35 Quick and Easy Camping Meals You Need to Try

If you’re here, it’s because you know the value of a great meal when you’re camping.

Camping is all about escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but let’s be honest—no one wants to spend hours cooking when there’s a beautiful view waiting to be enjoyed.

Quick and easy meals are the unsung heroes of any camping trip.

They save you time and energy and keep you fueled for those epic hikes and serene canoe rides.

I remember one of my most memorable meals was a simple campfire chili I whipped up at Yosemite.

It wasn’t fancy, but it was hearty and delicious, and I still think about that meal every time I pack for a new adventure.

In this article, you’ll find a treasure trove of 35 camping meals that are not only quick and easy but also downright delicious.

We’ll cover everything from hearty breakfasts to satisfying snacks, easy lunches, delightful dinners, and even some tasty desserts and drinks.

These recipes are designed to be made right at your campsite with minimal fuss and maximum enjoyment.

Breakfast Ideas

1. Campfire Breakfast Burritos

Making campfire breakfast burritos is a breeze and a fantastic way to start your day. You’ll need:

Flour tortillas
Scrambled eggs
Cooked sausage or bacon
Shredded cheese
Salsa
Optional: bell peppers, onions, avocado

Start by cooking the sausage or bacon over the campfire until it’s crispy. In the same skillet, scramble the eggs.

Lay out the tortillas and fill them with the eggs, sausage or bacon, cheese, and any additional toppings you like.

Roll up the burritos and wrap them in foil.

Heat the foil-wrapped burritos over the campfire until they’re warm and the cheese is melted.

These burritos are versatile, allowing you to add veggies or switch out the meat for beans if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.

2. Pancakes with Fresh Berries

Pancakes are a camping classic that never disappoints. For this recipe, you’ll need:

Store-bought pancake mix
Water
Fresh berries (blueberries, strawberries, etc.)

Mix the pancake batter according to the package instructions. Heat a griddle or skillet over the campfire and lightly grease it.

Pour the batter onto the griddle and sprinkle with fresh berries.

Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown. Serve with syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful breakfast treat.

3. Campfire French Toast

French toast is a sweet and satisfying breakfast option that’s perfect for camping. You’ll need:

Sliced bread (thick slices work best)
Eggs
Milk
Cinnamon
Maple syrup

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a dash of cinnamon.

Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.

Cook the bread on a greased griddle or skillet over the campfire until golden brown on both sides.

Serve with maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a comforting start to your day.

4. Scrambled Eggs with Veggies

Scrambled eggs with veggies are quick, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Gather these ingredients:

Eggs
Bell peppers
Onions
Spinach
Salt and pepper

Chop the bell peppers and onions before heading to the campsite.

In a skillet over the campfire, sauté the veggies until tender.

Add the beaten eggs to the skillet and stir until cooked through.

Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

This dish is perfect for a hearty and healthy breakfast.

5. Breakfast Sandwiches

Breakfast sandwiches are convenient and filling.

Here’s what you need:

English muffins or bagels
Eggs
Cheese slices
Cooked bacon or sausage patties
Optional: avocado, tomato

Start by cooking the bacon or sausage patties over the campfire. In the same skillet, scramble or fry the eggs.

Toast the English muffins or bagels on the grill.

Assemble the sandwiches with eggs, cheese, bacon or sausage, and any other desired toppings like avocado or tomato.

Wrap the assembled sandwiches in foil and warm them over the campfire for a quick and easy breakfast.

Snack Ideas

6. Campfire Popcorn

Campfire popcorn is a fun and tasty snack that’s perfect for sharing. You’ll need:

Popcorn kernels
Oil
Salt
Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or cinnamon sugar

Place a handful of popcorn kernels in a heavy-duty foil packet with a little oil. Seal the packet, leaving room for the popcorn to expand.

Shake the packet occasionally over the campfire until the popping slows.

Season with salt or your favorite seasoning blend for a delicious and crunchy treat.

