Camping is an exciting outdoor activity that lets you explore the wilderness, but it’s also an opportunity to whip up some amazing meals. If you’re camping with a group of friends or family, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of food ideas that can feed everyone.
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, or dinner options, we’ve got you covered with 60 delicious camping meal ideas that are sure to satisfy a crowd.
Camping Breakfast Ideas for a Crowd
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and when you’re camping, you need something hearty to fuel your adventures. Here are some breakfast ideas that are perfect for feeding a crowd:
- Breakfast burritos: Tortillas stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and salsa.
A great thing about breakfast burritos is that they are easy to customize to your taste. You can add or remove ingredients to your liking. To make them, start by cooking the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Then remove it from the pan and cook the scrambled eggs in the bacon grease. Once the eggs are done, warm the tortillas over the fire or on a griddle. Add the bacon, eggs, cheese, and salsa, and wrap the burrito up.
- French toast: Baked in foil packets with cinnamon, sugar, and butter.
French toast is a classic breakfast option, and it’s easy to make when camping. To make it, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla in a bowl. Dip slices of bread in the mixture, making sure both sides are coated. Place the bread on a sheet of foil and top with a few pats of butter. Fold the foil to make a packet and place it over the fire or on a griddle. Cook for a few minutes on each side until the French toast is golden brown.
- Pancakes: Made on a griddle or in a skillet over the campfire.
Pancakes are another classic breakfast food that’s perfect for camping. You can use a pre-made pancake mix or make your own from scratch. To make the pancakes, start by heating a griddle or skillet over the fire.
Mix together the pancake batter and pour it onto the griddle or skillet, making sure to leave enough space between each pancake. Cook the pancakes for a few minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Serve with syrup, butter, and your favorite toppings.
- Breakfast sandwiches: English muffins, bacon, egg, and cheese, wrapped in foil and grilled.
Breakfast sandwiches are a delicious and filling option for camping. To make them, start by cooking the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove it from the pan and cook the eggs in the bacon grease. Split the English muffins and add the cooked bacon, egg, and cheese to each half.
Wrap the sandwiches in foil and place them over the fire or on a grill. Cook for a few minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through.
- Huevos rancheros: Corn tortillas topped with refried beans, fried eggs, and salsa.
Huevos rancheros are a flavorful breakfast option that’s easy to make when camping. Start by warming the tortillas over the fire or on a griddle. Spread a layer of refried beans on each tortilla. Cook the eggs in a skillet and place one on top of each tortilla. Top with salsa and any other toppings you like, such as cheese, avocado, or cilantro.
Camping Lunch Ideas for a Crowd
Lunch is a great time to take a break from hiking or other activities and enjoy a tasty meal. Here are some lunch ideas that are easy to make.
- Grilled cheese sandwiches: Made with bread, butter, and cheese cooked over the campfire.
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic comfort food that’s perfect for camping. Start by buttering two slices of bread. Place a slice of cheese between the two slices of bread and wrap the sandwich in foil. Place the sandwich over the fire or on a grill and cook for a few minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
- Tacos: Filled with ground beef or chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and salsa.
Tacos are a fun and easy lunch option that everyone will love. To make them, cook ground beef or chicken in a skillet over the fire. Warm the tortillas over the fire or on a griddle. Add the cooked meat, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and salsa to each tortilla.
- Sandwiches: Made with deli meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and condiments.
Sandwiches are a simple and versatile lunch option that’s easy to make when camping. Pack a variety of deli meats, cheeses, and condiments, along with bread and any toppings you like, such as lettuce and tomato. Assemble the sandwiches and enjoy!
- Quesadillas: Made with tortillas, cheese, and your choice of meat and vegetables.
Quesadillas are a tasty and easy lunch option that’s perfect for camping. To make them, place a tortilla on a griddle or in a skillet over the fire. Add cheese and your choice of meat and vegetables to one side of the tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half and cook for a few minutes on each side until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
- Wraps: Made with a variety of fillings, such as chicken, turkey, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and hummus.
Wraps are a healthy and delicious lunch option that’s easy to make when camping. Start by warming the tortillas over the fire or on a griddle. Add a variety of fillings, such as chicken, turkey, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and hummus. Roll the tortilla up and enjoy!
Camping Dinner Ideas for a Crowd
Dinner is the main event when it comes to camping meals, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some dinner ideas that are perfect for feeding a crowd:
- Foil packet meals: Made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and seasonings wrapped in foil and cooked over the fire.
