Camping offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, escape the daily grind, and relax. But one of the best parts of camping is cooking and enjoying delicious meals over an open flame or on a portable stove. Whether you’re cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a tasty meal can make the camping experience even better.
In this article, we’ll share six of the best camping recipes. These meals are easy to make, require minimal equipment, and will keep you fueled for your outdoor adventures. Whether you’re camping with family or friends, these recipes are perfect for satisfying hunger and making lasting memories.
1. Campfire Breakfast Burritos
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 8 eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon or sausage (optional)
- Salsa (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil or butter for cooking
Instructions:
- Prep the Vegetables: Start by dicing the bell peppers and onions. If you’re using cooked bacon or sausage, chop it into small pieces as well.
- Cook the Vegetables and Meat: Heat a small pan over the campfire or on your portable stove. Add a little olive oil or butter. Sauté the onions and bell peppers until they’re soft. If you’re using bacon or sausage, add it to the pan and cook until crispy.
- Scramble the Eggs: In a bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the eggs into the pan with the veggies and meat. Stir constantly to scramble the eggs until they are fully cooked.
- Assemble the Burritos: Lay a tortilla flat and spoon the scrambled eggs, cheese, and any additional toppings like salsa in the center. Roll up the tortilla to form a burrito.
- Serve: Serve the breakfast burrito warm. It’s the perfect start to a day of hiking or exploring.
Why It’s Great:
Breakfast burritos are an excellent way to enjoy a filling and customizable breakfast while camping. You can add or remove ingredients depending on your preferences. The combination of eggs, veggies, and cheese will keep you energized throughout the day.
2. Foil Packet Potatoes and Veggies
Ingredients:
- 4 medium potatoes (cubed)
- 1 cup baby carrots (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Veggies: Wash and chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, depending on what you have on hand.
- Create the Foil Packets: Lay out a large sheet of aluminum foil. Add a handful of cubed potatoes, carrots, bell pepper, and onion. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Toss everything together to ensure even coating.
- Wrap the Packet: Fold the edges of the foil to create a sealed packet. Make sure it’s tightly closed to prevent the contents from spilling out while cooking.
- Cook Over the Fire: Place the foil packet on a campfire grill or directly on hot coals. Cook for about 30 to 40 minutes, flipping the packet halfway through. The potatoes should be tender when done.
- Serve: Open the packet carefully and sprinkle with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added flavor.
Why It’s Great:
This simple, one-pot recipe is perfect for camping. It requires minimal preparation and cleanup, and the foil packets allow for easy cooking over an open flame. Plus, the vegetables absorb all the delicious flavors while cooking, making for a tasty and healthy meal.
3. Grilled Campfire Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni or other preferred toppings (vegetables, sausage, etc.)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, let it rest for about 15 minutes. If you’re making homemade dough, ensure it’s ready to go. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Prepare the Grill or Fire: Set up a campfire or portable grill with a medium-high heat.
- Cook the Dough: Lightly oil the grill or a cast-iron skillet with olive oil. Place the rolled-out dough onto the hot grill or skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden and slightly crisp. Flip the dough over.
- Add Toppings: Spread pizza sauce over the cooked side of the dough. Sprinkle with cheese and your favorite toppings. Place the pizza back on the grill and cover. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the crust is crispy.
- Serve: Slice the pizza and serve it while it’s hot. Enjoy a delicious homemade pizza, even in the great outdoors!
Why It’s Great:
Grilled pizza is a fun and creative meal to prepare while camping. It’s customizable, allowing you to add all your favorite toppings. Plus, it’s a great way to
bring a slice of home into the wilderness.
4. Campfire Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions
Instructions:
- Brown the Meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat on your camp stove or campfire. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add Vegetables: Once the meat is cooked through, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Simmer the Chili: Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a thinner chili, you can add a little water or broth.
- Serve: Once the chili is cooked and thickened, serve it hot. Top with cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Why It’s Great:
Chili is a hearty and filling dish, perfect for a chilly night under the stars. It’s easy to make in a single pot, and you can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a great meal for groups or families, as it makes plenty of servings.
5. S’mores Nachos
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of tortilla chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Prepare the Campfire: Set up a campfire or grill with a moderate heat.
- Layer the Chips: Spread a layer of tortilla chips in a cast-iron skillet or on a large piece of aluminum foil.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the chips. If you like peanut butter, drizzle some on top as well.
- Melt the Toppings: Place the skillet over the campfire or on a grill. Heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted and the chocolate has softened.
- Top with Graham Crackers: Once melted, remove the skillet from the fire and sprinkle the crushed graham crackers over the nachos.
- Serve: Serve warm as a sweet, campfire treat perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Why It’s Great:
S’mores nachos combine the best of campfire treats—chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers—into a fun and easy dessert. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy around the campfire, and it’s a great way to switch up the traditional s’mores recipe.
6. Grilled Campfire Corn on the Cob
Ingredients:
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Corn: Husk the corn and remove all the silk. You can also soak the corn in water for 30 minutes to help prevent it from burning on the grill.
- Grill the Corn: Place the corn directly on the grill or on a grate over the campfire. Cook the corn for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are charred and cooked through.
- Season and Serve: Once the corn is done, remove it from the heat and spread butter over each ear. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.
Why It’s Great:
Grilled corn is a delicious, simple side dish that’s perfect for camping. The smoky flavor from the campfire adds a unique twist, and the corn can be seasoned to your taste. It pairs well with just about any camping meal.
Conclusion
Cooking while camping doesn’t have to be complicated. These six camping recipes are simple to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be cooked over an open flame or on a portable stove. From hearty meals like chili and breakfast burritos to sweet treats like s’mores nachos, there’s something for every camper to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor cook or a beginner, these recipes will make your camping experience even more enjoyable. Happy cooking!
Related topics:
- Best RV Campgrounds in Prince Edward Island (PEI)
- What Basics Do You Need for Camping?
- What Do I Need for Winter Camping?