Are you itching to go on a camping adventure but stumped on what to cook? Look no further! This article is here to help you discover the best camping recipes and meal ideas that will satisfy your hunger and impress your fellow campers. From mouthwatering grilled meats to deliciously gooey s’mores, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-make and tasty dishes that will make your camping experience truly unforgettable. So dust off that camping stove and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure in the great outdoors! When you’re out in the great outdoors, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a delicious meal cooked over a campfire. Whether you’re camping in the mountains, by the lake, or deep in the woods, having a variety of tasty and easy-to-make recipes is essential. From main courses to snacks, desserts, and even vegetarian options, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list of camping recipes that will satisfy your taste buds and fuel your outdoor adventures.
Main Course
Grilled Burgers
There’s something about a juicy burger cooked over an open flame that just hits the spot. To make the perfect campfire burger, start by mixing ground beef with your favorite seasonings and shaping it into patties. Cook the burgers on a grill grate over the campfire, flipping them halfway through, until they reach your desired level of doneness. Serve them up on fresh buns with all your favorite toppings for a classic camping meal.
Campfire Tacos
Tacos are a crowd-pleaser, and they’re incredibly easy to make over a campfire. Simply brown ground beef with taco seasoning in a skillet over the fire, then assemble your tacos with all the fixings you love. Whether you prefer traditional toppings like lettuce, cheese, and salsa or like to spice things up with avocado, cilantro, and hot sauce, campfire tacos are a versatile and delicious option.
Skewered Shrimp
For a lighter option that still packs a flavorful punch, try skewered shrimp cooked over the campfire. Marinate the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs and spices. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill them over the fire until they turn pink and slightly charred. Serve them up with a squeeze of fresh lemon and enjoy these tasty morsels straight off the grill.
Sausage and Potato Foil Packets
Foil packets are a camper’s best friend. They’re easy to prepare, require minimal cleanup, and allow you to cook a complete meal in one go. For a hearty and filling main course, make sausage and potato foil packets. Simply slice up sausage, potatoes, and any other veggies you like, and season them with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Wrap the ingredients in foil and place the packets on the campfire grill or directly in the coals. After about 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to enjoy.
Breakfast
Campfire Bacon and Eggs
There’s nothing like waking up to the smell of sizzling bacon and fresh eggs cooking over the campfire. To make campfire bacon and eggs, cook the bacon in a skillet over the fire until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside. Crack eggs into the skillet and cook them to your desired level of doneness. Serve the eggs alongside the crispy bacon for a hearty and satisfying breakfast.
Pancake Mix In a Bottle
Making pancakes while camping doesn’t have to be a messy affair. One convenient option is to pre-mix your pancake batter and store it in a squeeze bottle. When you’re ready for breakfast, simply squeeze the batter onto a hot greased griddle or skillet over the campfire. Cook until golden brown and flip to cook the other side. Serve with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream for a delicious morning treat.
French Toast Foil Packets
If you prefer a sweet and indulgent breakfast, French toast foil packets are sure to hit the spot. Start by slicing bread into thick slices and dipping them in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Place the soaked bread slices in a foil packet, adding any additional toppings like sliced bananas or berries. Seal the packet tightly and cook it over the campfire until the French toast is golden and the toppings are warmed through. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a decadent camping breakfast.
Sausage Breakfast Hash
For a heartier breakfast option, try making a sausage breakfast hash over the campfire. Cook breakfast sausages, potatoes, bell peppers, onions, and any other vegetables you like in a skillet over the fire until the sausage is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Top it off with shredded cheese and let it melt before serving. This flavorful and filling dish will fuel you up for a day of outdoor adventures.
Snacks and Appetizers
Campfire Popcorn
No camping trip is complete without a bowl of freshly popped popcorn. Making campfire popcorn is easy and fun. Start by adding a small amount of oil to a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Place the pot over the campfire and add popcorn kernels, sugar, and salt. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and shake it over the fire until the popping slows down. Remove the pot from the fire and let it cool slightly before enjoying a delicious batch of campfire popcorn.
