Let’s be real—great food makes a great camping trip even better. Whether you’re cooking at a picnic table, a camp stove, or right over the fire, summer is the perfect time to get creative with simple, fresh ingredients. These easy camping recipes are low-fuss, family-friendly, and built for long days outdoors and starry nights by the fire.
1. Campfire Biscuit Breakfast Bake
A warm, one-pan breakfast that’ll fuel your day.
Ingredients:
- Refrigerated biscuit dough
- Eggs, milk
- Crumbled sausage or bacon
- Shredded cheese
Instructions:
Grease a cast iron skillet or foil pan. Layer cut-up biscuit dough, cooked sausage, and cheese. Pour whisked eggs and milk over the top. Cover with foil and bake over the fire or grill for 25–30 minutes. Serve hot and gooey!
2. Easy Campground Sloppy Joes
A messy, satisfying favorite for all ages.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or plant-based crumbles
- Sloppy Joe sauce or ketchup + mustard + brown sugar
- Hamburger buns
Instructions:
Cook beef in a skillet, stir in sauce, and simmer until thickened. Toast buns if desired and pile high with the mixture. Serve with chips or corn on the cob.
3. Pesto Pasta Salad with Veggies
Light, fresh, and great cold.
Ingredients:
- Cooked pasta (short shapes work best)
- Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives
- Store-bought pesto, grated parmesan
Instructions:
Toss everything together and chill in a cooler. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. A great make-ahead dish for hot days.
4. Hobo Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Comfort food with a campfire twist.
Ingredients:
- Bread, cheese, butter
- Canned tomato soup
Instructions:
Make classic grilled cheese sandwiches in foil or a skillet over the fire. Heat soup in a small pot or directly in the can (remove the label first!). Dip, eat, and repeat.
5. Sweet & Savory Campfire Skewers
Quick to cook, easy to customize.
Ingredients:
- Protein: chicken, shrimp, sausage
- Veggies: bell peppers, mushrooms, onions
- Pineapple chunks or peaches
Instructions:
Thread everything onto skewers and grill over hot coals, turning often. Brush with a simple marinade (BBQ sauce, teriyaki, or olive oil + herbs) while cooking. Great for mixing sweet and savory flavors in one bite.
6. S’mores Cones
A less-mess take on the classic campfire dessert.
Ingredients:
- Sugar cones
- Mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers
- Optional: peanut butter, sliced strawberries, banana
Instructions:
Fill cones with your chosen mix-ins, wrap in foil, and warm near the fire for 5–10 minutes. Carefully unwrap and enjoy the gooey goodness—no sticky fingers required.
Bonus Tips for a Better Camp Kitchen:
- Prep and portion ingredients before you leave home.
- Bring a bin with essential tools: tongs, spatula, foil, oil, seasoning, wipes.
- Store dry goods in sealed containers and pack coolers with care.
- Embrace one-pot and foil-pack meals—they’re lifesavers!
Camping meals don’t need to be complicated to be memorable. With the right recipes, a little prep, and an appetite for adventure, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to eat well outdoors. So pack your cooler, grab your cast iron, and get cooking—because great meals are half the fun of the trip.
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