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Camping Food: The Ultimate Guide

Cooking camp food on a campfire

I am a massive foodie. Most of my adventures revolve around food, be that a week of hiking in the mountains, a day trip to some place new or the everyday adventure that occurs in my kitchen. There is so much pleasure to be had in creating, eating and sharing amazing food. I really do live to eat. So as you can imagine, when it comes to putting on a spread at the campsite, I don’t take the task of producing drool inducing camping food lightly. But it doesn’t just happen. A whole lot of planning and preparation goes into creating a great camping menu, without even considering the cooking part. Checklists are a big lifesaver for me, and once I’ve finalised my menu, I’ll write a comprehensive camping food list to take to the supermarket with me. That way, my banana boats are never left up the proverbial creek without a chocolatey paddle.

So whether you are a budding chef in need of some tips on how to take your culinary creativity outdoors, or if making beans on toast for dinner is something of an achievement, this ultimate guide to camping food will give you everything you need to know about choosing and using the best food for your adventures in outdoor cooking. This guide includes information on:

Planning your camping menu

Before you even start putting your camping menu together, there are a few really important things you first need to consider:

Who will you be cooking for?

Knowing who you will be whipping up a culinary storm for will have a huge impact on what you are able to cook when camping. Ask yourself a few questions:

Will it be a romantic dinner for two?

Meals for two can be as simple or as complicated as you like when camping (within reason!). If you like cooking then trying some of your ‘at home’ recipes can be fun. Just remember that you will only have a limited heat source ie. a campfire, one or two gas burners, a Dutch oven.

Will you be setting up an outdoor canteen for some mass catering?

Camping meals for large groups can be difficult if you try to get too complicated. One pot dinners work well, and cooking in a Dutch oven is an excellent way to cater for big groups, so long as you have a large Dutch oven. Alternatively, cooking on a grill or BBQ is a nice sociable way to feed lots of hungry mouths. Make a bunch of cold buffet-style side dishes, bung on some burgers, and you’re good to go!

People cooking kebabs on a BBQ

Will your camping meals need to be kid friendly?

There’s no point slaving away for hours over camping recipes that will end up getting fed to the dog, and time in the outdoors means that it’s even more important for the kids to get the fuel they need. Pasta and rice dishes always go down well, and if chopped small enough, you can hide all sorts of vitamin filled veggies in a meaty bolognaise. There are also a bunch of camping meals that are fun for the kids to help make and cook:

Are you catering for vegetarians?

Although I am meat eater, I’ve found that most of my camping recipes tend to end up being vegetarian. Firstly, I love vegetarian food. But secondly, refrigeration of ingredients can become problematic when camping. So if you are catering for non-meat eaters, you may actually find that it is really easy camping food to make.

What will you be cooking your camping meals on

Next thing to consider is your heat source. You have a few options, all of which will be dependant on where you are and what you have available to you:

  • Single ring gas stove
  • Double ring gas stove
  • Gas BBQ or grill
  • Charcoal BBQ or grill
  • Fire pit with grill
  • Dutch oven

To make sure you choose the right cooking method for you, read our article on 20 different ways to cook at camp.

Once you’ve figured out what you will be cooking on, you can then tailor your camping menu to fit around the strengths of your heat source. For example:

Heat source: single ring gas stove
Number of mouths to feed: 6
Appropriate meal: a one pot stew or bolognaise with bread and cold salads

This is a less than ideal scenario, so try to make sure you have an appropriate means to cook your meals for the number of people you are feeding.

Camp cooking

Perishable camping food and the duration of your trip

Unless you plan on surviving on canned and dried food for the duration of your camping trip (which is definitely possible), you will need to have a cooler to store any fresh or perishable items.

Most non-electric coolers will only be effective for the first day or two – fine for a weekend but not so great on extended trips. A good way to deal with this is to plan your camping menu so that the perishable items are cooked within the first few meals. Then the last few meals of the trip will be largely vegetable based, or canned meats if vegetarian cooking doesn’t do it for you.

