Camping Meals Easy: 20 Simple Recipes for Outdoor Cooking Success

Camping should be about enjoying nature, not stressing over complicated meal prep or eating bland freeze-dried packets for every meal. But cooking outdoors comes with challenges: limited equipment, variable heat, and ingredients that need to survive without refrigeration.

These 20 easy camping meals solve those problems. They use minimal ingredients, require basic equipment, and actually taste good. From campfire classics to modern one-pot meals, these recipes prove that camping food can be simple, delicious, and satisfying.

Whether you're car camping with full supplies or backpacking with limited gear, you'll find meals here that work for your setup and skill level.

Camping Cooking Basics

Equipment You'll Actually Need

Campfire Cooking:

• Cast iron skillet
• Pot for boiling water
• Long-handled utensils
• Aluminum foil
• Fire-starting tools

Camp Stove Cooking:

• Portable propane/butane stove
• Small pot and pan
• Utensils
• Lighter
• Fuel canisters

Both Methods:

• Cooler with ice
• Cutting board and knife
• Plates, bowls, utensils for eating
• Dish soap and sponge
• Trash bags

You Don't Need:

• Multiple pots and pans
• Elaborate spice collections
• Special camping cookware (at first)

For outdoor cooking fundamentals, see our outdoor cooking tips guide.

Food Storage and Safety

Cooler Management:

• Pre-chill cooler before packing
• Use block ice (lasts longer than cubes)
• Keep cooler in shade
• Minimize opening
• Pack items in order you'll use them

Food Safety Timeline:

• Day 1-2: Fresh meat, dairy, eggs
• Day 3-4: Cured meats, hard cheeses
• Day 5+: Canned goods, dried foods, shelf-stable items

Bear Country:

• Store food in bear-proof containers or hang
• Cook away from sleeping area
• Clean up thoroughly

Category 1: Breakfast

1. Campfire Scrambled Eggs

Serves: 4 | Time: 10 minutes | Cost: $6

Ingredients:

• 8 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Optional: cheese, veggies, cooked bacon

Instructions:

1. Crack eggs into bowl, whisk with milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Melt butter in cast iron skillet over fire or stove.
3. Pour in eggs, scramble until cooked through.
4. Add any mix-ins toward the end.

Pre-Crack Hack: Crack eggs into water bottle at home, shake to mix. No bowls needed at camp.

2. Campfire French Toast

Serves: 4 | Time: 15 minutes | Cost: $5

Ingredients:

• 8 slices bread
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
• Butter for cooking
• Syrup for serving

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
2. Dip bread slices in mixture.
3. Cook in buttered skillet over medium heat until golden, 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Serve with syrup.

Make-Ahead: Mix egg mixture in sealed container at home.

3. Breakfast Burritos in Foil

Serves: 4 | Time: 15 minutes | Cost: $8

Ingredients:

• 4 large tortillas
• 6 eggs, scrambled
• 1 cup cooked sausage or bacon
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Salsa (optional)

Instructions:

1. Scramble eggs in skillet.
2. Layer tortilla with eggs, meat, cheese, and salsa.
3. Roll into burrito, wrap in foil.
4. Warm on grill or near fire 5 minutes per side.

Pre-Prep: Assemble at home, store in cooler, heat at camp.

4. Oatmeal Packets

Serves: 1 | Time: 5 minutes | Cost: $1

DIY Instant Oatmeal:

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• Dried fruit, nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Pre-mix dry ingredients in ziplock bags at home.
2. At camp, add 3/4 cup boiling water to bag.
3. Seal and let sit 3 minutes.
4. Eat directly from bag.

Zero Dishes: Perfect for backpacking.

Category 2: Lunch

5. Walking Tacos

Serves: 4 | Time: 15 minutes | Cost: $12

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 4 small bags Doritos or Fritos
• Toppings: cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa

Instructions:

1. Brown ground beef in skillet.
2. Add taco seasoning and water per package directions.
3. Open individual chip bags from top.
4. Add taco meat and toppings directly to bags.
5. Eat with fork.

No Plates Needed: Bags serve as bowls.

Kid-Friendly: Interactive and fun.

6. Campfire Grilled Cheese

Serves: 4 | Time: 10 minutes | Cost: $5

Ingredients:

• 8 slices bread
• 8 slices cheese
• Butter

Instructions:

1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Place cheese between slices, butter-side out.
3. Cook in cast iron skillet over fire or stove until golden and cheese melts.

Upgrade: Add ham, tomato, or bacon.

