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  • Nov 12, 2021

Camping Meal Plan and Food Packing List [with templates]

Updated: Mar 18, 2023

Would you like to pick your camping recipes, plan your camping menu, build your grocery list, and create a food packing for your camping list in just 5-10 minutes? In this article, I will show you my unique camping meal plan for creating a menu derived from my own inventory of easy camping meals and recipes. I'll also show you how to prepare the fastest grocery list that you've ever made (seriously!), and also create a list of the food that you need to pack from home.

In the last article, I provided you with some of my favorite easy camping meals including foil packets, Dutch Oven and cast-iron cooking, and campfire cooking with a stick. I also recently discussed some of my favorite camp kitchen essentials and included links for purchasing my recommended tools.

Today, I am going to give you the five easy steps to get all of your meal planning and packing lists done. It took me an hour or so to initially set up my system, but now it saves me so much time and I can do all of these things really fast. So fast, in fact, that the last time that we went camping, I had this all done in 3 minutes.

3 minutes? Yep.

I'm gonna tell you that this is straight-up Type A travel planning, but stick with me if you are Type B because I promise this is going to save you at least a couple of hours of not-fun planning before each camp trip. I promise.

5 Steps to Easy Camping Meal Planning:

1. select your recipes, 2. create your menu 3. create your ingredients list, 4. create your grocery and food pack lists 5. review your food packing list.

To reiterate from the last post, you generally want to pick simple camping recipes . Things that are time-consuming will take time away from your relaxation time, so choose wisely. Also, ensure that you plan something simple for the day that you arrive so that you aren’t anxious about making a meal. We often will make one nice meal during our trip, but never on the first night. You should also think about your activities for the day as you build your meal plan. If you are leaving your campsite to do an activity, you will find that it takes a fair amount of time to transit and then do an activity. That will cut into your time to relax (notice a consistent concern of mine?).

I’ve noticed that when we have sites that are along the water and where we don’t have to leave the site to get to the activity, we have a lot more time throughout the day. Some of my most memorable meals have come from the stays where we don’t have anything really planned and we just hang out around the campsite. If you make something that cooks slowly over the fire then you have time to relax while your food cooks.

2. Create your menu

An image of a table showing a Camping Meal Plan. There are columns for each day of the week and rows specifying the type of meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, snack.

In truth, you just need a piece of scratch paper to make your menu and that's what I would do if camping was a one-off trip. If you camp more often, however, and would like to follow my process then you need a spreadsheet tool like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. Create a column for each day and then create rows for Breakfast, Morning Snack, Lunch, After Snack, Dinner, and Dessert.

Make sure that you have a main dish and two sides. Sides can be as easy as a veggie tray, fruit tray, and/or chips and dips so that people can just graze.

I've included a blank menu template for you. Keep reading to the end for the full Excel workbook.

3. Create Your Ingredients List (One Time Only)

Over several years of regularly camping, we've gotten to the point where we have our favorite meals that we like to make. That's great except what kept happening is that I was just running through the list of ingredients in my head to make my grocery and packing lists. When we'd get to our site, I'd realize that I forgot some of the ingredients. Oh, and I can't even tell you how many times we've had to buy condiments or a certain drink because we forgot to bring it.

Now, I don't have to worry about that because I have a worksheet that has every ingredient that you could possibly ever want to make a specific meal. I write down all of the meals that we like to eat when camping. We love fajitas. There’s also a chicken/ranch foil packet meal that we like. For breakfast, we often have pancakes or breakfast tacos. For each of these meals, I list out all of the ingredients that you could possibly need including spices and condiments. I list the dish and then I put all of the ingredients underneath it. I also list the menu item to the left of the ingredient (and I’ll explain why momentarily).

For example, here is my ingredient list for making and serving burgers:

An ingredient list for everything that you need to make hamburgers as well as toppings and condiments to serve with it.

You get the idea. I created an area for every breakfast, lunch, or dinner as well as things that we need to bring every time like condiments, drinks, and spices.

