Planning a camping trip can be overwhelming, but meal prep doesn’t have to be! Here’s a collection of make-ahead camping meals that you can prepare before your adventure, making your outdoor cooking experience much more relaxed.
From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, these recipes are designed to travel well and keep you satisfied in the great outdoors.
1. Irresistible Cookie Dough Oats
Who says you can’t have cookie dough for breakfast? These overnight oats pack all the flavors of your favorite cookie dough while keeping things healthy and energizing for your morning adventures. Plus, they’re ready when you wake up – no cooking required.
2. Ultimate Campsite Chili
Nothing beats a warm bowl of chili after a day of hiking. This hearty recipe can be made ahead and reheated over your campfire or camp stove, making it perfect for those cooler camping nights. The leftovers taste even better the next day!
3. Savory BBQ Chicken Camp Packets
Foil packet meals are a camper’s best friend, and these BBQ chicken packets don’t disappoint. Simply prep your packets at home, store them in your cooler, and toss them on the grill or campfire when you’re ready to eat. The combination of chicken, peppers, and onions creates an irresistible aroma around the campsite.
4. Spiral Camping Sandwiches
These colorful pinwheels are perfect for grab-and-go lunches during your camping adventure. Make them the day before, wrap them tightly, and they’ll be ready for your midday meal or afternoon snack. They’re as fun to look at as they are to eat!
5. Make-Ahead French Toast Bake
Transform your camping breakfast with this make-ahead French toast casserole. Prep it before you leave, keep it chilled, and warm it up over your camp stove for a breakfast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The sweet aroma will have neighboring campers wishing they were at your site!
6. Campsite Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry
This camping-friendly version of the takeout classic is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Prep and freeze it before your trip, then simply reheat and serve over instant rice for a quick and satisfying dinner. The sauce thickens perfectly when reheated, coating every bite with flavor.
7. Adventure-Ready Protein Packs
Keep your energy levels up during outdoor activities with these customizable protein packs. They’re perfect for hiking, fishing, or just lounging around the campsite. Each pack can be tailored to individual preferences while maintaining the perfect balance of protein and healthy fats.
8. Marinated Camping Kebabs
These marinated kabobs are a camping luxury that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. Prep and marinate your meat and vegetables at home, then thread them onto skewers at the campsite. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.
9. Ready-to-Blend Camping Smoothies
Start your day with a burst of energy by preparing these smoothie packs ahead of time. Just add liquid to your frozen fruit and veggie combinations when you’re ready to blend. They’re the perfect refreshing breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.
10. Crispy Campfire Potatoes
These pre-roasted potatoes are a game-changer for camp cooking. Simply reheat them in a foil packet over the fire or camp stove, and you’ve got perfectly crispy potatoes in minutes. They’re fantastic for breakfast or as a side dish with any meal.
11. Portable Egg Frittata Cups
These portable egg cups are packed with protein and vegetables, making them perfect for camping breakfasts. Make them ahead and enjoy them cold, or quickly reheat them for a warm morning meal. They’re perfectly portioned and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
12. Hearty Stuffed Camping Peppers
These hearty stuffed peppers can be fully prepared at home and reheated at your campsite. They’re a complete meal in themselves, packed with protein, vegetables, and grains. The peppers keep everything contained, making them perfect for camping.
13. Smoky Grilled Vegetable Pasta
This vibrant pasta salad gets better as it sits, making it an ideal make-ahead camping meal. The grilled vegetables add a smoky flavor that complements any outdoor feast. Serve it chilled for lunch or as a side dish with dinner.
14. Energy-Packed Trail Bars
Skip the store-bought bars and make these energy-packed granola bars instead. They’re sturdy enough to hold up in a backpack and provide the perfect boost during hiking adventures. The combination of nuts, dried fruit, and honey creates the perfect balance of sweet and satisfying.
15. Citrus-Marinated Shrimp Skewers
Elevate your camping menu with these simple yet impressive shrimp skewers. Marinate and skewer the shrimp at home, then quickly grill them at the campsite for a touch of luxury in the great outdoors. The marinade keeps the shrimp tender and flavorful.
16. Wild Cherry Morning Oats
These fruity overnight oats are a delicious way to start your camping day. The combination of sweet cherries and creamy oats creates a breakfast that feels indulgent while providing lasting energy. Prepare them the night before and wake up to a ready-made breakfast.
17. Perfectly Seasoned Camp Tacos
Take taco night to the campground with this easy make-ahead filling. The homemade seasoning blend gives the meat a perfect balance of flavors that’s way better than any packet. Just reheat and serve with your favorite toppings.
18. Nutty Wilderness Granola
This crunchy, cluster-filled granola is perfect for camping breakfasts or trail snacking. Make a big batch before your trip and enjoy it with milk, yogurt, or by the handful. The toasted nuts and honey create an irresistible aroma and flavor.
19. Asian-Style Cold Noodle Bowl
These Asian-inspired noodles are delicious served cold, making them perfect for camping lunches. The sesame dressing gets even better after a day or two in the cooler. The spiralized carrots add a fresh crunch and beautiful color.
20. Individual Campfire Pot Pies
These individual pot pies bring comfort food to the campsite. Prepare them completely at home, then simply reheat in a Dutch oven or over the campfire. The flaky puff pastry tops stay perfectly crisp while protecting the creamy filling.
21. Quick-Mix Camping Muffins
Transform your pancake mix into portable, mess-free muffins that are perfect for camping. They’re easy to make ahead and stay fresh for several days. Add chocolate chips, berries, or nuts for endless variety.
22. Simplified Camping Lasagna
This clever shortcut lasagna uses ravioli to create a hearty camping dinner with minimal effort. Prepare it at home and reheat portions as needed at your campsite. It’s all the comfort of lasagna without the fuss.
23. Trail-Ready Chicken Wraps
These wraps are perfect for quick lunches between adventures. The chicken salad can be made ahead and wrapped just before eating. They’re refreshing, filling, and require zero cooking at the campsite.
24. Tropical Grilled Chicken Dinner
This tropical-inspired dish brings a taste of paradise to your campsite. Marinate the chicken and prep the pineapple at home, then grill for a quick and flavorful dinner. The sweet and savory combination is absolutely irresistible.
25. Make-Ahead Mountain Burritos
Start your day with these protein-packed breakfast burritos that go straight from freezer to campfire. They’re customizable with your favorite fillings and reheat beautifully in foil. Perfect for energizing your morning adventures.
26. Rustic Pesto Pasta Bake
This cheesy, pesto-filled pasta bake is comfort food at its finest. Prepare it before your trip and reheat portions as needed for an effortless camping dinner. The combination of tortellini and pesto creates layers of Italian flavor.
27. Garden-Fresh Pasta Salad
This classic pasta salad is loaded with vegetables, cheese, and Italian dressing that gets better with time. Make it a day or two before your trip and enjoy it straight from the cooler. It’s the perfect side dish for any camping meal.
