Planning a camping trip can be exciting, but preparing meals while in the great outdoors can often be a source of stress.
To alleviate this concern, I have compiled a list of 37 easy make-ahead camping foods that will make your trip stress-free. These make-ahead meals are not only convenient but also delicious, allowing you to spend more time enjoying nature and less time worrying about cooking.
From simple breakfast options like overnight oats and breakfast burritos to hearty dinners such as foil packet meals and pre-marinated kebabs, these make-ahead camping foods are designed to simplify your outdoor cooking experience.
By preparing these meals in advance, you can minimize the time and effort required for cooking at the campsite, giving you more opportunities to relax and explore your surroundings.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the outdoor cooking scene, these make-ahead camping foods are sure to enhance your next adventure in the wilderness.
37 Easy Make-Ahead Camping Foods
1. Foil Packet Chicken Fajitas
Enjoy the smoky flavor of grilled chicken, colorful bell peppers, and onions wrapped in a convenient foil packet, creating a delicious and fuss-free campfire meal.
2. Mason Jar Salad
Create a fresh and layered salad in a mason jar, perfect for on-the-go camping meals. Customize with your favorite veggies, proteins, and dressings for a portable and nutritious option.
3. Campfire Chili
Warm up your camping experience with a hearty campfire chili. Packed with ground beef, beans, and flavorful spices, this comforting dish is a camping classic that satisfies any outdoor appetite.
4. Breakfast Burritos
Start your day right with breakfast burritos filled with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy around the campfire.
5. Trail Mix
Create a personalized blend of nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate for a quick and energizing snack during your outdoor adventures. Trail mix is a versatile and satisfying treat for any camper.
6. Baked Potatoes
Wrap potatoes in foil, bake them in the coals of your campfire, and top with your favorite ingredients for a simple and tasty camping side dish. Easy to customize and enjoy under the open sky.
7. Veggie Skewers
Grill up colorful and flavorful veggie skewers over the campfire. Marinate your favorite vegetables and enjoy a healthy and delicious addition to your outdoor cooking repertoire.
8. Pasta Salad
Combine pasta with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing to create a refreshing pasta salad perfect for picnics or camping trips. A versatile and satisfying dish that can be served cold or at room temperature.
9. S’mores Trail Mix
Indulge in the classic s’mores flavor on the go with this trail mix featuring chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. A sweet and crunchy treat for your outdoor adventures.
10. Meatball Subs
Upgrade your campfire cooking with savory meatball subs. Pre-cook the meatballs and heat them over the flames before assembling these satisfying sandwiches, perfect for a camping lunch or dinner.
11. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Elevate the classic grilled cheese by making it outdoors. Toasted over an open flame, these sandwiches have a delicious smoky flavor, adding an extra dimension to this camping favorite.
12. Beef Stew
Simmer a hearty beef stew in a campfire-friendly pot, filled with tender meat, vegetables, and flavorful broth. Warm up your camping evenings with this comforting and filling dish.
13. Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Create no-bake peanut butter energy balls packed with oats, nuts, and seeds. These bite-sized snacks provide a quick and energy-boosting treat for your outdoor activities.
14. Chicken Alfredo
Indulge in a creamy and satisfying chicken Alfredo pasta cooked right at your campsite. A delicious and comforting meal that brings a touch of luxury to your outdoor dining experience.
15. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Enjoy the flavors of Mexican street corn in a refreshing salad form. Grilled corn, cotija cheese, and a zesty dressing combine to create a delicious and easy-to-make campfire side dish.
16. Beef Jerky
Make your own flavorful beef jerky at the campsite with marinated and dried strips of meat. A portable and protein-packed snack to keep you fueled during your outdoor adventures.
17. Quesadillas
Prepare quick and tasty quesadillas over an open flame, filled with melted cheese, savory fillings, and your favorite toppings. A simple and satisfying camping meal that everyone will love.
18. Chicken Salad
Whip up a refreshing chicken salad with pre-cooked chicken, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches or wraps, this dish adds a light and flavorful touch to your camping menu.