Remember how I said that it only took me an hour to set up my process? Yes, that is true on the day that I thought of it. Unfortunately, it also took years of forgetting things. Don't be old me. Be new me. Do this. I promise it works! And once you set this up, you can leave it as-is or update it with new meals.

Here is what my overall page looks like.

A screenshot of a spreadsheet showing meal names and all of the ingredients that go into the meal as well as any toppings or things that should be served with it.

The full download for the editable workbook with each of these sheets is at the end of this article.

4. Create Your Grocery and Food Pack Lists

I hope that your head is not exploding. Download the workbook at the bottom of the page and take a look. I promise that I've done the hard work and included instructions.

OK, back to it.

Here’s where you save lots and lots and lots of time. For the grocery list, I go back to my menu Iand copy all of the menu dish ingredients to a blank worksheet page.

I then add another column that says “Buy or Bring”. If I have the item, I put “Bring." If I need to buy the item at the grocery store, I put down “Buy.”

If you really want to save time, buy online and have it delivered directly to my house.

A spreadsheet showing all food items that need to be purchased at the grocery store or packed from home.

After I have purchased the groceries, I filter by “Bring” and I pack any dry goods that I can.

Once the groceries arrive, I put any dry goods with the other dry goods. For refrigerated items, I group them and keep them in their grocery bags in my fridge so that I don't forget them. I also will refer to my "bring" list of refrigerated items and put those things in a bag in the fridge.

I then sit down and have a glass of wine.

5. Review Your Food Packing List

You're 90% there so don't screw up now! On your day of travel, check your list, especially for any items that you refrigerated!

And remember, don't be like Old Chrissy and forget the condiments or drinks:)

DOWNLOAD the editable camping menu plan here

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE BELOW if you aren't already on my list.

Finally, if you have any friends or family that would find this useful, please forward the link to them!

Happy Travels,

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5 Day Camping Meal Plan for Families

We have a large family (four kids and two adults). We also enjoy camping and we also enjoy saving money.

Recently we went on a long trip out west. We were five days into our trip before we bought our first meal outside of what we packed. This helps save money AND makes life easier so you’re not scrambling to find things to buy when you’re setting up campsites and getting established.

I wanted to share with you our meal plan in case it might be helpful for your camping trip. Below you will find tips for meal planning for camping and a 5 Day Camping Meal Plan. Enjoy!

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Table of Contents for Easy Navigation

Tips for Camping Meal Plans

Here are a few tips for meal planning your camping trips that I hope you will find useful!

  • Make food ahead of time . This is my TOP meal planning tip. Anything you can cook, prep, or prepare ahead of time will save you a load of time on your camping trip. You can also freeze things like muffins, soups, and meat so you can heat them up and eat them later.
  • Prepare and bring foods you’ll actually want to eat . I highly recommend bringing foods your family will enjoy. Don’t use your camping trip as a place to completely change your diet. If you don’t like eating it you won’t want to get it out and feed everyone after you’ve gone through all the work tasks of setting up a camp.
  • Bring some treats along . Camping is a lot of work. Bring little food treats along that you can enjoy as a reward for all that work!
  • Pack extra snacks . You’re going to be hungrier when you’re camping. I was constantly hungry when were camping and it’s no wonder. We were setting up our camp, hauling things in and out of our van, and going on long hikes. Snacks are a blessing and they help keep kids happy when they have to wait between meals.
  • Some of our favorite freeze-dried meals are:

Backpaker’s Pantry’s 3 Sisters Stew (a good vegetarian option)

camping trip meal plan

Mountain House Buffalo Style Chicken and Mac & Cheese

camping trip meal plan

Chicken Fried Rice from Mountain House

camping trip meal plan

  • Adjust meal plan for driving days. Depending on what type of camping you’re doing, you may have long days of driving before you reach your destination. Our out west trip involved many days of driving with days-long-stops in between. I chose the easiest meals for when we were driving and saved the harder meals for when we had a dedicated camp spot.
  • Use fresh produce first . Fresh produce won’t last a long time on your camping trip so try to plan meals that involve fresh produce to be eaten earlier on the trip (or after a grocery stop). I made rice and vegetables the first night of our camping trip so they wouldn’t go bad. We also made a buffalo chicken salad one night directly after we bought groceries which didn’t give the lettuce time to wilt.
  • We have a Coleman 2-burner propane stove that we really liked. It doesn’t take up too much space and it’s not overly heavy. The only thing we don’t love about it is that you have to use a lighter to light it. It’s budget-friendly and did everything we needed it to do.

