When it comes to creating easy, yet delicious, camping meals, there’s something extra special about the way they bring people together and turn even simple ingredients into something unforgettable. No matter what sort of camping you’re heading out to do, you’ll want meals that are satisfying, full of flavor, and most importantly, easy to put together! The recipes for these camping meals are crowd-pleasers that don’t require a ton of equipment or fuss, as most of the time, you need just a little foil, a skillet, or a grill grate. Let’s dive into some of the most delicious campfire cooking meal ideas!
Easy and Delicious Camping Meals You Can Make Over the Campfire!
Campfire Nachos
Mess-free and endlessly customizable, campfire nachos are a camping meal favorite! Layer tortilla chips with black beans, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and your favorite protein, such as pre-cooked ground beef or shredded chicken, and if you’re a vegetarian like me, you could get creative and throw some pre-cooked tofu on there or a store-bought plant-based protein! You can make this signature camping meal using a cast iron skillet or just use foil, and all you have to do is heat it over the flame until it’s all melty together!
Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chili or Sloppy Joe Filling
For this delicious option, wrap sweet potatoes in foil and place them in the hot coals for 30–45 minutes, turning occasionally. While they cook, warm up a hearty chili or sloppy joe mix over the fire. Once the potatoes are fork-tender, slice them open and pile on the filling for a cozy, satisfying dinner. By using canned chili or making your mix ahead of time and packing it in your cooler, this becomes one of the easiest campfire meal options!
Mountain Breakfast Skillet
Start the day right with a campfire skillet packed with flavor! Make this deliciously easy camping meal by tossing together diced potatoes, breakfast sausage or bacon (vegetarian options too!), onions, and bell peppers in a cast iron pan. Honestly, with this camping meal, you can use whatever veggies you like! Let everything get golden and crispy, then crack a few eggs on top and cover until they’re cooked to your liking. Finish it off by topping it with cheese, or if spice is your kind of thing, a bit of hot sauce!
Classic Kababs or Skewers
Kababs are perfect for campfire cooking because they’re simple, portable, and flame-friendly. Use metal or soaked wooden skewers and alternate chunks of meat (chicken, steak, sausage, and even tofu) with vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. Grill over the fire and rotate for even cooking! Plus, if you marinate your ingredients ahead of time for this camping meal, you’ll have tons of extra flavor and less prep at the campsite!
Campfire Sausage Jambalaya
This one-pot wonder is both comforting and easy to prepare! In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, sauté sliced sausage with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Stir in pre-cooked rice, canned diced tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning. Let it simmer until hot and bubbling with smoky flavor. Then, consider if you want to add beans or shrimp, or any variety of extra protein for a little something more!
Campfire Apple Crisp
No camping trip is complete without a little something sweet, and this is the perfect, easy treat to make! Toss sliced apples with cinnamon and a touch of sugar, then top with a crumble made of oats, brown sugar, flour, and butter. Wrap in foil or bake in a small Dutch oven until the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown.
Final Thoughts
Camping doesn’t mean sacrificing good food; it’s actually an opportunity to get creative and enjoy meals in a whole new way! With just a few ingredients and the glow of the fire, you can whip up hearty, comforting dishes that bring everyone to the picnic table. So pack your foil, prep your ingredients, and get ready to make some delicious memories around the campfire with these nice and easy campfire meals!
