30+ Easy Camping Recipes (2024)

Many folks out there are under the impression that camping entails ” roughing it” while “living off of the land,” doing things like eating wild berries, digging for edible bugs, and hunting trout with a bowie knife. As experienced campers know, nothing’s further from the truth. In fact, veteran campers know how to live like royalty while dining on the finest campfire meals by using simple camping recipes.

There’s just something about cooking outside that feels so primal and natural. Our early ancestors cooked their meals outside over an open fire, and maybe there’s some sort of throw-back feeling or instinct that simply makes food taste better when it’s prepared outdoors. And you can cook all types of meals outside.

Camping is a fantastic way to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and return to simpler times.

Best of all, you can take all kinds of camping trips, from romantic getaways to family camping vacations.

Camping offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. One of the highlights of any camping trip is gathering around the campfire, cooking up delicious meals, and sharing stories under the stars. With a little creativity and planning, it’s possible to whip up a variety of scrumptious dishes that will make everyone look forward to mealtime.

When it comes to camping recipes, simplicity is key. Outdoor cooking enthusiasts often prioritize finding recipes that require minimal ingredients, equipment, and preparation time. The best camping meals make use of fresh, versatile ingredients and are easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

One thing that really brings folks together while camping is the campfire. Folks love to sit around the fire and talk, telling stories and jokes, or just enjoying quiet, reflective silence while listening to the crackling flames.

Another great thing about camping is the incredible campfire food you can make using only a few portable cooking tools.

However, the trick to cooking most great campfire meals is prepping certain ingredients at home.

But, forget about pre-packed sandwiches, heating canned baked beans, and roasting weenies and marshmallows.

There are upgraded camping dishes out there that rival anything you’ll make in a kitchen!

Below, we’ve gathered a collection of 31 easy camping meals that will enhance any camping experience. Don’t forget our tasty camping breakfast recipes too.

Source: whatscookingamerica.net

1. Dutch Oven Beer and Sausage

Aside from being absolutely delicious, one of the great things about this Dutch oven beer and sausage recipe is that it doesn’t require a ton of time or ingredients.

As far as easy camping meals go, this one’s definitely up there.

With just a little effort, you can create a flavorful and hearty dinner when you’re out on the trail. And it’s also an excellent meal for tailgate parties.

This dish is packed with delicious ingredients such as Yukon Gold baby potatoes, onion, garlic, sweet peppers, sage leaves, basil leaves, beer brat sausages, and of course, the beer of your choosing.

We used Guinness in this recipe, and the results were mind-blowing!

Now, some of you may not be familiar with Dutch ovens, which have been around for hundreds of years in many forms used by cultures worldwide.

Dutch ovens are basically large cast-iron pots. There’s nothing out there that holds a pleasant, even temperature like these heavy-duty pots. You can take dutch ovens from a stove top to a grill or campfire and lose minimal temperature.

Source: thecookierookie.com

2. Foil Packet BBQ Chicken and Black Bean Nachos

Another one of our favorite camping meal ideas is this recipe for foil packet bbq chicken and black bean nachos.

That’s right. You can make nachos over a campfire.

Foil packet cooking is one of the cornerstones of when it comes to preparing mouth-watering and easy camping food.

You’ve got ingredients like tomato, black beans, spicy beef, chips, green chiles, and, of course, piles of melty cheese.

Did we mention this recipe has a lot of cheese?

All of the ingredients come together in a convenient foil pack that cooks right on your grill.

Source: freshoffthegrid.com

3. Dutch Oven Chicken Marbella

Do you want to know what separates the average campfire dinner recipes from legendary camping dinners?

There are tons of “just okay” campfire food, but this recipe for Dutch oven chicken Marbella is leagues above your average roasted chicken dish.

The recipe also includes a fantastic hack for getting the same crispy chicken skin using your dutch oven as you would using a conventional indoor range.

As for the ingredients, including olives, chicken, capers, dried oregano, brown sugar, and prunes, it’s super important to use white wine to help create your delicious sauce.

Now, many dishes like this would take hours to cook in a dutch oven. With this recipe, your meal’s done in about 50 minutes tops!

Source:gudgear.com

4. Campfire S’mores (classic plus 6 variations)

One of the most iconic campfire food ideas of all time is campfire S’mores.

This incredible trail dessert uses only a few simple ingredients that all come together to create a sweet, crunchy, melty camping masterpiece that’s been a tradition on the trail for generations.

And this fun recipe will show you how to make six different kinds of smores plus the classic version.

Some of the variations include S’more fudge, S’moreos, Caramel S’mores, S’mores brownies, and more.

Source: readyseteat.com

5. Campfire S’mores Nachos

If you’re looking for one of the most decadent campfire desserts ever created, then look no further than this recipe for campfire S’mores nachos!

