Easy Meals to Cook While Camping

It was one of those trips that was supposed to be perfect. My friends and I had planned this camping adventure for weeks, excitedly discussing the trails we would hike, the stars we would gaze at, and, of course, the food we would cook. We all had visions of mouthwatering campfire meals that would make the trip even more memorable. But reality had other plans.

The first night, we set up camp, gathered wood, and started a fire. The evening was cool, the stars were just starting to peek out, and everything seemed to be going according to plan. That is, until it was time to cook dinner. We’d brought along some burgers, figuring they would be quick and easy to cook over the fire. But as soon as we placed them on the grill, things started to go downhill. The fire was too hot, the burgers too thick, and within minutes, we were left with charred, blackened patties that were burnt on the outside and raw in the middle.

I looked around at my friends, their faces lit by the flickering flames and the disappointment in their eyes as they tried to choke down the charred meat. I knew we had to figure something out fast, or this was going to be a very long weekend.

The Lessons of Campfire Cooking

That night, as we sat around the campfire munching on half-burnt, half-raw burgers, I realized that cooking while camping wasn’t as straightforward as I had thought. Sure, you could bring along some food and throw it on the grill, but if you wanted to enjoy your meals rather than just eat them, you needed a bit more planning and, more importantly, the right tools.

Over the years, I’ve learned a few key lessons about campfire cooking that have transformed my camping trips from culinary disasters into delicious adventures. And the best part? None of these meals require you to be a gourmet chef. With the right campfire cooking kit and a few simple recipes, anyone can enjoy tasty meals in the great outdoors.

Choosing the Right Campfire Cooking Kit

Before we dive into the meals, let’s talk about gear. The campfire cooking kit you bring along can make a huge difference in how easy (and enjoyable) it is to cook while camping. Here’s what I’ve found works best:

1. Portable Grill or Grate: A portable grill or campfire grate is essential for cooking over an open flame. It provides a stable surface for cooking and helps distribute heat evenly. Look for something sturdy but easy to pack.
2. Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is a must-have for campfire cooking. It holds heat well, cooks food evenly, and can be used for everything from frying eggs to searing steaks. Plus, it’s virtually indestructible.
3. Dutch Oven: A Dutch oven might be a bit heavier, but it’s incredibly versatile. You can use it to cook stews, bake bread, or even make desserts like cobbler. It’s perfect for one-pot meals that you can set over the fire and forget about until they’re ready.
4. Long-Handled Utensils: When cooking over an open flame, you’ll need long-handled utensils to keep your hands safe from the heat. A good pair of tongs, a spatula, and a ladle should cover most of your needs.
5. Foil: Heavy-duty aluminum foil is a camper’s best friend. You can use it to make foil packet meals, wrap food for cooking in the coals, or cover your grill to keep it clean. It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and has a million uses.
6. Cooler with Ice Packs: Keeping your food fresh is key, especially if you’re camping for more than a day. A good cooler with plenty of ice packs will ensure your ingredients stay cool and safe to eat.

Now that you’ve got your campfire cooking kit sorted, let’s talk about the fun part—what to cook!

Easy Meals to Cook While Camping

Over the years, I’ve tried countless campfire recipes, from the ultra-simple to the slightly more involved. The key is finding a balance between flavor and ease of preparation. You want meals that taste great but don’t require you to spend hours over the fire, especially after a long day of hiking or exploring. Here are some of my favorite easy meals to cook while camping, each one guaranteed to be a hit around the campfire.

1. Campfire Breakfast Burritos

There’s nothing like starting your day with a hearty breakfast, and these campfire breakfast burritos are just the ticket. They’re easy to make, customizable, and can be prepped ahead of time.

What You’ll Need:

• Flour tortillas
• Eggs
• Cooked sausage or bacon
• Shredded cheese
• Salsa
• Foil

How to Make It:

1. Scramble the eggs and cook the sausage or bacon in your cast iron skillet.
2. Lay out a tortilla and fill it with eggs, sausage or bacon, cheese, and a spoonful of salsa.
3. Roll up the burrito and wrap it in foil.
4. Place the foil-wrapped burritos on the grill or directly on the coals. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until heated through and the cheese is melted.

