25 Easy Winter Camping Meals to Keep You Warm and Energized

Winter camping has a beauty all its own—crisp air, snow-covered scenery, and a warm campfire.

But keeping warm and energized during your adventure requires planning hearty meals that are simple to prepare.

These winter camping meal ideas are nutritious, tasty, and easy.

From hearty breakfasts to substantial dinners, these meals will sustain you during your frosty but fun-filled adventures.

1. Oatmeal with Toppings

Have a bowl of oatmeal in the morning, hot.

Buy quick oats, boil water, and add whatever you want: dried fruits, nuts, honey, a dash of cinnamon.

It’s lightweight to carry and gives you lasting energy on cold-weather hikes.

You can even individually bag up your toppings for easy assembly.

For added warmth, stir in dry milk or a spoonful of peanut butter.

2. Campfire Breakfast Burritos

Fold scrambled eggs, cooked sausage, cheese and salsa into a tortilla.

Cook the filling at home, wrap the burritos in foil, and warm them in the campfire.

They’re portable, filling, and quick to alter with veggies or hot sauce.

To make it even easier, freeze them beforehand — they’ll last longer once in your cooler.

Ideal for powering a day of winter fun.

3. Instant Ramen with Veggies and Protein

Make a comforting, filling meal out of plain instant ramen.

Mix in canned chicken, tofu, or boiled eggs for protein, and add some freeze-dried or fresh veggies.

The broth is nice and warm, suitable for keeping the cold away.

Just add boiling water and your preferred seasonings for flavor.

A true winter camping classic that’s economical and filling.

4. Chicken and Vegetables in Foil Packets

Foil packets are a winter camping game changer.

Scatter diced chicken, sturdy root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, along with favorite seasonings, into foil.

Put the packets over hot coals, or on a camping grill for a full meal and very little cleanup.

It’s warm, filling and customizable to your taste.

Drizzle with olive oil or butter to make it rich.

5. Dutch Oven Chili

There’s nothing better than a bubbling pot of chili on a cold night.

Brown the ground beef or beans, then mix in diced tomatoes, onions, spices and canned beans.

Let it simmer in a Dutch oven by the fire for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.

Add shredded cheese, sour cream or chopped scallions (or some combination) to make it extra indulgent.

The leftovers are even better for lunch the next day.

6. Campfire Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

A winter classic that’s uncomplicated to make even outside.

Finishing touches So pack your tomato soup, the kind that comes in a thermos, or heat it over a portable stove.

Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches cooked over a campfire grill or skillet.

Use hearty bread and gooey cheese for the utmost in warmth and comfort.

It’s the best meal in the world after a day in the cold.

7. Breakfast Skillet

In a skillet, sauté chopped potatoes, onions, peppers, and protein of choice.

Throw in scrambled eggs and crown with shredded cheese for a one-pan marvel.

This filling breakfast is just the thing to warm you up in the morning chill.

To save time at camp, you can prep the ingredients in advance at home.)

Add a steaming cup of hot coffee or tea for extra cozy.

8. Campfire Stews

Making a stew also requires little effort and is nutritious for winter camping.

Simmer and stew beef chunks, potatoes, carrots and celery in broth in a pot.

Cook it on low for a cozy, filling dish that’s perfect for a crowd.

You can add dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

A hearty, hands-off meal that warms you from the inside out.

9. Mashed Potatoes in a Packetted Form, with Topping

Instant mashed potatoes are light and fast to prepare, and they are a camping standby.

Top with bacon bits or shredded cheese or sautéed veggies or whatever you like.

To up the protein, stir in canned chicken or a spoonful of sour cream.

The texture and warmth makes this a comforting side or main course.

Ideal alongside grilled meats or on its own.

10. Hot Dogs with a Twist

Add some pizzazz to classic campfire hot dogs by wrapping them in crescent roll dough or bacon.

Roast them on a skewer over the fire for a warming and comforting snack.

Serve with toppings like caramelized onions, cheese or spicy mustard.

They’re easy to put together, kid-friendly and great for cold nights.

Don’t skimp on toasting the buns, for added comfort.

11. Campfire Shepherd’s Pie

In a cast iron skillet, layer cooked ground beef, mixed vegetables and mashed potatoes.

Put the skillet over the fire until everything is hot and bubbly.

This filling, delicious one-dish meal is winter camping nirvana.

Sprinkle with shredded cheese for added indulgence.

It’s a wonderful way to empty the fridge and satisfy everyone.

12. Sausage and Bean Soup

Put smoked sausage, canned beans and diced tomatoes into a pot.

Throw in some broth and seasonings — paprika or cumin work great — to make a hearty, satisfying soup.

This dish is simple, quick and packed with protein and warmth.

Serve with crusty bread for dunking in the delicious broth.

Ideal for chilly evenings sitting around the campfire.

13. Campfire Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a camping comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to cook.

Make the pasta at home, then toss it with shredded cheese, milk and a little butter.

At camp, warm the mixture in a cast iron skillet over the fire until gooey and bubbly.