What great camping food should be

So now that all of the above are clear in your head, the next thing to think about before you write your camping menu, is the meals themselves. Great camping meals should ideally be:

  • Easy to cook – the potential for things to go awry when cooking at camp is much higher than when cooking in your kitchen at home. The more complex your recipe, the greater the potential for disaster. So keep it simple, and in theory, you won’t go wrong.
  • Quick to cook – there are always so many fun things to do when camping, and although camp cooking is all part of the fun, you can end up spending too much time over the stove and missing out on all the other stuff if you’re not careful. Speedy cooking is also important from a fuel point of view. Keeping a campfire at the optimum temperature for ages is a difficult skill to master. And you don’t want to run out of gas on your first night. I’m not saying flash fry and undercook everything, but just be aware that time should be a consideration.
  • Filling and hearty – we all use so much more energy when we’re out and about exploring the wilderness, so fill the plates high and make sure your meals contain plenty of healthy carbohydrates that will provide sustained energy. It’s always better to have too much than too little – you can always use up any leftovers later on.
  • Full of balanced nutrition – just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean that getting vitamin filled vegetables into your diet should go out the window. In fact the opposite. Your body will be working so much harder than normal that a week of missing nutrients could leave you run down and exhausted. Equally, it’s also not an excuse to eat sugar constantly. Yes, a few sugary snacks here and there will be great for a short term energy boost, but with that comes the energy crashes which can ruin the day for already tired kids. So keep the sugar on the low or for special treats.
Pan of camping food cooking on campfire

What to add to your camping food list and why

A camping food list is one of those things you think you will never use until you have one. Write and use one and you won’t be able to even imagine how you ever hashed together a camping menu without one. It can make all the difference to your stress levels when packing for camping, and will ensure you don’t build up any more unnecessary tension for all that wilderness fresh air to take care of.

This camping food list is by no means definitive, but it contains some great camping food ideas that will store well, are quick and easy to cook and can be used in loads of different camping recipes:

Dairy and non-meats

As well as being one of life’s simple pleasures, having cheese on your camping menu will also provide an excellent source of protein and fat for sustained energy, and a truck load of calcium. Some great dairy and non-meat options for your camping food list:

  • Cheese triangles

    Cheese triangles

    Good for lunches or snacks and don’t need to be kept cool.

  • Halloumi

    Halloumi

    Low melting point means that it will last longer than normal cheese once the cooler ice has melted. Delicious added to a tomato and red pepper stew.

  • Smoked cheese

    Smoked cheese

    A tube of smoked cheese doesn’t need to be kept cool before it’s opened. Good for packed lunches and camping snacks.

  • Parmesan cheese

    Parmesan

    An excellent addition to pasta dishes, salads or pizza’s. It will survive very well without refrigeration. Pre-grated parmesan won’t last quite as long so make sure you pack your grater!

  • Dried milk

    Dried milk

    Brilliant for adding to hot drinks or for cooking with. Not the best taste if you want it for cereal or drinking.

  • UHT milk

    Long life milk

    Unopened, it will last for months. Once opened it will need to be kept cool like normal milk, or used on the day of opening.

  • Egg

    Eggs

    Such a versatile addition to your camping food list. So long as the conditions aren’t too hot, eggs will last a good few days out of the cooler but also out of the sun. If they need using up then hard boil them for packed lunches or camping snacks.

  • Tofu

    Tofu

    In a carton, tofu needs no refrigeration so is a great option for an end of trip protein hit.

Meats

If your camping menu is meat heavy then you’ll need to smart about which meats you bring so you don’t over-do your meat consumption within the first 24 hours! If you are on an extended trip and can’t go without meat for the last few days, then you’ll need to consider an electrical hook up for a portable fridge, or get to a shop regularly to top up your cooler ice and restock the meat supply.

  • Chorizo

    Dried meats

    Chorizo and saucisson will last for ages out of the cooler and both are an excellent high energy option for lunches, snacking or adding to big one pot meals for a little extra flavour and depth.

