30+ Genius Make-Ahead Camping Meals

Are you an outdoor enthusiast who loves nothing more than spending time in the great outdoors? Whether you’re hiking, backpacking, or camping, one thing’s for sure: you need to eat! But cooking in the great outdoors can be a challenge. That’s where make-ahead camping meals come in. These meals are easy to prepare, delicious, and best of all, can be made ahead of time, so you can spend more time enjoying your surroundings and less time cooking.

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll share 30 genius make-ahead camping meals that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. From breakfast to dinner, snacks to desserts, we’ve got you covered. So grab your camping gear and let’s get cooking!

Make Ahead Camping Breakfast

Start your day off right with a delicious and hearty breakfast that will give you the energy you need for a day of hiking, backpacking, or camping. Here are some of our favorite make-ahead camping meals for breakfast:

  • Overnight Oats

Mix oats, chia seeds, milk, and your favorite toppings in a jar and let it sit overnight for a tasty and nutritious breakfast. This is a perfect meal for those who are looking for a healthy and convenient breakfast. With different variations to choose from, you can experiment with different flavors and textures to suit your taste buds.

  • Breakfast Burritos

Cook up some eggs, bacon or sausage, and veggies, wrap them in a tortilla, and freeze for an easy grab-and-go breakfast. This is a perfect meal for those who want a filling breakfast that is easy to carry around. You can also add your favorite condiments to the burrito to give it a unique flavor.

  • Frittata

Whip up a frittata with eggs, cheese, veggies, and meat, and slice into individual servings for a filling breakfast that’s easy to reheat. Frittatas are a great option for a family or a group of friends. It’s a meal that can be prepared ahead of time and reheated the next day. With a variety of ingredients, you can customize the frittata to suit everyone’s taste buds.

  • Pancakes

Make a batch of pancake batter ahead of time and store in a squeeze bottle for easy pancake making in the morning. Pancakes are a classic breakfast meal, and with a make-ahead option, it becomes even more convenient. You can also experiment with different toppings and flavors to make the pancakes unique.

  • Breakfast Sandwiches

Toast English muffins, add eggs, cheese, and your choice of meat, and freeze for a quick breakfast sandwich. Breakfast sandwiches are a great option for those who are in a hurry. With the make-ahead option, you can just grab the sandwich and go.

You can also experiment with different meats and cheese to create your own signature sandwich.

Make Ahead Camping Snacks

Keep your energy levels up throughout the day with these easy and delicious make-ahead camping snacks:

  • Trail Mix

Combine your favorite nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a tasty and nutritious snack. Trail mix is a perfect snack for those who want something quick and easy to munch on. With a variety of ingredients, you can create a trail mix that suits your taste buds.

  • Energy Balls

Mix together oats, nut butter, honey, and your favorite mix-ins, and roll into bite-sized balls for a protein-packed snack. Energy balls are a great option for those who want a healthy snack. With a variety of ingredients, you can create energy balls that suit your taste buds. You can also experiment with different flavors and textures to make the energy balls unique.

  • Jerky

Make your own beef, turkey, or venison jerky by marinating the meat and dehydrating it for a protein-packed snack. Jerky is a classic camping snack that can be easily made ahead of time. With different meat options and marinades, you can create a variety of flavors to suit your taste buds.

  • Hummus and Veggies

Make a batch of hummus and chop up some veggies for a healthy and delicious snack. This is a perfect snack for those who want something fresh and light. With different veggies to choose from, you can create a colorful and tasty snack that’s perfect for the outdoors.

  • Cheese and Crackers

Pack some cheese and crackers for an easy and satisfying snack. Cheese and crackers are a classic snack that is perfect for camping. With different cheese and cracker options, you can create a snack that suits your taste buds.

Make Ahead Camping Lunch

Take a break from your outdoor activities and enjoy a delicious and easy-to-prepare lunch with these make-ahead camping meals:

  • Mason Jar Salads

Layer salad ingredients in a mason jar and pack some dressing on the side for a fresh and healthy lunch. Mason jar salads are a perfect option for those who want a fresh and healthy lunch. With different salad ingredients and dressing options, you can create a salad that suits your taste buds.

  • Sandwiches

Prepare your favorite sandwich ahead of time and pack it for a quick and easy lunch. Sandwiches are a classic lunch option that is perfect for camping. With different bread, meat, cheese, and condiment options, you can create a sandwich that suits your taste buds.

  • Wraps

Roll up some veggies, meat, and cheese in a tortilla for a filling and portable lunch. Wraps are a perfect option for those who want a filling and easy-to-carry lunch. With different ingredients and condiments, you can create a wrap that suits your taste buds.

  • Pasta Salad

Cook up some pasta and mix in some veggies, cheese, and dressing for a tasty and filling lunch. Pasta salad is a great option for a family or a group of friends. It’s a meal that can be prepared ahead of time and eaten cold. With different pasta shapes and ingredients, you can create a pasta salad that suits everyone’s taste buds.