Loaded Nachos
Whether you’re gathering around the campfire with friends or enjoying a quiet evening by yourself, loaded nachos are always a hit. Start by layering tortilla chips on a large piece of foil. Top the chips with cooked ground beef or shredded chicken, black beans, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapenos, and shredded cheese. Wrap the foil tightly around the nacho ingredients and place the packet on the campfire grill or directly in the coals. Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then carefully open the packet and dig in.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
For a healthier snacking option, grill up some vegetable skewers over the campfire. Choose your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and onions. Thread the vegetables onto skewers and brush them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the skewers over the fire until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred. Serve them as a tasty and nutritious appetizer or side dish.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Cheesy garlic bread is a comforting and indulgent snack that can easily be made over a campfire. Start by slicing a baguette into thick slices. Mix butter, minced garlic, and your choice of herbs in a small bowl. Spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each baguette slice, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Wrap the bread slices in foil and place them on the campfire grill or directly in the coals. Cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. Unwrap the foil and enjoy the gooey, garlicky goodness of campfire cheesy garlic bread.
Desserts
Campfire Banana Boats
Campfire banana boats are a fun and delicious dessert that kids and adults alike will love. Start by slitting a banana lengthwise, leaving the peel intact. Stuff the banana with your choice of sweet fillings like chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, nuts, or caramel sauce. Place the stuffed banana on a piece of foil and place it on the campfire grill or directly in the coals. Cook until the fillings are melted and the banana is soft. Carefully remove the foil packet from the fire and enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness of campfire banana boats.
S’mores Dip
S’mores are a classic campfire treat, but making them in dip form adds a fun twist. To make s’mores dip, line a cast-iron skillet or heat-safe dish with a layer of chocolate chips. Top the chocolate chips with a layer of mini marshmallows. Place the skillet on a campfire grill or directly in the coals and cook until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are toasted. Serve the dip with graham crackers for a gooey and satisfying dessert.
Grilled Fruit Skewers
Grilling fruit brings out its natural sweetness and adds a delicious smoky flavor. Choose your favorite fruits like pineapple, peaches, strawberries, and bananas. Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces and thread them onto skewers. Grill the skewers over the campfire until the fruit is slightly caramelized and tender. Serve the grilled fruit skewers as is or drizzle them with honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a healthy and refreshing dessert option.
Campfire Apple Crisp
Who says you can’t enjoy a warm, comforting dessert while camping? Campfire apple crisp is a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Start by slicing apples and tossing them with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix melted butter, oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl to make the crisp topping. Place the apple mixture in a cast-iron skillet or heat-safe dish, then sprinkle the crisp topping over the apples. Cook the apple crisp on a campfire grill or directly in the coals until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crispy. Serve the warm apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect camping dessert.
Vegetarian Options
Grilled Veggie Quesadillas
Vegetarians can still enjoy delicious and satisfying meals while camping. Grilled veggie quesadillas are a tasty and easy option. Start by grilling your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms over the campfire until they are tender and slightly charred. Place a tortilla on a piece of foil and top it with the grilled vegetables and shredded cheese. Cover the filling with another tortilla and wrap the whole thing tightly in foil. Place the quesadilla on the campfire grill or directly in the coals and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Serve the quesadilla with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a satisfying meat-free meal.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a versatile and nutritious option for vegetarian campfire cooking. Core and deseed bell peppers, then stuff them with a flavorful filling of cooked rice, beans, vegetables, and cheese. Wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in foil, making sure to seal the edges. Place the pepper packets on the campfire grill or directly in the coals and cook until the peppers are soft and the filling is heated through. Unwrap the foil and enjoy a delicious and colorful vegetarian meal.
Vegetable Curry Foil Packets
For a flavorful and easy vegetarian meal, make vegetable curry foil packets. Chop your favorite combination of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Toss the vegetables with curry powder, turmeric, and coconut milk in a bowl, then divide the mixture between several foil packets. Seal the packets tightly and place them on the campfire grill or directly in the coals. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve the vegetable curry with rice or naan bread for a satisfying and aromatic camping meal.
