There’s something special about making a meal outside, surrounded by nature. But let’s face it- it’s not like cooking at home where you have all the amenities and ingredients at your fingertips. From figuring out how to pack raw meat to deciding which camp cooking gear is actually useful, it can feel like a lot.
The good news? If you are new to camping and cooking, many people have come before you and have figured out some tips and tricks to make your experience easier and more enjoyable. In this blog, I’ve put together the best tips that will help you create delicious meals on your camping trip, without the stress.
Let’s go!
Tip 1: Keep It Simple
If this is your first trip, keep your camp cooking straightforward. Save the elaborate meals for later. Start with crowd-pleasers like hot dogs, burgers, or sandwiches—things that don’t require much prep or special gear.
When you’re ready, try one fire-cooked meal per trip. Cooking over an open fire is a skill that takes practice, but you don’t have to go all-in right away. Start small, enjoy the process, and focus on having fun.
Some ideas for simple camping meals include:
Breakfast
- Breakfast Burritos: Scrambled eggs, precooked bacon or sausage, and cheese wrapped in a tortilla.
- Instant Oatmeal: Add hot water and top with dried fruit or nuts.
- Pancakes: Use a just-add-water mix and cook on a griddle or skillet.
- Bagels with Cream Cheese: Quick and no cooking required.
Lunch
- Sandwiches: Ham, turkey, or PB&J with trail mix on the side.
- Wraps: Tortillas filled with deli meat, cheese, and fresh veggies.
- Burritos: Pre-made at home and reheated over the fire or on a camp stove.
- Couscous Salad: Make ahead with couscous, black beans, and chopped veggies.
- Hummus and Crackers: Pair with fresh veggies like carrots or cucumber.
Dinner
- Foil Packet Meals: Mix proteins like chicken or sausage with potatoes and veggies, wrap in foil, and cook over hot coals.
- One-Pot Chili: Heat up pre-made chili in a cast iron pot or camping stove.
- Grilled Hot Dogs: Classic and easy to cook on a skewer or griddle.
- Pasta: Boil water, add pasta, and top with jarred sauce.
- Tacos: Pre-cook the meat and reheat at camp; add toppings like cheese and salsa.
Snacks and Sides
- Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and chocolate.
- Fresh Veggies and Dip: Carrot sticks, celery, and ranch or hummus.
- Popcorn: Cooked in a pie iron or foil packet over the fire.
- Chips and Salsa: A crowd-pleaser with zero prep.
- Cheese and Crackers: Quick and filling.
Dessert
- S’mores: Graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows toasted over the campfire.
- Banana Boats: Slice a banana, stuff it with chocolate and marshmallows, and wrap it in foil to heat on the fire.
- Campfire Apples: Core an apple, fill with cinnamon and sugar, wrap in foil, and cook over coals.
- Grilled Pineapple: Brush with honey and cinnamon and cook over the fire.
Remember, the simpler your meals, the more time you have to enjoy the great outdoors.
Tip 2: Bring the Right Supplies
When it comes to camp cooking, having the right supplies can make all the difference. You don’t need to go overboard or buy every gadget you see, but a few essentials can save you time, stress, and frustration.
For your first camping trip, stick to versatile tools that you likely already have at home:
- A Two-Burner Camp Stove: Reliable, easy to use, and great for cooking multiple items at once.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Perfect for everything from frying eggs to making a stir-fry. It works on both a camping stove and a campfire.
- Cutting Board and Knife: A small, sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife are essential for chopping fresh veggies or slicing meat.
- Reusable Containers: Great for storing prepped ingredients, leftovers, and snacks.
- A Cooler: A cooler not only keeps your food and drinks cold, but it also allows you to bring along some of your favorite perishable items without worrying about spoilage.
It’s tempting to splurge on specialized camp cooking gear, but you probably don’t need most of it. Start by repurposing old kitchen pots, pans, and utensils for car camping. If you enjoy camping and want to upgrade later, you’ll know what’s worth investing in.
Tip 3: Preparation Is Key
Camp cooking is all about preparation. Trust me, the more you do at home, the easier things will be at the campsite.