  • Beef jerky

    Jerky

    A brilliant camping snack for out and about. Full of protein and no need for cooling.

  • Bacon

    Cured meats and bacon

    These will need cooling, but will outlive fresh meats once the cooler ice has melted. Good for sandwich fillers or for a hearty camping breakfast.

  • Beef mince

    Minced meat

    A really versatile ingredient for camping dinners. Get the kids involved to make their own burgers or roll into meatballs, or even make kebabs and cook over the fire on a stick. Needs cooling.

  • Sausages

    Sausages

    Use fresh on the first day, or bring some vacuum packed sausages for later on in the trip.

  • Chicken

    Chicken

    Make sure you cook for your first dinner. Chicken is super versatile for BBQs, kebab sticks, stews, salads, stir frys and loads more.

  • Salmon

    Fish

    Again, you will need to cook on the first day. A couple of fish steaks makes for a quick and gourmet pan-fried dinner for two, or have a fishy feast by wrapping a whole one in foil and cooking it on the campfire.

  • Steak

    Steaks

    Ideal for cooking on the BBQ or grill, but needs cooling.

Canned food

For extended trips, canned food really comes into its own to provide flavour and variation to your camping meals. Choose cans with ring pulls for added convenience, and if you’ve got the space, then always pack more than you think you’ll need. You don’t have to use them, but it’s great to have the backup supplies.

  • Tinned tomatoes

    Tomatoes

    An absolute staple for adding to loads of different camping dinners.

  • Tinned tuna

    Tuna and tinned fish

    Ideal for end of trip sandwiches or to add a some protein to non-meat pasta dishes.

  • Tinned beans

    Beans, sweetcorn and chickpeas

    So versatile and a good source of protein once the meat has gone. Add to stews, salads, soups and chilli.

  • Coconut milk

    Coconut milk

    Good for adding to asian recipes and curries, or whipped up as a cream to add to desserts.

  • Tinned peas

    Vegetables

    Although canned vegetables aren’t a patch on their fresh counterparts, they do a good enough job at adding some extra nutrition to one pot dinners.

  • Tinned fruit

    Fruit

    A super easy dessert option that requires zero preparation and is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

  • Rice pudding

    Rice pudding

    Another easy camping dessert that will fill up anyone that still has room in their bellies.

  • Canned custard

    Custard and evaporated milk

    Ideal accompaniments to any campfire dessert or as an easy backup dessert with fruit.

Vegetables

It’s super important not to neglect your vegetable intake when camping. But not all veg will keep well when not refrigerate.  This selection are versatile and fast cooking, or good to eat raw.

  • sundried tomatoes

    Sundried tomatoes in oil

    A great addition to pasta dishes, salads, scrambled eggs or tomato based meals. And you can use the excess oil when frying too.

  • Mushrooms

    Mushrooms

    They won’t last forever out of the cooler but will add a delicious meatiness to vegetarian dishes.

  • Red cabbage

    Red cabbage

    Shred into cold salads or stir fry into noodle dishes. Long lasting out of the cooler and super versatile.

  • Courgettes

    Courgettes

    Quick cooking and versatile. Use as the feature of the meal, a side or mixed into one pot meals.

  • Carrots

    Carrots

    These are best used raw when camping as they take quite a while to cook. But they don’t need cooling and are excellent grated into salads or chopped into sticks for a quick and healthy camping snack.

  • Red pepper

    Peppers

    These will last a while without cooling and are a super tasty addition to cold and hot meals. A good option for kid friendly camping meals.

  • Garlic and onion

    Onions and garlic

    Staples for creating meals from scratch. They store well out of the cooler. Just keep an eye on onions going bad after a long time in hot conditions.

  • Tomato and cucumber

    Cucumber, tomatoes and celery

    Good for camping snacks or adding to salads, but will need cooling to stay fresh.

