More Than S'Mores: 22 Must Try Meals for Your Next Camping Adventure

If you’re gearing up for your next camping trip, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re going to talk about something that can make or break your outdoor adventure: food. Yes, that’s right, we’re looking at camping meals, and trust me, it’s going to be delicious!

When you’re out in the wilderness, surrounded by trees and fresh air, the last thing you want is to feel hungry or unsatisfied. That’s why having a solid meal plan is key to making your camping trip not just bearable, but truly enjoyable.

Good food fuels your body for hiking, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the campfire. It’s the secret ingredient that turns a regular camping trip into an unforgettable experience.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, cooking outdoors can seem daunting. But here’s the thing: with a little planning and some simple recipes, you can whip up amazing meals that’ll have everyone at the campsite asking for seconds.

In this guide, we’ll walk through 22 easy, practical, and mouth-watering camping meals that’ll make you the hero of your next outdoor excursion. So grab your apron (or your trusty camping spatula), and let’s get cooking!

Classic Campfire Pancakes

A black skillet on a grill contains multiple golden-brown pancakes. — Image Credit: Pexels

Let’s kick things off with a camping classic: pancakes! There’s something magical about the smell of pancakes wafting through the crisp morning air. All you need is a cast-iron skillet and your favorite pancake mix.

Pour the batter onto the hot skillet, wait for those telltale bubbles to form, then flip and cook until golden brown. Top your pancakes with fresh berries, a sprinkle of nuts, or a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

It’s a simple yet satisfying breakfast that’ll put a smile on everyone’s face and give you the energy you need for a day of outdoor adventures.

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Breakfast Burritos

Two burritos on a wooden table with colorful fillings of rice, grilled chicken, peppers, and onions. Lime wedges are placed beside them. — Image Credit: Pexels

Here’s a pro tip that’ll make your mornings at camp a breeze: prep your breakfast burritos at home. Before you head out, scramble some eggs, cook up some bacon or sausage, and add in some cheese and veggies.

Wrap it all up in a tortilla, then in foil, and pop them in your cooler. Come morning, just toss these little bundles of joy near the fire to warm them up. In minutes, you’ll have a hearty, protein-packed breakfast that’ll keep you going strong until lunchtime.

Plus, there’s virtually no cleanup, now that’s what I call a camping win!

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Campfire Scrambled Eggs with Veggies

A skillet filled with scrambled eggs, chopped vegetables, and herbs on a wooden board. A yellow bell pepper and cherry tomatoes are nearby, with cutlery on a napkin beside the skillet. — Image Credit: iStock

Eggs are a camping staple, and for good reason, they’re versatile, protein-rich, and easy to cook. To make a hearty breakfast, crack some eggs into a bowl and whisk them up. Chop up some veggies like bell peppers, onions, and maybe some spinach if you’re feeling fancy.

Heat up your skillet over the campfire, add a bit of oil or butter, and pour in your egg mixture. As the eggs start to set, sprinkle in your veggies and give it all a good stir. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a colorful, nutritious scramble that’ll fuel you for a full day of outdoor activities.

Serve it with some camp toast, and you’ve got a breakfast worthy of a five-star campground!

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Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

Grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup on a rustic wooden table, garnished with fresh herbs. — Image Credit: iStock

When lunchtime rolls around and you’re craving something comforting, you can’t go wrong with the classic combo of grilled cheese and tomato soup. Start heating up your can of tomato soup in a pot over the fire.

While that’s warming, butter some bread slices and place them butter-side down in a hot skillet. Add your favorite cheese, cheddar, Swiss, or a mix, and top with another buttered slice of bread. Flip when golden brown and cook until the cheese is all melty and gooey.

Serve alongside your hot tomato soup for dipping. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a cool day in the great outdoors.

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Wrap Sandwiches

A box of neatly arranged wraps filled with lettuce, cucumber, and slices of meat or vegetables. — Image Credit: Pexels

Wraps are the ultimate portable lunch for camping trips. They’re easy to make, easy to eat, and you can fill them with just about anything. Before you leave home, pack some large tortillas and an assortment of fillings.

