Camping is a fantastic adventure that reconnects us with nature and provides a much-needed escape from our daily routines. However, when it comes to food, many campers find themselves facing the challenge of limited cooking facilities and time constraints. That’s where the beauty of make-ahead camping meals comes into play. In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of delicious camping food ideas that can be prepared in advance, making your outdoor dining experience easy, enjoyable, and hassle-free.
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Why Make-Ahead Camping Meals?
- Spend more time exploring nature and less time cooking at the campsite.
- Fewer dishes and less mess to deal with, allowing you to leave no trace in the wilderness.
- Pre-made meals are less likely to suffer from uneven cooking or burnt food.
- These meals can be customised to meet dietary restrictions and preferences.
- Properly stored make-ahead meals reduce the risk of illnesses in the great outdoors.
Make-Ahead Camping Food Ideas
Making a mason jar salad for camping is a convenient and portable way to enjoy a fresh and healthy meal while outdoors.
Ingredients:
- Mason jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Salad dressing of your choice
- Protein (cooked chicken, tofu, beans, or chickpeas)
- Vegetables (cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, carrots, radishes)
- Leafy greens (lettuce, spinach, kale)
- Grains or pasta (quinoa, couscous, or cooked pasta)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients: Start by preparing all your ingredients. Cook your protein if needed and chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and dry leafy greens.
2. Layering in the Jar: Begin with the salad dressing at the bottom of the mason jar. Add enough dressing to coat the bottom of the jar.
3. Add Grains or Pasta: Next, add your grains or pasta as the next layer. This helps prevent the dressing from making the greens soggy.
4. Layer Vegetables: Add a layer of your chopped vegetables on top of the grains/pasta. Choose a variety of colors and textures for a visually appealing salad.
5. Protein Layer: Add your cooked protein on top of the vegetables. This layering helps keep the protein separate from the dressing until you’re ready to eat.
6. Leafy Greens: Finish by adding your leafy greens as the top layer. Pack them tightly to fill the jar but leave a little space at the top.
7. Seal the Jar: Seal the mason jar tightly with its lid. Make sure it’s secure to prevent any leaks during transportation.
8. Storage and Serving: Store the mason jar salad in your esky until you’re ready to eat. When it’s mealtime, simply shake the jar to distribute the dressing, then eat directly from the jar to save on washing.
Tips:
- Use a wide-mouthed mason jar for easier layering and serving.
- Choose hearty vegetables and greens that will stay fresh and crisp in the jar.
- Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid a soggy salad.
Click here for our printer-friendly mason jar recipe for camping
Preparing foil packets filled with seasoned meats, vegetables, and herbs is a convenient and delicious way to cook a flavourful meal while camping.
Ingredients:
- Aluminum foil
- Protein of your choice (chicken, fish, shrimp, sausage, tofu)
- Assorted vegetables (capsicums, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, potatoes)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Seasonings and herbs (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary)
Instructions:
1. Prep Ingredients: start by preparing all your ingredients. Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces and season your protein with your desired spices and herbs.
2. Cut Foil Sheets:Tear off sheets of aluminum foil, each large enough to wrap around the ingredients and form a sealed packet. You’ll need one sheet per packet.
3. Assemble Foil Packets: Place a piece of protein (such as a chicken breast or fish fillet) in the centre of each foil sheet. Add a generous portion of vegetables around the protein. Drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the protein and vegetables. Season everything with your chosen herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
4. Fold and Seal Packets: Bring the sides of the foil together over the ingredients, then fold them down to seal tightly. Fold the ends of the foil to create a sealed packet, ensuring there are no openings for steam to escape.
5. Cooking on Grill or Campfire: Place the foil packets directly on hot coals or on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the protein and the desired level of doneness. Flip the packets halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
6. Check for Doneness: Carefully open one foil packet to check if the protein is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Be cautious of steam when opening the packets.
With foil packets, you can create delicious and hassle-free meals while camping, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors without compromising on taste! Remember to use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing during cooking. And label foil packets with ingredients if making multiple variations to easily identify them when cooking.
Click here for our printer-friendly foil packet dinner recipe for camping.
Making marinated kabobs for camping is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavourful and easy-to-cook meal outdoors.
Ingredients:
- Skewers (metal or bamboo, soaked in water if bamboo)
- Protein of your choice (chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu)
- Assorted vegetables (capsicums, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes)
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Herbs and spices (optional, based on preference)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices.
2. Cut and Marinate Protein: Cut the protein into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Coat the protein evenly and let it marinate in the esky or fridge for at least 30 minutes to a few hours.
3. Prepare Vegetables: Cut the vegetables into chunks or wedges that will thread easily onto skewers. Keep them separate from the marinated protein.
4. Assemble Kabobs: Thread the marinated protein and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between protein and veggies for even cooking and flavour distribution.
