Camping is all about the great outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on good food!
Planning Camping Meals ahead of time can make all the difference if you’re setting off for a weekend getaway in the woods or embarking on a week-long adventure.
Instead of scrambling to put together Camping Meals over a campfire or portable stove, prepping ahead allows you to enjoy delicious dishes with minimal effort at the campsite.
In this guide, we’ve compiled 30 make-ahead camping meals designed to save time and keep you well-fed, no matter where your journey takes you.
From protein-packed breakfasts that will fuel your early morning hikes to satisfying dinners you can heat and eat in minutes, these recipes cover all the essentials for outdoor dining.
If you’re cooking for a family, a group of friends, or just yourself, you’ll find something to suit every palate and dietary preference.
Best of all, most of these Camping Meals can be stored in coolers or made with ingredients that don’t require refrigeration, perfect for those remote locations where a fridge isn’t an option.
Characteristics of Camping Meals:
Here are a few key characteristics of camping meals:
1- Easy to Prepare
Since camping setups usually have limited kitchen equipment (like campfires, portable stoves, or grills), camping meals are often simple, requiring minimal cooking or preparation time.
2- Portable
Ingredients and Camping Meals are easy to pack and carry, often in coolers or containers that can withstand outdoor conditions.
3- Prepped Ahead
Many campers opt for make-ahead Camping Meals that can be cooked or assembled before the trip, reducing the need for complicated prep while at the campsite.
4- Non-Perishable
Since refrigeration can be limited, Camping Meals often rely on ingredients that don’t spoil quickly, such as dried pasta, canned goods, nuts, or vacuum-sealed foods.
5- Nutritious and Energy-Dense
Camping often involves physical activities, so meals tend to be hearty and packed with nutrients to provide sustained energy.
6- Versatile
Camping meals are often adaptable to different cooking methods—whether it’s grilling over a campfire, boiling on a portable stove, or just assembling ingredients on the go.
1. Easy Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Source: eatingonadime
Try this freezer breakfast burrito recipe for an easy meal on busy mornings that everyone will enjoy. Loaded with eggs, cheese, and more for the perfect breakfast on the go or at home.
2. Cherry Overnight Oats
Source: throughthefibrofog
A delightful summer breakfast, these cherry overnight oats have all the cherry pie flavors and are so easy to make! Made without yogurt for a vegan recipe, they are creamy and delicious and perfect for a Camping Meals prep breakfast.
3. Pancake Mix Recipe
Source: diy-recipes.net
Pancakes are a timeless breakfast favorite, loved for their soft, fluffy texture and the endless possibilities for customization.
This pancake mix recipe is a breeze to whip up, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
4. Muffin Tin Frittatas
Source: toasterovenlove
A fun make-ahead Camping Meals or snack, these muffin tin frittatas are packed with veggies, protein, and flavor. They’re easy to customize with your favorite fillings and perfect for using up leftover ingredients.
5. Trail Mix Granola Bars
Source: wellplated
If your mornings are hectic, running out the door with a coffee in one hand and your kids in the other, then these easy, nutritious no bake Trail Mix Granola Bars are for you!
6. French Toast Casserole
Source: lilluna
This best-loved French toast casserole is perfect for making ahead of time! It’s perfect for holidays and gatherings and is delicious.
7. Classic Quiche Lorraine
Source: savingdessert
A classic French tart filled with a delicious savory custard with smoky bacon and creamy Gruyère in a flaky pastry crust.
8. Super-Nutritious Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding
Source: hannahmageerd
Using coconut milk, this creamy and sweet vanilla chia seed pudding takes less than 5 minutes to prepare (win!) and packs a big nutritional punch! Nourish your body at breakfast with this simple recipe, or enjoy the chia pudding in the afternoon as a nutritious and filling snack topped with fruit.
9. Zucchini Banana Bread
Source: justataste
I’ve taken my classic banana bread recipe and added shredded zucchini for what will undoubtedly be the most moist and flavorful Zucchini Banana Bread to ever cross your lips. It’s the perfect way to use up your summer squash!
10. Dunkin Wake Up Wrap Recipe
Source: joytothefood
Enjoy this super simple Dunkin Wake Up Wrap recipe with gooey cheese, crispy bacon and satisfying fried eggs. It’s perfect for meal prep to have breakfast for the whole week, or to whip up for a lazy weekend breakfast!
11. DIY Frozen Smoothie Packs
Source: laurafuentes
Love smoothies, but hate the hassle of making them every morning? You’ll love these easy frozen smoothie packs.
Make enough smoothies for the whole week and have them all prepped and ready whenever you want a tasty and healthy smoothie.
12. Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
Source: tastesbetterfromscratch
Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches made with baked eggs and topped with cheese, sausage, bacon, or ham on an English muffin. These make ahead sandwiches are easy and delicious.
13. The easiest chicken salad wraps (with gluten free option!)
Source: hispanaglobal
These are the easiest chicken salad wraps I have ever made so I needed to share this recipe with you.
After all, I think we have all exhausted our energy just trying to figure out what to feed our family.
Since the pandemic started, I feel most of my day is spent prepping, cooking or cleaning up. That is why easy recipes save my sanity.
14. Grilled BBQ Chicken Foil Packets with Peppers and Onions
source: unsophisticook
These juicy and flavorful BBQ chicken foil packets with peppers and onions are the perfect all-in-one meal! Make them up early in the day for dinner or prep a whole bunch of them for your next cookout…
15. Shish kabob (kebab) recipe
Source: amiraspantry
Shish Kabob with the best beef shish kabob marinade. This Middle Eastern beef kebab recipe has been in the family for so long, I’ve made it several times and I never failed to impress.
16. Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad
Source: soulfullymade
Grilled Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad is a mixture of delicious pasta mixed with the cream of the summer crops veggies. These crisp grilled vegetables along with rotini pasta are tossed in a light dressing and loaded with beautiful color and flavor.
17. Chilled Sesame Noodles with Carrots
Source: mightymrs
These sesame noodle are served cold. Just noodles, carrots, green onion, and a light and tasty sesame-ginger Asian dressing. Easy to make and perfect for lunches or as a summer side dish.
18. Best Homemade Chili
Source: nutritiousdeliciousness
Cozy up with a bowl of the Best Homemade Chili with the perfect blend of warm spices, beans and fire roasted tomatoes. It’s the quintessential comfort food your whole family will love.
19. Quick & Easy Lazy Lasagna Ravioli Bake
Source: findingtimetofly
Looking for an easy way to enjoy lasagna without the hassle? Try this Lazy Lasagna Ravioli! This quick recipe swaps traditional lasagna noodles for frozen ravioli, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Enjoy a delicious meal with less effort!
20. Ground Beef Tacos with Homemade Seasoning
Source: oursaltykitchen
Taco Tuesdays have come a long way, but we can’t forget the classics. Ground Beef Tacos are a forever favorite in so many homes (including ours) for good reason.
21. The BEST Homemade Sloppy Joes
Source: thechunkychef
Step away from the canned sauce and give these homemade sloppy joes a try! They’re truly the best version of a childhood favorite!
23. Juicy Grilled Hamburgers
Source: yellowblissroad
Hamburgers are easy to make and perfect for backyard grilling. Learn how to make the juiciest grilled burgers ever with just a few simple tricks!
24. Grilled Pineapple Chicken and Rice
Source: wholeandheavenlyoven
Pineapple marinated chicken thighs, a spicy pineapple salsa, and lots of fluffy rice make for the perfect summer bowls in this grilled pineapple chicken and rice.
25. Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Source: staysnatched
This Easy Grilled Shrimp Skewers recipe will show you how to grill and BBQ shrimp and vegetables using the best dry rub marinade.
26. BBQ Meatballs
Source: thesaltycooker
The holidays are just around the corner and with them all of the fun and festivities of gathering with family and friends.
These sticky and saucy meatballs have always been a family favorite and I know your family will love BBQ Meatballs as well.
27. Mini Chicken Pot Pies with Puff Pastry
Source: barleyandsage
These mini chicken pot pies with puff pastry are a like my classic chicken pot pie but in hand pie form! They have a crispy, flaky puff pastry stuffed with a creamy filling of fresh vegetables and tender chicken! They’re the perfect single serving savory appetizer!
28. The BEST Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe With Ground Beef\
Source: foodiecrush
Classic stuffed peppers with rice, ground beef, and a healthy rainbow of sweet red, yellow, and orange bell peppers make the best easy dinner idea any night of the week.
29. Sausage Kabobs
Source: chelseasmessyapron
Sausage Kabobs are simple to make, nutritious, and loaded with flavor! We combine smoked sausage with bell peppers, red onion, baby bella mushrooms, and a delicious seasoning blend.
30. Alfredo Pasta Bake
Source: onesweetappetite
This quick and easy Alfredo Pasta Bake is a must try for busy nights! It is a time-saving delight that combines the convenience of a one-pot meal with the comforting flavors of a classic Alfredo sauce.
No need to cook your pasta, simply toss it with a creamy Alfredo sauce, sprinkle on some cheese, and pop it in the oven for a few minutes.
In no time at all, you’ll be rewarded with a bubbling, golden-brown pasta bake that is sure to satisfy even the most ravenous of appetites.
