Save time and sanity on your next camping trip by planning ahead
One big lesson we have learnt from our recent camping trips has been the need to cut down how much stuff we are carrying ‘just in case’ and planning out our mealtimes with more thought.
Last month a sand storm saw us sheltering in the car when we should have been setting up our tent, which then led to us trying to prep our dinner in the dark – which you guessed it – meant tired hungry kids!
Instant camp meals are now our absolute go-to for camping trips near home. All the prep work is done in our clean (and sand-free!) kitchen, then we simply need to set up a fire, cook & serve.
Looking to expand my repertoire though beyond a reheated spag bol and roast potatoes, I’ve turned to the best food bloggers to help put together this amazing collection of campfire-ready recipes for your to try with your family.
This post is part of our camping & outdoor adventures series
Items you will need for campfire dinners
Before we dig into the recipes, there’s still a lot to be organized and packed to make sure your meal times run smoothly. Depending on how long you are away for and how many advance prep meals you are aiming to make, you’ll need to consider in your food box:
- Plates and cutlery (if you really want to save on packing & jobs to do after dinner, pack eco-friendly disposal plates and cutlery).
- Washing up bowl, dish liquid and tea towel – alternatively, if you’ll be doing the dishes you need the right gear for clean up time, a fold-flat washing dish is a great space-saving investment.
- Ziploc bags and clips – always handy for leftovers.
- Cooler box to keep your meals in – bear in mind if people will be grabbing drinks etc throughout the day you may want a separate cooler just for meals to keep them cool. If you have a powered site an electric cooler is ideal.
- While some of our recipes here need simply placing in the fire of some boiled water adding, you may also want to consider investing in a good camping skillet or dutch oven which are great for one-pot camping meals.
- Fire starters – always handy when you need to get cooking in a hurry
- Don’t forget a good pair of BBQ gloves for the fire – forget trying to fish out items with long sticks, always go safety first!
Unsure about setting up camping boxes and all the essentials you need to camp with kids? Head over to this post we talk you through what’s in each of our ready-prepared camp boxes and what we buy fresh (includes a downloadable checklist so you won’t forget anything next time you camp!)
Delicious make-ahead camping lunches & dinners
No more meal prep when you should be relaxing, here's a selection of make-ahead dishes to bring on your next camping trip, perfect for lunches, sides and main meals.
Easy Chicken Fajita Foil Packets
The great thing about these Chicken Fajita Foil Packets is that they require minimal prep, are easy to put together before going camping, cooks in 25 minutes and serves up as a complete meal.
The Best Crockpot Gluten Free Chili with Green Chilies
This hearty crockpot chili with green chilies is perfect to let cook while you pack and bring with you to reheat! The flavors will intensify as the chili rests before reheating making it the ideal one-pot camping dish.
Cajun Shrimp Boil Foil Packets Recipe
Get all the flavors of a full-fledged traditional cajun shrimp boil in a simple foil packet for easy cleanup! Packed with shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn and a little Cajun seasoning, this New Orleans-inspired dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Easy Campfire Spaghetti Bake Recipe
This Easy Campfire Spaghetti Bake is one of the kids most requested camping recipes. With just a bit of preparation, you can make this amazing one-dish camping meal for your next trip!
Three bean chili: Warm up with a bowl
Chili is the perfect make-ahead meal. It only improves as the flavors meld. Then put it into a Dutch oven on the campfire to warm.
Just the thing for the grill or roasted in the oven
This grilled foil packet dinner is the perfect one-pot dish for camping with plenty of tasty seasoning it makes a succulent campfire treat.
Foil Pack Grilled Red Potatoes
These 4 ingredient Foil Pack Grilled Red Potatoes are a pantry staple, minimal prep side dish that can be made on the grill or oven. You can prep them ahead and cook easily on the campfire.
Refried bean quesadilla: Easy vegan lunch
Prepare refried bean quesadillas before you leave home, and pop them into a freezer bag. Then just throw them onto a cast-iron skillet or grill to heat & eat. Serve with salsa or guacamole.
Campfire Dutch Oven Nacho Recipe
This dutch oven recipe is such a great make-ahead camping meal! It’s something where many of the ingredients can be easily pre-packed and left in the trailer for the next time you head out on a trip.
Stuffed Flatbread Recipes: Potato, Cheese Or Sour Cherries
This is an yeast free, easy stuffed flatbread – great served as an appetizer with dips, make ahead finger food, or as a side dish along with your favorite dinner or lunch. Perfect for large crowds, family gatherings or on the go.
Crispy and Delicious Instant Pot Carnitas for Tacos
This Instant Pot pork tacos recipe is so delicious and you won’t believe how easy it is to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a great make-ahead recipe. Prepare the meat ahead of time and all you need to do is reheat in a frying pan before serving on tacos, burritos or a rice bowl.
Make Ahead Camping Recipe: Easy Tuna Pasta Salad
This tuna pasta salad features sweet pickles for a delicious lunch, the perfect side dish for a casual campfire dinner or as a quick afternoon snack.
Delicious make-ahead camping breakfasts
And let's not forget breakfast too. Especially if you plan on hitting the trails, splashing in the lake and burning off that outdoor energy while you're camping, you'll want some hearty breakfast ideas to get your day underway. Why not try one of these ready-made brekkies to take on your next camping trip:
MEGA Breakfast Burrito Recipe
This freezer Breakfast Burritos recipe makes massive burritos that are stuffed with eggs, cheese, bacon, crispy potatoes, guacamole, and my secret ingredient that makes them incredible! Wrap them in foil to freeze and easily warm up when camping.
Homemade Instant Maple Oatmeal with Chia Seed
The perfect satisfying breakfast ready for an instant energy boost, simply boil water to add to this delicious maple oatmeal.
Make Ahead Camping Breakfast Sandwiches
These freezer camping breakfast sandwiches are the perfect make ahead meal for your next trip! Simply reheat them over the grill or campfire for an easy, hearty camping breakfast.
Cheese, Bacon and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
This Cheese, Bacon and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe is an easy way to feed your family or a whole crowd for breakfast or brunch. At your campsite, just drain the water from the potatoes, grease your covered cast iron skillet and add your egg mixture to cook!
With thanks to all our amazing home chefs for sharing their camping recipe secrets!
More advice camping with kids
Camping with kids can certainly seem daunting at first but has been one of the ways we have been able to get the kids off their electronic and engaged with what’s around us, plus its a real budget-saver! You may also enjoy reading:
- How to go desert & camp camping with kids – not nearly as daunting as it first sounds, just embrace the sand! Top camping families share their tips, plus a handy downloadable camping gear guide to pack your car.
- Gifts for outdoor-loving kids – if your kids are starting to show an appreciation for the great ideas, help them explore further with these nifty items they can use outside
- Best value family-sized tents – six, eight, ten men tents our top picks
- Essentials camping gear with a baby – now camping with kids is one thing… camping with a baby is a whole other level! Here’s what you need to pack to make your journey easier.
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