Foil packet meals are a camping staple, and for good reason. They’re easy to make and require minimal cleanup. To make them, place your choice of meat, vegetables, and seasonings on a sheet of foil. Fold the foil to make a packet and place it over the fire or on a grill. Cook for 20-30 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Chili: Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices.
Chili is a hearty and flavorful dinner option that’s perfect for camping. To make it, cook the ground beef in a skillet over the fire. Add diced onions, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, and any other spices you like. Simmer the chili for 30 minutes or until the flavors are well combined.
- Spaghetti: Made with ground beef, pasta, and your choice of sauce.
Spaghetti is a classic dinner option that’s easy to make when camping. Start by cooking the ground beef in a skillet over the fire. Cook the pasta in a pot over the fire until al dente. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the ground beef. Add your choice of sauce and simmer for a few minutes until the flavors are well combined.
- Kabobs: Made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and seasonings.
Kabobs are a fun and easy dinner option that’s perfect for camping. Start by cutting your choice of meats and vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Thread them onto skewers and season with your favorite spices. Grill the kabobs over the fire or on a grill until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Hamburgers and hot dogs: Made with ground beef or hot dogs cooked over the fire.
Hamburgers and hot dogs are a classic camping meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Grill the hamburgers and hot dogs over the fire or on a grill until they’re cooked to your liking. Serve them with your choice of toppings, such as ketchup, mustard, relish, and cheese.
- Dutch oven meals: Made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and seasonings cooked in a Dutch oven over the fire.
Dutch oven meals are a delicious and easy dinner option that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. To make them, place your choice of meat, vegetables, and seasonings in a Dutch oven. Cover the Dutch oven and place it over the fire. Cook for 1-2 hours or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Camping Dessert Ideas for a Crowd
No camping trip is complete without a sweet treat to enjoy around the campfire. Here are some dessert ideas that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth:
- S’mores: Made with graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows.
S’mores are a classic camping dessert that’s easy to make and always delicious. Start by roasting a marshmallow over the fire until it’s golden brown and gooey. Place the marshmallow on a graham cracker and top with a piece of chocolate.
Place another graham cracker on top and press down gently to create a sandwich. Enjoy while the marshmallow is still warm and gooey!
- Campfire cones: Made with waffle cones, chocolate, and your choice of fillings, such as marshmallows, fruit, and nuts.
Campfire cones are a fun and easy dessert option that’s perfect for camping. Start by filling a waffle cone with your choice of fillings, such as chocolate, marshmallows, fruit, and nuts. Wrap the cone in foil and place it over the fire or on a grill. Cook for a few minutes until the chocolate is melted and the cone is crispy.
- Grilled fruit: Made with a variety of fruits, such as pineapple, peaches, and bananas, grilled over the fire.
Grilled fruit is a healthy and delicious dessert option that’s easy to make when camping. Cut your choice of fruits into bite-sized pieces and place them on skewers. Grill the skewers over the fire or on a grill until the fruit is caramelized and tender.
- Brownies: Made with a brownie mix and cooked in a Dutch oven over the fire.
Brownies are a decadent dessert option that’s perfect for camping. To make them, prepare a brownie mix according to the package instructions. Pour the batter into a greased Dutch oven and place it over the fire. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until the brownies are cooked through and the edges are crispy.
- Fruit salad: Made with a variety of fresh fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi.
Fruit salad is a healthy and refreshing dessert option that’s perfect for camping. Cut your choice of fruits into bite-sized pieces and toss them together in a bowl. Serve cold and enjoy!
Camping Snack Ideas for a Crowd
When you’re out in the great outdoors, it’s important to have plenty of snacks on hand to keep you fueled throughout the day. Here are some snack ideas that are perfect for camping:
- Trail mix: Made with a variety of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.
Trail mix is a classic camping snack that’s easy to make and always delicious. Combine your choice of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in a bowl and mix well. Pack the trail mix in small bags or containers for easy snacking on the go.
- Jerky: Made with a variety of meats, such as beef, turkey, and venison.
Jerky is a high-protein snack that’s perfect for camping. It’s easy to pack and doesn’t require any refrigeration, making it a convenient snack option. Choose your favorite type of jerky, such as beef, turkey, or venison, and pack it in a small container or bag.
- Fresh fruit: Made with a variety of fresh fruits, such as apples, bananas, and oranges.
