggests using a meat thermometer to determine when the burgers are done. A medium burger’s internal temperature should be 140 to 145 degrees. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of your favorite cheese on each patty to melt. Toast the buns on the grill for a minute or until golden brown. This camping food idea is versatile. Top your burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, ketchup, mustard or any toppings you choose.
21. Baked Potatoes with Herbed Sour Cream
Simple russet potatoes baked in a foil packet over a campfire make for a fluffy and tasty side that pairs well with a burger or almost any camping food idea. To accent the potato, whip up some sour cream, fresh herbs, bacon bits and thinly sliced scallions at the campsite. If time is limited at mealtimes, make the topping ahead of time and pack it in the cooler.
22. Loaded Campfire Nachos
Loaded campfire nachos are a tasty Mexican-inspired camping food idea that brings a burst of flavor and fun to your outdoor adventures. Begin by packing tortilla chips, shredded cheese, canned black beans, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped onions, black olives and pre-cooked shredded chicken. At the campsite, set up a large disposable aluminum tray over a stable grill grate above the campfire. Layer the tortilla chips, shredded cheese, black beans, tomatoes, jalapeños, onions, olives and meat. Repeat the layering process. Cover the pan with aluminum foil to help the cheese melt. Cooking time for this camping food idea should take about 10-15 minutes.
Fun Camping Food Ideas for Kids
23. Peanut Butter and Strawberry Campfire Bites
Peanut butter and strawberry campfire bites are a creamy and nutritious camping food idea, perfect as a fun bedtime treat for kids when the family is camping in the woods. Start by slicing fresh strawberries in half. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter on one half of the strawberry and top it with the other half. This should look like a mini sandwich. Skewer the strawberries onto roasting sticks and lightly roast them over the campfire for about a minute, just until the peanut butter begins to melt and the strawberries are warmed through.
24. Doughnut S’mores
Donut s'mores are a fun and flavorful camping food idea. Kids love them, and they are perfect for a quick and indulgent breakfast treat. You will need to pack small glazed donuts or donut holes. Slice the donuts in half horizontally to create a top and bottom piece. Roast marshmallows over the campfire until they are golden and gooey, then place the roasted marshmallows on the bottom half of each donut. Top the marshmallow layer with a spread of hazelnut chocolate. Finish by placing the top half of the donut atop the mixture and gently press down to create a delightful, oozy s'more. The combination of the soft, sugary donut, melty chocolate and warm marshmallow creates a sweetness-packed breakfast treat and camping food idea that is fun to make and eat.
25. Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos make for a fun and hearty kid-friendly camping food idea. Scramble farm-fresh eggs in a pan over a hot fire and cook until fluffy. In another pan, sauté diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, spinach and pre-cooked sausage, bacon or tofu. Warm flour tortillas over the campfire. Assemble everything by placing a helping of the scrambled eggs, sautéed veggies and meat onto each tortilla. Add optional toppings like cheese, salsa, avocado slices, hot sauce or sour cream. Roll and serve. You will find that this camping food idea is easy to customize to everyone’s taste. It can also be eaten on the go and provides a nutritious and filling start to the day. To make things even easier, prepare them in advance and wrap them in foil for easy reheating over the campfire.
26. Banana and Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Combine the potassium-filled goodness of bananas with the decadent richness of chocolate chips for this fun camping food idea - banana and chocolate chip pancakes. Prepare your pancake batter in advance by mixing flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, milk, eggs and sugar. Mash a ripe banana and grab a couple of handfuls of chocolate chips. Stir them into the batter. Store your batter in an airtight container in the cooler. At the campsite, heat a skillet over the campfire. Pour the batter onto the hot surface and cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip once. These pancakes are a fantastic camping food idea because they are easy to prepare with basic ingredients, and the combination of sweet bananas and melty chocolate chips appeals to everyone.