Let’s start with the ingredients. We have graham crackers, mini marshmallows, crumbled fudge brownies, milk chocolate morsels, peanut butter, and whipped cream.

All of these ingredients are cooked in foil over your campfire grill to create a delicious twist on an iconic trail dessert.

You can also add caramel or butterscotch morsels to the equation for a mind-blowing experience.

Source: unocasa.com

6. Campfire Cowboy Stew with Sausage and Beans

One of the best easy camping dinners around is this recipe for campfire cowboy stew with sausage and beans.

When you take delicious veggies, tender meats, and hearty beans, then mix in some flavorful herbs and spices, you’ve got magic in a pot!

You simply can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleasing stew!

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also full of protein-rich ingredients like green beans and kidney beans.

This stew will give you all the energy you need to tackle even the toughest of hikes!

Happy trails, indeed!

Source: princesspinkygirl.com

7. Campfire Potatoes

There are tons of camping dinner ideas for campfire potatoes, but this recipe is by far among the very best.

Not only do you have deliciously seasoned sliced potatoes, but you also have crispy bacon pieces, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, green onions, and red potatoes!

This dish can be served as a side dish with your favorite meats like chicken or sausage, or by itself.

And if you happen to bring along some sour cream and diced ripe tomatoes, you’ve got yourself one supreme meal!

Source: thorindustries.com

8. Campfire Pizza

It’s a sad fact that most pizza joints will not deliver to the middle of the woods.

Yes, we know, it’s ridiculous, but, what can you do?

One suggestion is to make your own.

One of the most inspired camping food ideas we’ve ever found is this recipe for campfire pizza.

Now, dragging a heavy pizza stone on the trail might be a bit impractical, but if you don’t mind the extra weight, we’ve found this is one of the best ways to cook campfire pizza.

Of course, you can use an open grill as well.

The recipe uses premade pizza sauce, olive oil, refrigerated premade pizza crust, bell peppers, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni, and basil leaves.

But, of course, you can use any toppings you want.

Source: freshoffthegrid.com

9. Pull-Apart Campfire Garlic Bread

This inspired recipe should be on everyone’s camping food list.

Pull-apart campfire garlic bread is like a cross between garlic bread and Bloomin’ Onion.

The bread is loaded with flavors like parsley, minced garlic, and shredded cheese.

When it comes to fantastic camping meals, you can’t get much better than this, folks!

The pull-apart bread makes for a fun way to share a meal with friends and family.

Plus, you can add ingredients like bacon, ground beef, diced olives, and diced tomatoes for even more flavorful options.

Source: coloradosundays.com

10. Dutch Oven Enchiladas

Create your own Mexican restaurant right from your camp with this fabulous recipe for campfire dutch oven enchiladas.

Folks, we’re talking flour tortillas, peppers, onion, enchilada sauce, Monterey jack cheese, fresh cilantro, and loads of other goodies like jalapenos, all in onespicy, melty, savory dish!

You can also add meats like ground beef, turkey, shredded chicken, and steak.

Best of all, your enchiladas cook in almost no time! Once the sauce starts bubbling and your cheese melts, you’re ready to eat!

Source: campingwithgus.com

11. Campfire Taco in a Bag

If you’re camping with kids and don’t want to bother with a bunch of cooking, campfire tacos in a bag are one of the easiest camping dinner or lunch solutions.

You can prepare your taco meat ahead of time at home and heat it up on the trail or serve cold.

You just put in your meat, cheese, and other ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and taco sauce a bag of your favorite chips.

Best of all, clean-up is quick and easy with no dishes to clean. Just be sure to take your trash with you to help keep our green spaces clean.

Source: campingforfoodies.com

12. Breakfast Campfire French Toast

There’s nothing like the crispy on the outside, moist on the inside texture of French Toast combined with that one-of-a-kind sweet egg flavor we all know and love.

And if you think you have to wait until you’re back in “civilization” to enjoy this delicious breakfast meal – you’re wrong!

This recipe will show you step-by-step how to make mouthwatering delicious campfire french toast using your portable camping griddle.

Bring along your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruits and berries, and whipped cream for one of the best camping breakfasts you’ll ever enjoy!

Source: gourmetsleuth.com

13. Grilled Campfire Corn on the Cob

Corn on the cob is one of the most straightforward recipes you can cook on the trail.

But this enhanced recipe will make you forget you ever had grilled corn before.

Seriously, folks, this has to be the best grilled corn on the cob we’ve ever tasted!

The recipe uses heavy cream, butter, sour cream, paprika, and parmesan cheese to take your grilled corn to the next level.

Now, you want to remember just to peel back the husk and not remove it altogether. This way, you’ll have a natural handle for holding your corn.

Source: freshoffthegrid.com

14. Smokey Spiced Campfire Popcorn

In an upgrade to another classic camping recipe, we have this recipe for smokey spiced campfire popcorn.