You can dress it up by throwing in bacon bits, jalapeños or breadcrumbs for more flavor.

It’s a warm, kid-friendly meal that everyone should enjoy, especially on cold nights.

(For convenience, measure out and put things in bags to cut down on prep work at camp.)

14. Baked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are easy, nutritious and great for winter camping.

Bundle them up tightly in foil and drop them in the hot coals of your campfire.

Once they’re done, slit them open and top them with butter, cinnamon or brown sugar.

And if you want something in a savory direction, add sour cream, cheese or chili.

They are lightweight, don’t need any special equipment and they are a great energy source.

The natural sweetness and warm toppings create a cozy treat.

15. Campfire Nachos

Who doesn’t love nachos?

In a cast iron skillet, layer tortilla chips, cheese, beans, jalapeños and pre-cooked meat.

Set the skillet over the fire until the cheese is melted and gooey.

Pile on fresh salsa, sour cream and guacamole for a hearty meal.

This snack that’s great for sharing around the fire is also very customizable.

It’s easy to throw together, and it has a warm, filling crunch on chilly evenings.

16. Gnocchi with Butter and Sage

This Italian-inspired dish might even surprise you with its campfire-friendliness.

Boil packaged gnocchi until cooked through, then brown in a skillet with butter and sage.

The pillowy gnocchi and aromatic sage combine for a warm and sophisticated dinner.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a decadent twist.

This one comes together quickly, and feels luxurious even in the wild.

Serve with a chunk of crusty bread for a hearty winter supper.

17. Campfire Banana Boats

Desserts can be warm, spicy, and fun, too!

Slice a banana down the length, stuff it with chocolate chips and marshmallows, and wrap it in foil.

Then just place the foil-wrapped banana right into the campfire coals until everything inside is melted and gooey.

Scoop it from foil with a spoon and enjoy it as a sweet, warming treat.

You can top with crushed nuts or caramel for added flavor.

It’s a fast, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s made for winter nights.

18. Campfire Cornbread

Cornbread is simple to whip up, and it goes well with stews or chili.

Make your cornbread batter at home, and pour it into a cast iron skillet at camp.

Bake it over the fire with a cover until golden brown and pillowy.

Add cheese, jalapeños or honey for flavor variations.

Warm cornbread is a comforting accompaniment, ideal with cold-weather camping.

It’s very satisfying to eat it with butter.

19. Campfire Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fill bell peppers with a mixture of rice, beans, cheese and spices.

Bundle them in foil and roast them right on the coals or grill.

The smoky flavor from the campfire adds to this filling, colorful dish.

At home, you can also prep the stuffing for ease of assembly at camp.

They’re filling, nutritious and a way to get a warm vegetable dish into your diet.

20. Hearty Lentil Soup

For winter camping, lentil soup is a simple, protein-rich meal.

Add together lentils, diced tomatoes, onion, carrot and broth in a pot.

Let it simmer on a fire until the lentils become tender and the flavors meld.

Spice it up with cumin or turmeric for an aromatic kick.

Accompany it with a slice of crusty bread for dipping.

It’s a pot meal that’s ideal for staying warm and powered up.

21. Campfire Hot Chocolate

When it comes to winter camping, a warm drink is the first on the list, and hot chocolate is something you can never go wrong with.

Heat up some milk (or water) on the fire and mix in your favorite cocoa.

Serve with whipped cream, marshmallows or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

For adults, a splash of Bailey’s or peppermint schnapps makes for a cozy twist.

Have it for dessert or to warm up after a day of excursions.

22. Campfire Pizza Pockets

Pizza pockets are easy and customizable and fun to make.

Use pre-made pizza dough or tortillas, and fill with sauce, cheese and your favorite toppings.

Fold them in foil, cook over the fire until the cheese melts.

They’re portable, satisfying and good for sharing.

For a little extra, serve with marinara on the side for dipping.

23. S’mores Pancakes

Combine two camping classics — pancakes and s’mores.

On a griddle over the fire, cook pancakes and stack them up with chocolate, marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.

Stack them tall and let the heat meld it all together into gooey perfection.

They’re a fun, indulgent breakfast or dessert that kids and big kids alike will enjoy.

Drizzle with maple syrup for the sweetest bite.

24. Campfire Kebabs

Kebabs are versatile, simple to prepare and ideal for winter camping.

Plunge pieces of meat, veggies and even fruit onto skewers for a hot, grilled meal.

Cook over the fire, turning often, until everything is tender and flavorful.

You could even marinate the meat the night before to allow it to soak up all that flavor.

They’re easy to make, easy to eat and suitable for sharing.

25. Warm Apple Crisp

Cap off your camping day with a comforting apple crisp.

Drizzle with melted butter and combine sliced apples, sugar and cinnamon in a foil packet.

Top with granola or a mixture of oats, sugar and butter for a crunchy topping.

Cook over the fire until the apples soften and caramelize.

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.

It’s a cozy, sweet dessert that’s just right for cold nights.