Deer hunting is a time-honored tradition that many people look forward to each year. It’s a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse oneself in nature. And while the main focus of deer camp is, of course, the hunting, it’s also a time for camaraderie and, of course, great food. After a long day of tracking and waiting, there’s nothing better than sitting around the campfire with a delicious meal and good company.
That said, with limited resources and often less-than-ideal cooking conditions, it can be challenging to come up with tasty and satisfying meal ideas. That’s where this guide comes in! Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the game, we’ve got you covered with 55 dinner camp food ideas that are sure to please everyone at your next deer camp trip.
From hearty venison dishes to campfire classics and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, pack your gear and get ready to impress your hunting buddies with some seriously tasty grub!
Venison Deer Camp Dishes
Venison is a staple at many deer camps, and for good reason – it’s delicious, lean, and a great source of protein. Plus, it’s the perfect way to celebrate a successful hunt! Whether you’re grilling up some steaks or making a hearty stew, there are so many ways to prepare venison that are both easy and mouth-watering.
Here are some of our favorite venison dinner ideas for your next deer camp trip:
1. Grilled Venison Steaks
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked venison steak. Rub your steaks with your favorite spices (we recommend a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika) and grill over high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Serve with a side of grilled veggies for a well-rounded meal.
2. Venison Sausage Jambalaya
Spice things up with this flavorful and filling jambalaya. Start by cooking some diced onions, bell peppers, and celery in a Dutch oven or large pot. Add sliced venison sausage (or ground venison) and cook until browned.
Next, add canned tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, and rice. Let simmer until the rice is cooked and serve with a side of cornbread.
3. Venison Stew
Nothing warms you up after a chilly day of hunting like a hearty bowl of venison stew. Brown cubed venison in a Dutch oven or large pot, then add onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Pour in beef broth, red wine, and canned tomatoes, and let simmer for an hour or two until the meat is tender.
Serve with crusty bread and a salad for a complete meal.
4. Venison Chili
This classic dish is always a crowd-pleaser. Brown ground venison in a large pot, then add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add canned tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and a touch of brown sugar, and let simmer for 30 minutes to an hour. Top with shredded cheese and sour cream for a little extra indulgence.
5. Venison Burger Sliders
Who doesn’t love a good burger? Form ground venison into small patties and grill over medium-high heat until cooked through. Serve on slider buns with your favorite toppings (we recommend bacon, cheddar cheese, and a smear of BBQ sauce).
6. Venison Kabobs
Kabobs are a fun and easy way to cook up some venison. Cut cubed venison into bite-sized pieces and marinate in your favorite sauce (we love a blend of soy sauce, honey, and garlic). Thread onto skewers with some veggies (we recommend bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms) and grill over medium heat until cooked through.
7. Venison Tacos
Spice things up with these delicious venison tacos. Brown ground venison in a large skillet, then add your favorite taco seasoning and a bit of water. Let simmer until the meat is cooked through, then serve in soft or hard taco shells with your favorite toppings (we love avocado, cilantro, and lime).
8. Venison Fajitas
These fajitas are a great way to mix up your venison game. Slice venison into thin strips and marinate in lime juice, soy sauce, and chili powder. Sauté sliced onions and bell peppers in a skillet, then add the marinated venison and cook until browned. Serve with warm tortillas and all your favorite fajita fixings.
Related: Game-Changing Crockpot Meal Ideas For Your Next Hunting Camp
Deer Camp Campfire Classics
No deer camp trip is complete without some classic campfire meals. There’s just something about cooking over an open flame that makes food taste so much better! Whether you’re roasting hot dogs or cooking up some foil-wrapped meals, campfire cooking is all about simplicity and flavor.
Here are some of our favorite campfire classics to try on your next outdoor adventure:
1. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are a classic campfire food for a reason – they’re easy to cook and delicious. Just skewer your dogs and hold them over the fire until they’re hot and slightly charred. Serve with all your favorite toppings (we recommend ketchup, mustard, relish, and onions) and a side of chips.