  • Rice Bowls

Cook up some rice and mix in some veggies, protein, and sauce for a delicious and satisfying lunch. Rice bowls are a perfect option for those who want a filling and flavorful lunch. With different rice, protein, and sauce options, you can create a rice bowl that suits your taste buds.

Make Ahead Camping Dinner

End your day with a delicious and easy-to-prepare dinner with these make-ahead camping meals:

  • Foil Packet Meals

Wrap up some meat, veggies, and spices in foil and cook over the campfire for a flavorful and easy dinner. Foil packet meals are a perfect option for those who want a meal that’s easy to cook and clean up. With different meat, veggie, and spice options, you can create a foil packet meal that suits your taste buds.

  • Chili

Cook up a big batch of chili ahead of time and reheat for a delicious and comforting dinner. Chili is a perfect meal for those cool nights around the campfire. With different meat, bean, and spice options, you can create a chili that suits your taste buds.

  • Kabobs

Skewer up some meat and veggies and cook over the campfire for a delicious and fun dinner. Kabobs are a perfect meal for those who want a meal that’s easy to prepare and cook. With different meat and veggie options, you can create a kabob that suits your taste buds.

  • Tacos

Cook up some ground beef or chicken and pack some taco shells and toppings for a fun and customizable dinner. Tacos are a perfect meal for those who want a fun and customizable dinner option. With different meat, veggie, and topping options, you can create a taco that suits your taste buds.

  • Stew

Cook up a big batch of stew ahead of time and reheat for a comforting and filling dinner. Stew is a perfect meal for those cool nights around the campfire. With different meat, vegetable, and spice options, you can create a stew that suits your taste buds.

Make Ahead Camping Desserts

End your meals on a sweet note with these make-ahead camping desserts:

  • S’mores Kits

Pack some graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows for a classic camping dessert. S’mores are a perfect dessert for camping. With different chocolate and marshmallow options, you can create a s’more that suits your taste buds.

  • Fruit Salad

Chop up some fresh fruit and pack it for a refreshing and healthy dessert. Fruit salad is a perfect dessert for those who want something fresh and healthy. With different fruit options, you can create a colorful and tasty dessert that’s perfect for the outdoors.

  • Campfire Cones

Fill some waffle cones with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and fruit for a fun and easy dessert. Campfire cones are a perfect dessert for those who want a fun and customizable dessert option. With different filling options, you can create a cone that suits your taste buds.

  • Dutch Oven Cake

Bake a cake in a dutch oven for a delicious and impressive dessert. Dutch oven cakes are a perfect dessert for those who want a homemade dessert that’s easy to prepare. With different cake recipes and toppings, you can create a cake that suits your taste buds.

Make Ahead Camping Drinks

Quench your thirst with these make-ahead camping drinks:

  • Hot Cocoa

Pack some hot cocoa mix and marshmallows for a warm and comforting drink. Hot cocoa is a perfect drink for those cool nights around the campfire. With different cocoa mixes and toppings, you can create a cocoa that suits your taste buds.

  • Lemonade

Mix up a batch of lemonade and pack it for a refreshing and classic drink. Lemonade is a perfect drink for those who want a refreshing and classic drink option. With different lemonade recipes and sweeteners, you can create a lemonade that suits your taste buds.

  • Iced Tea

Brew up some iced tea and pack it for a refreshing and flavorful drink. Iced tea is a perfect drink for those hot days outdoors. With different tea flavors and sweeteners, you can create an iced tea that suits your taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best way to store make-ahead camping meals?

It’s best to store make-ahead camping meals in airtight containers or ziplock bags in a cooler with ice.

Q: Can I freeze make-ahead camping meals?

Yes, many make-ahead camping meals can be frozen for longer storage. Just make sure to label and date them and allow enough time to thaw before reheating.

Q: What cooking equipment do I need for make-ahead camping meals?

It depends on the meals you plan to make, but some essential cooking equipment for camping includes a portable stove, a grill or griddle, a dutch oven, a camping pot, and a cast iron skillet.

Q: How long can make-ahead camping meals be stored?

It depends on the type of meal and storage conditions, but most make-ahead camping meals can be stored in a cooler with ice for 3-4 days.

Q: Can I reheat make-ahead camping meals over a campfire?

Yes, some make-ahead camping meals can be reheated over a campfire, but it’s important to use caution and keep a close eye on the food to prevent burning.

Q: Are there any make-ahead camping meals for vegetarians?

Yes, many of the make-ahead camping meals listed can be easily adapted to be vegetarian-friendly by substituting meat with plant-based alternatives or omitting it altogether. Additionally, meals such as veggie skewers, hummus and veggie wraps, and quinoa salads are great vegetarian options.

Q: Can I make make-ahead camping meals for a large group?

Yes, many of the make-ahead camping meals can be easily scaled up to feed a large group. Just make sure to adjust cooking times and quantities accordingly.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, make-ahead camping meals are a great way to save time and effort while still enjoying delicious and satisfying meals on your outdoor adventures. With the wide range of options available, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Just remember to plan ahead, pack wisely, and enjoy the great outdoors!

Leave a Comment

%d bloggers like this: