Easy and Delicious Food to Bring Camping
Hey readers,
Camping is an amazing way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and connect with nature. But one of the most important aspects of any camping trip is the food! After a long day of hiking, swimming, or exploring, there’s nothing better than sitting around a campfire and enjoying a delicious meal.
In this article, we’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to plan the perfect camping menu. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right foods to packing and storing them. So whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, read on for all the info you need to make sure your next camping trip is a culinary success!
Choosing the Right Foods
The key to choosing the right foods to bring camping is to think about portability, shelf-life, and ease of preparation. You’ll want to choose foods that are easy to pack and transport, won’t spoil quickly, and can be cooked over a campfire or on a portable stove.
Some good options include:
- Canned goods: Canned fruits, vegetables, and meats are a great option for camping because they’re shelf-stable and easy to pack.
- Dried foods: Dried fruits, vegetables, and meats are another good option for camping because they’re lightweight and easy to store.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are a healthy and refreshing option for camping, but they can be more difficult to pack and store.
- Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein and healthy fats, and they’re easy to pack and store.
- Trail mix: Trail mix is a great snack option for camping because it’s portable, shelf-stable, and easy to eat.
Packing and Storing Food
Once you’ve chosen your foods, it’s important to pack and store them properly to prevent spoilage. Here are a few tips:
- Use airtight containers: Airtight containers will help to keep your food fresh and prevent it from spoiling.
- Keep food cold: If you’re camping in a warm climate, it’s important to keep your food cold to prevent spoilage. You can do this by using a cooler with ice packs.
- Store food away from animals: Animals are attracted to food, so it’s important to store your food away from them. You can do this by hanging it from a tree or storing it in a bear-proof container.
Cooking Food
There are many different ways to cook food while camping. You can cook over a campfire, on a portable stove, or even on a solar oven. Here are a few tips:
- Campfire cooking: Campfire cooking is a great way to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. Just be sure to build your fire in a safe location and never leave it unattended.
- Portable stove cooking: Portable stoves are a convenient way to cook food while camping. They’re easy to pack and use, and they can be used to cook a variety of dishes.
- Solar oven cooking: Solar ovens are a great way to cook food using the sun’s energy. They’re easy to use and they can cook a variety of dishes.
Food Ideas
Here are a few ideas for easy and delicious meals to bring camping.
Breakfast:
- Oatmeal with fruit and nuts
- Scrambled eggs with bacon
- Pancakes or waffles
- French toast
- Yogurt with berries and granola
Lunch:
- Sandwiches
- Wraps
- Salads
- Soup
- Chili
Dinner:
- Grilled chicken or fish
- Stews
- Casseroles
- Pasta dishes
- Foil packet meals
The Foods
| Food | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oatmeal | 150 | 5g | 25g | 3g |
| Eggs | 70 | 6g | 0g | 5g |
| Bacon | 90 | 7g | 0g | 7g |
| Pancakes | 200 | 4g | 30g | 6g |
| Waffles | 250 | 5g | 40g | 7g |
| Yogurt | 120 | 10g | 15g | 3g |
| Granola | 160 | 3g | 30g | 5g |
| Sandwiches | 300 | 15g | 40g | 10g |
| Wraps | 250 | 10g | 35g | 8g |
| Salads | 200 | 5g | 25g | 10g |
| Soup | 250 | 10g | 30g | 10g |
| Chili | 300 | 15g | 35g | 15g |
| Chicken | 200 | 25g | 0g | 10g |
| Fish | 200 | 20g | 0g | 10g |
| Stews | 300 | 15g | 35g | 15g |
| Casseroles | 350 | 20g | 40g | 15g |
| Pasta | 250 | 10g | 35g | 10g |
| Foil packets | 300 | 15g | 35g | 15g |
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many delicious meals you can bring camping. With a little planning and preparation, you can make sure that your next camping trip is a culinary success!
Now that you have all the information you need to plan the perfect camping menu, it’s time to get started! Check out our other articles for more tips and tricks on camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
FAQ about Food to Bring Camping
What are some easy and packable breakfast options?
- Instant oatmeal
- Granola bars
- Fruit (bananas, apples, oranges)
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Yogurt (in individual containers)
What should I pack for lunches that won’t spoil?
- Sandwiches (with non-perishables like peanut butter, jelly, or cheese)
- Cold salads (such as potato salad or coleslaw)
- Jerky or beef sticks
- Applesauce
- Trail mix
What non-perishable snacks can I bring?
- Energy bars
- Nuts
- Dried fruit
- Crackers
- Chips
What are some good dinner options that require minimal cooking?
- Pre-cooked sausages or hot dogs (heat over the campfire)
- Instant soup or chili
- Rice or pasta with canned vegetables
- Foil packet meals (vegetables, meat, and marinade cooked in foil over the fire)
What kind of drinks should I bring?
- Water (plenty!)
- Sports drinks for hydration
- Juice boxes (for variety)
- Coffee or tea for the morning
How do I keep my food fresh?
- Bring a cooler with ice packs
- Pack perishable items in an insulated cooler bag
- If using a soft cooler, line it with a trash bag to prevent leaks
- Keep food away from direct sunlight and heat sources
What should I do with leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the cooler
- Dispose of leftovers properly to avoid attracting animals
- Consider sharing leftovers with other campers
What about food allergies?
- Inform other campers about any food allergies
- Pack alternative foods for those with allergies
- Carry an epinephrine auto-injector if necessary
How much food should I bring?
- Plan for about 2,500-3,000 calories per person per day
- Adjust portions based on activity level and duration of the trip
Is there anything I shouldn’t bring camping?
- Raw meat or fish (unless you have proper refrigeration)
- Homemade sauces or dips (may spoil easily)
- Glass containers (prone to breaking)
- Perishable foods (without proper refrigeration)