Grains and carbohydrates

These should make up the bulk of your camping food. They store well without refrigeration, are easy to cook, contain loads of energy and will fill you up nicely.

  • Couscous is a camping food list essential

    Couscous

    The best camping carb ever. Just add hot water! So quick and easy and can be adapted to loads of different meals.

  • Pasta

    Rice, orzo and other pasta

    Orzo is one of the fastest types of pasta to cook and a good replacement for slower cooking rice.

  • Noodles are a camping food list essential

    Noodles

    Another speedy carb option that’s always a hit with the kids. Serve cold with a crunchy red cabbage salad or for a quick stir fry dinner.

  • Polenta

    Polenta

    A good quick carb for those looking for a wheat free option. Versatile and filling.

  • Quinoa

    Quinoa

    The high protein content of quinoa makes it an ideal addition to your end of the week vegetarian meals.

  • Sweet potatoes

    Sweet and normal potatoes

    Wrap them in foil and bake them in the fire for a super easy dinner. Sweet spuds cook faster than normal potatoes so are a good option if you are cooking on gas.

  • Pita bread

    Pita/flat bread and bagels

    These will last longer than normal loaves of bread, are full of energy, and also store better without getting squished.

  • Corn tortilla

    Flour or corn tortillas

    A good variation for lunches and breakfasts. They store well and will take a good few days to go stale.

  • Rice cakes

    Crackers and oat cakes

    Ideal for camping snacks and lunches, and some variations are good fillers for wheat free diets.

  • Porridge oats

    Porridge oats

    A great breakfast option for large groups. Top with dried fruit, nuts and honey for a little extra energy.

  • A bowl of muesli

    Muesli and other breakfast cereals

    Good for easy ‘help yourself’ style breakfasts. Just make sure you have long life milk in the food store.

  • Pancakes

    Pancake mix

    Make your own with flour, eggs and long life milk, or even easier, buy a pre-mix and just add water.

Snacks

Camping snacks need to be full of energy that will sustain you until the next meal, easy to eat on the go, and should travel well when thrown into your backpack for a day on the trail.

  • Salted peanuts

    Salted peanuts

    An excellent high energy snack for a day out hiking in the heat. The salt will replace the sodium you have sweated out. Just make sure you drink plenty of water too.

  • Nuts

    Nuts

    Add to pancakes, salads or cereals, or just snack on them throughout the day to stay energised.

  • Dried fruit

    Dried fruit

    Good on top of your cereal, mixed with nuts for an energy boosting snack or added to main meals for a subtle sweetness.

  • A snack bar is a camping food list essential

    Snack bars

    A super convenient high sugar energy boost. Great for hiking.

  • Chocolate

    Chocolate

    Not ideal for hot weather, but no camping trip is complete without it. So it HAS to go on the camping food list! Its best use is inside campfire banana boats, melted inside s’mores and stirring into a mug of hot cocoa.

  • Fruit

    Fruit

    Most fresh fruit is great when camping. Just make sure you eat the more fragile ones first and don’t let you bananas get squished!

  • Jar of olives

    Olives

    Bust these out with some chips for pre-dinner nibbles, or add to pasta dishes. They store just fine in a jar out of the cooler.

  • Soup

    Packets of dried soup

    Ideal in a flask of hot water for warming lunches on the go. They can also be used in noodle or pasta dishes for quick and easy flavouring.

  • Corn chips

    Crisps and chips

    Naughty but nice. Good to add to packed lunches, ideal for dipping into one pot dinners or for a huge bowl of camping nachos. Just make sure you store them in a non-crushable place.

  • Popcorn

    Popcorn

    A great space saving snack or a low sugar dessert option when you want to go easy on the sweet stuff before bedtime. The kids will love cooking them on the campfire too.

  • Cookies

    Biscuits and cookies

    The perfect treat with an afternoon tea or coffee that will last and store much better than cakes.

  • Campfire marshmallows

    Marshmallows

    Every camping trip needs at least one night of toasting marshmallows over the campfire. Put them on the list!

