What you should know about food before going camping?

Before you go camping, there are a few things you need to know about food. This includes why food prep and planning is important, what foods to pack, how to cater for different dietary requirements, why freeze-dried and dehydrated meals are so popular, how to get variety in your camping meals, what campsite cooking options are available, how to make coffee while camping, and how to plan and organize your camping food. 

Why is food prep and planning essential for camping?

Preparing and planning your food for camping helps to ensure it’s properly stored, that you’ll be getting adequate nutrition, that you won’t run out of food, and that you won’t fall foul of any illness caused by poor food hygiene, which can easily happen if you’re prepping meals ad hoc at camp.

What problems may occur due to poor meal planning?

If you fail to plan your meals carefully for a camping trip, a few things could happen. You may end up not taking enough food, your food may go off, you may not give yourself a healthy balance of nutrients, your meals may be less enjoyable, or you may end up taking way more food than you need.

How much food to bring camping?

As a rule of thumb, you’ll need around 1.5 lbs of food per person per day. This figure, however, will increase if you are hiking, biking, or doing other outdoor activities. To be on the safe side, we recommend bringing an extra day’s worth of food on any trip.

Can you eat healthily when camping?

Absolutely! There are dozens of recipes for healthy camping breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and snacks out there, so you don’t have to worry about eating non-nutritious grub when spending a few nights under the stars.

How to cook food when camping?

Below, we’ve made a short list of the different ways you can cook food when camping.

  • Skillet
  • Fry pan
  • Grill (over your fire pit)
  • Dutch oven
  • Skewers
  • Integrated canister stove
  • Canister stove
  • Pots
  • Alternative fuel stove (ESBIT, etc.)
  • Alcohol stove

What is the easiest way to cook at camp?

The easiest and most convenient ways to cook when camping are by using either an in-situ fire pit and grill (just bring wood and fire starters) or a canister camping stove, for which you’ll only need your stove and a gas canister.

How to maintain hygiene when preparing food at camp?

When you’re cooking on a camping trip, the most important thing is to be era-diligent with hand-washing. Make sure everyone involved washes their hands before touching anything and re-wash between prep for different food types.

What camping food safety issues are there?

The main camping food safety issues to consider are attracting wildlife and food going bad. To avoid attracting wildlife, use food lockers, bear canisters, or scent-proof bags, and never take food inside your tent. To avoid food going bad, pack it carefully and use a cooler, making sure you have enough ice to last the duration of your trip. 

How to organize and store food when camping?

In the daytime, keep all of your food stored in a cooler or inside your car. If you’re in bear country, then keep your food and trash in a bear canister. Try to separate your food into meals for storage (breakfasts, lunches, and dinners), or into days – this makes it far easier to keep track of what you’re eating and what’s left for the rest of your trip.

What to do with food waste when camping?

Most developed campgrounds have dump stations where you can dispose of food waste. If you’re backcountry camping, however, you should pack out all waste, even the biodegradable kind.

Can you forage for camping food?

Yes, there are plenty of foods you can forage when camping. These include ground elder, nettles, wild garlic, dandelion, plantain, and several types of berries.

What foods to pack to create tasty camping meals?

To make your camping meals just as tasty as those you make at home, we recommend bringing along plenty of herbs and spices (use Tic-Tac or breath mint containers to save weight!) and condiments. 

What meals do people make when camping?

With the right cooking equipment, there’s practically no limit to the meals you can make while camping. Using an integrated stove system, a Dutch oven, a skillet, or simple pots and pans, you can make everything from goulash and stews to frittatas and quesadillas to peach cobblers and cornbread.

What camping meals use minimal ingredients?

Below, we’ve made a list of camping meals that use minimal ingredients.

  • Kabobs (veg or meat)
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Campfire cheese pizza
  • Baked potatoes
  • Quesadillas
  • Burritos
  • Dutch oven cobbler
  • Fried rice
  • Mac ‘n’ cheese
  • Pesto pasta

What are easy-to-make camping meals?

Below, we’ve made a short list of some easy-to-make camping meals.

  • Overnight Oats
  • Boiled Eggs
  • Fruit-Stuffed Wraps
  • Make-Ahead Waffles or Pancakes
  • Fruit Salad
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
  • Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad 
  • Tuna Salad
  • Guacamole and Chips 
  • Cold Cut Roll-ups
  • Chicken or Beef Bowls
  • Pesto Pasta Salad
  • Charcuterie Board
  • Ramen Noodles
  • Yogurt Parfaits
  • No-Bake Energy Bites
  • Nutella Fruit Dip
  • Bananas with Nut Butter
  • No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes

What are some classic camping meals?