Thin sliced deli meats, cheese, hummus, and a variety of veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. When lunchtime comes, lay out your tortilla, add your chosen fillings, and roll it up tight.

If you want to get fancy, you can even grill your wrap for a minute or two to get it nice and toasty. It’s a customizable meal that everyone can enjoy, with minimal prep and cleanup required.

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Cold Pasta Salad

A bowl of rotini pasta salad with pepperoni, tomatoes, black olives, onion slices, mozzarella balls, and parsley. — Image Cedit: iStock

Here’s another make-ahead meal that’s perfect for camping: cold pasta salad. Cook up a batch of your favorite pasta at home and let it cool. Toss it with some chopped veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers.

Add some protein like cubed cheese or salami, and throw in some olives for extra flavor. Mix it all together with your favorite vinaigrette dressing. Pack it in a sealed container in your cooler, and you’ve got a refreshing, ready-to-eat lunch waiting for you at the campsite.

It’s especially great on hot days when you want something cool and satisfying.

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Campfire Quesadillas

A stack of quesadillas filled with cheese and vegetables on a slate plate. A small bowl of green sauce is partially visible in the foreground. — Image Credit: iStock

Quesadillas are always a hit, and they’re surprisingly easy to make over a campfire. Bring along some tortillas, shredded cheese, and any other fillings you like, maybe some pre-cooked chicken, canned black beans, or sliced bell peppers.

Heat up your skillet over the fire, lay down a tortilla, sprinkle on your cheese and other fillings, then top with another tortilla. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, then carefully flip and cook the other side.

The result? A crispy, cheesy, delicious lunch that’ll please kids and adults alike. Cut into wedges and serve with some salsa or guacamole if you’re feeling fancy.

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Veggie and Hummus Snack Platter

Four snack containers with pretzels, celery, hummus, carrots, and pita chips on a white background. — Image Credit: Pexels

Sometimes, especially on hot days, you want a lunch that’s light, refreshing, and requires zero cooking. That’s where a veggie and hummus platter comes in handy. Before your trip, chop up an assortment of veggies, carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes all work great.

Pack them in a container with a tub of your favorite hummus. When lunchtime rolls around, simply arrange your veggies on a plate or cutting board and serve with the hummus for dipping.

It’s a healthy, no-fuss option that’s perfect for grazing while you relax at your campsite or take in the scenic views.

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Foil Packet Dinners (Meat and Veggies)

Baked salmon with sliced potatoes, lemon, and vegetables in foil on a baking tray. — Image Credit: iStock

Foil packet dinners are a camper’s best friend. They’re easy to prepare, cook quickly, and cleanup is a breeze. Here’s how to make them: take a large piece of heavy-duty foil and place your choice of protein in the center, chicken, beef, or even fish works great.

Add some chopped veggies like potatoes, carrots, and onions. Sprinkle with your favorite seasonings and add a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil. Seal up the foil packet tightly, making sure to leave some space for steam.

Place the packets in the hot coals of your campfire and let them cook for about 20-30 minutes, depending on the contents. The result? A complete, delicious meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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One-Pot Chili

Pot of chili with beans, corn, and ground meat cooking over an open flame. — Image Credit: iStock

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of chili to warm you up after a day of outdoor activities. The best part? It’s super easy to make at the campsite. In a large pot over your campfire, brown some ground beef. Add in some canned beans, diced tomatoes, and your favorite chili spices.

Let it all simmer together while you set up camp or relax with your fellow campers. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes! Serve it up in bowls and top with some shredded cheese if you like. It’s a filling, flavorful meal that’s perfect for cooler evenings under the stars.

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Campfire Pizza

A skillet pizza with toppings including olives, leeks, onions, and cheese on a wooden table. — Image Credit: iStock

Yes, you read that right, you can totally have pizza while camping! Bring along some pre-made pizza dough (or English muffins for a quick version), pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings. Stretch out the dough on a piece of foil or a cast-iron skillet.