Now, if you’ve ever had campfire popcorn prepared over an open flame, you know that there’s just something about it that sets it worlds apart from anything you nuke in the microwave.

But, this recipe takes things much further, adding various spices such as smoked paprika, garlic, and red chili flakes to give your popcorn a kick that’ll knock you off your log!

Be warned. You may find yourself sneering and turning your nose at clueless popcorn vendors for the rest of your life after having this popcorn.

Source: themodernproper.com

15. Dressed Up Baked Beans

If you enjoy eating baked beans on your camping trips, it’s time to give your beans a makeover with this recipe for dressed-up baked beans.

We’re talking crispy bacon, savory sausage, onions, maple syrup, spicy mustard, molasses, cider vinegar, and ketchup, all bubbling in your dutch oven to turn your plain beans into culinary gold!

Since you’re using canned beans, this recipe requires very little cooking time. You’ll just need to cook your bacon separately in a skillet.

There’s no way ordinary baked beans will ever satisfy you the same after you’ve had one spoonful of this lentil masterpiece!

Source: hip2save.com

16. Campfire Chili Cheese Fries Tin Foil Dinner

Sweet Christmas, people! Is there anything you can’t make on a campfire?

This recipe for campfire chili cheese fries cooks up to perfection inside of its own pod of tin foil.

Now, you can prepare your own fries and bits of bacon at home or buy these ingredients pre-made.

However, you’ll want to pre-cook your fries at home if you’re going the homemade route.

You’ll also need to warm your pre-made chili in your travel pot.

Grill time for each foil pack is between 20 and 30 minutes. Once they’re done, you’ve got golden fries that are ready to receive their hot chili treatment.

Source: mermaidsandmojitos.com

17. Dutch Oven Cornbread

One of our favorite all-time classic camping dishes is dutch oven cornbread.

This is another meal that’s been enjoyed in many forms by people worldwide for generations.

And this recipe allows you to reconnect with your ancestors in the most delicious way.

You only have to mix together seven simple ingredients to make your mix. Pour it into a dutch oven and cook for around 30 minutes.

When it’s done, you’ll have hot, fresh, sweet, golden cornbread to savor with your companions.

Pair this dish up with the dressed-up beans, and now you’re blazing trails!

Source: roamworthy.com

18. Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs

Another super-easy dish to make over a campfire is kabobs, and this recipe for grilled pineapple chicken kabobs is not only simple but outrageously delicious!

Kabobs give us huge chunks of meats, fruits, and veggies grilled to perfection over an open flame.

Now, once again, if you want to save prep time, you’ll need to do most of the prep work at home, such as cutting up your chicken and veggies.

And once you’ve skewered everything, your pineapple chicken kabobs will only need a total of ten minutes on the grill before you’re ready to chow down!

Source: familyspice.com

19. Campfire Bean Chili with Cornbread Topping

Combining the best of both worlds, we’ve got this sensational recipe for campfire bean chili with cornbread.

We all know cornbread and chili taste amazing when brought together. But, you’ll taste these two fantastic dishes in a brand new way when you cook them as one meal.

Best of all, you can also make this at home in the oven.

Source: gimmesomegrilling.com

20. Foil Pack French Dip Sandwich

Are you craving one of your favorite sandwiches on the trail without a sandwich shop anywhere near you for miles?

Don’t sweat it. This recipe for a foil pack french dip sandwich will satisfy your craving while delivering one of the best french dip sandwiches you ever had the pleasure of hugging with your mouth.

All your ingredients are premade, so you’ll just need to assemble your sandwich, wrap it in foil, and grill until it’s nice crispy with melty cheese oozing from the sides.

Now take your dip and enjoy yourself!

Oooh, La La!

Source: smokegrillbbq.com

21. Campfire Grilled Cheese

Fast, simple, delicious – these are words that describe the perfect campfire grilled cheese sandwich.

All you need are three simple ingredients; butter, bread, and cheese.

That’s it.

Tasting that golden butter-toasted bread just before biting into the oozing, melty cheese is like a time travel machine back to happy childhood memories.

Bring along some tomato soup for an excellent dunking dip.

Also, this recipe gives you tips on how to cook your grilled cheese sandwiches without a cast-iron skillet.

However, we would recommend you stick with the skillet.

Source: ediblecommunities.com

22. Dutch Oven Campfire Lasagna

As if we needed any further proof that anything’s possible when cooking by the campfire, we have this mind-blowing recipe for fireside lasagna.

This recipe takes about two hours to cook, but you won’t complain once you dig into what will turn out to be some of the best lasagnas you’ve ever had.

This dish has it all: ground beef, diced onion, parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, and of course, those classic lasagna noodles.

You’ll also need three eggs for this dish, so you might want to crack them at home and have them ready in a container to avoid any travel accidents.