Below, we’ve made a short list of some of the most classic, traditional camping meals.

  • Frankfurters and Beans
  • Campfire Chili
  • Mac n Cheese
  • BBQ Chicken
  • Bacon and Eggs
  • Kabobs
  • Hot Dogs
  • Grilled Steak
  • Grilled Burgers
  • Pancakes
  • S’mores
  • Roasted Marshmallows

What are some healthy camping meals?

Our favorite healthy camping meals are listed below.

  • Fruit-Stuffed Wraps
  • Fruit Salad
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches
  • Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad 
  • Tuna Salad
  • Pesto Pasta Salad
  • Grilled Beef & Vegetable Kebabs
  • Cold Pasta Salad
  • Grilled Salmon with Sweet Peppers
  • Foil Packet Grilled Vegetables

What is a foil camping meal?

Foil camping meals are simple meals that are prepared at home and only need to be reheated or cooked inside a foil packet on a grill at camp. 

How to cook a foil camping meal?

To cook a foil camping meal, simply lay a grill across your fire pit, place the foil packet in a suitable spot (near the edge for a lower heat, in the center for a higher heat), and then kick back while your breakfast, lunch, or dinner heats up. When ready, take care handling the foil – use a dishcloth, kitchen glove, or dish the contents up on a plate.

What are some foil camping meal ideas?

Some of our favorite foil packet camping meals include grilled shrimp, grilled salmon, pizza bread, chicken nachos, chicken fajitas, baked potatoes, Philly cheesesteak subs, gnocchi, apple pie, and French toast.

Are make-ahead camping meals worth the effort?

Yes, cooking at home is always easier and more convenient than cooking at camp. Cooking at home will also save you more time to enjoy your surroundings and let you avoid having to cart all that packaging to your campsite.

How to store make-ahead camping meals?

Ideally, you should store each meal individually so it’s ready to be heated up and served up with a minimum of fuss at camp. When storing your meals, keep them separate from drinks and make sure they’re carefully wrapped in airtight containers. Pack the meals in a cooler, making sure that those you’ll eat first are on top and those you’ll eat last are at the base. 

How to best reheat made-ahead camping meals?

The best way to reheat made-ahead camping meals depends on the meal type. For wet meals (stews, soups, etc.), just drop them in your pan and put it on the stove. For dry meals like chicken and rice, breakfast burritos, enchilada, or mac ‘n’ cheese, your best bet is to place them on your campfire grill in foil packages. 

What are some make-ahead camping meal ideas?

Some of our favorite make-ahead camping meals include Breakfast Burritos, Make-Ahead Pancake Mix, Overnight Oats, Pigs in a Blanket, Tacos, Cold Pasta Salad, Mini Quiches, Skewered Beef, Chicken, or Veggies, Chili Bowl, Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Beef Stew, and Campfire Pizza Log.

What makes for a good cooked camping recipe?

A good cooked camping recipe should ideally be filling, tasty, easy to prepare, and contain only a few ingredients. Some examples include Mac ‘n’ Cheese,  Chili Bowls, Chicken and Rice, Foil Packet Grilled Veg, Kebabs, Grilled Salmon, and Spaghetti.

What are some beginner camping recipes to cook?

Our favorite beginner camping meals are Kebabs, Summer Sausage, Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Spaghetti, Grilled Hamburgers, Grilled Salmon, and Foil Packet Grilled Chicken and Peppers.

What are no-cook staple ingredients for camping meals?

Some staple ingredients for no-cook camping meals include condiments, cheese, hot sauce, bread, crackers, fresh fruit, veg, tuna packets, beef jerky, meat sticks, dried fruit, yogurt, butter, nut butters, cereal, and bagels.

What are some healthy no-cook camping meals?

Our favorite healthy no-cook camping meals are Fruit-Stuffed Wraps, Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad, Tuna Salad, and Pesto Pasta Salad.

What are some budget-friendly no-cook camping meals?

Our favorite budget-friendly no-cook camping meals include cream cheese bagels, mashed chickpea sandwiches, ramen noodles, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cold cut roll-ups, tuna packets, and nut butter or Nutella fruit dips.

What are some easy-to-make no-cook camping meals?