camping trip meal plan

  • Use a good cooler. There are some coolers that simply keep food colder longer and require fewer ice fill-ups. We really like our Otterbox cooler as it keeps things cold for a long time. We did have to add extra ice along our trip, but we were happy with how cold it was and how much ice remained between fill-ups. RTIC coolers and Yeti coolers are also good options.

camping trip meal plan

These options are a tad pricy compared to your average Igloo cooler, but I do think they’re worth the investment for longer camping trips.

Day 1 Camping Meal Plan

  • Breakfast : Chocolate chip muffins (made ahead of time and freeze)
  • Lunch: Pepperoni rolls made ahead of time and frozen (you can use our dough recipe here for making pepperoni rolls).
  • Dinner : Cut up vegetables and rice sauteed on a camp stove or over the fire (make the rice ahead of time and store in the cooler)

Day 2: Camping Meal Plan

  • Breakfast: Cinnamon rolls. I made these ahead of time and froze them in plastic Tupperware in the freezer and then put them in my cooler when we left.
  • Lunch: Favorite fruit, flat tortillas with lunch meat or peanut butter and jelly, and chips
  • Dinner: Chicken tacos (prepare chicken ahead of time and freeze. Toppings can also be prepared ahead of time) Chicken can be heated up on the camp stove or over a fire in a cast iron skillet .

Day 3: Camping Meal Plan

  • Breakfast : Bacon, eggs, and rice (or toast)
  • Lunch: Soup that has been prepared and frozen ahead of time (heated over a camp stove or in a cast iron pot over a fire)
  • Dinner: Freeze-dried meal . There are a TON of freeze-dried-meal options and though they are a tad pricey, they can be so helpful when you’re trying to make a quick hot meal for your family. 3 freeze-dried meals generally could feed two adults and four children in our family.

Day 4: Camping Meal Plan

  • Breakfast: Breakfast burritos cooked on a cast iron skillet (add favorite fillings)
  • Dinner: Salmon patties made from salmon pouches and buttered noodles (can add favorite vegetables to this meal. We fried up some onions to go on top).

Day 5: Camping Meal Plan

  • Breakfast: Pancakes
  • Lunch: Grilled cheese and tomato soup
  • Dinner: Hotdogs, s’mores, mountain pies. Can’t go wrong with classic camp foods that everyone loves.

What Would You Add to Your 5 Day Camping Meal Plan?

I love hearing about other people’s camping meal plan ideas as well. What are your camping favorites? Let me know about them in the comments below!

For more ideas about camping, check out our 22 Tips for Van Camping With Kids .

camping trip meal plan

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Camping Food List for 3 Days With Meal Plan & Grocery List

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Are you preparing for a 3-day camping trip? If so, you’ll need to pack some food!

Our camping food list for 3 days will give you ideas for what to bring on your trip. It includes both snack and meal ideas and a grocery list so that you can buy everything you need ahead of time.

Plus, use our printable blank camping meal planner below to help you prepare and organize your meals for a stress-free getaway!

Camping Food List & Meal Ideas for 3 Days

For a 3-day camping trip, you’ll want foods for simple, easy-to-make meals and snacks. Canned foods, quick and easy boxed meals, bread for sandwiches, just add water soups, and quick ready-to-eat snacks are all excellent camping food ideas.

Here is a quick and easy camping menu for 3 days, complete with recipes and a shopping list that you can use as-is or modify to your liking. Or scroll down and print off our blank camping meal planner to help you organize and prepare meals for your 3-day getaway.