7. Grilled Fruit Skewers

Grilled fruit skewers are a healthy and sweet snack that’s easy to make. Gather these ingredients:

Pineapple chunks
Apple slices
Peach slices
Honey

Thread the fruit onto skewers and grill them over the campfire until the fruit is caramelized and tender.

Drizzle with honey before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

8. Veggie Sticks with Campfire Dip

Veggie sticks with dip are a refreshing and healthy snack. Here’s what you need:

Carrot sticks
Celery sticks
Bell pepper strips
Dip: mix Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning

Cut the veggies into sticks before your trip. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning to taste.

Serve the veggie sticks with the dip for a light and nutritious snack.

9. Cheese and Crackers

Cheese and crackers are a classic and easy snack option. You’ll need:

Cheddar, gouda, or brie cheese
Crackers
Optional: dried fruit and nuts

Pair your favorite cheese with crackers, dried fruit, and nuts for a simple yet satisfying snack that’s perfect for any time of day.

10. Campfire Nachos

Campfire nachos are a crowd-pleaser and easy to prepare. Gather these ingredients:

Tortilla chips
Shredded cheese
Black beans
Jalapeños
Salsa

Layer tortilla chips in a cast-iron skillet or foil packet. Top with shredded cheese, black beans, and jalapeños.

Place the skillet or packet over the campfire until the cheese is melted.

Serve with salsa on the side for a delicious and shareable snack.

Lunch Ideas

11. Campfire Quesadillas

Campfire quesadillas are quick, easy, and customizable to your taste. You’ll need:

Flour tortillas
Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
Cooked chicken, beef, or veggies
Salsa
Optional: black beans, corn, bell peppers, onions

To make, heat a skillet over the campfire. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half with cheese and your choice of fillings.

Fold the tortilla over and cook until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown, flipping once. Serve with salsa on the side.

12. Grilled Sandwiches

Grilled sandwiches are a versatile and satisfying lunch option.

Gather these ingredients:

Bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or your favorite)
Sliced cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone)
Deli meats (ham, turkey, or roast beef)
Butter or oil
Optional: mustard, mayo, pickles, tomatoes

Butter the outside of the bread slices.

Assemble the sandwiches with cheese, meat, and any additional toppings.

Grill the sandwiches in a skillet over the campfire until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted, flipping once.

Serve hot.

13. Foil Packet Veggie and Rice

Foil packet meals are convenient and require minimal clean-up. For this veggie and rice dish, you’ll need:

Cooked rice
Chopped veggies (bell peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Optional: soy sauce or teriyaki sauce

Combine the cooked rice and veggies in a large piece of heavy-duty foil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Seal the foil packet and cook over the campfire for about 15-20 minutes, or until the veggies are tender.

Add soy sauce or teriyaki sauce before serving for extra flavor.

14. Campfire Pizzas

Campfire pizzas are fun to make and delicious to eat. You’ll need:

Pre-made pizza dough or flatbreads
Pizza sauce
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Toppings (pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)

Roll out the pizza dough or use flatbreads for convenience.

Spread pizza sauce over the dough, then sprinkle with cheese and your favorite toppings.

Place the pizzas on a grill grate over the campfire and cook until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.

Serve hot and enjoy.

15. Hot Dogs with a Twist

Hot dogs are a camping staple, but you can elevate them with unique toppings. Gather these ingredients:

Hot dogs
Hot dog buns
Toppings (sauerkraut, chili, cheese, onions, jalapeños, etc.)

Grill the hot dogs over the campfire until they are heated through and have a nice char.

Toast the buns if desired.

Top the hot dogs with your choice of unique toppings like sauerkraut and mustard, chili and cheese, or onions and jalapeños for a tasty twist on a classic.