Some of our favorite no-cook camping meals include Overnight Oats, Boiled Eggs, Egg Muffins, Fruit-Stuffed Wraps, Fruit Salad, Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad, Tuna Salad, Guacamole and Chips, Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel, Mashed Chickpea Sandwiches, Cold Cut Roll-ups, Chicken or Beef Bowls, Pesto Pasta Salad, Charcuterie Board, Ramen Noodles, No-Bake Energy Bites, Nutella Fruit Dip, Bananas with Nut Butter, and No-Bake Mini Cheesecakes.

What camping meals don’t need refrigeration?

Some no-refrigeration-required camping meals include fresh and dehydrated fruit, pancakes, grits, oatmeal, cereals with powdered milk, bagels, Pop-Tarts, tortillas, instant potatoes, mac and cheese, canned soup, instant noodles, rice, canned pasta, canned chili, dehydrated meals, fresh vegetables, spaghetti, and canned chicken or tuna.

What camping meal ingredients don’t need refrigerated?

Below, we’ve made a short list of camping meal ingredients that don’t need refrigeration.

  • Fresh fruit
  • Fresh vegetables
  • Dehydrated fruit and veg
  • Canned veg, legumes, and meat
  • Pepperoni
  • Jerky
  • Chicken or rice packets
  • Nuts
  • Lentils
  • Grains

What makes for a good kids’ camping meal?

Good camping meals for kids should be easy to prepare, provide plenty of nutrition, and, ideally, something they can be involved in the preparation of, like campfire pizza or banana boats.

How to get kids involved in making camping meals?

The best way to get kids involved in making camping meals is by delegating tasks such as chopping veg, collecting firewood, stirring pots, or flipping meats and veg on the grill.

What are some kid-friendly camping meals?

Below, we’ve made a short list of some of our favorite kid-friendly camping meals.

  • Pancakes
  • French toast
  • Oatmeal
  • Mac ‘n’ cheese
  • Campfire banana boats
  • Campfire nachos
  • Burritos
  • Quesadillas
  • Frittatas
  • Grilled sandwiches
  • Pizza boats
  • Campfire joes
  • Hot dogs

How to cater for dietary requirements when camping?

When creating your camping menu, make sure you know about any dietary restrictions of members of your camping group and plan your meals accordingly. Allergies you need to know about are nut and peanut allergies, gluten allergies, and lactose intolerance. You’ll also need to ask your crew if they are vegan or vegetarian, require kosher or halal food, are diabetic, or have any serious food dislikes.  

What vegan food is ideal for camping?

As with all foods, the best vegan foods for camping include anything that’s shelf-stable and won’t go off quickly. We highly recommend dehydrated meals by Backpacker’s Pantry, Outdoor Herbivore, Trailtopia, FirePot, and Bushka’s Kitchen.

What are some vegan breakfast ideas for camping?

Some of our favorite vegan camping breakfasts include Quaker Oatmeal, Outdoor Herbivore High Elevation Rice Cereal, Backpacker’s Pantry Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal, FirePot Baked Apple and Toasted Banana Breakfast Porridge, TrailTopia Oatmeal, and Peak Refuel Mountain Berry Granola.

What are some vegan lunch ideas for camping?

Some of our favorite vegan camping lunches are Bushka’s Kitchen Zoodles in Avocado Sauce and Lentil Lunch, Fernweh Food Company’s Red Beans with Coconut Rice, Patagonia Provisions’ Black Bean Soup, and Backpacker’s Pantry Southwestern Quinoa & Beans.

What are some vegan dinner ideas for camping?

Some of our favorite vegan camping dinners are listed below.

  • FirePot’s Smoky Tomato Paella, Orzo Bolognese, Green Gumbo, and Mac ‘n’ Greens
  • Fernweh Food Company’s Southwest Stew, Mushroom Pot Pie, and Green Tamale Pie
  • Nomad Nutrition’s Irish Shepherd’s Pie, Indian Red Lentil Stew, Spanish Paella, and Caribbean Curry.
  • Backpacker’s Pantry Louisiana Red Beans and Rice, Green Curry, Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, and Chana Masala

What are some vegan dessert ideas for camping?

Our favorite vegan camping desserts are Heather’s Choice Packaroons, Unreal Candy Bars, and Nutiva Hazelnut Spread with Fruit.

What are some vegan camping snack ideas?

Our favorite vegan camping snacks are Bobo’s Oat Bars, nuts and seeds, nut butters, fruit leathers, Quinn Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels, and Pear’s Snacks Flavored Nuts.

What gluten-free food is ideal for camping meals?

