Easy Camping Meals You’ll Actually Want to Make

Let’s face it…everything tastes better when you’re eating it in the middle of the woods. As a kid, I have fond memories of eating the most delicious PB&J of my life while camping. Add in a bag of original Lay’s and life was good.

Since then, I’ve definitely gotten more adventurous with my camping meals, but one thing has not changed: it’s always simple. In my opinion, you don’t really need to go too crazy because without a doubt, it’s gonna taste outstanding. 

While we’re waiting for the snow to melt and dreaming of being in the mountains waking up in a tent, we’ve rounded up camping recipes from members of the Outdoor Prolink crew. Whether you have a simple stove and pot of hot water or a full car camping kitchen, we believe you have the right to eat something delicious and spice it up! If you need any inspiration for a simple and delicious meal to enjoy in the great outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. 

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Dirtbag Burrito

Who ate it first? Kenzie Rodriguez, Director of Marketing & Membership

What to bring:

• Box of Zatarain’s beans and rice
• Diced veggies (any kind, but she likes a bell pepper, onion and tomato)
• Shredded cheese
• Tortillas
• Bonus points: Avocado

What to do:

Make the box of beans and rice and throw in your diced veggies while it cooks. When the rice is done, stir in shredded cheese and roll up in tortillas! Add in avocado for bonus points.

Foil Dinners

Who ate it first? Joe Klida, CTO

What to bring:

• Foil
• Ground beef
• Onions
• Carrots
• Potatoes
• Lawry’s seasoned salt

What to do:

In foil, add a layer of flattened ground beef. Then add chopped onions, carrots and potatoes with Lawry’s seasoned salt. Fold up foil so everything is fully enclosed in the foil pack. Cook on the coals (or camping stove) until the meat is cooked through. Enjoy on a plate, or straight out of the foil!

Backpacking Spicy Chili

Who ate it first? Allison Lano, Customer Service & Operations Team Lead

What to bring:

• Freeze dried chili (canned also works!)
• Hot Cheetos

What to do:

Make chili according to package and crunch up some Hot Cheetos on top. Talk about a light and easy meal!

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Pita Pizzas

Who ate it first? Grace Barrett, Membership Associate

What to bring:

• Foil
• Pitas
• Pizza Sauce
• Cheese
• Any toppings your heart desires

What to do:

Cut the pitas in half, tear them open and put all your toppings inside. Wrap in foil and put it on the fire until they’re melted.

Fancy Oatmeal

Who ate it first? Allie Schaber, Customer Service & Operations Representative

What to bring:

• Oatmeal packet
• Peanut butter
• Water
• Bonus points: Additional toppings (granola, jam, fruit)

What to do:

Follow the instructions on the oatmeal packet to cook oatmeal. Add in a spoonful of peanut butter to your liking. Add in granola, jam or fruit for bonus points!

Campfire Potatoes

Who ate it first? Seiyoung Lee, Membership Coordinator

What to bring:

• Foil
• Cooking Spray
• Thinly sliced red potatoes
• Thinly sliced butter
• Shredded cheese
• Toppings of choice (bacon, green onions, etc.)
• Salt + pepper
• Bonus points: Can of chili

What to do:

Spray piece of foil with cooking spray and lay down sliced red potatoes. Cover potatoes with salt, pepper, butter, cheese and toppings of choice. Fold up foil so everything is fully enclosed in the foil pack. Cook on coals (or camping stove) for about 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and cheese is melted. If you’re extra hungry, top the potatoes with a can of chili for bonus points!

Crockpot Chicken Quesadillas

Who ate it first? Kelly Knauf, Marketing Specialist

What you need:

• Crockpot (this stays at home!)
• Salsa
• Chicken
• Tortillas
• Cheese
• Bonus points: 5 layer dip

What to do:

Before you go camping, crockpot your chicken with the jar of salsa. Bring the chicken in a tupperware and add chicken and cheese in between two quesadillas in a skillet. Cook until tortilla is crispy and cheese is melty. Enjoy with a delicious 5 layer dip for bonus points!

And don’t forget to finish off any camping meal with a good dose of s’mores!