5 Easy Camping Recipes for Quick and Tasty Meals

Camping is one of the best ways to disconnect and enjoy nature. However, when it comes to easy camping recipes, things can get tricky.

You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen or over a campfire to enjoy tasty meals. With just a little planning, you can enjoy quick and tasty camping meals that make your time outdoors even more enjoyable.

Easy One-Pan Camping Chicken and Rice Recipe

Recipe by Calven ArlithCourse: LunchCuisine: CampingDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

19

minutes

Calories per serving

300

kcal

Total time

29

minutes

A simple and tasty camping recipe perfect for outdoor cooking, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts

• 1 cup rice

• 1 can of mixed vegetables

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups water or broth

Directions

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until browned on both sides (about 5 minutes per side).
• Add rice, water (or broth), and mixed vegetables to the pan. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and chicken is fully done.
• Serve hot and enjoy your easy camping meal.

Recipe Video

Notes

• You can substitute the chicken with any protein of your choice like beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Adjust seasoning based on personal taste or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Camping Dinner Ideas: Simple, Satisfying, and Quick

After a long day of hiking or outdoor activities, you want a camping dinner that’s easy to prepare and satisfying. These ideas don’t require complicated ingredients or tons of preparation.

Quick and Easy One-Pot Meals

One-pot meals are perfect for camping. They’re simple, require fewer dishes, and are packed with flavor. You can throw everything into one pot or skillet, and let it cook while you relax by the fire.

Foil Pack Dinners

You can create your own foil packs with vegetables, meats, and seasonings. Toss them on the campfire, and in about 20 minutes, you’ll have a hot, delicious meal. Try chicken, potatoes, and veggies—easy, flavorful, and minimal cleanup!

Campfire Stews and Soups

For a heartier dinner, prepare a stew or soup with ingredients like canned beans, potatoes, and meat. Add some broth, let it simmer, and you’ll have a filling meal in no time.

Quick Grilled Dishes

If you have a campfire or portable grill, grilling is a fast and delicious way to cook your meal. Try simple options like burgers, hot dogs, or grilled vegetables.

Grilled Burgers and Veggie Skewers

Grill some seasoned burgers or make veggie skewers with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. You can even throw in some cheese for extra flavor.

Campfire Fish

If you’re near water, consider cooking fish over the fire. Wrap it in foil with herbs and seasoning, and let it cook for 10-15 minutes.

Easy-to-Pack Ingredients

The key to quick camping dinners is using simple, easy-to-pack ingredients. Pre-cook or prep as much as you can before your trip. This will make cooking easier when you arrive at your campsite.

Camping Lunch Ideas: Light and Tasty Options for Daytime

Lunch should be light and easy, giving you the energy you need to keep exploring. Try these ideas for simple, quick, and satisfying camping lunches.

Sandwiches and Wraps

Sandwiches are the go-to for easy camping lunches. Just pack the ingredients in a cooler, and you’re ready to go. Wraps can also be a great alternative for a lighter option.

Healthy Wraps

For a healthier option, try wraps with grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and hummus. Roll it all up, and you have a tasty meal on the go.

Salads and Bowls

If you want something fresh, salads are a great option. They’re quick, easy to prepare, and you can customize them with various ingredients.

Couscous or Quinoa Salad

Pre-cook some couscous or quinoa and mix it with fresh vegetables, beans, or even some grilled chicken. This will keep you full and energized.

Tuna Salad Bowls

Another quick lunch is a tuna salad bowl. Mix canned tuna with some mayo, add in pickles, and serve with crackers or bread.

No-Cook Options

On those really hot days, the last thing you want to do is cook. These no-cook meals are perfect for keeping cool while still having a satisfying lunch.

Trail Mix and Fruit

Make a simple, no-cook lunch by snacking on trail mix or fruit. Both are quick, easy, and keep you fueled up for the day.

Cold Pasta Salad

Prepare a cold pasta salad the night before your trip. It’s easy to make, and you can throw in some veggies, olives, or cheese for extra flavor.

Easy Camping Meals for 2: Perfect for Couples or Small Groups

When camping with just one other person or a small group, you don’t want to make too much food. These easy camping meals for 2 are great for couples or small groups.

Simple Stir-Fry

Stir-fries are a quick, customizable meal. Use a single pan and sauté vegetables, your choice of protein (chicken, tofu, or beef), and soy sauce for a delicious meal.

Vegetable and Chicken Stir-Fry

Cut up your veggies ahead of time, and add pre-cooked chicken to make this meal even easier. Serve it with rice for a filling meal.

Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry

If you’re vegetarian or want a lighter option, try tofu with your favorite vegetables. Stir-fry with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for a tasty meal.