Some gluten-free food that’s ideal for camping meals includes kebabs (chicken or beef), hot dogs, fresh veg, gluten-free quick oats, gluten-free sandwiches, fruit and nut butter smoothies, cheese, salad, hummus, green curry, and chili.

What are some gluten-free camping meal ideas?

Below, we’ve made a short list of our favorite gluten-free camping meals.

  • Oatmeal
  • Gluten-free pancakes
  • Nut butter and jelly sandwiches
  • Nut butter and fruit smoothies
  • Veg and fried rice
  • Grilled hot dogs
  • Kabobs/skewers
  • Corn tortilla quesadillas

What high-protein ingredients are ideal for camping meals?

Chicken, tuna, red meat, nuts, nut butters, cheese, tofu, eggs, and fish are all high-protein ingredients that you can use in your camping meals.

What are some high-protein camping meal ideas?

Our favorite high-protein camping meals are listed below.

  • Protein pancakes
  • Charcuterie board
  • Cold cut roll-ups
  • Foil packet grilled salmon
  • Chicken and beef kebabs
  • Grilled chicken
  • Grilled hamburgers
  • Boiled eggs
  • Jerky
  • Omelets

Why are camping freeze-dried and dehydrated meals popular?

The reason freeze-dried and dehydrated meals are especially popular with backpackers is because they’re lightweight, convenient, nutritious, and let you enjoy a tasty hot meal without all the prep and cooking.

What are freeze-dried camping meals?

Freeze-dried camping meals are made with ingredients that are frozen and vacuum-sealed. During this process, the food’s water content turns from ice to vapor, which dries the food out. It can then be rehydrated later by simply adding boiling water to the pouch.

Can you make freeze-dried camping meals at home?

Yes, to freeze-dry food at home, pack your food in freezer-safe bags and put the bags in a cooler. Surround the bags with dry ice, leave the food in the cooler for about 24 hours, and then remove the bags and store them in an airtight container.

What are advantages of freeze-dried meals?

The main advantage of freeze-dried food is it gives you the same nutritional and calorific value as regular food at a far lighter weight. It also reduces packaging and preparation is a breeze. 

What are disadvantages of freeze-dried meals?

The main disadvantage of freeze-dried food is the price – you can expect to pay around twice as much as you would if making the same meal with fresh, store-bought ingredients.

What are dehydrated camping meals?

Dehydrated meals are either store-bought or homemade meals created in a specialized machine that circulates air around the food and removes its water content. This gives the food a stable, long-duration shelf life and allows them to be rehydrated with just boiling water when you plan to eat them.

Can you make dehydrated camping meals at home?

You can dehydrate food at home in a variety of ways – with an electric dehydrator, in the oven, air drying, or solar drying.

What are advantages of dehydrated meals?

The main advantage of dehydrated camping meals is they give you the same nutritional and calorific value as regular food at a far lighter weight. It also reduces packaging and preparation is a breeze. 

What are disadvantages of dehydrated meals?

The main disadvantage of dehydrated meals is the price – you can expect to pay around twice as much as you would if making the same meal with fresh, store-bought ingredients.

What is the easiest way to boil water when camping?

The easiest way to boil water when camping is in a camping kettle or a lidded pot over a stove or campfire.

How long does water need to boil to purify?

Water should be brought to and left on a rolling boil for 1 minute for purification purposes. If you are camping at high altitude (above 6,500), where water boils at a lower temperature, it is best to boil it for 3 minutes to be on the safe side.

How to have variety in your camping meals?

The best way to ensure you are getting plenty of variety and adequate nutrition in your car-camping meals is to create a meal plan for your trip. Once you have made a list of meal options, distribute different meal types throughout the week (or duration of your trip) in a way that gives you a nice mix.

What nutrition does a good camping breakfast include?

Before an active day at camp, you should seek to eat a healthy mix of complex carbs, proteins, and fats. The ideal ratio, according to nutritionist and long-distance hiker Dr. Brenda Braaten, is 50% carbs to 35% protein and 15% fat.

What are ideas for breakfast camping meals?

Some of our favorite camping breakfasts are Overnight Oats, Boiled Eggs, Bacon Scrambled Eggs, Egg Muffins, Fruit Stuffed Wraps, Make-Ahead Waffles or Pancakes, Breakfast Burritos, Avocado Toast and Boiled Eggs, and Dutch Oven Banana Bread.

What nutrition does a good camping lunch include?