  • Honey

    Jars of yumminess

    Peanut butter, jam, honey, Nutella and marmite are all brilliant to have in your food store to spread on bread or crackers for speedy snacks or lazy lunches.

Drinks

With so much fun to be had when camping, staying properly hydrated can be a challenge. Always take a refillable bottle of water with you everywhere you go and have a kettle of hot water at the ready for regular tea and coffee ‘breaks’ when at camp.

  • Tea

    Tea

    Store in an airtight container and bring more than you think you’ll drink. There’s always time for a cuppa when camping!

  • Coffee

    Coffee

    Instant coffee is good for ease, but if that just won’t cut it then pack the coffee press and get the proper stuff out. You can’t beat a freshly brewed pot of campfire coffee first thing in the morning.

  • Hot chocolate

    Hot chocolate

    A must for sipping on round the campfire. Top it with some marshmallows for a bit of luxurious decadence!

  • Orange cordial

    Fruit cordial

    This is the best type of fruit drink for camping as it doesn’t need refrigerating like fruit juice and takes up way less room that bottles of soda.

  • Beer

    Beer

    It’s likely that the cooler will be filled with food, so store your beers in a bucket of cold water.

  • Red wine

    Wine

    Red is better from a chilling point of view, but if white is your preference then stick it in with the beers.

What not to add to your camping food list and why

Although there are definitely certain foods that are better suited to camp cooking than others, there are very few that are a complete disaster. So here are a few things to consider not adding to your camping food list:

Camembert and other really smelly things!

There are actually some really excellent ways to cook with camembert on a campfire, but unless you intend on using on the first night, I recommend avoiding it. It gets stinky super quickly and will taint your nostrils for the whole trip!

Fresh milk and cream

Again, unless you are going to guzzle it all in one day, or have space in your cooler for it, then best not to bring it.

Loads of meat

As mentioned, unless you have refrigeration for the duration of your camping trip, you’ll need to use up any fresh meat at the start of your getaway. Meat will last another day if it goes into your cooler straight from the freezer. And it will also help keep the cooler colder for longer!

Essential camping food items

These items live in my camping box – year round. I never go camping without them. You might find that there are a bunch of other condiments and sauces that you can’t live without. But if you just want the bare minimum, then this is it:

  • Cooking oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Herbs and spices
  • Ketchup

Camping meal ideas

Part of the fun of camping food is trying to adapt your ‘at home’ recipes to work just as well when cooked in your limited camp kitchen. But if you’re not that into cooking in the first place, then here are some simple and really delicious recipes to get you inspired.

5 brilliant camping breakfast recipes

One-pan English breakfast

A full English is the ultimate start to a day of outdoor adventure, providing sustained energy that will fill you up until lunch time, and beyond. But it is also a bit of a pain to cook when camping as it requires perfect timing, high end multi-tasking skills and far too many pans. So this one-pan recipe is the perfect solution to your lacking facilities and skills, and it can be cooked over a campfire, grill or gas burner.

Peshwari porridge

Peshwari porridge
This naan bread inspired porridge recipe is one of our camping breakfast staples. It’s so easy to prepare, very lightweight and super quick to cook making it an excellent backpacking food option too. Plus the fat and protein provided by the nuts and coconut will sustain you for longer than your usual oatmeal breakfast. Ideal for longer trips when all the fresh ingredients have been used up.

Black bean huevos rancheros

This recipe works very well as a quick lunch, but we love having it for breakfast. It’s a good option for later on in a trip when meat-free meals fill the camping menu. A can of refried beans can be used in the place of the black beans if you’d prefer.

Banana chocoalte pancakes

The key to successful pancakes is a great non-stick frying pan. If you don’t have one then expect some ‘test’ pancakes before you get them right. For end of a trip ease, go for a premixed batter. But if you fancy starting from scratch then this crêpe recipe definitely won’t fall flat on its face.  Fill it with chopped bananas and chcolate spread for a flipping brilliant start to the day!