Pre-cook and prep what you can at home. Pre-portion ingredients into reusable containers, label everything, and pack it so it’s ready to cook. For example, cook bacon ahead of time (try it in the oven), prerboil potatoes, and chop veggies ahead of your trip. Meals like stews, burritos, or casseroles can be prepped and frozen, making them easy to heat up at camp.
Speaking of frozen, freeze everything you can! Frozen raw meat and meals double as ice packs in your cooler, keeping everything else cold. You can even freeze water bottles—they’ll keep your cooler cold and provide drinking water as they melt. This leads us to our next point…
Tip 4: Don’t Underestimate Your Cooler
A well-organized cooler isn’t just convenient—it’s essential for keeping your food safe and making camp cooking easier. With a little strategy, your cooler can stay cold longer, keep raw meat from contaminating other food, and even cut down on wasted space. Here’s how to master the art of cooler management:
- Choose the Right Cooler: For a short camping trip, a basic cooler might do the trick, but for longer trips, you’ll want something heavy-duty. Look for a well-insulated cooler with a tight-fitting lid. Options like rotomolded coolers (think YETI or RTIC) are great investments if you camp often.
- Keep Raw Meat Contained: Always double-bag raw meat in leak-proof bags or containers to avoid cross-contamination. Place it at the bottom of the cooler, where it stays the coldest.
- Layer Strategically: Pack food in layers based on when you’ll need it. Items for later in the trip can go on the bottom, while snacks and first-day meals should be on top for easy access.
- Separate Cooler for Drinks: Beverages are opened frequently, letting warm air into the cooler. Use a second cooler for drinks to keep your main cooler cold longer.
- Water Bottle Ice Packs: Like we mentioned above, freeze water bottles ahead of time and use them in place of loose ice. They keep everything cold without creating a soggy mess and provide drinking water as they melt.
- Pre-Chill Your Cooler: Before packing, cool your empty cooler with ice or frozen bottles for an hour or two. This reduces the amount of ice that melts initially.
- Don’t Drain Melted Ice Water Too Quickly: That icy water is still keeping your food cold. Only drain it if it gets close to your containers or threatens to spill.
- Stay Out of the Sun: Always keep your cooler in the shade to reduce ice melt. If no shade is available, cover it with a reflective blanket or towel.
- Limit Opening and Closing: Every time you open your cooler, warm air gets in. Plan ahead to minimize how often you access it, and grab everything you need for a meal at once.
A well-packed and maintained cooler makes camp cooking more enjoyable and stress-free.
Tip 5: Try Fire Cooking
As we talked about above, you may want to try fire cooking while out camping. Cooking over a campfire can add an exciting and rustic element to your outdoor meals. Here are some tips for successful fire cooking:
- Choose the Right Firewood: Hardwoods such as oak, maple or hickory work best for campfire cooking. They burn longer and provide a more even heat.
- Create a Stable Cooking Surface: Use rocks, logs, or metal grates to create a stable surface for your pots and pans. Make sure they are securely in place before placing any cookware on top.
- Use Aluminum Foil Packets: Wrap ingredients in aluminum foil packets to cook them directly in the fire. This method is great for potatoes, vegetables, and even fish.
- Bring Extra Long Tongs: It’s important to keep a safe distance from the fire while cooking. Use long tongs to reach and turn food without getting too close to the flames.
- Consider a Dutch Oven: A cast iron dutch oven is a great tool for campfire cooking. You can cook everything from stews to bread in this versatile pot.
- Don’t Forget the Seasonings: Just because you’re cooking outside doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. Bring along your favorite spices and herbs to add some extra taste to your meals.
- Pro Cleaning Hack: Rub a thin layer of dish soap on the outside of your pans before placing them on the fire. It makes cleaning off soot so much easier.
- Stay Safe: Always cook over designated fire rings and keep water nearby just in case.
Need help building a great fire? Check out our blog on how to build a campfire.
