Summer is here, and it’s time to go camping! But if you’re like me, preparing meals while camping can sometimes turn into a disaster.
That’s why I’m here to share with you 37 easy make-ahead camping foods that will make your life easier and your camping trip more enjoyable.
These recipes can be prepared ahead of time, so all you have to do is reheat them at your campsite and enjoy a delicious meal under the stars.
37 Easy Make Ahead Camping Foods
1. Foil Packet Chicken Fajitas
Cut up chicken, peppers, and onions and season them with fajita seasoning. Wrap them up in foil packets and cook them over the fire for an easy dinner.
2. Mason Jar Salad
Layer your favorite salad ingredients in a mason jar. Bring along a bottle of dressing and add it right before you eat.
3. Campfire Chili
Make your favorite chili recipe at home and freeze it. Thaw it out at your campsite and reheat it over the fire.
4. Breakfast Burritos
Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and your favorite veggies. Wrap them in foil and cook them over the campfire for a hearty breakfast.
5. Trail Mix
Mix together your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and chocolate chips for a quick and easy snack while hiking.
6. Baked Potatoes
Wrap potatoes in foil and cook them in the fire. Serve them with toppings like butter, cheese, and bacon bits.
7. Veggie Skewers
Cut up your favorite veggies and put them on skewers. Brush them with oil and seasonings and cook them over the fire.
8. Pasta Salad
Cook your favorite pasta and mix it with veggies, cheese, and dressing. Pack it in a container and chill it until you’re ready to eat.
9. S’mores Trail Mix
Mix together marshmallows, chocolate chips, and graham crackers for a twist on the classic campfire treat.
10. Meatball Subs
Make meatballs at home and freeze them. Thaw them out and bring along sub rolls and sauce for an easy dinner.
11. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Make your favorite grilled cheese at home and wrap them in foil. Reheat them over the fire for a quick lunch.
12. Beef Stew
Make beef stew at home and freeze it. Thaw it out at your campsite and reheat it over the fire.
13. Peanut Butter Energy Balls
Mix together peanut butter, oats, honey, and chocolate chips for a filling snack while hiking.
14. Chicken Alfredo
Cook chicken and pasta at home and pack them separately. Reheat them together with Alfredo sauce at your campsite.
15. Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mix together corn, cheese, mayo, and spices for a delicious summer side dish.
16. Beef Jerky
Make your own beef jerky at home or buy it at the store for a high protein snack while hiking.
17. Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with cheese, beans, and veggies. Cook them over the fire for a quick and easy lunch.
18. Chicken Salad
Cook chicken at home and mix it with mayo, celery, and spices. Pack it in a container with crackers or bread for a simple lunch.
19. Apple Chips
Slice up apples and dehydrate them at home for a sweet snack while hiking.
20. Turkey Wraps
Fill tortillas with turkey, lettuce, cheese, and dressing for a simple and healthy lunch.
21. Campfire Popcorn
Pop popcorn over the fire and season it with your favorite spices.
22. Campfire Pizza Pockets
Fill pre-made pizza dough with your favorite toppings like sauce, cheese, and vegetables.
Wrap them in foil and cook them over the campfire for a tasty and customizable meal.
23. Overnight Oats
Mix rolled oats, milk, and your preferred sweetener in a jar or container. Add toppings like nuts, fruits, or seeds.
Let it sit overnight, and you’ll have a delicious and nutritious breakfast ready to enjoy in the morning.
24. Campfire Stuffed Apples
Core apples and fill them with a mixture of oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
Wrap them in foil and cook them over the fire until tender and caramelized.
25. Campfire Queso Dip
Prepare a cheesy dip with ingredients like cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and spices.
Heat it in a cast-iron skillet over the campfire and serve with tortilla chips for a flavorful snack.
26. Make-Ahead Pancake Mix
Prepare a batch of pancake mix by combining the dry ingredients in a resealable bag.
When ready to cook, just add water or milk, shake, and cook the pancakes over the campfire or portable stove.
27. Campfire Nachos
Layer tortilla chips, shredded cheese, beans, and your desired toppings in a cast-iron skillet.
Heat it over the campfire until the cheese melts and serve with salsa and guacamole.
28. Campfire Popcorn Balls
Pop popcorn kernels over the fire and toss them with melted marshmallows, butter, and your choice of mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruits.
Shape them into balls and let them cool for a delicious and portable snack.
29. Campfire Omelettes
Whisk eggs, milk, and your favorite omelette fillings like cheese, veggies, and cooked bacon. Pour the mixture into a greased heatproof bag and cook it in boiling water or directly on the grill for a mess-free and customizable breakfast.
30. Campfire Baked Beans
Combine canned baked beans with ingredients like bacon, onions, molasses, and spices in a cast-iron Dutch oven.
Let it simmer over the campfire for a smoky and flavorful side dish.
31. Campfire Tacos
Wrap seasoned ground meat, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings in foil packets.
Cook them over the campfire until heated through, and then serve the fillings in taco shells or tortillas for a delicious outdoor meal.
32. Campfire Mac and Cheese
Prepare your favorite macaroni and cheese recipe and transfer it to a cast-iron skillet. Heat it over the campfire until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Enjoy a comforting and cheesy side dish.
33. Campfire Fajita Skewers
Thread marinated chicken or steak, bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers.
Cook them over the campfire until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve with tortillas and toppings for flavorful fajitas.
34. Campfire Fruit Crumble
Mix your favorite fruits like apples, berries, or peaches with a sweetener and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Top with a crumble mixture of oats, flour, butter, and sugar. Cook it in a cast-iron skillet over the fire until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
35. Campfire Stuffed Peppers
Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with a mixture of cooked rice, ground meat, vegetables, and spices.
36. Campfire French Toast
Prepare French toast batter at home using eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Dip bread slices into the batter and cook them on a greased griddle or pan over the campfire for a delicious breakfast.
37. Campfire Foil Packet Breakfast
Create individual foil packets by combining scrambled eggs, diced potatoes, cooked bacon or sausage, and cheese.
Seal the packets and cook them over the fire until the eggs are set and the ingredients are cooked through.
Final thoughts,
Preparing food while camping doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. By preparing make-ahead meals, you can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors and less time worrying about cooking.
These 37 easy make-ahead camping foods are perfect for any camping trip and will satisfy your hunger without sacrificing flavor. Happy camping!