19. Apple Chips
Create crispy and sweet apple chips by dehydrating thin slices of apples over the campfire. A healthy and delicious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth during outdoor activities.
20. Turkey Wraps
Assemble easy and portable turkey wraps with deli turkey, fresh veggies, and your favorite condiments. A light and nutritious camping lunch that requires minimal preparation.
21. Campfire Popcorn
Popcorn becomes a delightful outdoor treat when cooked over the campfire. Add your favorite seasonings for a customizable and fun snack to enjoy while sitting around the fire.
22. Campfire Pizza Pockets
Create mini pizza pockets filled with your favorite toppings and cook them over the campfire for a gooey and satisfying camping meal. A creative and delicious twist on traditional campfire fare.
23. Overnight Oats
Prepare a convenient and nutritious breakfast by combining oats, milk, and your favorite toppings in a jar, letting them soak overnight.
Wake up to a ready-to-eat campfire breakfast that requires no cooking.
24. Campfire Stuffed Apples
Experience a sweet campfire dessert by stuffing apples with cinnamon, sugar, and nuts, then roasting them over the fire.
A warm and comforting treat to end your outdoor meal.
25. Campfire Queso Dip
Melted cheese, spicy peppers, and savory seasonings come together in a delicious campfire queso dip.
Perfect for dipping chips or veggies, this appetizer adds a flavorful kick to your outdoor gathering.
26. Make-Ahead Pancake Mix
Simplify breakfast at the campsite by preparing a make-ahead pancake mix. Just add water and cook the pancakes over the fire for a quick and tasty morning meal.
27. Campfire Nachos
Layered with cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings, campfire nachos are an easy and satisfying snack or meal to enjoy by the fire.
Customize with your preferred ingredients for a personalized touch.
28. Campfire Popcorn Balls
Add a fun and sweet twist to your campfire popcorn by turning it into popcorn balls.
Combine with marshmallows and other goodies for a delightful treat that’s easy to share around the fire.
29. Campfire Omelettes
Create personalized omelettes in foil packets, filled with eggs, veggies, and cheese, then cook them over the campfire for a delicious and customizable breakfast experience.
30. Campfire Baked Beans
Simmer a pot of flavorful baked beans over the campfire, combining smoky bacon, savory spices, and a touch of sweetness for a classic camping side dish that’s sure to satisfy.
31. Campfire Tacos
Build your own campfire tacos with seasoned meat, fresh toppings, and your favorite salsa.
A fun and interactive camping dinner that allows everyone to customize their tacos.
32. Campfire Mac and Cheese
Indulge in creamy and cheesy goodness with campfire mac and cheese.
Prepare a simple yet comforting dish that can be enjoyed by the fire, bringing a touch of home to your outdoor experience.
33. Campfire Fajita Skewers
Skewer marinated chicken or beef along with colorful bell peppers and onions to create flavorful fajita skewers. Cook them over the campfire for a tasty and satisfying camping meal.
34. Campfire Fruit Crumble
Experience the sweetness of campfire fruit crumble, combining fresh fruits with a crunchy topping.
Bake it in foil over the fire for a warm and comforting camping dessert.
35. Campfire Stuffed Peppers
Fill bell peppers with a tasty mixture of rice, beans, and spices, then cook them in foil packets over the campfire.
A wholesome and flavorful camping dinner option.
36. Campfire French Toast
Transform breakfast into a campfire delight with French toast cooked over an open flame. Soak the bread in a cinnamon and egg mixture for a sweet and satisfying morning treat.
37. Campfire Foil Packet Breakfast
Create a complete breakfast in a foil packet with a mix of eggs, sausage, and veggies. Cook over the campfire for a hearty and convenient morning meal that requires minimal cleanup.
Final thoughts,
Planning a stress-free camping trip just got easier with these 37 simple make-ahead camping foods. From delicious breakfast burritos to mouthwatering foil packet dinners, this blog post has you covered.
With these recipes, you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the great outdoors.
So, pack your cooler and get ready for a hassle-free camping adventure filled with tasty meals that will satisfy everyone’s cravings.