2. Foil-Wrapped Meals
Foil-wrapped meals are a great way to cook up a complete meal over the campfire. Start by layering sliced potatoes, carrots, and onions on a large sheet of foil. Top with a seasoned chicken breast or beef patty, then fold the foil to create a packet.
Cook over the fire for 20-30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
3. S’mores
No camping trip is complete without some gooey, chocolatey s’mores. Just toast your marshmallows over the fire until they’re golden brown and sandwich them between two graham crackers and a square of chocolate. It’s messy, it’s delicious, and it’s the perfect way to end a long day of hiking and hunting.
4. Dutch Oven Chili
Dutch ovens are a great way to cook up a hearty meal over the campfire. Start by browning ground beef in your Dutch oven, then add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Add canned tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, and a touch of brown sugar, and let simmer for an hour or two over the fire.
Serve with a side of cornbread for the ultimate campfire meal.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are easy to make over the campfire and a great comfort food. Just butter two slices of bread, add a slice of cheese, and grill over the fire until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. Serve with a side of tomato soup for the ultimate cozy meal.
6. Foil-Wrapped Potatoes
Foil-wrapped potatoes are a simple and delicious side dish to any campfire meal. Just wrap your potatoes in foil and cook over the fire for 30-40 minutes, or until tender. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and some chives for added flavor.
7. Campfire Stew
Campfire stew is a classic and hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly nights. Start by browning cubed beef in a Dutch oven, then add diced onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Pour in beef broth and canned tomatoes, and let simmer over the fire for a few hours until the meat is tender. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
8. Hobo Packets
Hobo packets are a fun and customizable way to cook up a complete meal over the campfire. Start by layering sliced potatoes, carrots, onions, and your choice of protein (we recommend ground beef or sausage) on a large sheet of foil.
Top with your favorite seasonings and fold the foil to create a packet. Cook over the fire for 20-30 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
Deer Camp Breakfast for Dinner Ideas
Who says breakfast is only for mornings? When you’re out in the wilderness on a deer camp trip, breakfast for dinner is a great way to switch things up and enjoy some comforting, hearty meals.
From pancakes to breakfast burritos, there are plenty of breakfast-inspired dishes that make for delicious dinner options. Here are some of our favorite breakfast-for-dinner ideas:
1. Pancakes
Pancakes are a classic breakfast food that can easily double as a dinner option. Whip up a batch of your favorite pancake batter and cook them over the campfire until they’re fluffy and golden brown. Serve with butter and syrup, or get creative with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate chips, and fruit.
2. Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos are a filling and easy-to-make dinner option that’s perfect for camping. Start by cooking up some scrambled eggs, then add your favorite fillings like sausage, bacon, peppers, onions, and cheese. Wrap it all up in a tortilla and serve with a side of salsa and sour cream.
3. French Toast
French toast is a sweet and comforting breakfast dish that’s perfect for dinner. Dip slices of bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, and cinnamon, then cook over the campfire until they’re golden brown. Serve with butter and syrup or get creative with toppings like whipped cream, powdered sugar, and fruit.
4. Breakfast Sandwiches
Breakfast sandwiches are a great way to enjoy a filling meal at any time of day. Start by toasting English muffins over the campfire, then add cooked bacon, eggs, and cheese. For an extra kick of flavor, add a smear of hot sauce or Sriracha.
5. Omelets
Omelets are a great way to pack in plenty of protein and veggies for a hearty dinner. Start by whisking together eggs and milk, then pour the mixture into a hot skillet over the campfire.
Add your favorite fillings like cheese, ham, mushrooms, onions, and peppers, then fold the omelet over and cook until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked through.
6. Breakfast Quesadillas
Breakfast quesadillas are a fun and easy dinner option that’s sure to satisfy. Start by layering scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of fillings (we recommend sausage, bacon, or ham) between two tortillas. Cook over the campfire until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy, then serve with a side of salsa and sour cream.
