10 easy recipe ideas for camping

You can't say no to good food when you're camping! Here are a few simple ideas for making tasty meals in the great outdoors.

Food and nature lovers often say that everything tastes better when eaten under the open sky. Whether you're the master chef in your family or more of a grab-and-go kind of person, good food is the secret to making your camping adventures all the more enjoyable.

So, to make your life easier, we've developed some simple camping recipes you can try while you explore your outdoor surroundings!

10 idées de recette faciles à faire en camping

What type of food should I prepare when camping?

The type of food you bring depends on your camping style. You need to ask yourself – will you be roughing it with minimal access to water, or are planning a cozy family camping trip? Do you need to keep your food safe from wildlife? Will you be out for just a night or a full week?

In this blog, we'll suggest camping recipes for all kinds of camping, assuming you've got the essential gear handy.

We're assuming you have a place to store your food safely, that you can replenish the ice in your cooler, and that you can do a minimal amount of dishwashing. With that said, the following ideas require minimal equipment for mouthwatering meals.

Essential camping equipment

For beginners:
When you're just starting out on your camping journey, it's easy to feel like you need to pack everything but the kitchen sink. Truth is, you don't! A cooler, a small kitchen set (for two to four people), and a few basic utensils are enough to whip up some quick and tasty meals.

Intermediate level:
Once you have a few trips under your belt, you might want to enhance your cooking setup with a few extra tools and camping shelter (e.g. a tarpaulin shelter, a portable water tank, a two-burner stove and a few extra bowls).

For camping pros:
Ready for some serious cooking? With the items listed below, you're bound to make some people in your entourage jealous. From the stainless steel griddle, 3-litre pots, coffee makers, and camping furniture — find everything you need to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and turn your campsite into a gourmet kitchen.

10 easy camping recipes

Got your gear? Great! Now, let's focus on trying some simple, delicious recipes that are easy to make while being both nutritious and comforting.

Tacos

Take your pick of cooked protein (black beans, chicken, or steak), heat some tortillas on the griddle, and top with salsa, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve with quick-cooking rice for a satisfying meal.

Sloppy Joes

Sauté minced meat with onions and garlic, add a Cajun spice blend and canned tomato sauce, and simmer until thick. Toast burger buns, add cheese, and let the buns soak up the excess sauce. Serve with chips or salad.

Fried rice

An easy-peasy camping recipe to make: just toss cooked rice, scrambled eggs, peas, and soy sauce in a pan. Add sausage (Chinese, chorizo, or Morteau), corn, and carrots for extra flavour!

Grilled Cheese

This classic never fails. Sandwich your favourite cheese between two slices of bread, butter the pan, and toast for around 3 minutes until golden and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Rice and tuna salad

In a salad bowl, mix cooked rice with canned tuna, sliced tomatoes, olives, hard-boiled eggs, and whatever veggies you like (think cucumbers, peppers, or onions). Toss with your favourite vinaigrette for a light yet nutritious meal.

Easy pan pizza

Grab some naan bread and add pizza sauce. Top with pepperoni and grated cheese (add extra toppings of your choice). Cook on a griddle or pan until crispy, covering it with a lid or foil to melt the cheese. Serve with raw veggies and hummus.

Potatoes, cabbage, carrots and pork belly stir fry

Dice potatoes, grate cabbage and carrots (or use a coleslaw mix), and sauté until golden. Add pork belly or bacon, and cook until everything's tender and flavourful. This also works as a hearty side dish for breakfast or lunch.

Chili

Combine two cans of mixed beans, one can of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef stock, and water in a pot. Simmer for 30 minutes, and serve with tortilla chips, sour cream, and grated cheese.

Vegetarian curry

Cook chickpeas, zucchini, onions, and carrots with curry powder. Add coconut milk and tomato paste, and simmer until creamy. If needed, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity. Serve with white rice and naan.

Lasagna soup

Sauté minced meat with onions and spaghetti seasoning, then add stewed tomatoes and broken lasagna noodles. Simmer with water, and just before serving, top with grated cheese.

A few breakfast ideas

Even if you're out in the great outdoors, breakfast is still the most important meal of the day. Here are some breakfast camping recipes to try in order to get your mornings off to a good start!

English breakfast: Eggs, baked beans, bacon, sausage, and tomatoes cooked on a griddle.
American Pancakes: Prepare the batter at home and pour from a bottle with a spout. Serve with syrup or jam.
Breakfast Sandwich: Layer bacon, eggs, and cheese in bread, cooking everything in the same pan for minimal cleanup.
French Toast: Mix eggs, milk, and sugar, dip bread, and fry until golden. Top with maple syrup or jam.
Egg-in-a-Raft: Cut a hole in bread, crack an egg into it, and cook until set. Serve warm.
Chia Pudding: No-cook oatmeal topped with fresh fruit.
Toast and Spread: A simple classic with butter or jam.
Pre-made Muffins: Bake at home and enjoy on the go.

Don't forget snacks!

Need a boost during your hike? Here are a few snack ideas to energize you until you get back to your campsite.

Fresh fruit
Dried fruit and seeds
Energy bars or balls
Applesauce cups
Cookies or muffins
Chips or roasted chickpeas

Dehydrated food

Dehydrated food is a lifesaver for hungry adventurers heading deep into the wilderness. Compact, lightweight, and long-lasting, it's perfect for trails where every ounce counts. Plus, you'll find many tasty options — so stock up and use them to add some variety to your camping recipes!

Plan ahead: Check your food supply

It might sound obvious, but always make sure you've packed enough food. Many campsites are remote, with no stores nearby. Get into the habit of creating a checklist before you leave and double and triple check it.

Now that you're armed with useful tips and delicious camping recipes, it's time to start cooking while surrounded by nature. Trust us, nothing beats a quick and tasty meal after a long day exploring the great outdoors!

Now that you have all the tools you need to eat well while camping, all that's left to do is try it out! You'll love making these delicious meals after a long day in nature.