Camping is a fantastic way to disconnect from the bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. One of the most enjoyable aspects of camping is cooking meals outdoors. However, preparing meals while camping can be a bit different from cooking at home due to limited equipment and resources. That’s why it’s important to choose meals that are simple yet delicious. In this article, we’ll explore seven of the best popular meals that are perfect for your next camping trip.
7 Best Popular Meals to Make While Camping
1. Classic Campfire Chili
Chili is a hearty, comforting meal that’s ideal for camping. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be prepared in one pot, which is a huge advantage when cooking outdoors.
Ingredients:
Ground beef or turkey
Canned beans (kidney, black, or pinto beans work well)
Canned diced tomatoes
Onions and garlic
Chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions
Cooking Instructions:
Heat your camping stove or campfire over medium heat.
Cook the ground meat in a pot until it’s browned.
Add chopped onions and garlic and cook until soft.
Stir in the canned beans, diced tomatoes, and spices.
Let the chili simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve with your choice of toppings, such as cheese or sour cream.
Why It’s Popular: Chili is a one-pot meal that’s both filling and easy to customize. You can adjust the spice level and add other ingredients like corn or bell peppers. Plus, leftovers can be reheated the next day.
2. Campfire Tacos
Tacos are versatile and can be adapted to suit your taste, making them a great camping meal. They’re quick to assemble, and with a little prep work at home, you can have a tasty, satisfying meal in no time.
Ingredients:
Tortillas
Ground beef, chicken, or black beans (for a vegetarian option)
Taco seasoning
Shredded lettuce, cheese, and salsa
Sliced avocado or guacamole
Cooking Instructions:
Brown the ground meat or cook the beans in a skillet over medium heat.
Add taco seasoning and a small amount of water, allowing it to simmer until fully cooked.
Warm the tortillas over the fire or on a griddle.
Fill the tortillas with the meat or bean mixture, and add your favorite toppings like cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
Enjoy your tacos with sliced avocado or guacamole on the side.
Why It’s Popular: Tacos are highly customizable and fun to make. You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time to make assembly even quicker. Plus, they’re a handheld meal, which makes them convenient for camping.
3. Foil Packet Dinners
Foil packet meals are a camping classic. They’re easy to make, require little clean-up, and allow you to cook a variety of ingredients all at once. Whether you prefer meat, seafood, or veggies, the options are endless.
Ingredients:
Chicken, beef, or fish fillets
Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions, and zucchini
Olive oil or butter
Salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs (rosemary, thyme, etc.)
Cooking Instructions:
Cut your meat and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Place a portion of meat and vegetables in the center of a large piece of aluminum foil.
Drizzle with olive oil or place a pat of butter on top.
Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Fold the foil over the food to create a sealed packet.
Cook the packet over the campfire or on a grill for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Carefully open the packet and enjoy your meal straight from the foil.
Why It’s Popular: Foil packet dinners are customizable and allow you to cook an entire meal with minimal effort. You can make multiple packets with different ingredients to cater to everyone’s preferences, and the clean-up is minimal since you eat directly from the foil.
4. Skillet Breakfast Scramble
A hearty breakfast is essential for a day full of outdoor activities, and a skillet breakfast scramble is perfect for fueling up. This meal is quick to make and can be easily customized based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients:
Eggs
Potatoes (pre-cooked or hash browns)
Sausage, bacon, or ham
Bell peppers and onions
Shredded cheese
Salt, pepper, and optional hot sauce
Cooking Instructions:
Cook the sausage or bacon in a skillet until browned and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers and onions until soft.
Add the pre-cooked potatoes or hash browns to the skillet and cook until crispy.
Stir in the sausage or bacon.
Crack the eggs into the skillet and scramble them with the other ingredients.
Cook until the eggs are fully set, then sprinkle with cheese.
Season with salt, pepper, and hot sauce if desired.
Why It’s Popular: A breakfast scramble is a great way to start your day. It’s easy to prepare and can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your cooler. Plus, it’s a filling meal that’s sure to keep you energized for your camping adventures.
5. Grilled Hot Dogs and Sausages
Sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying, and grilled hot dogs and sausages fit the bill. They’re a camping staple, easy to prepare, and fun to cook over an open flame.
Ingredients:
Hot dogs or sausages
Buns
Condiments: ketchup, mustard, relish, and onions
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, jalapeños, or coleslaw
Cooking Instructions:
Skewer the hot dogs or sausages and hold them over the campfire or place them on a grill.
Cook for about 5-7 minutes, rotating to ensure they’re evenly browned.
Toast the buns over the fire or on the grill for added flavor.
Serve with your choice of condiments and toppings.
Why It’s Popular: Grilled hot dogs and sausages are quick to prepare and don’t require any special cooking skills. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd, and everyone can personalize their meal with different toppings and condiments.
6. Campfire Pizza
Who says you can’t enjoy pizza while camping? Campfire pizza is a fun and delicious meal that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. All you need is a few simple ingredients and a cast-iron skillet or grill.
Ingredients:
Pre-made pizza dough or flatbread
Pizza sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, etc.
Cooking Instructions:
Stretch the pizza dough to fit your skillet or grill surface.
Spread a layer of pizza sauce over the dough.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese and add your favorite toppings.
Cook the pizza over the campfire or on the grill, covering it with foil or a lid to help the cheese melt.
Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
Slice and serve hot.
Why It’s Popular: Campfire pizza is a fun and creative way to enjoy a family favorite while camping. It’s easy to customize with your preferred toppings, and the smoky flavor from the fire adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
SEE ALSO: 7 Best Camping Dehydrated Meals
7. S’mores for Dessert
No camping trip is complete without s’mores. This classic dessert is beloved for its simplicity and sweet, gooey goodness. Plus, it’s a fun activity for campers of all ages.
Ingredients:
Graham crackers
Marshmallows
Chocolate bars
Cooking Instructions:
Toast the marshmallows over the campfire until golden and melty.
Place a piece of chocolate on one half of a graham cracker.
Sandwich the toasted marshmallow between the graham cracker halves.
Enjoy the gooey, sweet treat.
Why It’s Popular: S’mores are an essential camping dessert that’s easy to make and delicious to eat. The combination of melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy graham crackers is hard to resist, making it a must-have for any camping trip.
Conclusion
Preparing meals while camping doesn’t have to be complicated. These seven popular meals are easy to make, require minimal equipment, and are perfect for outdoor cooking. From hearty chili to campfire pizza, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. With a little planning and creativity, you can make your camping trip even more enjoyable by cooking up some tasty meals in the great outdoors.