Tip : You could cook most of these meals over a campfire, but I highly recommend a Coleman camping stove to make preparing meals much quicker and easier!

Coleman Gas Camping Stove

Clicking this link to make a purchase may earn us a commission at no additional cost to you.

Day 1 Meal Ideas

Start day 1 of your camping trip off right with these quick and delicious meals.

Breakfast: Apple Oatmeal

Bring water to a boil over your campfire, add in quick oats, and let cook for about 5 minutes. Then add in cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and a diced apple and let simmer for another 5 minutes.

A quick alternative would be Cinnamon apple instant oatmeal packets.

Lunch: BCT Sandwiches

BCT stands for bacon, cabbage, and tomato. I like to use cabbage instead of a head of lettuce because it lasts longer in camping conditions.

Spread mayo (optional) on two slices of bread, sprinkle bacon bits on top of the mayo (so they stick), and add the cabbage and tomato.

Tip : I use bacon bits because they don’t require cooking and are resealable. It makes things a lot easier. But you could pre-cook some bacon and store it in a resealable container before leaving for your camping trip.

Dinner: Chili and Baked Potato

Canned chili is one of our 48 best canned foods for camping , so it’s no wonder it showed up as a meal idea! Cook the canned chili in a pot or over your camping stove, wrap your potatoes in tin foil and cook in the campfire. Once your potato is fully cooked, cut it open and add a little butter.

Tip : You can partially cook the potatoes at home before your trip to cut the cooking time in the campfire in half.

  • Granola bars

Day 2 Meal Ideas

Breakfast: french toast.

Beat the eggs in a large bowl, then add a little milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg until thoroughly mixed. Heat a little butter in a skillet on your portable camp stove. Dip the bread in the egg and milk mix, then fry it in the skillet until golden on both sides. Repeat with the rest of the slices. Top with maple syrup.

Lunch: Walking Tacos

Crush the chips in sealed mini Dorito bags, open, and fill with pre-cooked ground beef, shredded cheese, salsa, etc.

Dinner: Pizzadillas

Spread tomato sauce on a tortilla shell, sprinkle with cheese and toppings (bacon bits, pre-cooked ground beef, etc.), fold in half and cook in a skillet over your camping stove or campfire.

Day 3 Meal Ideas

It’s your last day at the campsite, so let’s focus on meals that are easy to prepare with little clean-up. You’ve got enough cleaning up and packing to do today!

Breakfast: Breakfast Burritos

Scramble eggs in a skillet over your camping stove. Add in bacon bits, shredded cheese, salsa, etc. Roll in a tortilla and serve

Tip : Prepare these breakfast burritos ahead of time and warm them up over the campfire by rolling in tin foil and holding them over the campfire for a few minutes.

Lunch: Beefy Mac N’ Cheese

Boil water in a pot over your portable camping stove, and add in the pasta. Let cook for 7-8 minutes or per the directions on the box. Drain water and stir in the cheese packet, a tbsp of butter, and a little milk. Lastly, stir in the pre-cooked ground beef.

Dinner: Canned Soup and Dinner Rolls

Warm a canned soup of your choice in a pot over your camping stove or campfire. While that is warming up, wrap your dinner rolls in tin foil and warm them over the campfire.

Related : Best Freeze-Dried Meals for Camping (26 Quick Meal Ideas)

Grocery List

Since we re-use many ingredients in our meal plan, we can make all 3-days worth of meals with as few as 30 items!

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

  • baked potatoes

Meat & Protein

  • ground beef (pre-cooked)
  • rolled oats
  • bread (sliced bread and dinner rolls)
  • boxed mac n’ cheese
  • mini Dorito bags
  • graham crackers
  • marshmallows
  • chocolate bars
  • granola bars
  • shredded cheese

Canned & Jarred Goods

  • canned chili
  • canned soup
  • tomato sauce
  • maple syrup
  • bottled water

Free Printable 3-Day Camping Meal Planner

Use this free planner to quickly organize and prepare easy camping meals for the whole family!