Tip 6: Plan a Flexible Camping Menu
Meal planning is one of the best ways to keep your camping trip stress-free. The key is to be prepared while leaving room for flexibility. Weather, energy levels, and even unexpected cravings can influence what and when you eat, so build a camping menu that can adapt to your plans.
One-Pot Wonders
Meals that only require a single pot or pan are a camper’s best friend. They’re quick to cook, require minimal cleanup, and pack in all the flavors you want.
- Stews and Soups: Throw prepped veggies, canned beans, and your favorite seasonings into a cast iron pot or Dutch oven for a warm, hearty meal.
- Breakfast Burritos: Scramble eggs, add precooked bacon or sausage, and wrap it all in a tortilla for an easy breakfast or dinner.
- Pasta Dishes: Cook pasta in boiling water, then toss it with jarred sauce, olive oil, or some grated cheese. Add canned or pre-cooked meat for a heartier option.
Versatile Ingredients
When space and weight are limited, bring ingredients that can be used in multiple meals. This minimizes waste and makes meal prep easier.
- Dehydrated Hash Browns: Great for breakfast or as a dinner side. Just rehydrate and cook with olive oil or butter.
- Trail Mix: Perfect for snacking, topping oatmeal, or adding to pancake batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Instant Oatmeal: Not just for breakfast—add peanut butter or dried fruit for a quick, filling snack.
- Wraps and Tortillas: These can hold sandwiches, burritos, or even act as a base for makeshift pizzas.
Match Your Day
The best camping menu fits your schedule and energy level.
- Busy Days: After a long hike or paddle, keep it simple with sandwiches, pre-prepped burritos, or foil packet meals that can be reheated quickly.
- Relaxed Days: If you’re lounging at the campsite or hanging out at the picnic table, try something a bit more elaborate. A Dutch oven chili or a campfire stir-fry can be a fun way to spend time cooking together.
- Snacks on Hand: Always have snacks like dried fruit, trail mix, or hummus and crackers available to keep everyone fueled between meals.
By planning a flexible menu with versatile ingredients, you’ll be ready for whatever the day brings.
Tip 7: Tackle Cleanup Like a Pro
Cleanup might not be the most glamorous part of camp cooking, but it’s an essential step to keep your campsite organized and safe. With a little planning, you can make it quick and easy.
- Minimize Dishes: Stick to one-pot meals whenever possible. These not only simplify cooking but also reduce the number of pans and utensils you’ll need to wash.
- Use Reusable Containers: Pack your ingredients and leftovers in reusable containers. They keep food fresh, protect it from melted ice in your cooler, and cut down on waste.
- Bring the Basics: A small bottle of biodegradable soap, a sponge, and warm water are all you need for washing up. For tougher messes, like soot from fire-cooked pots, bring a scrubbing pad.
Organizing your cleanup gear ahead of time makes it easier to enjoy your meal without dreading the aftermath. Keep it simple, efficient, and campsite-friendly.
Tip 9: Storage and Safety Tips
Proper food storage is crucial for a safe and stress-free camping trip. Not only does it keep your food fresh, but it also prevents unwanted wildlife from turning your campsite into their personal buffet.
- Wildlife Safety: Animals have an incredible sense of smell, and even a trace of food can attract them. Always store food in sealed containers to lock in odors. At night, or when you’re away from the campsite, keep food in your cooler or locked in your car. In bear country, use a bear-proof cooler or food storage box. Avoid leaving food scraps or dirty dishes out, as these can also attract animals.
- Cooler Care: A well-maintained cooler is essential for food safety. Keep your cooler in the shade to reduce ice melt and maintain a consistent temperature. Check ice levels daily and replenish as needed. Don’t drain melted ice too soon—cold water is still effective at keeping food chilled.
- Be Prepared: Even the best-laid plans can require adjustments. Research nearby stores where you can grab extra ice or fresh ingredients if necessary. This ensures you’re never caught off guard and can quickly restock without disrupting your trip.
By following these tips, you’ll protect your food, avoid wildlife encounters, and enjoy worry-free meals at camp. If you want to learn even more, check out my blog on 33 hacks to make your next camping trip even better.