Dinner Ideas

16. Campfire Chili

Campfire chili is hearty and perfect for a cool evening. You’ll need:

Ground beef or turkey
Onion, chopped
Bell peppers, chopped
Canned beans (kidney, black, or pinto)
Canned tomatoes
Chili powder
Salt and pepper
Optional: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions

In a large pot, cook the ground beef or turkey over the campfire until browned.

Add the chopped onion and bell peppers, cooking until tender. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a delicious dinner.

17. Foil Packet Meals

Foil packet meals are easy and can be customized to your liking.

For this, you’ll need:

Protein (chicken, shrimp, or fish)
Chopped veggies (potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, zucchini)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Optional: lemon slices, garlic, herbs

Place the protein and veggies on a large piece of heavy-duty foil.

Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or lemon slices.

Seal the foil packet and cook over the campfire for about 20-30 minutes, or until the protein is cooked through and the veggies are tender.

18. Grilled Kabobs

Grilled kabobs are fun to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Gather these:

Skewers
Protein (chicken, beef, shrimp)
Veggies (bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, zucchini)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Thread the protein and veggies onto the skewers.

Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill the kabobs over the campfire until the meat is cooked through and the veggies are tender, turning occasionally for even cooking.

19. One-Pot Pasta

One-pot pasta is convenient and requires minimal clean-up. You’ll need:

Pasta
Canned tomatoes
Garlic, minced
Onion, chopped
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Optional: spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese

In a large pot, heat olive oil over the campfire.

Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant.

Stir in the canned tomatoes, pasta, and enough water to cook the pasta.

Simmer until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.

Add spinach and basil if desired, and top with Parmesan cheese before serving.

20. Tacos

Tacos are easy to assemble and customize. Here’s what you need:

Tortillas
Protein (ground beef, chicken, or beans)
Taco seasoning
Toppings (lettuce, cheese, salsa, avocado, sour cream)

Cook the protein over the campfire until done, then mix in taco seasoning.

Warm the tortillas on the grill.

Assemble the tacos with the seasoned protein and your choice of toppings. Serve with a side of salsa and enjoy a flavorful and fun dinner.

Dessert Ideas

21. S’mores

No camping trip is complete without s’mores. Here’s the classic recipe and some creative variations:

Classic Recipe:

Graham crackers, Marshmallows, Chocolate bars.

Toast a marshmallow over the campfire until golden brown.

Sandwich it between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate, allowing the heat to melt the chocolate.

Creative Variations:

Use peanut butter cups instead of chocolate bars.

Add a slice of banana. Substitute graham crackers with cookies.

22. Campfire Banana Boats

Campfire banana boats are fun to make and delicious. You’ll need:

Bananas
Chocolate chips
Mini marshmallows
Optional: peanut butter, crushed nuts

Slice each banana lengthwise, keeping the peel on.

Fill the banana with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.

Wrap the banana in foil and place it over the campfire for about 10 minutes, or until everything is melted and gooey.

Unwrap and enjoy.

23. Dutch Oven Cobbler

A Dutch oven cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert perfect for camping. Gather these ingredients:

Canned pie filling (peach, cherry, or apple)
Boxed cake mix
Butter

In a Dutch oven, pour the canned pie filling.

Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the top, then dot with slices of butter.

Place the Dutch oven over the campfire with hot coals on the lid.

Cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden and bubbly.

24. Grilled Pineapple

Grilled pineapple is a sweet and refreshing treat. You’ll need:

Pineapple, sliced into rings
Brown sugar
Optional: cinnamon

Sprinkle the pineapple slices with brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon if desired.

Grill the pineapple over the campfire until caramelized and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve on its own or with a scoop of ice cream.

25. Campfire Apple Crisp

Campfire apple crisp is a delicious way to end the day. You’ll need:

Apples, sliced
Oats
Brown sugar
Butter
Cinnamon

Combine the apple slices with oats, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a foil packet.

Seal the packet and cook over the campfire for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is crispy.

Serve warm and enjoy.