Campfire Nachos

Everyone loves nachos, and they’re easy to make with a campfire! Layer chips, cheese, beans, and jalapeños in a foil pack, and heat it over the fire until the cheese melts.

Basic Nacho Pack

Layer tortilla chips with cheese, beans, and any veggies you like. Seal it in a foil pack, and let it cook over the fire.

Loaded Nachos

For a heartier version, add seasoned ground beef or chicken to your nachos. Top with sour cream or guacamole for a fun, filling meal.

Best Campfire Meals for a Truly Rustic Experience

One of the highlights of camping is cooking over an open fire. These best campfire meals capture the essence of outdoor cooking and make your trip even more memorable.

Foil Packet Dinners

Foil packet dinners are the ultimate campfire meal. You can combine proteins, veggies, and seasonings in foil, then place them directly on the campfire or grill.

Classic Chicken and Veggies

Season chicken breasts, potatoes, and veggies with olive oil and your favorite spices. Wrap them in foil, and let them cook over the fire for 20-25 minutes.

Grilled Kabobs

Kabobs are an easy and fun way to make a flavorful meal over the campfire. Simply skewer your choice of meat, vegetables, and seasoning.

Chicken and Veggie Kabobs

Marinate chunks of chicken and veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Skewer them and grill them over the fire for a tasty meal.

Beef and Mushroom Kabobs

Skewer pieces of beef and mushrooms, and season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Grill them over the fire for a delicious, rustic dinner.

Campfire Stews

Cooking a stew over the campfire is a great way to make a filling and hearty meal. Use a cast-iron pot or Dutch oven to simmer your ingredients.

Beef Stew

Combine beef chunks, carrots, potatoes, and onions in a pot with broth. Let it simmer for a couple of hours for a rich, satisfying meal.

Vegetable Stew

For a vegetarian option, use a variety of root vegetables, beans, and vegetable broth to create a flavorful stew. Cook it slowly over the fire for the best results.

Easy Breakfast Ideas for Camping: Start Your Day Right

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when you’re camping. A good breakfast fuels your body for the adventures ahead. Here are some easy breakfast ideas for camping that are simple and delicious.

Quick and Easy Pancakes

Pancakes are a classic breakfast that can be made easily at the campsite. All you need is pancake mix, water, and a little oil or butter for the skillet.

Pre-Made Pancake Mix

Make your life even easier by preparing pancake mix at home before your trip. Just add water, stir, and you’re ready to cook up some fluffy pancakes.

Topping Ideas

Top your pancakes with fresh fruit, syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also mix in chocolate chips for an extra treat!

Scrambled Eggs and Bacon

Eggs and bacon are simple, tasty, and filling. This breakfast is easy to cook over a campfire and will keep you full throughout the morning.

Cook in a Skillet

Scramble eggs in a skillet with a little oil or butter, then add some cooked bacon. Serve it up with toast or on a bagel for a hearty meal.

Egg and Veggie Scramble

If you want to add some extra nutrition, toss in some chopped veggies like bell peppers, onions, and spinach for a colorful, veggie-packed scramble.

Basic Oats Recipe

Mix oats, milk, and your choice of sweeteners or toppings (like fruit or nuts), and let them sit overnight in a container. In the morning, enjoy a cool, creamy breakfast without any cooking.

Flavor Variations

You can customize your oats with peanut butter, cinnamon, or yogurt. The options are endless, and it’s a perfect breakfast for an easy start to your day.

Best Campfire Dinner Recipes for an Enjoyable Evening

Dinner around the campfire is one of the best parts of camping. Whether you’re cooking over an open flame or using a portable grill, these best campfire dinner recipes are simple, flavorful, and sure to please everyone.

Campfire Foil Pack Meals

Foil pack meals are a campfire classic. You can prepare a variety of ingredients and wrap them up in foil for easy cooking over the fire.

Chicken and Veggie Foil Pack

Combine chicken breasts, potatoes, and veggies like carrots, onions, and bell peppers. Season with herbs and wrap everything in foil for a quick and tasty meal.

Beef and Potato Packets

For a filling meal, layer beef, potatoes, onions, and seasoning in foil. Cook over the fire for 20-30 minutes for a hearty, satisfying dinner.

Grilled Skewers

Grilled skewers are an easy and fun way to cook your dinner. Skewer chunks of meat and veggies, and cook them over the campfire.

Chicken Kabobs

Thread chicken, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini onto skewers. Grill them over the fire, and serve with rice or a salad for a complete meal.

Veggie Kabobs

For a vegetarian option, make veggie skewers with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and onions. Season with your favorite spices for a flavorful meal.