During an active day at camp, you should seek to eat a healthy mix of complex carbs, proteins, and fats. The ideal ratio, according to nutritionist and long-distance hiker Dr. Brenda Braaten, is 50% carbs to 35% protein and 15% fat.

What are some quick and easy camping lunch ideas?

Some of our favorite quick and easy camping lunches are Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad, Tuna Salad, Guacamole and Chips, Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagels, Mashed Chickpea Sandwiches, and Cold Cut Roll-ups.

What are lunch ideas for a large camping group?

For large camping groups, our favorite lunches are Mac n Cheese, Chili and Dutch Oven Cornbread, Bread Bowls, Dutch Oven Goulash, Campfire Nachos, and Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches.

What are some tasty camping dinner ideas?

Our favorite flavorful camping dinners are Green Chili, Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken, Dutch Oven Goulash, Chicken/Beef Kebabs, Grilled Chicken and Pepper Foil Packets, Grilled Salmon and Lemon, and Frankfurters and Beans.

What are some easy-to-make camping dinner ideas?

Looking for great, tasty, easy-to-make camping dinner ideas? We recommend Frankfurters and Beans, Grilled Kebabs, Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Grilled Salmon and Lemon (in a foil packet), Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken, and Grilled Hamburgers.

What camping dinner ideas have minimal washing up?

Some camping dinners that require minimal washing up include anything you can cook in a foil packet (you can eat directly from the packet!), soups (directly from the pot!), campfire pizza, dehydrated meals, kebabs, and hamburgers.

What are some classic camping side dishes?

A few classic camping side dishes worth trying are potato salad, tacos, three-bean salad, campfire potatoes, sweet potato fries, hummus dips, grilled corn, and coleslaw. 

What are some make-ahead camping side dishes?

Below, we’ve made a short list of some great make-ahead camping side dishes.

  • Three-bean salad
  • Southwest Salad
  • Tomato caprese salad
  • Panzanella salad
  • Potato salad
  • Cucumber salad
  • Tuna wraps
  • Tacos
  • Hummus with carrot dips
  • Artichoke and spinach dips

What are some simple camping side dishes?

A few of our favorite simple camping side dishes are grilled vegetables, salad, nachos, glazed campfire carrots, sweet potato fries, Southwest Salad, feta pasta salad, panzanella salad, and three-bean salad.

What are some healthy camping side dishes?

A few of our favorite healthy camping side dishes are grilled vegetables, Southwest Salad, feta pasta salad, panzanella salad, smoked green beans, and glazed campfire carrots.

What are some decadent camping side dishes?

A few decadent camping side dishes you should definitely try are a cheese fondue with bread or carrot dips and make-ahead bacon, cheese, and spinach mini-quiches.

Can you still have dessert when camping?

Yes! You can still enjoy dessert while camping with make-ahead desserts, baking them in a Dutch oven, or toasting dessert foods like s’mores or marshmallows over the campfire. Alternatively, you can bring ingredients for no-bake flapjacks or cookies or just pack regular desserts (very) carefully!)

What are some simple camping desserts?

Our favorite simple camping desserts are toasted s’mores, popcorn, Pop-Tarts, yogurt parfaits,

no-bake energy bites, Nutella fruit dip, bananas with nut butter, no-bake mini-cheesecakes, cinnamon rolls, and oatmeal energy balls.

What are some make-ahead camping desserts?

Our favorite make-ahead camping desserts are cookies, no-bake s’mores bars, cinnamon rolls, oatmeal energy balls, and s’mores nachos.

What are some no-cook camping desserts?

Some of our favorite no-cook camping desserts are yogurt parfaits, no-bake energy bites, Nutella fruit dip, bananas with nut butter, and no-bake mini-cheesecakes.

What are some decadent camping desserts?

The most decadent camping dessert we can recommend is a luxurious chocolate fondue. Just melt a batch or two of your favorite chocolate in a pot on the campfire and then dip fruit, marshmallows, crackers, or whatever else you choose into the hot, gooey goodness. 

What are some Dutch oven camping desserts?

Some of our favorite Dutch oven camping desserts are brownies, campfire donuts, peach cobbler, berry cobbler, pineapple upside-down cake, and chocolate lava cake.

What are some campfire camping desserts?

Below, we’ve made a short list of some of our favorite campfire camping desserts.

  • Dutch oven peach cobbler
  • Toasted s’mores
  • S’mores nachos
  • Toasted marshmallows
  • Baked apples
  • Apple pie foil packets
  • Dutch oven brownies
  • Toasted dessert cones
  • Campfire cinnamon rolls

What are some vegan camping desserts?

