Eat Well While Camping: What To Eat For Lunch
As a camper and a father of three, I know all too well the importance of eating well while camping. Not only does the right food fuel our active lifestyles, but it keeps us feeling energized and ready for the next big adventure. But what should you eat for lunch while camping? This blog post will provide insight on various lunch ideas that campers should consider when planning meals.
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Preparing Lunch For Camping
The first step in planning your lunch while camping is to think about the type of meals you’d like to eat. Whether you’re only packing a small cooler or have room for a larger one that includes a stove and other appliances can make a difference in what you want to make. Also, it’s important to consider the number of people you’re cooking for, and how long you plan to stay. Once you have these details, you’re ready to begin planning your meal options.
Meal Ideas That Don’t Require Cooking
Camping doesn’t always mean you have to cook. For simple yet delicious lunch options, pack ready-to-eat items such as:
- Granola bars
- Meat and cheese rolls
- Pita sandwiches with hummus
- Fruit and veggie cups
- Salads with premade dressing
Including an item that you can take with you on a hike or adventure is also a great option. Some ideas include:
- Trail mix
- Energy bars
- Fruit snacks
- Gummy bears
These smaller snacks are perfect to have on-hand throughout the day in-between meals.
Cooking While Camping
If you’re looking to put an amazing meal together for lunch while camping, you’ll need to make sure you’re adequately prepared. Depending on the size of your cooler and camping stove, you may be able to prepare a meal like you would at home with no problem. Some items to include when packing would be a pot or pan, cooking utensils, and appropriate seasonings. Additional items that you may need would include a cutting board and knife.
When it comes to selecting ingredients for cooking lunch at a campsite, choose items that store well and don’t require much clean-up. Ingredients such as pre-cooked chicken, rice, and pre-cut vegetables are great to include in any camping meal. You can also make a breakfast for lunch meal like a breakfast burrito with pre-cooked bacon, eggs, and cheese.
For a unique twist on lunch, try making a foil packet meal. This requires ingredients such as precooked meat, vegetables, potatoes, and butter. Simply place all ingredients in a foil-lined packet and cook it on the campfire or grill until it is thoroughly cooked.
Campfire and Grill Recipes
Using a campfire or grill for lunch is a nice way to end a day of outdoor activities. There are a variety of items that you can make on the campfire or grill. One of my favorites is grilled cheese sandwiches; it only requires cheese, bread, and butter. You can also make a quesadilla using tortillas, cheese, and pre-cooked meats and vegetables.
Another option would be to make a simple burger on the grill. Just brown some pre-cooked meat patties, add some chopped onions and tomato, lettuce, cheese, and mayonnaise and you’re ready to go. For something a bit more creative, try the “hobo pack,” which is a meal made of pre-cooked ground beef mixed with pre-cooked potatoes, onions, and vegetables. It’s sealed in a foil packet and cooked on either a campfire or grill for 15 minutes.
With proper planning and the right ingredients, you’ll be able to make some delicious meals while you’re camping. You can use a variety of food items such as those detailed above for lunch that don’t require any cooking or use a campfire or grill for a tasty meal.
Once you’ve got your meal plan together, it’s time to put it all together! , the following video from Camp Kulin is a great source for preparation and cooking tips. So take a look through the above options and use the following visuals to inspire your next camp meal!
With the right combination of ingredients and creativity, you’ll be sure to make some tasty lunches out in the wild. Eating right while camping is an essential part of a successful adventure.