Source: recipegirl.com

23. Camping Breakfast Sandwich

If you’re a camper who’s always on the move and doesn’t really have time for a sit-down breakfast, you need something portable and hearty that will give you the energy to tackle your day.

Well, that’s precisely what you get in this recipe for camping breakfast sandwiches.

How about this?

You’ve got fresh eggs, salsa, avocados, cheddar cheese, ham (or bacon), all between two buttered English muffins.

Now, you might be wondering how you would eat the eggs with this sandwich. You could fry them with the yokes and pop them on there, but this recipe shows you how to make them into campfire omelets that fold perfectly onto your sandwich.

Once everything is finished cooking, you’ve got delicious sandwiches packed with the protein you’ll need to fuel your adventures.

Source: escapeadventures.com

24. Dutch Oven Campfire Nachos

A cold drink, good friends, a warm campfire, and a nice, big pot filled with cheesy, meaty, yummy nachos.

Can life get any better, folks? I think not.

This recipe for campfire nachos is packed to the max with tasty ingredients like fresh cubed avocado, tortilla chips, Mexican blend cheese, black beans, onions, fresh cilantro, and other spices.

Best of all, you’ll be eating real good in about 15 minutes flat. And when your hungry friends come around, you’ll be like:

Juana Share?

Never heard of her.

Source: dinnerthendessert.com

25. Dutch Oven S’mores Cereal Bars

We all know it’s the simple pleasures in life that bring us the most joy. And when you’re out on the trail by the campfire, these Dutch oven S’more cereal Bars will positively fill you with that simple joy.

These bars are made with six simple ingredients: salted butter, milk chocolate chips, corn syrup, vanilla extract, marshmallows, and Golden Graham cereal (or any graham cracker cereal).

You’ll cook a few ingredients in your dutch oven before adding in your marshmallows and cereal.

Then you put the mixture in a pan and let it set. If you have leftover marshmallows, sprinkle them over your mixture while it’s still hot to get a melty, gooey topping.

Source: 50campfires.com

26. Dutch Oven Bacon & Cheese Pull-Apart Loaf

Another hearty and filling breakfast dish is Dutch oven Bacon & Cheese Pull-Apart Loaf.

This cheesy bacon blessed dish is filled with tons of valuable protein and carbs to keep you going on the trail.

Now, this recipe can take a bit more time to prepare and cook, depending on the outside temperature.

However, you won’t regret a single minute as soon as this bacon and cheese goodness touches your lips!

Source: melaniecooks.com

27. Caramelized Onions on the Grill

One great camping dish that’s great as an add-on to other meals or just by themselves is caramelized onions.

And the best part is that you can make them on your grill with just a bit of tin foil, a little olive oil, salt, and pepper!

These onions take about 35 minutes to cook, and they come out tender and delicious, the perfect topping for other meals like scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, or even burgers.

Source: sbs.com.au

28. Dutch Oven Applelicious Dutch Baby Pancake

One of our favorite dishes to make with a Dutch oven is Dutch Baby pancakes.

And this recipe goes double Dutch using delicious, juicy Dutch apples cooked inside a huge sweet, eggy Dutch pancake.

This dish takes between 20 and 25 minutes to bake or until your pancake is all puffy and golden all over.

Last, just dust your pancake with powdered sugar and get to work!

Source: dessertnowdinnerlater.com

29. Pineapple Ham and Cheese Campfire Sandwich

Try these amazing pineapple ham and cheese sandwiches for a hot, sweet, delicious sandwich perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

You’ll love the combination of juicy Hawaiian flavors as you bite into this sweet and meaty sandwich!

All you have to do is build your sandwich using artisan french rolls, sliced deli ham, sliced cheddar cheese, sliced pineapple, some dijon mustard, and a bit of honey.

Wrap the whole thing up in some heavy-duty aluminum foil and set it on the grill for about 20 minutes, depending on your fire’s temperature.

Source: icfriendlyrecipes.blogspot.com

30. Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets

If you’re craving seafood on the trail, this recipe for campfire shrimp scampi is just the thing to scratch that itch!

These plump, juicy pieces of shrimp are cooked over a campfire grill in heavy-duty foil and stewed in their own juices, along with all of your herbs and spices.

One vital ingredient is white wine, which contributes to this dish’s flavor profile in a big way.

After 10 to 12 minutes on the grill, your shrimp are ready for your plate, or eat them right out of the foil.

Source: countryliving.com

31. Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Pink Lady Apples

Last but not least, we have this delicious recipe for seared sausage with cabbage and pink lady apples.

Folks, just look at that picture above. Doesn’t this dish look like it’s to die for?

Well, guess what? It is!

And with only a few simple ingredients and 35 minutes to spare, you can feed up to four hungry campers with this out-of-this-world meal!

If you loved these recipes, you can also find more incredible campfire recipe ideas in the video below.