Our favorite vegan camping desserts are apple crisp foil packets, blueberry oat pancakes with berry sauce, stuffed bananas, and chocolate coconut date balls.

What are some gluten-free camping desserts?

Some of our favorite gluten-free camping desserts include gluten-free cookie bars, gluten-free s’mores and cinnamon chex bars, gluten-free blueberry crisp, banana boats, grilled fruit, gluten-free apple pie, and baked apples.

What campsite cooking options are there?

Below, we’ve made a short list of the different ways you can cook at the campsite.

  • Skillet
  • Fry pan
  • Grill
  • Dutch oven
  • Skewers
  • Integrated canister stove
  • Canister stove
  • Pots
  • Alternative fuel stove (ESBIT, etc.)
  • Alcohol stove

What meals cook best over a campfire?

You can cook almost any meal over a campfire. However, due to the limited cooking space, it’s best to cook meals that are relatively simple and have fewer ingredients. Thanks to the smoky woodiness of that open flame, campfires are great for red meats and white meats, too.

How to build a campfire for cooking on?

The key to creating the perfect campfire for cooking on is to get a good bed of hot coals. To do this, start with a small bed of tinder and very small twigs for kindling. Light the tinder and gradually add small kindling until you have a good flame going, then add gradually larger kindling. Rather than throw on logs, as soon as you have a healthy bed of coals you should prop a large stone at either side of the fire, suspend your grill over the fire on the stones, and get cooking!

What safety precautions to take when campfire cooking?

Below, we’ve made a short list of campfire safety precautions you should take when cooking.

  • Keep a bucket of water handy in case things get out of control
  • Build your fire at least 12 feet from any brush and foliage
  • Don’t build your fire directly under any overhanging branches
  • Keep your fire small
  • Bring extra-long roasting forks
  • Wear oven gloves when handling cooking implements and hot food
  • Make sure you extinguish the fire properly
How to control temperature when campfire cooking?

To regulate cooking temperature when cooking over a campfire, simply slide your pot, pan, or skillet to the center of the grill for a higher heat and to the edge of the grill for a lower heat. Alternatively, you can raise or lower the supports for your grill as needed.

What utensils are needed for campfire cooking?

The most important utensils you’ll need for campfire cooking are tongs, a spatula, and a fork.

Why is cast iron great for campfire cooking?

Almost by consensus, cast iron cookware is considered the best for campfire cooking because it distributes and conducts heat far better than steel or aluminum alternatives.

What are some cast iron camping recipes?

Some of our favorite cast iron camping recipes are Frittatas, Cheesy Sausage Pull-Apart Breakfast Bakes, Campfire Nachos, Pizza Sandwiches, Steak and Sweet Potato Hash, Cheesy Skillet Spaghetti, Chicken Fajitas, Cowboy Sausages and Beans, Skillet Cornbread, Peach Cobbler, and Skillet S’mores.

Why is a Dutch oven great for camping meals?

Dutch ovens are the most versatile piece of camping cookware you can own. You can do everything from boil water and cook vegetables to roast meat and bake bread in them! They’re particularly suitable for camping because they conduct and distribute heat better than steel or aluminum cookware, giving you more control over your cooking and making it easier to work with a smaller flame like that from a canister stove.

What are some Dutch oven camping meal recipes?

Some of our favorite Dutch oven camping meal recipes include  Oven-braised Beef with Summer Vegetables, Eggs Baked with Avocado, Campfire Chili, Dutch Oven Banana Bread, Dutch Oven Tacos, Enchiladas, Cheesy Sausage Pull-Apart Breakfast Bake, and Peach Cobbler.

How do you use a camping Dutch oven?

If you’re baking or braising with a camping Dutch oven, you need to have bi-directional heat. That means building a larger campfire and placing coals on top of the oven while cooking. For boiling, steaming, pan frying, searing, or sauteing, you only need heat from below, so you can use it like a regular pot or frying pan.

How do you season a camping Dutch oven?

Below, we’ve listed the steps you should take to season your camping Dutch oven and remove the manufacturer film from the surface of the iron.

  • Start by washing it in hot, soapy water and scouring the coating away with a steel wool pad
  • Dry your oven and then place it under the grill at 400°F for 2 or 3 minutes
  • Now, rub vegetable shortening canola oil, or flax oil over all interior and exterior surfaces, using a cloth or paper towel to get into corners and grooves
  • Wipe off excess oil
  • Open your windows – there will be a lot of smoke during the next step!
  • Place your Dutch oven in your kitchen oven for an hour
  • Leave it to cool inside your kitchen oven for 30 minutes
  • Repeat the above process 3 times

What are advantages of cooking meals on a camping stove?

