Are you planning a camping trip but struggling to come up with vegan and gluten-free meal ideas? Fear not! We’ve got you covered with 35 delicious and easy-to-make meals that will keep you nourished and satisfied during your outdoor adventure.
Before we jump into the meal ideas, let’s talk about some essential items you’ll need for your camping trip. First and foremost, you’ll need a reliable and durable tent. There are many great tent brands on the market, but we recommend checking out the following:
- REI Co-op: REI Co-op offers a wide range of tents for all types of camping adventures. From lightweight backpacking tents to family-sized camping tents, REI has got you covered.
- Marmot: Marmot is known for their high-quality outdoor gear, including their top-rated tents. Their tents are designed to withstand all types of weather conditions and are built to last.
- The North Face: The North Face is a popular brand among outdoor enthusiasts and their tents are no exception. Their tents are durable, easy to set up, and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate your camping needs.
Now, let’s move on to the fun part – the food! When it comes to camping meals, it’s important to choose foods that are easy to prepare, don’t require refrigeration, and can be made with minimal equipment. Here are 35 vegan and gluten-free camping meal ideas to help you get started:
1. Vegan lentil and vegetable soup
A warm and hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly nights around the campfire. Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a pot over your camp stove or fire.
Add in vegetable broth, lentils, and your choice of veggies (such as potatoes, kale, and zucchini) and let simmer until the lentils are cooked and the veggies are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you like.
2. Vegan black bean tacos
A simple yet satisfying meal that’s easy to make on a camp stove or over an open fire. Start by heating up black beans in a pot or pan and seasoning with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Warm up corn tortillas over the fire and top with the black beans, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime juice.
3. Vegan quinoa salad
A light and refreshing salad that’s easy to pack for a day hike or as a side dish for dinner. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let cool. Mix with diced cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Vegan baked potatoes
A classic camping meal that’s easy to make over the fire. Wrap potatoes in foil and place directly on hot coals or on a grate over the fire. Let cook for about 30-40 minutes or until tender. Top with vegan butter, salt, pepper, and any additional toppings you like such as vegan cheese, chives, or sour cream.
5. Vegan roasted vegetable skewers
A colorful and flavorful way to enjoy veggies while camping. Thread your favorite veggies onto skewers (such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms) and brush with olive oil and your choice of seasoning (such as garlic, paprika, or thyme). Roast over the fire until tender and slightly charred.
6. Vegan lentil and sweet potato chili
A hearty and flavorful chili that’s easy to make on a camp stove. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot, then add in diced sweet potatoes, lentils, canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your choice of spices (such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika). Let simmer until the sweet potatoes and lentils are tender and the flavors have melded together.
7. Vegan stir-fry with rice noodles
A quick and easy meal that’s perfect for a busy day of hiking. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and set aside. Heat up oil in a pan or wok and stir-fry your choice of veggies (such as bell peppers, onions, broccoli, and snap peas) until tender. Add in the cooked rice noodles and season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
8. Vegan tofu and vegetable skewers
A protein-packed option for camping. Thread tofu and your choice of veggies onto skewers (such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini) and brush with a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, and sriracha. Roast over the fire until the tofu is slightly charred and the veggies are tender.
9. Vegan lentil and vegetable shepherd’s pie
A comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for cooler nights. Start by cooking lentils in a pot with vegetable broth until tender. In a separate pan, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add in your choice of veggies (such as peas, corn, and green beans) and the cooked lentils.
Top with mashed sweet potatoes and bake in a dutch oven over the fire until the sweet potatoes are lightly browned and the filling is bubbly.
10. Vegan chickpea and vegetable curry
A flavorful and spicy dish that’s perfect for a chilly night. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot, then add in your choice of veggies (such as bell peppers, cauliflower, and green beans) and canned chickpeas. Add in coconut milk and curry powder and let simmer until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve with rice or naan bread.
11. Vegan lentil and vegetable shepherd’s pie
A comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for cooler nights. Start by cooking lentils in a pot with vegetable broth until tender. In a separate pan, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add in your choice of veggies (such as peas, corn, and green beans) and the cooked lentils.
Top with mashed sweet potatoes and bake in a dutch oven over the fire until the sweet potatoes are lightly browned and the filling is bubbly.
12. Vegan roasted red pepper and tomato soup
A comforting and flavorful soup that’s easy to make on a camp stove. Start by roasting red peppers over the fire until charred, then peel off the skin and chop. Sauté onions and garlic in a pot, then add in chopped tomatoes and the roasted red peppers. Add in vegetable broth and let simmer until the flavors have melded together. Blend with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve with crusty bread.
