If you want to upgrade your outdoor meals, then you’ll want to know these tips for cooking outdoors while camping. Despite what you may think, it’s easy to create delicious home-cooked meals without needing a full-blown kitchen. All it takes is a little preparation, the right equipment, and a whole lot of creativity!
Although it may seem intimidating to cook outdoors, it’s actually fairly easy to prepare food at your campsite. And best of all, most recipes aren’t overly complicated or boring! There are tons of satisfying and flavorful dishes that you can make over with only a small stove or open flame. That way, you can spend less time worrying about cooking and more time enjoying the great outdoors with your loved ones.
Tips for Cooking Outdoors While Camping
Find One-Pot or Easy-to-Assemble Dishes
When it comes to cooking outdoor meals, sticking to simple recipes is key. This is especially true if you’re not confident in your cooking skills. For example, dishes that can be made in a single pot, like soups, chilis, and stews, are easy to assemble and clean.
Here are some of our favorite one-pot camping meals to make:
- Campfire chili (beans, tomatoes, spices, ground meat)
- One-pot pasta (pasta, canned pasta sauce, cheese)
- Breakfast skillet (eggs, potatoes, vegetables)
- Veggie curry (vegetables, coconut milk, curry paste)
- Lentil soup (dried lentils, broth, spices)
Foil packet cooking is another method that is great for camping. All you have to do is wrap vegetables, meats, and spice in foil and cook it over your open fire. Not only is this style of cooking healthy, it’s also relatively mess-free!
Try these foil packet recipes for a hearty outdoor meal:
- BBQ chicken with potatoes and bell pepper
- Salmon with lemon, asparagus, and butter
- Tofu with vegetables and teriyaki sauce
- Pesto chicken with tomatoes and zucchini
- Baked potato with cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits
Looking for more inspiration? Check out this camping food list guide for more breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas!
Pack Pre-Measured Ingredients
If you can, prepping your meals at home can save you a lot of time on the campground. By packing pre-measured portions at home, you won’t have to deal with measuring or chopping during mealtime. Store pre-chopped vegetables in bags, portion your spices into small jars, and bring pre-measured pasta and rice to save space. Do whatever you can beforehand so you don’t spend all your time cooking once you’re out in nature!
Buy the Right Portable Cooking Gear
One of the most important tips for cooking outdoors while camping is being prepared with the right equipment. Your cooking gear makes a huge difference in how efficiently you can prepare meals.
For more elaborate meals, a lightweight camping stove can be extremely useful for boiling water or heating up food. Or you can turn your campsite into a good old fashioned BBQ with a portable charcoal grill.
But, if you’re relying solely on a campfire, you’ll still want a durable cast iron skillet. It’s a versatile tool that can be used for frying, grilling, or even baking! Even bringing some metal skewers or roasting forks can be useful for roasting sausages, veggie kebabs, and of course, s’mores!
Don’t Forget the Utensils and Supplies
In addition to cookware and equipment, you’ll also need basic cooking essentials to help with meals. This includes camping cutlery, cutting boards, and aluminum foil (especially if you’re using the foil cooking method). Cleaning supplies, like trash bags and biodegradable soap, are also necessary for keeping everything nice and tidy. And just in case you have leftovers, bring some airtight containers or resealable bags.
Consider Non-Perishable Foods
Depending on what you’re planning to make, you may need to bring a cooler to keep your perishable foods cold. Meats, cheeses, and leftovers will likely need to be stored with ice so they don’t spoil.
However, you can choose non-perishable foods and recipes if you don’t want to deal with refrigeration. Things like dried grains, canned goods, and dehydrated meals are easy to store. You can also find shelf-stable proteins like canned tuna, jerky, or powdered milk that can be used for whipping up yummy dishes.
Bring Nutrient-Rich Snacks
Even if you have your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners planned out, you shouldn’t forget about snack time! Skip the processed foods and look for nutrient-rich snacks instead. They are healthier and provide lasting energy to keep you going all day (and night!).
Here are a few no-cook snacks that you can bring on your trip:
- Trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
- Nut butter and whole-grain crackers
- Apples, bananas, and oranges
- Granola or protein bars
- Beef, turkey, or plant-based jerky
- Popcorn
Prepare for All Types of Weather
Mother Nature can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for whatever she might throw at you! For example, wind and rain can make starting and maintaining a fire difficult. If you aren’t able to cook over a campfire, having a backup cooking method (like a portable stove) will be a lifesaver. And don’t forget about waterproof containers and bags to keep your food dry and fresh!
If you’re staying somewhere dry and hot, be aware that there may be a fire ban in place at your campsite. In this situation, you’ll want to think of no-cook meals like wraps and salads that don’t require any cooking at all.
If you’re not an experienced camper or chef, cooking outdoors may seem overwhelming. But with these tips for cooking outdoors while camping, you can create high-quality meals that everyone will love! And while it’s important to bring your food and cooking equipment, they aren’t the only thing you’ll need to take with you. Check out our family camping checklist and big camping tent guide to ensure everyone is happy and comfortable outdoors.
