What to Eat When You Go Camping
When you’re camping, it’s important to make sure you have enough food to keep your energy levels up and keep you from feeling hungry. But what should you eat when camping? Here’s a guide to help you plan ahead, save time and money, and make sure your next camping excursion is a delicious success.
The Basics: What to Pack
The first step to having a great camping meal is to know what to bring with you. Whether it’s a weekend or a week-long trip, make sure you’ve considered all the basics.
Start by packing the essentials: cooking equipment including a pot and a pan, some utensils like a spoon or a spatula, and perhaps a stove or fire pit. Make sure you also have enough fuel, matches, and charcoal to get the fire going. Don’t forget to bring along a fuel canister or jugs for storing your cooking oil, too.
Then, prepare your food for the trip. Try to buy easy-to-prepare and easy-to-cook ingredients. Think about things like oatmeal, eggs, pasta, canned and frozen meats, vegetables, fruits, cheese, nuts, and other snacks. These items can typically be prepared easily over a campfire or on a stove.
Tips for a Better Campfire Cooking Experience
Before you even light that match, there are a few things you should do. First, make sure your cooking pot and utensils are free from soot and ash. Cleaning them before you start your campfire is key to avoiding a dirt-flavored dinner.
You’ll also want to make sure your campfire is steady and well-burning before you start cooking. You can do this by allowing the wood to burn down and create embers. These embers create better heat and coals that allow you to cook steadily and evenly over your campfire.
Campfire Cooking Unique and Delicious Dishes
Now that the basics are covered, you can start getting creative! Here are a few of our favorite campfire recipes — try one of them the next time you’re camping!
Cheesy Omelette
Take a few eggs and beat them with some milk or cream. Then add cheese, peppers, onions, mushrooms, or whatever you like, then pour them into the heated pan over the campfire. Flip the omelette and enjoy.
Campfire Quesadillas
Spread refried beans, cheese, and other ingredients into a tortilla on one side, then fold the other side over and cook it on the campfire grill or grate. As the cheese melts, you’re golden!
Campfire Pizza
Creating delicious pizzas over the campfire is easier than you might think. Start with pre-made pizza dough, and layer your favorite toppings like sausage, peppers, onions, and cheese. Then you can either cook it directly on the campfire grate, or use foil for a pizza oven effect.
Safety Tips for Campfire Cooking
Perhaps one of the most important things to keep in mind when cooking over a campfire is safety. Start by making sure you have a designated cooking area and that all food is stored properly. Cleaning up after cooking is critical in order to keep any wild animals away.
Choose a calm area that is clear of branches and vegetation and ensure that kids stay clear of the open fire. Keep an adult or responsible adult with the fire at all times to avoid any harm. Be sure to always carry a fire extinguisher for quick response in case of emergency.
Other Alternatives for Camping Cooking
If you’re not keen on the idea of cooking over the campfire, there are still plenty of delicious meals you can make. Check out this video from our friends at Cafe Delites
For a more stress-free approach, you can try packing a cooler or invest in lightweight camping cooking appliances. Cup of Noodles, pre-made sandwiches, and other snacks also make great, no-cook camping meals.
Recommendations for What to Eat When You Go Camping
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Being an experienced camper and father of three, I know how important it is to have a good meal when you’re on the go. Whether you’re cooking over a campfire, packing a cooler, or using light-weight camping appliances, make sure you have enough fuel, matches, and charcoal to get the fire going. Keep in mind that safety is of utmost importance when cooking over a campfire and don’t forget to clean up after yourself to keep any wild animals away from your campsite and meals. Happy camping!