Camping recipes don't have to be beans from a can, though; there's nothing wrong with that (and we have included a recipe for our fave, Pizza Beans!). A bit of meal prep will lay the groundwork for these easy, delicious plan-ahead camping recipes. We picked some items for easy breakfasts, satisfying dinners, fast snacks and quickie lunches. Some other helpful tips:
Bring a pitcher to make pancake mix in for easy pouring. You can even keep the powdered mix in it ahead of adding water if the lid is tight.
Make a fruit salad or pre-cut all your fruit (minus bananas) for easy distribution and toting.
If your family is a fan of scrambled eggs, crack your eggs and keep them in a sealed bottle to avoid the delicacy of protecting a carton.
Bring a tube of crescent rolls and have fun adding things to them. Chocolate chips? Yes. Canned ravioli? Try it.
Make campfire cones by stuffing chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, peanut butter and even chopped fruit like bananas inside a waffle cone. Wrap in foil and let it heat in the fire until everything is gooey and good.
Garlicky Cuban Pork
The Instant Pot does all of the work on this one. But you can go pick up squishy buns, because this pork is best served slider-style. For camping, make your pork ahead of time and bring everything you need for al fresco pork-in-a-bun. Get the recipe: Garlicky Cuban Pork
Olive Oil and Maple Granola
Don't delay, you need to make this. Perfect for camping, quick breakfasts or just eating by the handful, you'll be glad you packed this in a big Ziplock to top yogurt and fruit for an easy start to your day in nature. Get the recipe: Olive Oil and Maple Granola
Flavourful Veggie-Packed Burgers
Have your burger and lots of veggies, too! These beef burgers are full of flavour thanks to grated veg, are gluten- and dairy-free and help the whole family increase their veggie intake for the day. Pre-make your patties and pack everything you need for camping, like buns, condiments and pickles, of course. Get the recipe: Veggie Full Burgers
Reese's S'mores
Facts and figures: if you didn't have a S'more, you didn't technically go camping. Ensure your status as Real Camper by whipping up a newfangled variation. This recipe instructs to use the toaster oven, but we know you know how to do it by the fire by skewing puffy marshmallows and giving them a toast in the flame. Yum.
Pizza Beans
Perfect for a crowd but worthy of the effort of a meal at home, these are the beans of your dreams. And they're easy to heat campside. Delicious, tomatoey, packed with veggies (we see you, kale) and a healthy dose of melty cheese, pizza beans for life! Get the recipe: Pizza Beans
Two-Bite Frittatas
Not only are single-serving frittatas a handy way to nibble protein and veggies—they’re perfect for toddlers as well. Pre-make and freeze so they can be thawed and enjoyed while you camp. Get the recipe: Two-Bite Frittatas
Muffuletta
Here’s the deal with muffuletta: good, chewy bread is hollowed out then stuffed within an inch of its life with cold cuts, cheese, roasted veg and pesto. You can get creative, too, adding things like slices of apple or green beans. This is one sandwich that tastes better with age, you see where we're going with this, right? Get the recipe: Muffuletta
Picnic Pasta Salad
There's no doubt that pasta salad is a summer staple. This recipe uses fresh herbs blended with a creamy base that really carries the dressing all the way to flavour town. Throw in super ripe cherry tomatoes to give the salad a juicy sweetness and beautiful pop of colour. Get the recipe: Picnic Pasta Salad
Cold Soba with Cucumbers, Watercress and Sesame
Soba noodles are one of the few noodles that are actually better cold than hot. They don’t have that gummy, starchy thing happening, and they stay soft and wonderful even after a sleepover in your fridge. This cucumber and watercress salad is perfect for hot nights. Get the recipe: Cold Soba with Cucumbers, Watercress and Sesame
A version of this article was originally published in August 2021. Updated in August 2025.