Campfire Chili

Chili is a perfect dish for a campfire dinner. It’s filling, easy to make in one pot, and great for feeding a crowd.

Beef Chili

Brown some ground beef and add beans, tomatoes, and spices to make a hearty chili. Let it simmer on the campfire for a few hours, and you’ll have a warm and delicious dinner.

Vegetarian Chili

For a lighter option, skip the meat and use beans, corn, and tomatoes to make a hearty vegetarian chili. Improve seasoning using spices such as cumin and chili powder.

Easy Camping Meals for Families: Simple, Kid-Friendly Recipes

Camping with kids means you need meals that are simple, quick, and loved by all. Here are some easy camping meals for family that will please everyone and keep them full.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

This classic comfort meal is easy to prepare and perfect for families. Grilled cheese paired with warm tomato soup will hit the spot after a long day outdoors.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Coat two slices of bread with butter, add cheese of your choice, and toast until golden. Serve with tomato soup for a comforting, kid-friendly meal.

Instant Tomato Soup

Use instant tomato soup packets to make this meal even easier. Just add hot water, and you have a warm bowl of soup in no time.

DIY Tacos

Tacos are an easy and fun meal for families. Everyone can customize their taco with their favorite toppings.

Ground Beef Tacos

Cook ground beef in a skillet and season with taco seasoning. Set up a taco bar with tortillas, lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream so everyone can build their own tacos.

Vegetarian Tacos

For a vegetarian version, use black beans or lentils instead of ground beef. Add toppings like avocado, cheese, and salsa for a tasty meal.

Campfire Pizza

Who doesn’t love pizza? With a campfire, you can make your own personal pizzas using pre-made dough or pita bread.

Personal Pizzas

Top pita bread or tortilla with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings, then cook it over the campfire on a grill or skillet. It’s a fun and customizable meal for kids and adults alike.

Campfire Pizza on Foil

For an even easier option, make a pizza on a piece of foil, and cook it over the fire until the cheese melts. It’s like a mini pizza cooked to perfection!

Lazy Camping Food: Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor

Sometimes, you just want to relax and not worry about cooking. For those lazy days, here are some lazy camping food ideas that require minimal effort but still deliver great flavor.

Pre-Made Dinners

Pre-made meals are perfect for lazy camping days. You can make these ahead of time and reheat them at the campsite for a quick and easy meal.

Casseroles

Prepare a casserole like lasagna or macaroni and cheese before your trip. When you get to the campsite, just heat it over the campfire or on a portable stove for a simple, comforting dinner.

Pre-Made Chili

Make a big batch of chili before your trip and freeze it. All you have to do is heat it up when you’re ready to eat. Serve it with some bread or crackers for an easy meal.

Instant Meals

Instant meals are the ultimate lazy camping food. With just a little hot water, you can have a delicious meal in minutes.

Instant Pasta

Instant pasta or ramen noodles are easy to pack and prepare. Simply add hot water, and you’ve got a warm meal that’s ready in just a few minutes.

Instant Rice

For a simple side dish, bring instant rice. It’s quick to cook and pairs well with pre-cooked meats or canned vegetables.

No-Cook Snacks

Sometimes you don’t need a full meal, just a snack. These no-cook snacks are perfect for lazy days around the campsite.

Fresh Fruit and Crackers

Grab some fresh fruit, like apples or bananas, and pair them with crackers for a light, no-fuss snack.

40 Simple Make-Ahead Camping Meals to Save Time

One of the best ways to make camping meals easy is to prep them ahead of time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, 40 simple make-ahead camping meals can save you a lot of time when you’re at the campsite.

Prepare Breakfast in Advance

Breakfast is an important meal, but it doesn’t have to take up your whole morning. These make-ahead breakfast ideas will help you start the day quickly and easily.

Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are an easy, no-cook option that you can prepare before your trip. Mix oats with milk or yogurt, add some fruit or nuts, and let it sit overnight for a healthy, quick breakfast.

Pre-Cooked Scrambled Eggs

You can cook scrambled eggs ahead of time and store them in a container. When it’s time to eat, simply heat them up over the fire for a hot breakfast.

Easy Make-Ahead Dinners

Make-ahead camping dinners can save you time and stress when it’s time to eat. Simply prep the ingredients before your trip and heat them at your campsite.

Chili or Stew

Cook up a big batch of chili or stew at home, then freeze it. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it over the fire or on a camp stove.

Packable Snacks

Make-ahead camping meals don’t just have to be for dinner. You can also prep snacks to keep you energized throughout the day.

Easy Camping Meals for Large Groups: Feeding the Crowd

If you’re camping with a large group, feeding everyone can feel like a challenge. But with a little planning, easy camping meals for large groups don’t have to be difficult. These recipes are simple to make, and they’ll satisfy everyone.

