You’ve packed the tent and the beers, but what about the food? You can’t live off toasted marshmallows all weekend – and you can’t always rely on your fishing skills to reel in dinner every day, either.
If you’re wondering what food to take camping, these camping food ideas will have you looking forward to every meal while you’re out bush. We’ve included your tried-and-true old favourites and some unexpected options to add to your camping menu.
Camping Meals
Who says you have to settle for canned soup and muesli bars for every meal? These easy camping meals can be cooked at your campsite with little effort – whether it’s on a BBQ or over a campfire – and pack a punch of flavour.
Find you new favourite camping meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner and tuck in!
Give it a Go: Chicken Parmi Packet
No need to head to the pub – with just a few ingredients and some alfoil, you can cook your favourite dinner on your campsite. Dip a chicken breast in beaten egg and roll in breadcrumbs. Place it in some alfoil and top with tomato paste, mozzarella and dried basil leaves, then cook in your Dutch oven. Tastes best accompanied with your favourite stubbie.
Old Favourite: Pancakes
You could make your pancakes from scratch with flour, eggs, sugar and milk. Or you could cut to the chase and pack a couple bottles of the readymade stuff – just add water! Drop in some blueberries or chocolate chips for extra flavour.
Give it a Go: Loaded Potatoes
Spuds can be cooked in foil in a camping oven or the embers of campfire, so even if you don’t have the right cooking gear, you’ll be able to enjoy this delicious camping meal. Top with bacon bits, green onions and sour cream.
Old Favourite: Porridge
Porridge is a go-to for many campers – especially during the colder months. Pack some store-bought porridge sachets or prepare your own in Ziplock bags. We like the flavour and texture combo of rolled oats, cinnamon, dried apple pieces and almond slivers.
Give it a Go: Chilli Cheese Fries
Craving hearty comfort food on a chilly night under the stars? Layer some frozen chips on top of some alfoil sprayed in cooking oil and cook on the fire or a BBQ. Next, add some saucy seasoned ground beef and plenty of cheese and return to cook for long enough for the cheese to melt. Grab a fork and tuck in.
Old Favourite: Toasted Sangas
There’s nothing like warm, tasty cheese melted between two slices of crispy, buttery bread to satisfy your hunger away from home. The best part about toasted sangas is you can throw in whatever fillings you like – you can’t go wrong with ham, cheese and tomato or bacon, egg, cheese and BBQ sauce.
Camping Snacks
No camping food list is complete without a few sneaky snacks to keep the belly full between meals. This snacky camping food will keep your energy up all weekend.
Give it a Go: Nacho Bags
Open a packet of corn chips and throw in some seasoned ground beef, salsa, beans and shredded cheese and you’ve got yourself some nachos in a bag. This is a good one for kids – just give them a fork and they’ve got a snack on the go.
Old Favourite: Campfire Popcorn
Toss some popcorn kernels and vegetable oil in a pie tin and cover with alfoil, leaving enough space for the kernels to pop at the top. Place over the campfire, using tongs to gently shake until the popping stops. Season with salt or icing sugar for a savoury or sweet snack.
Give it a Go: Fruit Salad Cones
Another easy snack on the go, fruit salad cones are just as simple (and tasty) as they sound. Grab yourself an ice cream cone and fill it up with rockmelon, strawberries, blueberries and grapes and finish with a dollop of vanilla yoghurt for a summer snack or dessert.
Stock up on kitchen and cooking equipment before your next campout, and check out more of our favourite easy camping meals to cook over a fire
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