7. Tin Foil Pizza

Serves: 1 | Time: 10 minutes | Cost: $3

Ingredients (per person):

• 1 pita bread or small tortilla
• Pizza sauce
• Shredded mozzarella
• Toppings of choice

Instructions:

1. Place pita on foil square.
2. Top with sauce, cheese, and toppings.
3. Fold foil over top (don't seal completely).
4. Place on grill grate over fire 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.

Personal Pizzas: Everyone customizes their own.

Category 3: Dinner - One-Pot Meals

8. Campfire Chili

Serves: 6 | Time: 30 minutes | Cost: $12

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cans kidney beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Brown beef and onion in pot.
2. Add remaining ingredients.
3. Simmer 20-30 minutes.
4. Serve with crackers or bread.

Make-Ahead: Brown meat at home, store in cooler.

Hearty: Fills you up after a long day hiking.

9. One-Pot Pasta

Serves: 4 | Time: 20 minutes | Cost: $8

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta
• 1 jar pasta sauce
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Combine pasta, sauce, water, and seasonings in pot.
2. Bring to boil, reduce heat.
3. Simmer 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender.
4. Stir in cheese.

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup.

10. Campfire Stew

Serves: 6 | Time: 45 minutes | Cost: $15

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 potatoes, cubed
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups beef broth
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Brown meat in dutch oven over fire.
2. Add vegetables and broth.
3. Cover and simmer 30-40 minutes until tender.

Dutch Oven Magic: Set it and forget it while you enjoy camp.

For more outdoor cooking techniques, see our grilling tips for beginners.

Category 4: Foil Packet Meals

11. Hobo Dinner Packets

Serves: 1 | Time: 30 minutes | Cost: $4

Ingredients (per packet):

• 1/4 lb ground beef, shaped into patty
• 1 potato, sliced thin
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1/4 onion, sliced
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder
• Pat of butter

Instructions:

1. Layer all ingredients on large foil square.
2. Season generously.
3. Top with butter.
4. Seal foil packet tightly.
5. Place on coals 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Classic: Camping staple for good reason.

12. Lemon Garlic Salmon Packets

Serves: 4 | Time: 20 minutes | Cost: $16

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Fresh dill or parsley
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Place each fillet on foil square.
2. Top with lemon slices, garlic, butter, herbs.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Seal packets.
5. Cook on grill 12-15 minutes.

Fancy Camping: Impressive but easy.

13. Sausage and Veggie Packets

Serves: 4 | Time: 25 minutes | Cost: $12

Ingredients:

• 4 sausages, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• Italian seasoning
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Divide ingredients among 4 foil squares.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, season.
3. Seal packets.
4. Cook on coals or grill 20-25 minutes.

Complete Meal: Protein and vegetables in one packet.

Category 5: Campfire Classics

14. Hot Dogs

Serves: 4 | Time: 10 minutes | Cost: $6

Methods:

On a Stick: Skewer hot dog, roast over fire until charred.

In Foil: Wrap in foil with bun, heat near fire.

Fancy Dogs:

• Bacon-wrapped
• Topped with chili and cheese
• Chicago-style with all the fixings

Ultimate Easy: Can't mess it up.

15. Campfire Hamburgers

Serves: 4 | Time: 15 minutes | Cost: $10

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• Salt and pepper
• 4 buns
• Toppings

Instructions:

1. Form 4 patties, season both sides.
2. Cook in cast iron skillet or on grill grate 4-5 minutes per side.
3. Toast buns on grill.
4. Add toppings.

Pre-Form: Make patties at home, separate with parchment, store in cooler.

16. Campfire Nachos

Serves: 4 | Time: 10 minutes | Cost: $8

Ingredients:

• Tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 can black beans, drained
• Jalapeños, salsa, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Layer chips in cast iron skillet.
2. Top with beans and cheese.
3. Cover with foil.
4. Place on grill grate over fire 5-7 minutes until cheese melts.
5. Top with jalapeños, salsa, sour cream.

Crowd-Pleaser: Great for group camping.

Category 6: Snacks & Sides

17. S'mores (Three Ways)

Classic:

• Graham crackers
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate bars

Instructions: Toast marshmallow, sandwich with chocolate between graham crackers.

Variations:

Peanut Butter Cup: Use Reese's instead of Hershey's

Cookies & Cream: Use Oreos instead of graham crackers

Banana Boat: Slice banana lengthwise, stuff with chocolate and marshmallows, wrap in foil, heat.

