Everything You Need to Know About How to Cook When Camping
Camping is an enjoyable way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, explore new places and experience the beauty of nature. But when it comes to meal times, some campers may find themselves at a loss for what to cook and how to go about preparing meals while camping. The truth is, cooking while camping isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With a little know-how and preparation, your camping trips can guarantee you delicious and nourishing meals.
[recommendations keyword=’how-to-cook-when-camping’]
Get Familiar With Your Camp Kitchen Equipment
A well-equipped camping kitchen is the foundation for good camp food. Prepare a checklist of the kitchen items you’ll need before you leave, so that you have everything ready before you get to camp. Generally, your camping kitchen should include items such as pots, pans, skillets, a strong knife, cutting board, lighter, aluminum foil, can opener, seasonings, utensils, cooler, charcoal, and thermometer. Additionally, if you’re more inclined to cook on an oven, stove, or barbecue, make sure that you bring the appropriate fuel to light up your camp kitchen.
Choose Food That Is Portable, Nutritious, & Easy to Cook
When it comes to camping food, it can be tempting to opt for convenience and snacks. However, eating a balanced diet is equally as important for campers, as it is for anyone else. Foods like rice, pasta, crackers, and nuts are great versatile staples. Additionally, non-perishable canned goods and pre-cooked meats are great for camping common sense and health considerations. For snacks, you can bring fruit, veggie sticks, trail mix, or granola bars. Here’s a tip: prepare as many meals as possible before you leave for camp, so that all you have to do is just heat them up.
Know Your Food Safety Precautions When Camping
To keep food poisoning at bay, remember to keep your food chilled and ensure that you only eat foods that are safe. Food packaging should be secure and never eaten if it’s torn or ripped. When it comes to washing dishes, soap and paper towels should be kept out of the dirt. A small container of water should also be available for washing your hands and preventing the spread of germs and bacteria.
Take Advantage of Campsite Cooking Facilities
As an experienced camper, you know that campsite cooking facilities are an amazing asset. If your campsite has a barbecue, you won’t need to worry about bringing a portable stove. Even if you don’t have a portable stove, a campfire can still serve many cooking needs. Be sure to bring along fire starters and a folding grate. You can also use your campfire to cook a variety of delicious dishes, from grilled sandwiches and shrimp kebabs to foil packets, campfire pies and more!
Make Cooking Easy with Quick- Cooking Recipes
If you’re in a rush and don’t want to spend too much time on preparing food, there are quick-cooking recipes. Having a few recipes that don’t require a lot of skill or ingredients can make meal times easier. You can also invest in an Instant Pot for on-the-go cooking and make a variety of meals without too much fuss. Whether it’s pancakes alongside a hot cup of coffee, stir fries for a hearty dinner or instant oatmeal for breakfast, the possibilities for fast campsite meals are endless.
Take a Watchful Eye on Your Food Storage
When storing food at your camp, it’s important to keep in mind that animals and bugs would love to get their hands on the delicious snacks you’ll likely to have. To ensure that your food is away from animal visitors, invest in a bear canister. This will store and protect your food from any unwanted guests. Additionally, be sure to don’t leave your food out and use zip-lock baggies to store all food scraps.
Cooking while camping doesn’t have to be difficult. With some simple preparation, the right equipment, and a few delicious recipes, you will be all set for an enjoyable camping experience! Think of this camping kitchen guide as your secret weapon to making delicious meals for you and your family when you’re on the road.