27. Campfire Hot Dog Skewers
Campfire hot dog skewers are a classic and enjoyable camping food idea, perfect for a fun and child-friendly meal. Skewer hot dogs onto roasting sticks. Roast them over the campfire until they are heated through and slightly charred. For a fun twist, wrap the hot dogs in pre-made biscuit dough before roasting, creating a campfire version of pigs in a blanket. These hot dog skewers are great for camping because they are simple to make, require minimal cleanup and can be eaten straight off the stick. Kids also love the interactive aspect of roasting their own food over the fire.
28. Campfire Mac and Cheese
Campfire mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. It is perfect for children and a great family camping food idea. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente and drain. In a pot, melt butter over the campfire and stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Add a generous amount of shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until well-coated. For added crunch, transfer the mac and cheese to a foil pan, sprinkle with additional cheese and breadcrumbs and place the dish over the campfire to bake until bubbly and golden on top. This camping food idea brings a sense of home to the outdoors. It is hearty, satisfying and loved by all ages.
29. Frito Pie
Frito pie is a fun and flavorful camping food idea for kids of all ages and their grownups, too. Imagine gathering around the campfire, unwrapping a bag of crunchy Fritos and topping your chips with a hearty scoop of chili, gooey melted cheese, diced onions and spicy jalapeños. This delicious, quick and easy-to-make treat combines the savory goodness of classic chili with the crunchy texture of fresh corn chips. It is a customizable hands-on meal and the ideal camping food idea for a grab-and-go feast.
30. Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
This is on the list of easy camping food ideas when you are short on time and have picky eaters. Preparing grilled ham and cheese sandwiches requires that you have a loaf of bread, some butter for each slice, packaged American cheese and deli ham. Simply butter your bread, add a slice of a couple of slices of ham and a couple of slices of cheese to each sandwich and prepare on a skillet over an open flame. If you are looking for camping food ideas that double as finger food ideas, cut the sandwiches up into small squares and serve them aside skewers of fresh fruit.
31. Campfire Joes
Creating Campfire Joes is a fun and tasty camping food idea that the whole family will love. Start with a little prep work at home. Pre-cook ground beef or turkey, then pack it for easy transport. At the campsite, heat a cast iron skillet over the campfire, adding the pre-cooked meat along with diced onions and fresh bell peppers. Stir in your favorite sloppy Joe sauce, letting it simmer until heated through. Toast some buns over the fire on a grill grate until they are golden and slightly crispy. Spoon the savory mixture onto the toasted buns and serve this camping food idea hot with a side of chips.
32. White Bean Dip
Making and serving white bean dip is a camping food idea that is packed with protein and provides essential nutrients in a delicious way. Your kids will love this one! Start by blending canned white beans, a few cloves of garlic or garlic salt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper until smooth and creamy. You can also add garden herbs or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to this camping food idea. Store your dip in an airtight container in the cooler for easy transport. At the campsite, serve the white bean dip with your favorite dippers, such as sliced vegetables, pita chips or thin and crispy crackers.
33. Chocolate Chip Cookie in a Cup
Making chocolate chip cookies in a cup is an ideal camping food idea, offering the comfort of fresh-baked cookies with the convenience of a quick, no-mess preparation. Prepare pre-measured dry ingredients in a resealable bag: flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. At the campsite, pour the ingredients into a heatproof cup. Place the cup in a pan with a bit of water on the bottom of it and cook over the campfire for about 15 minutes to enjoy the warm, gooeyness of cookies in the great outdoors.
Gathering family and friends together to enjoy the great outdoors is a fantastic way to spend a weekend. With these camping food ideas, you will be well-prepared to keep everyone’s bellies full while enjoying all the adventurous camping activities.
From lazy camping food ideas to easy camping meals for the family and culinary ideas to please even the most discerning food critics, browse through this list and prepare yourself to plan your menu, get the shopping done and head out for some fun in the fresh air.
For even more fun food ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