5. Grill or Campfire : Grill them over the campfire until cooked to your desired doneness, rotating occasionally for even cooking or place them on your grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
With marinated kabobs, camping meals can be both convenient and delicious.
Click here for our printer-friendly marinated kabob recipe for camping.
Pre-making burritos for camping is a smart and convenient way to satisfying meal ready to go.
Ingredients:
- Burrito-sized tortillas (flour or whole wheat)
- Protein (cooked chicken, beef, beans, or tofu)
- Rice or quinoa (optional)
- Vegetables (onions, corn, black beans, tomatoes)
- Cheese
- Salsa or enchilada sauce
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
- Guacamole or sliced avocado (optional)
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients: Cook your protein of choice (chicken, beef, beans, tofu) and let it cool slightly. Cook rice or quinoa if using, and chop vegetables into small pieces.
2. Assemble Burritos: Lay out a tortilla and add a layer of protein down the center, leaving space at the edges to fold. Top the protein with rice or quinoa (if using), vegetables, cheese, salsa or enchilada sauce. Save any additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or avocado in a separate container.
3. Fold Burritos: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to create a burrito shape. Make sure to tuck in the ends as you roll to prevent filling from spilling out.
4. Wrap Burritos: Wrap each burrito individually in aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will help keep them secure and prevent them from getting soggy or falling apart.
5. Label and Pack: Label each wrapped burrito with its contents if making different varieties. Pack the wrapped burritos in a sealable plastic bag or airtight container, and store them in your esky with ice packs to keep them fresh until you’re ready to cook.
6. Cooking at Campsite: When you’re ready to eat, preheat a grill or campfire grate to medium heat. Place the foil-wrapped burritos on the grill or grate and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
Carefully unwrap the burritos and serve them hot with your additional sauces or guacamole if desired.
Click here for our printer-friendly burrito recipe for camping
Pre-making soup for camping is a great way to enjoy a warm and comforting meal outdoors.
Ingredients:
- Soup base (vegetable, chicken, beef broth, or homemade stock)
- Protein (chicken, beef, turkey, beans, lentils)
- Vegetables (carrots, celery, onions, potatoes, peas, corn)
- Herbs and spices (garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, pepper)
- Olive oil or butter
- Pasta or rice (optional)
- Heavy-duty resealable plastic bags or airtight containers
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients: Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces and prepare any protein (chicken, beef) by cooking and shredding or chopping it into cubes.
2. Cook Soup Base: In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery (known as mirepoix) and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and any additional vegetables, such as potatoes or peas, and cook for a few minutes. Pour in the soup base (vegetable, chicken, or beef broth) and bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Add Protein and Seasonings: Once the soup base is simmering, add the cooked protein (chicken, beef, beans) and any desired herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. If using pasta or rice, add it to the soup and cook until tender.
4. Simmer and Cool: Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.Remove the soup from heat and let it cool slightly before handling.
5. Portion and Pack: Ladle the cooled soup into heavy-duty resealable plastic bags or airtight containers, leaving some room for expansion if freezing.Seal the bags or containers tightly, making sure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn.
6. Refrigerate: If camping within a day or two, refrigerate the soup containers until you’re ready to pack them for the trip.If camping for an extended period, freeze the soup containers flat in the freezer to save space and ensure they stay cold longer.
7. Reheat: Place the soup container in a pot over the campfire or on a camping stove and heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Once the soup is heated through, ladle it into bowls and enjoy a delicious and warming meal in the great outdoors! For bonus points, pack bread to dip in it.
Pasta salad is great for an option that doesn’t need any reheating during your camp trip.
Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice
- Assorted vegetables (capsicums, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions)
- Olives (black or green, pitted and sliced)
- Cheese (feta, mozzarella, or cheddar, cubed or shredded)
- Protein (optional, such as grilled chicken, salami, or chickpeas)
- Italian dressing or vinaigrette
- Olive oil
- Herbs and spices (such as basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper)
Instructions:
1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare Ingredients: While the pasta is cooling, chop the assorted vegetables, olives, cheese, and any protein you’re using into bite-sized pieces.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, cheese, and protein (if using).Add Italian dressing or vinaigrette to the bowl and toss everything together until well coated. Adjust the amount of dressing based on your preference for creaminess.
4. Season and Chill: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1-2 hours or overnight to allow the flavours to meld together. Drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta salad and sprinkle with herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss again to evenly distribute the seasonings.
5. Portion and Pack: Once chilled and marinated, portion the pasta salad into individual serving containers or a large airtight container if serving family-style. Seal the containers tightly and pack them in an esky with ice packs to keep them cold during transport to the campsite.
When ready to eat, simply remove the pasta salad containers from the esky and serve.