Black Bean and Corn Salad
For a fresh and vibrant vegetarian option, make a black bean and corn salad. Drain and rinse a can of black beans and combine them with cooked corn, diced bell peppers, chopped tomatoes, diced red onions, and chopped cilantro in a bowl. Dress the salad with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and let it chill for a few hours to let the flavors meld. Serve the black bean and corn salad as a refreshing side dish or use it as a filling for wraps or tacos.
One-Pot Meals
Campfire Chili
One-pot meals are perfect for camping as they require minimal cleanup and can easily be made over a campfire. Campfire chili is a hearty and comforting option that will fill you up after a day of outdoor activities. Start by browning ground beef or turkey in a large pot or Dutch oven over the campfire. Add diced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and your choice of chili seasonings like chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Pour in canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a can of beans like kidney beans or black beans. Let the chili simmer over the fire for at least an hour to let the flavors develop. Serve the campfire chili in bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced onions for a satisfying and warming meal.
Chicken and Rice Skillet
For a quick and easy one-pot meal, make a chicken and rice skillet over the campfire. Start by browning chicken pieces in a skillet with oil over the fire until they are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. Add uncooked rice and chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the rice simmer until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the cooked chicken and any additional seasonings or vegetables you like. Cover the skillet and let everything heat through for a few minutes before serving. This flavorful and filling meal requires minimal effort and cleanup, making it perfect for camping.
Beef Stew
A classic and comforting one-pot meal, beef stew is a fantastic option for camping. Start by browning stew beef in a pot or Dutch oven with oil over the campfire until it is well-browned on all sides. Remove the beef and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté chopped onions, carrots, celery, and garlic until they are soft and fragrant. Return the beef to the pot and add beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and your choice of seasonings like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves. Let the stew simmer over the campfire for a couple of hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve the beef stew in bowls and enjoy the hearty and flavorful meal.
Pasta Primavera
For a lighter and more colorful one-pot meal, make pasta primavera over the campfire. Start by cooking pasta in a pot of boiling water over the fire until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté thinly sliced onions, bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli until they are tender-crisp. Add the cooked pasta back to the pot, along with a splash of olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, and your choice of herbs and spices. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce and the flavors have combined. Serve the pasta primavera hot as a light and satisfying meal.
Grilling Ideas
Grilled BBQ Chicken
Grilling chicken over the campfire is a flavorful and crowd-pleasing option. Start by marinating chicken pieces in your favorite barbecue sauce for at least an hour to let the flavors infuse. Grill the chicken over the campfire, brushing it with additional barbecue sauce as needed, until it is cooked through and slightly charred. Serve the grilled BBQ chicken with grilled vegetables or a side salad for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Grilled Salmon
For a healthy and delicious option, try grilling salmon over the campfire. Start by seasoning salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices. Place the salmon skin-side down on a grill grate or wrap it in foil for easy cleanup. Grill the salmon over the campfire until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Serve the grilled salmon with lemon wedges and a fresh salad for a light and nutritious camping meal.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Vegetarians and meat-lovers alike will enjoy grilled portobello mushrooms. Start by marinating whole portobello mushroom caps in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices. Grill the mushrooms over the campfire, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and slightly charred. Serve the grilled portobello mushrooms as a burger substitute or as a side dish to complement your main course.
Grilled Corn on the Cob
No campfire gathering is complete without grilled corn on the cob. Start by peeling back the husks of the corn, leaving them attached at the base. Remove the silk and then pull the husks back up to cover the corn. Soak the corn in water for about 10 minutes to prevent burning. Grill the corn over the campfire, turning occasionally, until the husks are charred and the corn kernels are cooked through. Peel back the husks and serve the grilled corn on the cob with butter and your choice of seasonings for a classic and tasty side dish.