18. Campfire Baked Potatoes

Serves: 4 | Time: 60 minutes | Cost: $4

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes
• Butter
• Salt and pepper
• Toppings (cheese, sour cream, bacon bits)

Instructions:

1. Wrap potatoes individually in foil.
2. Place in coals of fire.
3. Cook 45-60 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Check doneness with fork.
5. Top as desired.

Set and Forget: Cook while making other food.

19. Campfire Quesadillas

Serves: 4 | Time: 10 minutes | Cost: $6

Ingredients:

• 4 large tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• Optional: beans, chicken, peppers

Instructions:

1. Place cheese (and any fillings) on half of tortilla.
2. Fold in half.
3. Cook in skillet 2-3 minutes per side until cheese melts.

Quick Snack: Ready in minutes.

20. Trail Mix Energy Bites

Makes: 24 bites | Time: 10 minutes | Cost: $8

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup mini M&Ms or trail mix

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients at home.
2. Roll into balls.
3. Store in container.
4. Keep cool or at room temp.

No Cooking: Make before trip.

Meal Planning Strategy

3-Day Camping Menu

Day 1 (Fresh Food):

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with bacon
• Lunch: Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Dinner: Hobo packets
• Snack: S'mores

Day 2:

• Breakfast: French toast
• Lunch: Walking tacos
• Dinner: Campfire chili
• Snack: Trail mix

Day 3:

• Breakfast: Oatmeal packets
• Lunch: Quesadillas
• Dinner: One-pot pasta
• Snack: Energy bites

Prep-Ahead Tips

At Home:

• Brown ground beef, store in freezer bags (acts as ice pack, thaws when needed)
• Pre-mix dry ingredients for pancakes, oatmeal
• Cut vegetables
• Make marinades in ziplock bags
• Pre-crack eggs into container

Pack Smart:

• Group meals in separate bags
• Label everything
• Pack in reverse order (first meal on top)

Equipment Care

Cast Iron:

• Season before trip
• Don't use soap at camp
• Wipe clean with paper towel
• Re-season when home

Cleaning:

• Heat water for washing
• Use biodegradable soap
• Dispose of water 200 feet from water sources
• Pack out all trash

Fire Safety:

• Never leave fire unattended
• Keep water nearby
• Fully extinguish before sleeping
• Follow local fire regulations

Budget Breakdown

Per Person Per Day:

• Budget: $8-10
• Mid-range: $12-15
• Splurge: $15-20

Money-Saving Tips:

• Plan meals around sales
• Buy store brands
• Avoid single-serve packaging
• Share group meals
• Bring food from home instead of buying at camp store

For more budget meal planning, see our budget meal prep guide.

Dietary Modifications

Vegetarian:

• Replace meat with beans, tofu, or veggie sausages
• Veggie foil packets work great
• Plenty of one-pot pasta options

Gluten-Free:

• Use GF bread, tortillas, pasta
• Many foil packet meals are naturally GF
• Oatmeal (certified GF)

Vegan:

• Skip dairy and eggs
• Use vegan cheese
• Bean-based meals
• Lots of vegetable options

Common Camping Cooking Mistakes

Mistake 1: Overpacking Food You need less than you think. Plan specific meals.

Mistake 2: Forgetting Seasoning Bring small containers of salt, pepper, garlic powder.

Mistake 3: No Backup Plan Always have easy backup meals (PB&J, canned soup).

Mistake 4: Complicated First Meal Keep first dinner simple while you set up camp.

Mistake 5: Not Testing Equipment Test camp stove and cookware before trip.

Packing Checklist

Cooking:

• Stove and fuel or firewood
• Matches/lighter
• Pot and pan
• Utensils (cooking and eating)
• Plates, bowls, cups
• Cooler and ice
• Foil
• Ziplock bags

Food:

• Meals (organized by day)
• Snacks
• Drinks
• Condiments
• Cooking oil

Cleaning:

• Dish soap
• Sponge or scrubber
• Towel
• Trash bags
• Paper towels

Conclusion

Camping meals don't have to be complicated or taste like cardboard. These 20 recipes prove that simple ingredients, basic equipment, and straightforward techniques create delicious outdoor meals that fuel your adventures.

The key is planning ahead, prepping what you can at home, and choosing recipes that match your camping style and equipment. Whether you're car camping with a full kitchen setup or backpacking with minimal gear, there are meals here that work for you.

Start with a few simple recipes on your next camping trip. Notice which ones become your go-to favorites, what equipment works best, and how much food you actually need. Before long, you'll have a system that makes camping meals easy, delicious, and stress-free.

Now pack that cooler, grab your gear, and get ready to eat well under the stars. Happy camping!