Click here for our printer-friendly pasta salad recipe for camping
If you’re just looking for quick and easy snack ideas, it’s easy to make up your own trail mix to bring camping.
Ingredients:
- Nuts (such as almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts)
- Seeds (like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
- Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots, banana chips)
- Chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- Pretzels or popcorn (optional)
- Coconut flakes (optional)
- Spices or seasonings (cinnamon, sea salt, chili powder) – optional for added flavour
Instructions:
1. Choose Ingredients: Start by selecting a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and any additional ingredients you’d like to include in your trail mix. Consider a mix of textures and flavours for a well-rounded snack.
2. Prep Ingredients: Chop any large dried fruits or chocolate chunks into smaller pieces to make them easier to eat and distribute evenly in the mix.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the nuts, seeds, dried fruits, chocolate chips or chunks, and any other optional ingredients you’ve chosen for your trail mix.Add spices or seasonings if desired, such as a sprinkle of cinnamon, a pinch of sea salt for contrast, or a touch of chili powder for a spicy kick. Toss everything together until well combined.
4. Store Trail Mix: Transfer the mixed trail mix to an airtight container or resealable bags for storage. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep the mix fresh and prevent it from spilling during transport.
5. Pack for Camping: Pack the trail mix in your camping gear or backpack in a container that’s easy to access while on the trail.Consider portioning out individual servings of trail mix into small snack bags or containers for convenient snacking during your camping trip.
When you’re out on the trail or relaxing at the campsite, reach for your homemade trail mix for a nutritious and satisfying snack. It’s perfect for refuelling during hikes, bike rides, or any outdoor activities.
Click here for our printer-friendly trail mix for camping recipe
Making overnight oats for camping is a convenient and delicious way to start your day outdoors.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
- 1 cup milk of your choice (dairy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, etc.)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional, for added texture and nutrition)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
Toppings:
- Fresh or dried fruits (such as berries, bananas, apples, or raisins)
- Nuts or seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl or directly in your camping container (such as a mason jar), combine the rolled oats, milk, chia seeds (if using), honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
2. Add Fruits and Nuts: Add your choice of fresh or dried fruits and nuts/seeds to the oat mixture.
3. Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the container tightly with its lid or cover it with plastic wrap. Place the container in an esky or a cold section of your camping gear to keep it cold overnight. The oats will absorb the liquid and flavours while chilling.
In the morning, your overnight oats will be ready to eat! Just give the mixture a quick stir and add more milk if desired for a creamier consistency.
Click here for our printer-friendly overnight oats recipe for camping
If you’re more of a glamper, a charcuterie board is the perfect pre-made camping food that’s both delicious and a little bit classy.
Ingredients:
- Assorted cured meats (such as salami, prosciutto, chorizo)
- Cheese variety (hard cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese)
- Crackers or bread (baguette slices, crackers, breadsticks)
- Fresh fruits (grapes, apples, berries)
- Dried fruits (apricots, figs, cranberries)
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios)
- Olives or pickles
- Honey or jam (optional, for drizzling or spreading)
- Mustard or spreads (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as rosemary, thyme)
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Slice the cured meats and cheeses into bite-sized pieces. Place them in separate airtight containers for transport.
- Wash and dry fresh fruits, and slice larger fruits like apples if desired. Store them in containers as well.
- Gather crackers, bread, nuts, olives, and any additional accompaniments in their respective containers.
2. Pack for Camping: Pack the containers of sliced meats, cheeses, fruits, crackers, and accompaniments in your cooler with ice packs to keep them fresh. Bring along small bowls or jars for honey, jam, mustard, or spreads.
3. Assemble at Campsite:
- Once at the campsite, lay out a large cutting board or serving platter.
- Arrange the sliced meats, cheeses, crackers, bread, and accompaniments on the board in a visually pleasing manner.
- Scatter fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, and olives around the board.
- Place small bowls or jars of honey, jam, mustard, or spreads alongside the ingredients.
- Garnish the board with fresh herbs for decoration and added flavour.
Uncover the charcuterie board and invite everyone to enjoy a delicious and customisable snack.
Click here for our printer-friendly charcuterie board recipe for camping
Tips for Make-Ahead Camping Meals
- Clearly label containers with meal names and reheating instructions to avoid confusion.
- Zip-top freezer bags are great for storing meals because they’re airtight and space-efficient.
- Opt for lightweight, stackable containers that fit neatly in your cooler or backpack.
- Use ice packs or freeze items like chilli and soup to act as ice in your cooler. This helps keep everything fresh.
- Ensure that perishable items are stored at the right temperature and consumed within a safe timeframe.
- Bring reusable utensils, plates, and cups to reduce waste and help preserve the environment.
By preparing make-ahead camping meals, you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the great outdoors. These convenient and flavourful dishes will keep you well-fed and energised for all your camping adventures.
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