Vegetable Side Dishes
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus is a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with any main course. Start by trimming the woody ends of the asparagus spears. Toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Grill the asparagus over the campfire until it is tender and slightly charred. Serve the grilled asparagus with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a flavorful and nutritious side dish.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a flavorful and healthy side dish that will complement any camping meal. Start by halving Brussels sprouts and tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Wrap the Brussels sprouts in foil, sealing the edges tightly. Place the foil packet on the campfire grill or directly in the coals and cook until the Brussels sprouts are tender and lightly charred. Serve the roasted Brussels sprouts as a tasty and nutritious side dish for your campfire feast.
Garlic Parmesan Zucchini
Grilled zucchini is a versatile and tasty vegetable side dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Start by slicing zucchini into thick slices or lengthwise strips. Toss the zucchini with olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Grill the zucchini over the campfire until it is tender and lightly charred. Serve the garlic Parmesan zucchini as a flavorful and healthy side dish or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes
For a sweeter twist on a classic side dish, grill sweet potatoes over the campfire. Start by slicing sweet potatoes into thick rounds or wedges. Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and your choice of sweet or savory seasonings in a bowl. Grill the sweet potatoes over the campfire until they are tender and slightly charred. Serve the grilled sweet potatoes as a delicious and nutritious side dish for your camping meal.
Campfire Drinks
Hot Chocolate with Marshmallows
When the sun goes down and the night gets colder, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming cup of hot chocolate. To make hot chocolate over the campfire, heat milk in a pot or kettle over the fire until it is warm but not boiling. Stir in your favorite hot chocolate mix until it is dissolved. Pour the hot chocolate into mugs and top it with a handful of mini marshmallows for a cozy and delicious camping treat.
Campfire Coffee
For those who can’t start their day without a cup of joe, campfire coffee is a must-have. To make campfire coffee, start by bringing water to a boil in a pot or kettle over the fire. Remove the pot from the fire and let it cool for about 30 seconds. Add coffee grounds to the pot, using approximately 1 tablespoon of coffee for every 6 ounces of water. Let the coffee steep for a few minutes, then use a fine-mesh strainer or French press to separate the liquid from the grounds. Pour the coffee into mugs and enjoy the rich and aromatic flavor of campfire coffee.
Fruit-infused Water
Staying hydrated while camping is essential, and fruit-infused water adds a refreshing and flavorful touch. Fill a large pitcher or container with water, then add slices of your favorite fruits like strawberries, lemon, lime, or cucumber. Let the water sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. Pour the fruit-infused water into individual water bottles or drink cups and enjoy a refreshing and hydrating beverage throughout your camping trip.
Spiked Apple Cider
If you’re looking for a warm and boozy drink to enjoy around the campfire, spiked apple cider is a delicious and cozy option. Start by heating apple cider in a pot or kettle over the fire until it is warm. Add your choice of alcohol like whiskey, bourbon, or rum to the cider, adjusting the amount according to your preferences. Stir in cinnamon sticks and a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor. Pour the spiked apple cider into mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks or apple slices for a festive and warming beverage.
Campfire Breakfast Burritos
For a filling and satisfying breakfast that’s easy to make and eat on the go, try campfire breakfast burritos. Start by cooking breakfast sausages and scrambled eggs in a skillet over the campfire. Remove the sausages and eggs from the skillet and set them aside. Warm tortillas over the fire until they are soft and pliable. Divide the sausages and eggs evenly among the tortillas, then add any additional fillings you like such as cheese, salsa, or avocado. Roll the tortillas into burritos, tucking in the sides as you go. Wrap the burritos in foil and place them on the campfire grill or directly in the coals to heat through. Once warmed, unwrap the foil and enjoy a delicious and portable breakfast.
With this comprehensive list of camping recipes, you’re sure to find something to suit every taste and dietary preference. Whether you’re grilling up burgers or enjoying a sweet campfire dessert, these recipes will make your camping meals memorable and delicious. So grab your camping gear, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy some fantastic meals under the stars. Happy camping and happy eating!