Fresh fruit is a healthy and refreshing snack option that’s perfect for camping. Cut your choice of fruits into bite-sized pieces and pack them in a container or bag for easy snacking on the go.
- Popcorn: Made with popcorn kernels and cooked over the fire or on a stove.
Popcorn is a fun and easy snack option that’s perfect for camping. To make it, place popcorn kernels in a pot or Dutch oven with a little bit of oil. Place the pot or Dutch oven over the fire or on a stove and cook until the kernels start to pop. Shake the pot or Dutch oven occasionally to ensure that all of the kernels pop. Serve with your choice of seasoning, such as salt, butter, or cheese.
- Granola bars: Made with oats, nuts, and dried fruit.
Granola bars are a convenient and healthy snack option that’s perfect for camping. Combine oats, nuts, and dried fruit in a bowl and mix well. Add honey or peanut butter to bind the ingredients together. Press the mixture into a baking dish and bake in the oven or cook in a Dutch oven over the fire until the bars are crispy and golden brown.
Camping Drinks Ideas for a Crowd
Staying hydrated is important when you’re out in the great outdoors. Here are some drink ideas that are perfect for camping:
- Water: The most essential drink for camping.
Water is the most important drink to bring on a camping trip. Be sure to pack enough water for everyone in your group and bring a water filtration system or purification tablets in case you need to refill your water supply.
- Hot cocoa: Made with cocoa powder, sugar, and milk.
Hot cocoa is a warm and comforting drink option that’s perfect for camping. Mix cocoa powder and sugar together in a pot or Dutch oven. Add milk and heat over the fire or on a stove until the cocoa is hot and frothy. Serve with marshmallows for an extra special treat.
- Coffee: Made with coffee grounds and water.
Coffee is a must-have drink for many people, even when camping. Bring your favorite brand of coffee grounds and a camping coffee maker or French press to make your morning cup of joe.
- Lemonade: Made with lemon juice, sugar, and water.
Lemonade is a refreshing drink option that’s perfect for camping. Mix lemon juice and sugar together in a pot or container. Add water and stir well. Serve over ice for a cool and refreshing treat.
- Hot tea: Made with tea bags and water.
Hot tea is a comforting drink option that’s perfect for chilly camping nights. Bring your favorite tea bags and a camping tea kettle to heat up water over the fire or on a stove.
Clean-Up Tips
No one likes to clean up after a meal, but it’s important to keep your campsite clean to avoid attracting wildlife and to maintain Leave No Trace principles.
Here are some clean-up tips to make your life easier:
- Pack biodegradable soap: Use biodegradable soap to clean your dishes and utensils. Regular dish soap can harm the environment and wildlife.
- Wash dishes away from water sources: When washing dishes, make sure to do it at least 200 feet away from any water source to avoid contaminating the water.
- Use a strainer: Use a strainer to collect food scraps and dispose of them properly. Do not throw them in the fire pit or leave them on the ground.
- Use a camp sink: A camp sink is a collapsible basin that makes washing dishes easier. Fill the sink with warm water and soap, and use it to clean your dishes.
- Bring trash bags: Bring plenty of trash bags to pack out all of your trash. Do not leave any trash behind, even if it is biodegradable.
- Clean as you go: Cleaning as you go can make clean-up easier and more manageable. After each meal, take a few minutes to clean up any food scraps and wipe down your cooking area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bring a cooler camping?
Yes, you can bring a cooler camping. A cooler is a great way to keep your food and drinks cold and fresh. Make sure to pack plenty of ice or ice packs to keep the cooler cold.
Q: How can I keep my food warm while camping?
You can keep your food warm while camping by using a thermal bag or wrapping it in foil and placing it near the fire. Another option is to use a camping stove or Dutch oven to cook your food and keep it warm.
Q: How can I cook without a stove while camping?
You can cook without a stove while camping by using a campfire or portable grill. You can also use a Dutch oven or foil packets to cook your food over the fire.
Q: What should I do with leftover food while camping?
You should pack out all leftover food and dispose of it properly. Do not leave any food behind, even if it is biodegradable.
Q: How can I clean my dishes while camping?
You can clean your dishes while camping by using biodegradable soap and a camp sink. Make sure to wash your dishes at least 200 feet away from any water source and dispose of any food scraps properly.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, camping can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s important to have the right food and drinks to keep you fueled throughout your trip. With these 60 camping meal ideas, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and satisfying meals while exploring the great outdoors.
Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all of your trash to keep the environment clean and healthy for everyone to enjoy.