Scrambled egg and smoked salmon wraps

Scrambled eggs and smoked salmon
We make this breakfast every single time we go on weekend camping trips. It’s ideal for the morning of day two as the smoked salmon will last fine for a little while after the cooler ice has melted. Add whatever fillings you fancy, but we like it with garlic cream cheese, fresh coriander or basil, a squeeze of lime, sliced avocado and some chopped tomatoes. You’re welcome!

5 yummy camping lunch recipes

Couscous, clementine and chickpea salad

Couscous is a lifesaver when camping. Even if you don’t have a specific meal planned for its use, it should always feature on your camping food list. This fresh and fruity lunch is so simple to make, and a light and summery option for those steamy days. Also great for a packed lunch if you make it in the morning and pop into some tupperware.

Walking tacos 

Walking taco

source: food.com

These genius little packets of deliciousness are ideal for days on the campsite when you simply can’t tear your kids away from that epic camping game that has consumed them for much of the day. This is food to go, camping style.

Cheese and tomato pie iron 

These are so much fun to make and are ideal for those lazy camping days sat around the fire. I love the simplicity of melted cheese and tomato, but if you get creative then you can fill your pie iron with just about anything. Before you know it you’ll be churning out three meals a day with these cool little hot pockets.

Asian wraps 

Another camping favourite from Dirty Gourmet, these Asian wraps are a full-flavoured build-your-own lunchtime buffet treat. Or wrap it all up in the morning for your packed lunch and they won’t disappoint when you present them after a morning of strenuous hiking.

Bean salad

This is canned food at its best – disguised as an irresistibly fresh and healthy salad. A great way to get some protein on board when the fresh options have dried up, this salad is ideal as a meal on its own or as a hearty wrap filler.

5 easy camping dinner recipes

Chorizo Paella

Simple and summery, this one-pan camping meal is ideal for large groups, providing you have a big enough pan! The chorizo is the star ingredient to this dish and will provide a full flavoured and unexpected meaty treat that can happily be served at the end of an extended camping trip.

Chickpea and mushroom tagine

Chickpea and mushroom one pot meals
Another one-pot wonder, this hearty vegetarian recipe works equally well cooked in a Dutch oven as it does on a single gas stove. A good recipe to add to the camping menu after all the meaty meals have been gobbled up. The mushrooms provide an excellent substitute to chunks of chicken, but won’t last forever without refrigeration, so keep your eyes on them.

Campfire baked sea bass

Campfire baked whole fish
Whenever I’m camping near the sea, I can’t help but get a baked whole fish meal onto the menu. It’s a really easy foil wrapped meal accompanied by some campfire roasted vegetables. For the best results, buy your fish straight off the harbour fishing boats and cook it on a beachside campfire. Summer perfection!

Halloumi and vegetable kebabs 

Halloumi kebabs

source: netmums.com

These are great fun for the kids to help put together and are perfect to add to a big BBQ or as the main dish for a smaller group. Replace the haloumi with chunks of lamb or chicken, and add a teaspoon or two of garam masala to the oil and vinegar for a spicy moroccan meaty main.

Sweet potato and corn chowder

Sweet potato and sweetcorn chowder
Cooking with sweet potatoes rather than normal spuds can be a real time saver when camping, and they provide some delicious nutrition too. This recipe is seriously healthy without lacking in heartiness. But if you’re after a full-fat high calorie version then we’ve got you covered by adding bacon bits and double cream. Cook more than you need and heat up for a quick and easy lunch the next day.

5 delicious camping dessert recipe

Banana boats

This foil wrapped campfire dessert is so delicious and so much fun to make, whatever your age. Just be careful when transporting and storing your bananas that they don’t get squished, or you’ll end up with chocolatey shipwrecks in your campfire.

Roasted caramel pecan and peaches

Roasted caramel pecan and peaches
One of the healthiest camping desserts out there that also do a great job of replacing all that used up energy at the same time. I’ve had these for a camping breakfast before with pancakes. They are best foil roasted in the fire, but also turn out just fine in a Dutch oven or chopped into pieces and cooked on a gas stove.