Spread on the sauce, sprinkle with cheese and add your toppings. If you’re using a skillet, cover it with foil. Cook over the fire, rotating occasionally, until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

It might not be delivered, but it’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza in the great outdoors!

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Grilled Fish in Foil

Whole fish seasoned with herbs and lemon slices, wrapped in aluminum foil, ready for cooking. — Image Credit: iStock

For a lighter dinner option that still packs a flavor punch, try grilling fish in foil. This method works great with any type of fish filet. Place each filet on a piece of foil and top with lemon slices, a pat of butter, and some fresh herbs like dill or parsley.

Season with salt and pepper, then seal up the foil packets. Grill over the campfire for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. The foil packets steam the fish to perfection while locking in all the flavors.

It’s a healthy, delicious meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at the campsite.

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Dutch Oven Pot Roast

A pot roast with beef, potatoes, carrots, celery, and onions garnished with rosemary, in a black cast-iron pot on a wooden surface. — Image Credit: iStock

If you have a Dutch oven, you’re in for a real treat with this camping version of pot roast. Start heating your Dutch oven over the campfire. Season a chuck roast with salt and pepper, then brown it on all sides in the hot Dutch oven.

Remove the meat and add in some chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes. Place the meat back on top of the veggies and pour in some beef broth. Cover and let it simmer over low heat for a few hours while you enjoy your day.

The slow cooking will make the meat incredibly tender and infuse the vegetables with amazing flavor. It’s a hearty, comforting meal that’s worth the wait!

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Campfire Mac and Cheese

A pot of macaroni and cheese garnished with chopped herbs, placed on a light-colored surface with a red and white cloth nearby. — Image Credit: iStock

Who says you can’t enjoy comfort food while camping? Campfire mac and cheese is easier than you might think! Start boiling some water in a pot over your campfire. Add your pasta and cook until it’s al dente. Drain the water, leaving a little bit in the pot.

Now comes the fun part, add in some milk, butter, and plenty of shredded cheese. Stir everything together until you’ve got a creamy, gooey masterpiece. The result is a bowl of cheesy goodness that’ll make you forget you’re not in your own kitchen.

It’s the perfect meal for kids and adults alike after a long day of outdoor activities.

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Kabobs (Meat and Veggie Skewers)

Skewers of vegetables and meat, along with a sausage, grilling on a barbecue. — Image Credit: Pexels

Kabobs are a fun and easy way to cook a complete meal over the campfire. Before your trip, cut up some meat (chicken, beef, or even shrimp work great) and veggies like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini into bite-sized pieces.

When you’re ready to cook, thread these onto skewers, alternating between meat and veggies. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water first to prevent burning.

Season your kabobs with your favorite spices, then grill them over the fire, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and the veggies are tender. It’s a customizable, fun-to-eat meal that gets everyone involved in the cooking process.

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Campfire Stew

A cast iron pot hangs over an open fire, containing a simmering stew with visible carrots, red peppers, rosemary, and assorted ingredients. — Image Credit: iStock

On chilly evenings, nothing beats a hearty campfire stew. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown some chunks of beef over the fire. Add in chopped onions, carrots, and potatoes, along with some beef broth and your favorite herbs.

Let it all simmer together over low heat while you relax around the campfire. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it becomes. After a couple of hours, you’ll have a rich, warming stew that’s perfect for ladling into bowls.

Serve with some crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that’ll keep everyone warm and happy.

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Campfire Banana Boats

A banana split open with chocolate bars and marshmallows inside, placed on foil near a campfire. — Image Credit: iStock

For a fun and interactive dessert, try making campfire banana boats. Start with a banana (leave the peel on) and cut a slit along the curve, being careful not to cut all the way through. Gently open the slit and stuff the banana with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.

You can also add other treats like peanut butter chips or crushed graham crackers. Wrap the stuffed banana in foil and place it near the edge of the fire for about 5-10 minutes.

The heat will melt the fillings and warm the banana, creating a gooey, chocolatey treat you can eat right out of the peel. It’s a delicious end to any camping meal!