6 Tips for Camp Cooking Without a Cooler
If keeping food cool isn’t an option, you’ll need to rethink your camping meals. Long trips without refrigeration are totally doable—you just have to plan ahead and pack foods that won’t spoil easily.
- Opt for Shelf-Stable Ingredients: Canned goods like beans, tuna, or chicken are lifesavers. Pair them with instant rice or pasta for quick meals. Don’t forget dried foods like couscous, lentils, and powdered milk.
- Pack Dehydrated and Freeze-Dried Meals: These are lightweight, last forever, and only need water to prepare. Perfect for backcountry camping or longer trips.
- Bring Hardier Produce: Veggies like carrots, potatoes, and onions can last for days without refrigeration. Use them early in the trip for fresh-tasting meals.
- Use Single-Serve Packets: Things like peanut butter, honey, or soy sauce in small packets cut down on waste and don’t require chilling.
- Stick to Dry Snacks: Trail mix, jerky, crackers, and dried fruit are great for filling gaps between meals.
- Store Food Properly: Keep everything in sealed containers or bags to protect it from moisture, pests, or wildlife.
With a little creativity, you can enjoy tasty meals even on a longer camping trip—no cooler required!
Conclusion on Camping and Cooking
Camp cooking isn’t just about making meals—it’s part of the adventure and one of the most rewarding aspects of camping. From planning your camping menu to mastering cooler management and trying your hand at campfire cooking, it’s all about enjoying the process and embracing the quirks of outdoor life.
The great thing about camp cooking is that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable. Whether you’re flipping pancakes on a cast iron skillet or wrapping up a foil packet dinner to toss on the coals, the key is to keep things simple, prepare ahead, and savor the experience.
Got a favorite camp cooking tip or a recipe that always works? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear what works for you!
Key Takeaways for Camping and Cooking Beginners
- Keep It Simple: Start with easy meals like hot dogs or sandwiches, and build confidence with one-pot or fire-cooked dishes.
- Bring the Right Supplies: Stick to versatile tools like a camping stove, cast iron skillet, and reusable containers.
- Prep Before You Go: Precook bacon, chop veggies, and freeze meals to save time at the campsite.
- Master Your Cooler: Use smart packing techniques to keep food fresh and safe.
- Try Fire Cooking: Experiment with campfire meals using foil packets or a Dutch oven.
- Plan a Flexible Menu: Choose versatile ingredients and adapt meals to your day’s activity level.
- Clean Up Like a Pro: Pack biodegradable soap and minimize dishes with one-pot meals.
- Store Food Safely: Protect your food from spoiling and avoid attracting wildlife with proper storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best cooking method for camping?
The best cooking method depends on the type of camping you’re doing. For car camping, camp stoves are reliable and versatile, making it easy to cook multiple dishes. If you’re trying backcountry camping, a lightweight backpacking stove is a better option for portability and efficiency. Campfire cooking is another fun option, but it requires practice to get the heat right.
What food should I bring for a camping trip?
Focus on simple, versatile meals that require minimal prep and pack easily. Ingredients like dehydrated hash browns, instant oatmeal, and wraps are great staples. If you have access to picnic tables at your campsite, consider meals like pasta or foil packet dinners that are easy to assemble and enjoy with a group.
What kind of cookware do I need for camping?
Stick to the basics for your camp cookware. A cast iron skillet, a pot for boiling water, and basic utensils like a spatula and knife are enough for most trips. If weight is a concern, lightweight aluminum or titanium options are ideal. For car camping, you can even bring pots and pans from home.
Can I use any pan on a camping stove?
Most kitchen pans can be used on camp stoves, but durable options like cast iron or stainless steel are better for outdoor cooking. These materials distribute heat evenly and can handle the rugged conditions of a campsite.
What’s the easiest meal to cook while camping?
Foil packet meals are one of the easiest and most versatile camping options. Combine meat, potatoes, and veggies in aluminum foil, and cook them over a fire or on hot coals. They’re perfect for both beginners and seasoned campers looking for a no-fuss dinner.
