What to Cook while Camping: Delicious Meals You Should Try
For many of us, going on a camping trip is the perfect way to unplug from our busy city lives and explore the great outdoors. While it can be a great experience, there is one thing that stops most campers in their tracks – what meals should I cook while camping? Whether it’s your first time out in the wild or you’re an experienced camper, having some go-to camping meal recipes is always essential.
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Tips for Picking the Best Camping Meal Recipes
In order to make sure that you have an enjoyable camping experience, you need to be prepared. Planning ahead and making sure you have the supplies you need will make all the difference in the world. Before you even leave for your camping trip, plan out what kind of meals you can make with the supplies you have. Here are some tips to consider when picking camping meal recipes:
- Pack easy-to-prepare ingredients – If you don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to cooking while camping, make sure you pack easy-to-prepare ingredients. Precooked items, canned food, frozen foods, and snacks are easy to make while outdoors.
- Plan your meals around your cooking method – Make sure your meals are based on the type of cooking method you plan on using at the campsite. If you’re using a portable gas stove, you can make things like burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and stir fry. But if you want to try out a traditional way of cooking, such as roasting over an open-fire, plan accordingly.
- Pack for leftovers – If you’re camping with a large group, you should be sure to cook more food than you need in order to have enough for those with larger appetites and to have leftovers for the next day’s meals.
- Pack breakfast foods too – Many campers focus on dinner meals, but you should also include breakfast foods. This can be anything from pre-made oatmeal and cereal to fried eggs, yogurt, and bacon.
Now that you know to consider when picking camping meal recipes, let’s look at some of the best dishes you can make while camping!
Meals Ideas for Camping
As a father of three kids and an experienced camper, I know how sometimes it can be tough to come up with creative meal ideas while camping. Here are some of my favorite camping meals we’ve had over the years!
Sausage Wrapped in Foil
This has to be one of the easiest and most satisfying camping meals you can make out there. All you need is a good quality sausage, some onions, peppers, and your favorite buttery spread. Layer them in a sheet of foil and place over the campfire, turning it regularly, until everything’s cooked through. This is one of my kids’ favorite camping meals.
Foil-Pack Potatoes
This classic camping meal is so incredibly easy and takes almost no time at all. Simply chop a few potatoes and throw them into a sheet of tinfoil. Top with some onions, fresh garlic, and your favorite herbs and spices, then close up the pouch and place it over the fire. In about 15 minutes you’ll have some delicious foil-pack potatoes!
Campfire Meal/Chili
For a fuller meal when camping, nothing beats a good chili! This hearty meal is super easy to make, and if you’re feeling adventurous you can even take the opportunity to try out a new recipe. Just bring your ground beef, chili seasoning, canned beans and tomatoes, and some onions. Brown the beef in a pan, add the ingredients, and cook for a few minutes. Then top with some shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh jalapenos!
As you can see, there are plenty of easy and delicious meals you can make when camping. Whether you’re looking to keep things simple or you’re in the mood to try something new, you’re sure to find a meal that will make your camping experience even more enjoyable!
Conclusion
Cooking while camping can be a fun adventure if you’re prepared and know what you’re doing. Packing easy-to-prepare ingredients and planning your meals around your cooking method is key. Plus, don’t forget to bring breakfast foods too! Above all, have fun and be creative with your meals. Try new dishes and enjoy the unique campfire flavors. Bon Appetit!