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Grilled Pineapple

For a healthier dessert option that’s still full of flavor, try grilling some pineapple slices. Cut a fresh pineapple into rings, or use canned pineapple rings for convenience. Place the rings directly on your camping grill over medium heat.

Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until you see nice grill marks and the fruit starts to caramelize. The heat brings out the natural sugars in the pineapple, making it extra sweet and juicy.

Serve it as is for a refreshing treat, or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent. It’s a light, tropical-inspired dessert that’s perfect after a big camping meal.

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Campfire Cobbler

Plate of blueberry cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a spoon, next to a skillet on a wooden table. — Image Credit: iStock

Believe it or not, you can make a delicious fruit cobbler right at your campsite! This easy dessert starts with canned fruit, peaches, cherries, or any fruit you like. Pour the fruit into a Dutch oven and sprinkle a dry cake mix over the top. Add some pats of butter on top of the cake mix.

Place the Dutch oven over some hot coals and put a few coals on the lid too. Let it cook for about 30-40 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.

The result is a warm, gooey cobbler that tastes like it came straight from your oven at home. Serve it up in bowls and watch it disappear!

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Chocolate Fondue with Fruit

A strawberry dipped in chocolate in a red bowl, surrounded by raspberries, mango slices, grapes, and mint leaves on a platter. — Image Credit: iStock

Bring a touch of elegance to your campsite with some easy chocolate fondue. In a small pot, melt some chocolate chips with a splash of cream, stirring until smooth. Keep it warm at the edge of your campfire.

For dipping, bring along some sturdy fruits like strawberries, banana slices, or apple wedges. You can also use marshmallows or graham crackers. Spear your chosen dipper with a fork or skewer and dip it into the warm chocolate.

It’s a bit fancy for camping, but sometimes it’s fun to treat yourself! This interactive dessert is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

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Skillet Brownies

A skillet brownie topped with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. — Image Credit: iStock

Yes, you can have freshly baked brownies while camping! All you need is a cast-iron skillet and some brownie mix. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions, then pour it into a well-greased cast-iron skillet.

Place the skillet on a grill grate over your campfire, or nestle it into the coals if you’re feeling brave. Cover the skillet with foil and let the brownies bake for about 30-40 minutes. Check them occasionally, you want the edges to be set but the middle is still a little gooey.

Once they’re done, let them cool slightly, then dig in! The cast iron gives the edges a delightful crispiness while the center stays soft and fudgy.

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Cinnamon Roll-ups

A piece of bread dough is being cooked on a stick over a metal fire pit with ash and embers. — Image Credit: iStock

End your camping trip on a sweet note with these easy cinnamon roll-ups. Bring along a tube of crescent roll dough and some cinnamon sugar. Separate the dough into triangles and sprinkle each with cinnamon sugar.

Roll up each triangle and wrap it around a roasting stick, pinching the ends to secure it. Hold it over the campfire, rotating slowly, until the dough is golden brown and cooked through. The sugar will caramelize, giving you a crispy, sweet exterior and a soft, doughy interior.

It’s like having fresh-baked cinnamon rolls in the great outdoors! Drizzle with some icing if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

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Time to Pack Your Cooler and Hit the Trail!

A group of people enjoying a picnic near a tent in a grassy park, one of the best things to do in nature. Some are seated at a table with food and drinks, while others are seated on the ground and in camping chairs.

Now you’re armed with 22 delicious meal ideas for your next camping adventure! Remember, the secret to amazing outdoor cooking is preparation. Chop those veggies, mix those dry ingredients, and pack everything securely before you leave home.

Don’t forget your essential camp cookware, a good skillet and Dutch oven will take you far. Camping cuisine is all about creativity and adaptability. Use these recipes as a starting point, then let your imagination run wild.

Most importantly, savor every bite along with the great outdoors. There’s something magical about sharing a meal under the stars with friends and family. So gather ’round the campfire, swap stories, and create memories that’ll last long after the embers fade.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

More Than S’Mores: 22 Must Try Meals for Your Next Camping Adventure