13. Vegan quinoa and black bean salad
A protein-packed salad that’s perfect for a day hike or as a side dish for dinner. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let cool. Mix with canned black beans, diced red onion, and diced bell peppers. Dress with olive oil, lime juice, and cilantro, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
14. Vegan vegetable and lentil stir-fry
A quick and easy meal that’s perfect for busy camping days. Cook lentils according to package instructions and set aside. Heat up oil in a pan or wok and stir-fry your choice of veggies (such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas) until tender. Add in the cooked lentils and season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
15. Vegan tomato and vegetable stew
A warming and comforting stew that’s easy to make on a camp stove. Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in a pot until softened. Add in canned tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your choice of veggies (such as potatoes, green beans, and corn) and let simmer until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
16. Vegan lentil and vegetable stir-fry
A protein-packed and flavorful meal that’s easy to make on a camp stove. Cook lentils according to package instructions and set aside. Heat up oil in a pan or wok and stir-fry your choice of veggies (such as mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers) until tender. Add in the cooked lentils and season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
17. Vegan zucchini and chickpea fajitas
A simple yet flavorful meal that’s easy to make over the fire. Start by heating up canned chickpeas in a pan and seasoning with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Slice zucchini into thin strips and sauté in a separate pan until tender. Warm up corn tortillas over the fire and top with the chickpeas, zucchini, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
18. Vegan quinoa and vegetable stir-fry
A quick and easy meal that’s packed with protein and veggies. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside. Heat up oil in a pan or wok and stir-fry your choice of veggies (such as broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas) until tender. Add in the cooked quinoa and season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
19. Vegan sweet potato and black bean tacos
A simple and delicious meal that’s easy to make over the fire. Start by roasting sweet potatoes over the fire until tender, then chop into cubes. Warm up corn tortillas over the fire and top with canned black beans, the roasted sweet potatoes, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
19. Vegan vegetable and lentil curry
A flavorful and hearty meal that’s perfect for cooler nights. Cook lentils according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened, then add in your choice of veggies (such as cauliflower, green beans, and peas).
Add in canned coconut milk and curry powder and let simmer until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve with rice or naan bread.
20. Vegan lentil and vegetable chili
A spicy and satisfying meal that’s easy to make on a camp stove. Cook lentils according to package instructions and set aside. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened, then add in canned diced tomatoes, canned kidney beans, and your choice of veggies (such as bell peppers and corn).
Season with chili powder and cumin and let simmer until the flavors have melded together.
21. Vegan mushroom and vegetable risotto
A comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to make on a camp stove. In a pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened, then add in sliced mushrooms and your choice of veggies (such as bell peppers and zucchini).
Add in Arborio rice and stir until the rice is coated in the oil. Add in vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring constantly, until the rice is cooked through and the mixture is creamy.
22. Vegan lentil and vegetable shepherd’s pie with mashed cauliflower topping
A comforting and filling meal that’s perfect for cooler nights. Start by cooking lentils in a pot with vegetable broth until tender. In a separate pan, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add in your choice of veggies (such as peas, corn, and green beans) and the cooked lentils.
Top with mashed cauliflower and bake in a dutch oven over the fire until the cauliflower is lightly browned and the filling is bubbly.
23. Vegan chickpea and vegetable quesadillas
A simple and flavorful meal that’s easy to make over the fire. Start by heating up canned chickpeas in a pan and seasoning with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. In a separate pan, sauté your choice of veggies (such as bell peppers and onions) until tender. Warm up corn tortillas over the fire and top with the chickpeas, veggies, and vegan cheese.
24. Vegan sweet potato and lentil stew
A warming and comforting stew that’s easy to make on a camp stove. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot, then add in diced sweet potatoes and canned lentils. Add in vegetable broth and let simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
25. Vegan lentil and vegetable soup
A hearty and flavorful soup that’s easy to make on a camp stove. Cook lentils according to package instructions and set aside. In a pot, sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened, then add in canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and your choice of veggies (such as green beans and zucchini).
Let simmer until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded together.
26. Vegan quinoa and black bean salad
A refreshing and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for warm days. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside. Drain and rinse canned black beans and mix with the quinoa. Add in diced tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. Dress with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lime juice, and salt.
27. Vegan lentil and vegetable stir-fry
A simple and flavorful meal that’s easy to make over the fire. Cook lentils according to package instructions and set aside. Heat up oil in a pan or wok and stir-fry your choice of veggies (such as broccoli, snap peas, and carrots) until tender. Add in the cooked lentils and season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
28. Vegan chickpea and vegetable curry
A delicious and filling meal that’s easy to make on a camp stove. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pot until softened. Add in your choice of veggies (such as cauliflower, bell peppers, and peas) and canned chickpeas. Season with curry powder and let simmer until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded together.
29. Vegan vegetable and tofu stir-fry
A protein-packed and flavorful meal that’s easy to make over the fire. Heat up oil in a pan or wok and stir-fry your choice of veggies (such as bok choy, mushrooms, and bell peppers) until tender. Add in cubed tofu and season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
30. Vegan quinoa and vegetable salad
A refreshing and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for warm days. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside. Mix with your choice of veggies (such as cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced avocado). Dress with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
31. Vegan sweet potato and lentil curry
A flavorful and hearty meal that’s perfect for cooler nights. Cook lentils according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened, then add in diced sweet potatoes and canned coconut milk. Season with curry powder and let simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together. Serve with rice or naan bread.
32. Vegan lentil and vegetable stuffed peppers
A filling and flavorful meal that’s easy to make on a camp stove. Cook lentils according to package instructions and set aside. Cut the tops off of bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Fill with a mixture of the cooked lentils and your choice of veggies (such as diced tomatoes and sliced mushrooms). Bake in a dutch oven over the fire until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot.
33. Vegan black bean and vegetable fajitas
A simple and flavorful meal that’s easy to make over the fire. Heat up oil in a pan or wok and stir-fry your choice of veggies (such as bell peppers and onions) until tender. Add in canned black beans and season with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Warm up tortillas over the fire and top with the bean and veggie mixture.
Related: What Non-Perishable Camping Foods Are Vegetarian?
34. Vegan vegetable and lentil stew with dumplings
A comforting and filling stew that’s perfect for cooler nights. Cook lentils according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate pot, sauté onions and garlic until softened, then add in your choice of veggies (such as carrots, celery, and potatoes).
Add in vegetable broth and let simmer until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded together. Mix together a simple dumpling batter made from flour, baking powder, salt, and water. Drop spoonfuls of the batter on top of the stew and cover with a lid. Let simmer until the dumplings are cooked through.