7. Biscuits and Gravy
Biscuits and gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish that makes for a comforting dinner option. Start by cooking up some sausage in a skillet over the campfire, then add flour and milk to create a gravy. Serve over freshly baked biscuits for a hearty and delicious meal.
8. Breakfast Pizza
Who says pizza is only for dinner? Breakfast pizza is a fun and creative way to enjoy breakfast for dinner. Start with a pre-made pizza crust or make your own using a cast-iron skillet. Top with scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, cheese, and your favorite toppings like peppers, onions, or mushrooms.
Bake over the campfire until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then slice and serve.
Deer Camp Vegetarian/Vegan Options
If you’re planning a deer camp with a group of friends, chances are you might have a vegetarian or vegan in your midst. But fret not, because there are plenty of tasty options that will satisfy everyone’s taste buds. From hearty soups to flavorful pasta dishes, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan meals that are perfect for campfire cooking.
One classic campfire meal that can easily be made vegetarian or vegan is the humble baked potato. Simply wrap your spud in foil and cook it in the coals of your campfire until it’s tender and fluffy. Top it with some vegan chili or sautéed vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Another great option is to make a big batch of vegetarian chili or lentil soup before you leave for your trip. These meals can be easily reheated over the fire, and are sure to keep everyone warm and full.
And if you’re in the mood for something more substantial, try making a vegan pasta dish like spaghetti with garlic and olive oil or pesto pasta with grilled vegetables.
With so many delicious vegetarian and vegan options available, everyone at your deer camp can enjoy a delicious meal together.
Deer Camp Snacks and Sides Ideas
Every outdoor adventure requires an ample supply of snacks and sides, and deer camp is no exception. Whether you’re looking for something to munch on while you wait for dinner to cook, or a little something to satisfy your cravings throughout the day, there are plenty of delicious snack and side options to choose from.
One classic campfire snack that’s perfect for deer camp is popcorn. All you need is a pot, some oil, and kernels, and you can easily whip up a batch of hot, fresh popcorn over the fire. For a healthier option, try roasting some nuts like almonds or cashews.
You can even season them with spices like cinnamon or chili powder for an extra kick of flavor.
In terms of sides, there are plenty of options that are easy to make and sure to satisfy. Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions are always a hit and can be easily seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
For something a little heartier, try making a batch of garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks. And if you’re feeling ambitious, why not try your hand at making some homemade potato chips or sweet potato fries?
Deer Camp Drinks and Desserts
No deer camp is complete without some delicious drinks and desserts to round out the meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or something a little more refreshing, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some great ideas to help inspire your next deer camp menu:
Drinks:
- Hot cocoa: There’s nothing like a warm cup of cocoa on a cold night in the woods. Mix some hot water with cocoa powder and sugar, and add in some mini marshmallows for an extra special treat.
- Cider: Warm up with a big pot of hot apple cider. Add some cinnamon sticks and cloves for a deliciously spiced drink.
- Lemonade: If you’re in the mood for something a little more refreshing, whip up a batch of fresh lemonade. All you need is lemons, sugar, and water, and you’re good to go.
Desserts:
- S’mores: No camping trip is complete without the classic s’more. Roast some marshmallows over the fire and sandwich them between graham crackers and a piece of chocolate for a gooey, delicious treat.
- Dutch oven peach cobbler: If you’re feeling ambitious, try making a homemade peach cobbler in a Dutch oven. It’s easier than you might think, and the results are oh-so-tasty.
- Trail mix: For a healthier dessert option, try making your own trail mix. Combine nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips for a delicious and portable snack.
With these drink and dessert options, you can finish off your deer camp meals in style. Whether you’re in the mood for something warm and cozy or light and refreshing, there’s sure to be something on this list that will satisfy your cravings.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, planning the perfect deer camp menu doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little creativity and some careful planning, you can whip up delicious and satisfying meals that will keep you and your fellow hunters fueled and energized for the big hunt.
With the ideas above in mind, you’re well on your way to planning the perfect deer camp menu. Remember to consider the preferences and dietary needs of your fellow hunters, and don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen even amidst cleanups. Happy hunting and happy eating!