Tip : Are you camping for more than 2 to 3 days? Simply print multiple copies of this planner and use it as a 4 days, 5 days, 7 days (you get the idea) camping food list and meal planner!

*Click the image to bring up a downloadable PDF file.

How Do You Store Food for a 3-Day Camping Trip?

Store perishable food in a cooler and non-perishable food in sealed containers, if possible, when camping. This will keep food fresh and keep animals away from your food while camping. Be sure to keep food properly sealed in bear-resistant containers in bear country.

Related : 101 Food Ideas to Take Camping Without a Fridge

How Do You Plan Meals for Camping?

Planning meals for camping is more of an art than a science. But, a few things make life easier, like keeping the meals simple and minimalistic (boxed meals, just add water soups, sandwiches, etc.), avoiding messy meals, and preparing some meals ahead of time.

How Do You Pack Condiments for Camping?

The best way to pack condiments for camping is to use smaller bottles or packets instead of large sizes. Grab extras of your favorite condiments next time you’re at a fast-food restaurant. And only pack the basics – ketchup, mustard, mayo, and BBQ sauce, for example.

Check out our Ultimate Family Camping Checklist (+ Printable Camping Checklist PDF) to ensure you don’t forget anything on your next camping trip!

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3 Day Weekend Camping Meal Plan + Free Printable

August 5, 2021 by Errika 4 Comments

  • Pinterest 14

A healthy and simple weekend camping meal plan designed for a 3-day trip. Print out the free menu plan and food packing list, and you'll be set!

variety of meals for camping

I love camping!! But it's not all sunshine and daisies.

About one week ago we started our most recent camping trip. We got to the site around 4 pm, set up our tent and our cooking area with tarps over both since there was a little bit of rain in the forecast.

The meal plan in this post was the one I created and used for this trip. I planned for soup on our arrival day and it was the perfect, quick supper for after setting up.

Our setup was amazing. I was confident we would be totally protected if it rained.

As soon as we were wrapping up eating, it started to rain, just very gently for a little while.

As we were cleaning up from the meal, it started to POUR, so we hung out under our tarp and waited.

Soon the water was pooling in our kitchen area, then near one corner of our tent, so we started digging a trench to pull the water away.

My husband went around to the front of the tent and quickly yelled for me.

Guys. There was a river of water coming down the road, down the driveway of our site and going RIGHT UNDERNEATH OUR TENT. Like, raging rapids. I'm not joking!

We have a vestibule on the front of the tent, where I had (obviously without thinking) placed my bag of clothes temporarily when unpacking. I jumped in there to grab my bag, handed it to my husband and then lifted the tarp that was under our tent, almost seconds before the water would have started flowing over it.

Then I stood there, holding the tarp up, as the water flowed, hoping and praying that by some miracle the tent would remain dry.

It subsided pretty quickly and when we had gotten most of the water to drain from the site (an hour or so later), my husband went inside to check it.

DRY. AS. A. BONE.

We were astounded and so grateful. (especially since the tarp we put under the tent was basically a sieve!)

So the moral of the story is, have an easy meal prepared for your arrival because you never know what's going to happen!

And having a meal plan for the whole trip always makes for a smoother camping experience, no matter what adventures come your way!

This meal plan is designed for a regular weekend camping trip, where you arrive on a Friday night and go home Sunday afternoon. We use a Coleman cookstove for some of our cooking, but all of these meals can be campfire meals if you don't have one. MOST campsites have a fire pit with a partial grill on top.

a variety of items from a camping meal plan

Weekend Camping Meal Plan Overview

1st day (arrival day).