These burritos are perfect for a quick, satisfying breakfast that you can eat with one hand while sipping your morning coffee.

2. Foil Packet Dinners

Foil packet meals are a camping classic for a reason—they’re incredibly versatile, easy to prepare, and there’s virtually no cleanup. You can customize them with whatever ingredients you have on hand.

What You’ll Need:

• Protein (chicken, beef, fish, or tofu)
• Vegetables (potatoes, carrots, onions, bell peppers, zucchini)
• Olive oil
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs)
• Heavy-duty foil

How to Make It:

1. Cut your protein and vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
2. Lay out a large piece of foil and place the protein and vegetables in the center.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings.
4. Fold the foil over the ingredients, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet.
5. Place the foil packets on the grill or directly in the coals. Cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the protein is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

The best part about foil packet dinners is that everyone can create their own packet, so each person gets exactly what they want. Plus, when you’re done eating, you can just toss the foil—no dishes to wash!

3. One-Pot Campfire Chili

Chili is the ultimate comfort food, especially when you’re camping. It’s warm, filling, and full of flavor. The best part? You can make it all in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze.

What You’ll Need:

• Ground beef or turkey
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Canned beans (kidney, black, or pinto)
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded cheese (optional)

How to Make It:

1. In your Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or turkey over the campfire.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover the Dutch oven and let the chili simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with shredded cheese on top if desired.

This chili is hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest campers, and it tastes even better when reheated the next day.

4. Grilled Campfire Pizza

Yes, you can have pizza while camping! Grilled campfire pizza is easier to make than you might think, and it’s a great way to get everyone involved in the cooking process.

What You’ll Need:

• Pre-made pizza dough
• Olive oil
• Tomato sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, olives)

How to Make It:

1. Roll out the pizza dough into individual-sized rounds.
2. Brush one side of the dough with olive oil and place it on the grill, oiled side down.
3. Cook for a few minutes until the bottom is lightly browned and crisp.
4. Flip the dough, then quickly add tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
5. Cover the grill (or use a large pot lid) and cook for another few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

This grilled pizza is a fun and interactive meal that’s perfect for sharing around the campfire.

5. Campfire Quesadillas

Quesadillas are quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making them a great option for camping. Plus, they’re a hit with both kids and adults.

What You’ll Need:

• Flour tortillas
• Shredded cheese
• Cooked chicken or beef
• Sliced bell peppers and onions
• Salsa and sour cream (optional)

How to Make It:

1. Place a tortilla on a piece of foil.
2. Sprinkle shredded cheese over half of the tortilla, then add the cooked chicken or beef and sliced peppers and onions.
3. Fold the tortilla in half, then wrap it in foil.
4. Place the foil-wrapped quesadillas on the grill and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crisp.
5. Carefully remove from the foil and serve with salsa and sour cream on the side.

These quesadillas are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. They’re easy to eat with your hands, making them ideal for casual campfire dining, and you can customize them with your favorite fillings.

6. Campfire Stew

A hearty stew is a great way to end a day of outdoor activities. This one-pot meal is simple to prepare and can be left to cook slowly over the fire while you relax and enjoy the evening.

What You’ll Need:

• Stew meat (beef, pork, or chicken)
• Potatoes, diced
• Carrots, sliced
• Onions, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Beef or chicken broth
• Canned tomatoes
• Thyme, rosemary, bay leaf
• Salt and pepper

How to Make It:

1. In your Dutch oven, brown the stew meat over the campfire.
2. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the diced potatoes, carrots, canned tomatoes, and broth.
4. Season with thyme, rosemary, a bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover the Dutch oven and let the stew simmer over low heat for about 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the flavors are well blended.

Campfire stew is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying, especially when enjoyed under the stars after a day of adventure.

7. Campfire Banana Boats

No camping trip is complete without a sweet treat, and campfire banana boats are the perfect dessert. They’re easy to make, customizable, and a fun way to end the evening.