Chocolate orange campfire cupcakes

A super fun take on campfire baking, these cake filled oranges are always a massive hit with the kids. This recipe uses a pre-made brownie mix, but if you’re feeling organised, then mix your own cake or brownie mix and make an activity of camp baking to keep the kids happy whilst the campfire gets going.

Grilled fruit kabobs

Omit the key lime yogurt dip and this is another wonderfully healthy dessert option. A light and refreshing finish to a meat heavy grill. But if your naughty side is getting the better of you then you won’t regret whipping up the decadent and creamy dip for a camping dessert at its best.

Campfire glazed peaches and figs

Throw all your fruit into a Dutch oven and then leave it to work its campfire magic. This recipe is ideal for using up forgotten fruit that is verging on being over-ripe. The ripeness will only make the dish all the sweeter and you may not even need to add sugar. This recipe can also be done on a gas burner.

5 simple snacks for out and about

Trail mix energy bites

Trick your little ones into loving this naughty little sweet treat that is packed full of energy, but barely a grain of refined sugar in sight! Make a batch before you head out camping, or whip them up on site with the kids – no oven needed.

Savoury shortbread cookies

These savoury cookies are such a cheesy treat that they make a great snack on their own. Cover them in onion marmalade and you’ve got the makings of a rather delicious dish for any teddy bears picnic. You’ll need to make a big batch at home as they will disappear quickly once they’ve been sampled at camp.

Cinnamon berry granola bars

Packed full of dried fruit, nuts and seeds, these snack bars are ideal for snacking on out on the trail or in a packed lunch. They’ll fill a gap nicely, providing sustained energy until the long awaited evening campfire feast.

Sweet potato hummus and pita bread

Shop bought hummus doesn’t last very long once it’s opened, so have a go at making your own at camp. This sweet potato hummus will require a bit of elbow grease without a blender, but you’ve got to earn your snack some how right?

Campfire bread and chocolate spread

Campfire bread
If you need to keep the kids occupied for the afternoon then light the fire and get them to make their own campfire bread. Serve it up with some peanut butter or even better, swirl some Nutella into the dough before you cook it!

With so many great camping meals out there and so many different things to consider when putting together you camping food list, it can be a little overwhelming to know where to start. Getting prepped for a weekend in the wild with kids can be a challenge at the best of times, and the last thing you want to do is create more stress for yourself by trying to serve up restaurant standard food the whole weekend. So, to take out some decision making, I’ve put together a list of meals that the whole family will love.

This camping menu is balanced, packed full of loads of vitamins, delicious and super easy to make. It will be plenty of food for a family of four camping for a weekend and the menu covers the following meals:

  • Friday night dinner – Camping nachos
  • Friday night dessert – Banana boats
  • Saturday breakfast – One-pan full English
  • Saturday lunch – Couscous, clementine and chickpea salad
  • Saturday dinner – Coconut curry noodles
  • Saturday dessert – canned rice pudding with chocolate melted in
  • Sunday breakfast – Peshwari porridge
  • Sunday lunch – Asian wraps
  • Snacks x 4

A camping food list for the two day menu

If you like the look of the above two day camping menu, then I’ve made things even easier for you with this camping food grocery list. Just check off each item as you shop, or cross through the items you don’t want. Easy! Adjust the volume of things according to the number of people you are feeding and then you’re all set for a weekend of outdoor exploration fuelled by some deliciously yummy camping food that you and your family won’t forget in a hurry

Carbohydrates

Canned food

Seasoning and sauces

Fresh vegetables, fruit and herbs

Dairy and meat

Snacks and other stuff


Great camping food should not only be delicious and packed full of great nutrition, but it also shouldn’t turn into a chore or a hassle. So whatever you end up choosing to serve up on your wilderness adventure, make sure it’s as fun to prepare and cook as it is to eat.

Enjoy, happy campers!

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