The main advantages of cooking on a camping stove as opposed to a campfire are that it’s more convenient (no fuel collection and lengthy waiting time before cooking) and easier to control heat output.

What are some camping stove meal ideas?

Our favorite camping stove meals are one-pot meals like beef stroganoff, chili, chicken alfredo, Thai green curry, quinoa enchilada bowl, ravioli, and chicken mushroom risotto.

What are tips on how to cook when camping?

Below, we’ve listed our top tips for cooking while camping.

  • Use Cast Iron. It distributes and conducts heat better and will last longer than steel or aluminum.
  • Plan your meals ahead of time. This will ensure you don’t run short of (or pack too much) food and get adequate nutrients.
  • Pre-freeze your meat. Your meal will last longer before going bad and help to keep other items in your cooler cool.
  • Bring plenty of aluminum foil. It’s useful for storing leftovers and cooking foil packets.
  • Pre-chop everything. This will save you some work and time at camp.
  • Bring a Dutch oven. Simply put, they’re the most versatile cooking apparatus available!
  • Streamline your setup. Only bring the cookware and utensils you need to save time and space. Use small tubs (Tic-Tac packs work a treat) and squeeze bottles for herbs, spices, and condiments.
  • Bring a bear canister. Even if you aren’t in bear country, it simplifies storage and there are plenty of other critters that will happily pilfer your provisions.

What gear do you need for camp cooking?

The list below itemizes everything you’ll need for campsite cooking.

  • Camp stove and fuel (if not cooking over your campfire)
  • Pots, pans, skillet, and/or Dutch oven
  • Cooking forks and tongs
  • Spatula
  • Skewer sticks
  • Oven gloves
  • Dishcloths
  • Sponges and soap
  • Thermos
  • Plates, bowls, and mugs
  • Cutlery
  • Can and bottle openers
  • Washbasins or buckets
  • Drying rack
  • Garbage bags
  • Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
  • Matches/lighter

Can you have a great cup of coffee when camping?

Yes! There are many ways to make a great cup of coffee while camping, from using a moka pot to make an espresso to using single-serving pour-overs or specialized coffee attachments for all-in-one canister stove systems.

What camping coffee method makes the tastiest brew?

For our money, the best way to make tasty coffee while camping is with a French press or a moka pot, both of which capture all of the flavor in your ground beans without risking the bitter taste that results from over-brewing.

What camping coffee method is easiest?

The simplest and most convenient way to get a good cup of coffee while camping is by using instant coffee or coffee in a bag. Both methods take as long as it takes to boil water and require no specialized coffee-making equipment.

What camping coffee method is quickest?

Instant coffee and coffee in a bag are the quickest coffee prep methods. However, if you prefer a little more quality, we recommend using the ground coffee of your choice in a French press, which will take just a few seconds longer.

How to make coffee on a camping stove?

Using a camping stove, you can make cowboy coffee by throwing in your grounds with hot water or use the hot water to make your brew with a French press, pour-over drip stand, instant coffee, or coffee in a bag.

How to make coffee over a campfire?

You can make coffee over a campfire in various ways – in a moka pot, in a percolator, or by boiling water for a French press, instant coffee, or coffee in a bag.

What mistakes are made when brewing camp coffee?

The main mistake made when brewing camp coffee is brewing on too low a heat, which invariably results in a bitter-tasting end product. 

What are camping coffee hacks for a better brew?

Below, we’ve listed a few tips to help you make the perfect coffee at camp.

  • Make your own single-serving coffee bags using grounds, a filter, and a piece of string to create a drawstring pouch
  • If hygiene isn’t your forte and you’re out of filters, use a sock!
  • Pre-heat the water you use in your moka pot or percolator – this simple little trick helps bring out the best of the beans’ flavors
  • If espresso’s your thing and you want your caffeine quick, invest in an AeroPress!
  • Use a GSI Java Press if you have a larger group
  • Buy a good percolator if you like your coffee long and strong

What milk alternatives to pack for camp coffee?

The most convenient milk alternatives for camping coffee are powdered milk and single-serving creamer sachets.

How to make coffee when camping?

There are various ways to brew coffee while camping. This includes instant coffee, coffee in a bag, the sock method, single serving pour-overs, pour-over drip stands, and cowboy coffee, and with an AeroPress, French press coffee maker, percolator, integrated cook system, or moka pot.