What You’ll Need:

• Bananas
• Chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows
• Crushed graham crackers (optional)
• Foil

How to Make It:

1. Slice each banana lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through the peel.
2. Open the banana slightly and stuff it with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
3. Wrap the banana in foil, making sure it’s sealed tightly.
4. Place the foil-wrapped bananas on the grill or directly in the coals.
5. Cook for about 5-10 minutes, until the chocolate and marshmallows are melted and gooey.
6. Carefully unwrap the foil and, if desired, sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for a s’mores twist.

Campfire banana boats are a hit with both kids and adults. They’re messy, sweet, and utterly delicious—everything a camping dessert should be.

Campfire Cooking Tips and Tricks

Now that you’ve got a few easy meals to cook while camping, let’s talk about some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make campfire cooking even easier and more enjoyable.

1. Prep at Home:
   One of the biggest challenges of campfire cooking is the lack of kitchen space. To make things easier, do as much prep work as possible at home. Chop vegetables, marinate meat, and pre-cook ingredients like rice or pasta. Store everything in resealable bags or containers so it’s ready to go when you’re at the campsite.
2. Keep It Simple:
   The beauty of campfire cooking lies in its simplicity. You don’t need elaborate recipes or gourmet ingredients to enjoy a great meal outdoors. Stick to simple dishes that are easy to prepare and cook over an open flame. This way, you can spend more time enjoying your surroundings and less time fussing over the fire.
3. Use a Campfire Cooking Kit:
   Investing in a good campfire cooking kit can make a world of difference. A portable grill, a cast iron skillet, and a Dutch oven are versatile tools that can handle just about any meal you want to make. And don’t forget the importance of long-handled utensils—they’ll save your hands from getting too close to the fire.
4. Manage Your Fire:
   Controlling the heat of your campfire is key to successful campfire cooking. A blazing fire is great for marshmallows, but not so much for cooking dinner. Let the fire burn down to hot coals before you start cooking, and use a grill grate to create a more even cooking surface. You can also move the coals around to create different heat zones, just like you would on a charcoal grill.
5. Plan for Clean-Up:
   Nobody likes doing dishes at home, let alone at a campsite. Make clean-up easier by using disposable plates and utensils, and opt for one-pot meals or foil packet dinners whenever possible. Bring biodegradable soap and a scrub brush to clean your cooking gear, and pack a few trash bags to keep your campsite tidy.

My Favorite Campfire Cooking Memories

Looking back on all the camping trips I’ve taken, some of my fondest memories are tied to the meals I’ve cooked and shared around the campfire. There’s something special about gathering around a fire with friends and family, the warmth of the flames, the smell of food cooking, and the sense of camaraderie that comes with sharing a meal outdoors.

I remember one trip in particular where we made campfire pizzas. Everyone got to create their own pizza, adding whatever toppings they liked, and we cooked them one by one over the fire. It was a slow process, but nobody minded because we were all laughing, talking, and enjoying each other’s company. By the time the last pizza was done, the fire had died down to embers, and we all sat around, eating our creations and marveling at how good they tasted.

Or the time we made a giant pot of chili on a cold, rainy night. We huddled under a tarp, waiting for the chili to simmer, and when it was finally ready, we dug in, grateful for the warmth and comfort it provided. That chili tasted like pure magic—partly because it was so delicious, but also because of the circumstances. It was a reminder that even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, a hot meal can make everything better.

Endless Possibilities with Campfire Cooking

There’s no end to the possibilities when it comes to campfire cooking. Whether you’re making a quick breakfast, a hearty dinner, or a sweet dessert, the key is to keep it simple, have fun, and enjoy the process. With the right campfire cooking kit and a few easy recipes, you can turn any camping trip into a culinary adventure.

So, next time you head out into the great outdoors, don’t settle for burnt burgers or bland snacks. Embrace the joy of campfire cooking and create meals that will make your trip truly unforgettable. And who knows? You might just discover that your favorite meals aren’t the ones you cook at home, but the ones you cook under the stars, with the crackling of the fire as your soundtrack.