Drinks

26. Campfire Coffee

Brewing coffee over a campfire is a must for many campers.

Here are a few methods and tips for a perfect cup:

Cowboy Coffee:

Water, Ground coffee

Bring a pot of water to a boil over the campfire.

Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Add ground coffee, stir, and let it sit for a few minutes.

Gently pour the coffee into mugs, leaving the grounds at the bottom.

French Press:

Boiled water, Ground coffee

Boil water over the campfire. Add ground coffee to the French press, pour in the hot water, and stir.

Let it steep for about 4 minutes, then press the plunger down slowly. Pour and enjoy.

27. Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is a cozy, comforting drink perfect for chilly nights.

Here’s a simple recipe and some add-ons:

Simple Recipe:

Hot water or milk, Hot chocolate mix

Heat water or milk over the campfire. Stir in the hot chocolate mix until dissolved.

Add-ons for Extra Flavor:

Marshmallows, Whipped cream, Cinnamon, Peppermint sticks

28. Lemonade

Fresh lemonade is a refreshing drink for warm camping days. You’ll need:

Lemons
Sugar
Water
Ice

Squeeze the juice from the lemons into a pitcher.

Add sugar to taste, then pour in water and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add ice and serve cold.

29. Iced Tea

Iced tea is easy to make and keeps cold while camping.

Here’s how:

Tea bags
Water
Ice

Boil water over the campfire and steep tea bags for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool.

Pour over ice and keep in a cooler for a refreshing drink.

30. Infused Water

Staying hydrated is essential, and infused water makes it more enjoyable. Gather these ingredients:

Water
Fruit (lemons, limes, strawberries, etc.)
Herbs (mint, basil, etc.)

Slice the fruit and add it to a jug of water along with fresh herbs. Let it sit for a few hours to infuse the flavors. Pour into water bottles and enjoy a refreshing, flavorful drink.

Extras

31. Quick Bread Recipes

Baking bread over a campfire is easier than you might think.

Bannock is a traditional camping bread that you can customize. Here’s how to make it:

Basic Bannock:

2 cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 2 tbsp oil or melted butter, 3/4 cup water

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, then add the oil and water to form a dough.

Shape the dough into small, flat pieces and cook them over the campfire on a hot skillet or wrapped around a stick.

Cook until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.

Variations:

Add dried fruits or nuts for a sweet version, Incorporate herbs and cheese for a savory twist.

32. Instant Soup Mixes

Instant soup mixes are perfect for a quick, warming meal.

They’re lightweight and easy to prepare. Just bring:

Instant soup mix packets
Hot water

Boil water over the campfire and add it to the soup mix.

Stir well and let it sit for a few minutes until the ingredients are rehydrated and the soup is hot.

Enjoy a variety of flavors, from chicken noodles to vegetable beef.

33. Rice and Beans

Rice and beans are a staple for many campers due to their simplicity and nutritional value.

Here’s a basic recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup instant rice, 1 can beans (black, kidney, or pinto), 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp cumin, Salt and pepper to taste.

Heat a pot over the campfire and add the beans and tomatoes.

Stir in the cumin and season with salt and pepper.

Once heated, stir in the instant rice and cook until the rice is tender and the mixture is heated through about 10 minutes.

34. Campfire Pizza Pockets

Campfire pizza pockets are a fun and easy meal. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

Pre-made pizza dough, Pizza sauce, Shredded cheese, Toppings (pepperoni, veggies, etc.)

Roll out the pizza dough and cut it into squares.

Add a spoonful of pizza sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings to each square.

Fold the dough over and seal the edges.

Wrap the pockets in foil and cook over the campfire for about 10-15 minutes, or until the dough is cooked and the cheese is melted.

35. Grilled Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob is a classic camping side dish.

Here’s how to prepare it:

Ingredients:

Fresh corn on the cob, Butter, Salt and pepper

Husk the corn and wrap each ear in foil with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Place the corn over the campfire and grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.