Show of hands. Who likes cleaning up after cooking a meal while camping? Yeah, no hands. We all want simple camping recipes that are still tasty yet require little effort afterward. So, that’s the mission here. Easy camping recipes that fill your belly and make you happy. And because most people are out and about during lunch, we’ll skip that.

Ready? Let’s go!

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Are you a backpacker? Here are 9 meals ideas.

Don’t stress with these Easy Camping Meals

Delicious Breakfast camping food ideas

Breakfast Burritos

Sauté some diced potatoes and onions in a pan, and scramble a few eggs. Wrap the eggs, potatoes, and other fillings (beans, cheese, and diced tomatoes) in a tortilla.

French Toast

Beat a few eggs in a shallow dish, and dip slices of bread in the egg mixture. Cook the bread in a pan on the stove until both sides are golden brown. Serve the French toast with butter and syrup.

Oatmeal

This is almost cheating, but it’s another super easy camping meal.

Pancakes

The final breakfast one. Pancakes are also easy, just use the mix and add water. Bingo, you’re done. Talk about easy camping meals!

Easy Camping Meals for Dinner

These camping meal ideas are some of my favorites and will leave you satisfied after what I assume is a long day of adventuring!

Campfire Chili:

Combine canned beans, diced tomatoes, and ground beef in a pot, and add your favorite chili spices (such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika). Let the chili simmer until the meat is cooked through.

Sausage/Brat plus Onion and Peppers:

Saute your onions and peppers in your skillet until hot. Transfer them to a side plate. Heat your brats until they’re cooked through. Toast the bun if needed. Add ketchup.

One-pot pasta:

Bring a pot of water to a boil over the campfire and cook some pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, sauté vegetables (onions, broccoli, spinach) and any protein you’d like to add (such as sausage or chicken) in a separate pan.

Combine the cooked pasta and vegetables in the pan, and add a can of diced tomatoes and some herbs or spices if desired.

Campfire nachos:

Layer tortilla chips, diced tomatoes, beans, cheese, and any other toppings you like in a foil packet. Place the packet on the grill or campfire to melt the cheese and heat everything through.

Steak and Mashed Potatoes:

Not exactly budget-friendly, but grab two steaks, throw them in the cast iron, and cook your mashed potatoes on the second burner. Within 12 minutes, you have your delicious, simple meal.

Grilled cheese and tomato soup:

This classic combo is easy to make on a camping trip. Bring some bread, cheese, and canned tomato soup, and heat them on your camp stove.

Five Camping Items to Add to your set up

Two-burner stove – A reliable two-burner stove is crucial to running an efficient camp kitchen. These will last you 5-10 years and give you no problems if you treat them right.
Lightweight table – This will fold up nicely and allow for effortless transportation.
Full cookset – Just like the stove, getting a good set means you won’t have to worry about replacing them for years and years.
Egg holder – Honestly one of my favorite food accessories as I never have to worry about my eggs getting crushed or having the egg cardboard disintegrate.
Yeti Cooler – Keep all your food and drinks cold the entire weekend. Made for those going into the wild without access to ice for a few days

FAQs about Easy Camping Meals

Can I have a fire while dispersed camping?

Yes, you can, but please check local regulations before starting one. Additionally, please take steps to ensure your fire does not get out of hand and lead to a forest fire.

Please do the following:

Make a 10-foot radius around the fire that’s free from anything that could catch via embers.
Make sure nothing is hanging above the fire.
Have enough water to put out afterward or in case an ember sparks.
Build a fire ring about six inches high – Or dig a hole.

What’s an easy way to do a campaign meal?

Easy camping meals can be made the night before by chopping veggies, creating portions, or doing anything you don’t want to do at the campsite. For example, cut the bell peppers and onions at home if you’re doing fajitas. Then when you get to camp, throw them in your cast iron skillet. Boom. You’re done.

What do you cook your food on while camping?

I use a two-burner stove, but some people like to cook over an open flame if they have a chance. Make sure you have a solid surface to cook on. While this style is excellent, the bottom of your pans could get charred and leave black soot on things.

What are great camping snacks that don’t require refrigeration?

Snacks are easy camping meals. If it’s not too warm out, you’ll be fine. But if it is, don’t leave them in your car, where it’ll warm up even more.

Beef Jerky
Fruit (Dried or Normal)
Nuts
Chips
Rolls

Wrapping Up – Easy Camping Meals

Enjoy these easy camping meals on your next trip, and leave all the hassle out of cooking! I hope you all have the best time!

Until next time adventurers, take care and be safe.

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