What to pack to make coffee when camping?

To make coffee when camping, you’ll need to pack your brewing device, your favorite camping mug, sugar or sweeteners, and powdered milk or creamer.

How to maintain coffee-making gear while camping?

To maintain your coffee-making gear when camping, give everything a good clean with biodegradable soap and water after each use, dry it thoroughly, and store it away safely. On extended trips, you may need to bring a descaler if you’re using a brew pot in your RV.

How to use a camping coffee percolator?

Below, we’ve listed the steps to take to use a camping coffee percolator.

  • Fill your percolator with water, making sure the water level doesn’t rise above the bottom of the spout
  • Attach the basket to the stem and add your coffee grounds (two spoonfuls per cup) 
  • Place the basket inside the percolator and screw the lid shut
  • Place the percolator over your heat source and leave the water to boil
  • Move the percolator to the edge of the stove or lower the heat once it reaches a boil 
  • Leave it to percolate for 5 to10 minutes

What kind of coffee to use in a camping percolator?

With a camping percolator, the best coffee to use is a slightly coarse, medium-ground coffee.

How to plan and organize food for a camping trip?

Below, we’ve made a short list of the steps you should take when planning and organizing your food for a camping trip.

  • Consider dietary restrictions
  • Make a meal plan including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and snacks
  • Make sure there’s plenty of variety
  • Ensure there’s a good spread of nutrients
  • Try to give each adult camper will be getting a minimum of 2,500 calories per day (rising to 3,500 on more active camping trips) 
  • Pack and store all meals separately, with labels
  • Consider storage – depending on the length of your trip and the type of food you’re bringing, you’ll likely need coolers. In bear country, you’ll need bear canisters if there are no in-situ food lockers
  • Pack all cooking utensils, pots and pans, your stove, and plates and bowls

Why is it important to store camp food correctly?

The two main reasons it’s important to store camping food correctly are to prevent it going bad and to prevent it falling into the paws (and jaws) of wildlife.

How to prevent food spoilage when camping?

The best way to prevent food spoilage when camping is to bring along a good camping cooler filled with dry ice, which lasts far longer than regular ice. It also helps to pre-freeze items at home and chill your cooler before filling it with your goodies. Keep the lid on your cooler closed until you need to take your food out to cook and replenish your ice supplies whenever possible.

Should you use a bear bag or canister when camping?

We always recommend using a bear canister instead of a bear bag. Canisters are easy to use and highly effective, whereas bear bags require making a “bear hang” in a tree and are not bear-proof, so if your hand isn’t spot-on, a lucky bear is going to be enjoying your goodies instead of you.

Why is it important to prepare a camping menu planner?

Preparing a camping food list and menu planner is vitally important because it will help ensure you get adequate nutrition and variety, and that you bring enough but not far too much food. 

What factors affect amount of camping food needed?

The main factors affecting the amount of food you need for a camping trip are your group size, trip duration, the size of your appetites (!), the season (we tend to burn more calories in cold weather, so we need more food), and how active you’ll be on your trip.

What mistakes are made with amount of camping food packed?

The most common mistake campers make when deciding how much food to pack is either underestimating how much they’ll need or bringing way too much. To avoid this, make a detailed meal plan for your trip, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and a small emergency stash.

What else to consider about food when going camping?

A few other things worth thinking about before going camping are how to wash your dishes, how much water you’ll need (for hydration, personal hygiene, and cooking/cleaning), and how to store all that water if you don’t have access to potable water at your campsite.

What is the best setup for washing camp dishes?

The best setup for washing camping dishes is the three-bucket method. Use one bucket for washing, one for hot rinsing, and another for cold rinsing. We also recommend bringing a drying rack or a large mesh sack you can hang everything in to dry.

What to pack to help wash dishes at camp?

To wash dishes at camp, we recommend bringing three buckets (one for hot, soapy water, one for hot rinse water, and one for cold rinse water), a sponge or scrubbing brush, biodegradable dish soap, drying cloths, and a mesh sack for air drying.

How much water to bring camping?

If you don’t have access to a reliable source of drinking water or don’t bring a water filter, you’ll need to take around two gallons of water per person per day to cover hydration, cooking, and hygiene needs.

What features to look for in a camping water container?

When choosing a water container for camping, you should consider its capacity, portability, materials, design (collapsible or hard-sided), how leakproof it is, and whether it uses a spigot or a cap.