One-Pot Meals for Large Groups

One-pot meals are perfect for large groups because you can prepare a lot of food with minimal effort. These meals can be made in a Dutch oven or large pot, making cleanup easy.

Pasta Dishes

Pasta is another great option for large groups. You can cook it in one pot, and then add your favorite sauce, veggies, or protein for a quick and satisfying meal.

Grilled Skewers for a Crowd

Grilled skewers are fun, customizable, and easy to prepare for a large group. Simply skewer meat and veggies, then cook them over the campfire.

Chicken and Veggie Skewers

Marinate chunks of chicken and vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Skewer them and grill over the fire for a tasty, crowd-pleasing meal.

Beef and Mushroom Skewers

For a hearty option, try beef and mushrooms on skewers. Add a little garlic and herbs for extra flavor, and grill until cooked through.

Buffet-Style Meals

If you’re not sure what everyone will want, a buffet-style meal works well for large groups. You can set up a spread of ingredients, and everyone can create their own meal.

Taco Bar

Set up a taco bar with tortillas, seasoned ground beef or chicken, cheese, lettuce, salsa, and sour cream. It’s easy to prepare and lets everyone customize their meal.

Build-Your-Own Sandwiches

Bring a variety of sandwich fillings, bread, and toppings. Everyone can build their own sandwich, making it easy to satisfy different tastes.

No-Cook Camping Meals: Effortless Dining on the Go

Sometimes, cooking just isn’t an option—whether you’re short on time or simply want to keep things easy. No-cook camping meals are perfect for those days when you want to keep dining as effortless as possible.

Cold Sandwiches and Wraps

Cold sandwiches and wraps are quick to make and require no cooking. Pack your favorite sandwich fillings, and you’re ready to go.

Classic Sandwiches

Peanut butter and jelly, turkey and cheese, or ham and avocado—these classic sandwiches are easy to make and perfect for lunch on the go.

Wraps with Fresh Veggies

Wraps with hummus, fresh veggies, and some cheese are a light, satisfying meal. You can customize them based on what you have available.

Salads for No-Cook Meals

A salad is another easy, no-cook option. You can prepare it with fresh veggies, protein, and a light dressing for a refreshing and healthy meal.

Greek Salad

Chop up cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onion. Add some feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Quinoa Salad

If you want something a bit heartier, quinoa salad is a great option. Combine cooked quinoa with veggies, beans, and a tangy dressing for a delicious no-cook meal.

Snack-Style Meals

Sometimes, a full meal isn’t necessary—snacking is all you need! Here are some quick, no-cook ideas to keep you satisfied.

Trail Mix

A simple mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit will give you the energy you need for your adventures. It’s easy to make at home and requires no cooking.

Fresh Fruit and Cheese

Pack some fresh fruit like apples, oranges, or grapes along with some cheese for a light and refreshing snack that requires no cooking at all.

Easy Camping Snacks to Keep You Energized Throughout the Day

Whether you’re hiking, lounging, or exploring, easy camping snacks are essential for keeping your energy levels up. Here are some ideas for tasty and simple snacks that will keep you fueled throughout the day.

Nut Butter Snacks

Nut butters are a great source of protein and healthy fats, making them the perfect camping snack.

Peanut Butter on Crackers

Spread peanut butter on whole grain crackers for a quick and satisfying snack. Add some honey or jelly for extra flavor.

Nut Butter and Apple Slices

Slice up an apple and dip it in peanut butter or almond butter for a sweet and salty snack that’s both filling and energizing.

Granola Bars

Granola bars are portable, easy to eat, and packed with nutrients. You can either buy pre-made bars or make your own before your trip.

Homemade Granola Bars

Mix oats, honey, nuts, and dried fruit to make your own granola bars. They’ll keep you fueled for hours, and they’re easy to store in your bag.

Store-Bought Bars

If you’re short on time, there are plenty of store-bought granola bars that are perfect for camping. Look for ones with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruit.

Fresh Veggies and Dip

Fresh veggies are a refreshing and healthy snack option. Pair them with a simple dip for extra flavor.

Carrot and Celery Sticks with Hummus

Cut up some carrots and celery, and dip them in hummus for a satisfying snack. You can also add other veggies like bell peppers or cucumber.

Veggies with Ranch Dip

For a classic option, bring along some ranch dip and serve it with your favorite veggies for a crunchy, flavorful snack.

Conclusion

These 5 easy camping recipes are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy tasty meals without spending all their time cooking.

From make-ahead camping meals to no-cook snacks, there are plenty of options to keep you fueled and satisfied throughout your camping trip.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a quick bite, these simple meals will make your outdoor adventures even more enjoyable.