Planning a camping holiday with the kids? Here are some easy and tasty camping food recipes the whole family will enjoy.
One of the most important parts of a smooth camping trip is preparing your camping meals. When you’re out in nature, you want food that’s quick to prepare, nutritious, filling and of course delicious.
Whether you’re cooking over an open fire, using a camping stove or getting creative with your foil packet dinners, this great list of camping recipes will make your life easier.
We’ve rounded up some easy camping meal ideas, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as healthy snacks. Many are gluten-free (GF), dairy-free (DF) and customisable for picky eaters. So grab your frying pan, your portable grill and let’s dig in.
Easy camping breakfast recipes
Nothing beats a warm breakfast by the campfire to fuel you up for a long day of hiking. These camping foods will kickstart your day the right way.
1. Campfire peanut butter banana boats (GF/DF)
Cut a slit down a banana, stuff it with peanut butter and wrap it in foil. Heat on a grill or over an open flame for 5–10 minutes. Top with rolled oats, cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup.
2. Morning porridge (GF/DF)
To make this sweet camping porridge, you’ll need one cup of rolled oats, two cups of water or plant-based milk such as almond, oat or coconut, one tablespoon of maple syrup, one teaspoon of cinnamon (optional) and one mashed banana for natural sweetness.
3. French toast skillet
Soak slices of bread in a mix of eggs, maple syrup and cinnamon. Fry in a frying pan over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Serve with fruit or ice-cream (if you’ve got a cooler!).
4. Breakfast burritos (GF/DF option)
Use corn tortillas, scrambled eggs, sautéed black beans, chopped capsicums and a little Mexican herb and spice mix or just some fresh coriander. Add shredded cheese or keep it dairy-free. Warm tortillas on your camp stove for that perfect finish.
5. Chia pudding to-go (GF/DF)
Make ahead at home by mixing one cup plant-based milk, one teaspoon vanilla, maple syrup and three tablespoons chia seeds. Bring in jars and top with berries in the morning.
Other chia pudding recipes
Hearty Camping Lunch Recipes
Light but energising meals are essential at midday. These camping recipes are no-fuss and full of flavour.
1. Pasta salad with veggies (GF option)
Cook pasta at home or give it a quick boil on the day. Toss with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives and a simple dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and herbs. Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
2. Jacket potatoes with fillings (GF/DF option)
Wrap whole potatoes in foil and cook in the campfire embers or over a portable grill. Slice open and top with black beans, salsa, shredded cheese and sour cream (dairy-free options available). You can also boil the potatoes whole, slit them open and stuff them, if you would rather not use foil and flames.
3. Vegetable fried rice
Using a camping stove or portable grill, fry cooked rice with fresh vegetables (carrots, peas, corn and capsicum) in olive oil, soy sauce and a dash of garlic powder. Crack eggs (or tofu) and scramble them into the mix. It’s one of those easy camping meals that tastes like home comfort food.
4. Hummus wraps (GF/DF option)
Use wraps and stuff with hummus, spinach, shredded carrots, cucumber and roasted capsicum. Easy to assemble and keeps well for a camping trip. There are also plenty of great gluten-free wrap options available.
5. Quinoa salad jars (GF/DF)
Pre-make at home: Layer cooked quinoa, chickpeas, fresh veggies and dressing in a jar. Shake before serving. Packs perfectly in a cooler.
Epic camping dinner recipes
There’s nothing like sitting around a campfire in the evening. Dinner by the fire is one of the best parts of camping. Here are five delicious and easy camp dinners the whole family will love.
1. Dutch oven veggie stew (GF/DF)
In a Dutch oven, combine diced tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onion, olive oil, herbs and garlic powder. Let simmer over a campfire for 30 minutes.
2. Cast iron veggie stir fry (GF/DF)
Use a cast iron skillet to stir-fry broccoli, capsicums, zucchini and black beans with olive oil and tamari. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
3. Simple veggie quesadilla
Fill a tortilla with shredded cheese, beans and sliced capsicums. Cook in a frying pan or portable grill until the cheese melts. Cut into wedges and serve with salsa or guacamole.
4. Skillet mac and cheese (GF option)
Create a quick cheese sauce on your camp stove using shredded cheese, milk (or a plant-based alternative) and pasta. Add peas or broccoli for an extra nutritional boost.
Try our dairy-free mac and cheese recipe
5. Indian spiced lentils (Dahl)
Use canned lentils or quick-cooking lentils. Heat with turmeric, cumin and salt on the camp stove. Add chopped tomatoes and fresh veggies like spinach or kale. Serve with rice or flatbread.
Healthy camping snacks for kids (and parents)
Snacking is essential when you’re active outdoors. These camping snacks are portable, satisfying and won’t spoil too quickly.
- Peanut butter on apple slices or rice cakes
- Trail mix with seeds, nuts, one teaspoon maple syrup and dried fruit
- Pasta salad leftovers in a container for quick bites
- Crackers and hummus
- Easy smoothies if you have a cooler and blender
Bonus tips for easy camp cooking
- Pre-prep at home: Chop veggies, cook grains or mix dry ingredients to save time on-site.
- Double up on essentials like olive oil, salt, garlic powder and paper towels.
- Pack a large bowl, tongs, a cutting board and don’t forget the matches!
- Keep a cooler organised with snacks for the kids and quick, easy camping meal options.
- Freeze items like homemade veggie burgers or soups to keep your cooler cold for longer.
Making camping food easy and enjoyable
The best thing about these camping recipes is their simplicity and flexibility. You don’t need fancy gear, just a camping stove, a frying pan and some good ingredients. With a bit of prep, you’ll be serving favourite easy camping meals that are healthy, satisfying and kid-approved.
Ready to pack the car and hit the road? Bookmark this great list for your next adventure and enjoy the calm, the fresh air and the delicious camping foods that bring everyone together. Bon appétit and happy camping!
Read next: 9 healthy snacks for kids that they will love
