Easy Camping Meals You’ll Actually Want to Make
Let’s face it…everything tastes better when you’re eating it in the middle of the woods. As a kid, I have fond memories of eating the most delicious PB&J of my life while camping. Add in a bag of original Lay’s and life was good.
Since then, I’ve definitely gotten more adventurous with my camping meals, but one thing has not changed: it’s always simple. In my opinion, you don’t really need to go too crazy because without a doubt, it’s gonna taste outstanding.
While we’re waiting for the snow to melt and dreaming of being in the mountains waking up in a tent, we’ve rounded up camping recipes from members of the Outdoor Prolink crew. Whether you have a simple stove and pot of hot water or a full car camping kitchen, we believe you have the right to eat something delicious and spice it up! If you need any inspiration for a simple and delicious meal to enjoy in the great outdoors, you’ve come to the right place.
Dirtbag Burrito
Who ate it first? Kenzie Rodriguez, Director of Marketing & Membership
What to bring:
- Box of Zatarain’s beans and rice
- Diced veggies (any kind, but she likes a bell pepper, onion and tomato)
- Shredded cheese
- Tortillas
- Bonus points: Avocado
What to do:
Make the box of beans and rice and throw in your diced veggies while it cooks. When the rice is done, stir in shredded cheese and roll up in tortillas! Add in avocado for bonus points.
Foil Dinners
Who ate it first? Joe Klida, CTO
What to bring:
- Foil
- Ground beef
- Onions
- Carrots
- Potatoes
- Lawry’s seasoned salt
What to do:
In foil, add a layer of flattened ground beef. Then add chopped onions, carrots and potatoes with Lawry’s seasoned salt. Fold up foil so everything is fully enclosed in the foil pack. Cook on the coals (or camping stove) until the meat is cooked through. Enjoy on a plate, or straight out of the foil!
Backpacking Spicy Chili
Who ate it first? Allison Lano, Customer Service & Operations Team Lead
What to bring:
- Freeze dried chili (canned also works!)
- Hot Cheetos
What to do:
Make chili according to package and crunch up some Hot Cheetos on top. Talk about a light and easy meal!
Photo from Zach Eiten’s Primus Primetech Stove Set gear review.
Pita Pizzas
Who ate it first? Grace Barrett, Membership Associate
What to bring:
- Foil
- Pitas
- Pizza Sauce
- Cheese
- Any toppings your heart desires
What to do:
Cut the pitas in half, tear them open and put all your toppings inside. Wrap in foil and put it on the fire until they’re melted.
Fancy Oatmeal
Who ate it first? Allie Schaber, Customer Service & Operations Representative
What to bring:
- Oatmeal packet
- Peanut butter
- Water
- Bonus points: Additional toppings (granola, jam, fruit)
What to do:
Follow the instructions on the oatmeal packet to cook oatmeal. Add in a spoonful of peanut butter to your liking. Add in granola, jam or fruit for bonus points!
Campfire Potatoes
Who ate it first? Seiyoung Lee, Membership Coordinator
What to bring:
- Foil
- Cooking Spray
- Thinly sliced red potatoes
- Thinly sliced butter
- Shredded cheese
- Toppings of choice (bacon, green onions, etc.)
- Salt + pepper
- Bonus points: Can of chili
What to do:
Spray piece of foil with cooking spray and lay down sliced red potatoes. Cover potatoes with salt, pepper, butter, cheese and toppings of choice. Fold up foil so everything is fully enclosed in the foil pack. Cook on coals (or camping stove) for about 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted. If you’re extra hungry, top the potatoes with a can of chili for bonus points!
Crockpot Chicken Quesadillas
Who ate it first? Kelly Knauf, Marketing Specialist
What you need:
- Crockpot (this stays at home!)
- Salsa
- Chicken
- Tortillas
- Cheese
- Bonus points: 5 layer dip
What to do:
Before you go camping, crockpot your chicken with the jar of salsa. Bring the chicken in a tupperware and add chicken and cheese in between two quesadillas in a skillet. Cook until tortilla is crispy and cheese is melty. Enjoy with a delicious 5 layer dip for bonus points!
And don’t forget to finish off any camping meal with a good dose of s’mores!
About the Gear Tester
Kelly Knauf leads the marketing team at Outdoor Prolink. She is a mountain lover, outdoor enthusiast, and professional snack packer. By day she answers emails and writes content, by night she's plotting her next camping trip or snowboarding adventure.
thanks for sharing these camping food ideas! 🙂
Thanks Ric! Glad you enjoyed them!