  • Dinner - Chinese Veggie Soup (pre-made) + Sourdough Bread + Butter
  • Breakfast - Soaked Oats w/ Berries + Eggs + Bacon
  • Lunch - Smokies w/ Sauerkraut + Fresh Veggies
  • Dinner - Sausage & Veggie Foil Packet Dinner

3rd Day (Departure Day)

  • Lunch - Pita Sandwiches

Snacks + Treats

  • Fresh Fruit
  • Fresh Veggies
  • Granola Bars
  • Sprouted Oat Chocolate Chunk Cookies
  • Dark Chocolate Bar
  • Chips (healthier brands, if possible)

Equipment Needed For This Weekend Camping Meal Plan

  • Camp cookstove (not really a necessity, but very handy!)
  • Cookstove fuel
  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Roasting sticks
  • Heavy duty foil
  • Metal flipper
  • Long metal tongs

Camping Menu Arrival Day

Dinner: chinese veggie soup (pre-made) + sourdough bread + butter.

bowl of soup and bread

Having a ready made meal for the day you arrive at camp is just the best. Usually, it's been quite the journey to get there, with all the planning, preparing and packing. Then you have to set everything up (quickly, if there's a threat of rain!) and then cook a meal?! You are definitely capable, but it's probably not what you'd rather be doing after a long day.

Sometime a week or two before your trip, make this soup for dinner and double it. Store half of it in the freezer in a freezer-safe container. Pack it at the top of your cooler, then take it out right when you get to your site so it can begin to thaw.

By the time you are set up, it will have thawed enough to pop out of the container into a pot. Cover with a lid and cook on your camp stove or over the fire until completely thawed and warmed through.

Serve with a slice of sourdough bread slathered in butter. (I don't have a sourdough starter yet, but if you do, here 's a nice recipe you could use to make your own bread. I buy ours from a local baker occasionally for a treat like this.)

BONUS: Barely any cleanup! So you can just relax by the fire for the rest of the evening. Oh, and soak your oats. Keep reading and I'll explain.

Camping Menu 2nd Day

Breakfast: soaked steel cut oats w/ berries + eggs + bacon.

bowl of oatmeal with blueberries and eggs on the side

Did you know that oats contain phytic acid, which prevents your body from absorbing some of the nutrients in the oats? Soaking the oats help to break down or neutralize the phytic acid so those nutrients can become available. This is something I do regularly, but it's just as easy to do it while camping. You just have to remember the night before!

TIP: Set a reminder in your phone to soak the oats the night before.

In a large pot, combine 1 part steel cut oats and 2 parts water. Soak for a minimum of 8 hours or overnight.

Add 1½ cups of water (for every 1 cup of oats soaked) in the morning. Bring to a boil over high heat (you can do this on a camp stove or on a grill over the fire), then reduce heat to medium and simmer until oatmeal reaches your thickness preference, about 10-15 minutes.

Start to cook bacon when you start the oatmeal. Remove bacon from pan and cook your eggs in the bacon grease! You can do fried, scrambled, omelet or sunnyside up.

Top with honey or maple syrup (if desired) and berries!

NOTE: To get the full benefits from soaking oats, they should be soaked in an acidic medium. When at home, I add about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the oat/water mixture the night before. I choose not to do this when camping just to keep things simpler, but you can definitely bring and use lemon juice if you desire.

Also, if you forget to soak the oats (which I have done MANY times), don't sweat it and just follow the normal cooking directions!

This is a filling, balanced breakfast that is so satisfying on a cool summer morning and will give you the energy to adventure that day!

VARIATIONS:

  • Cook sausage or ham instead of bacon
  • Top oatmeal with pretty much anything: apples, peaches, strawberries or whatever your favorite fruit is, nuts, seeds, nut butter, yogurt, dried fruit, coconut flakes... the possibilities really are endless. If you have a go-to oatmeal topping at home, bring it on your trip or try something completely new and exciting!
  • Add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to oatmeal when soaking for added nutrients. That's what I did in the photo above!

Lunch: Smokies w/ Sauerkraut + Fresh Veggies

smokie in a bun with sauerkraut and fresh veggies

At some point on your trip, you've just got to roast some smokies (or hot dogs, but smokies are better...). Why not make a meal out of it? Look for smokies without nitrates or nitrites, which have been linked to cancer. They can be difficult to find but are much better for your health.

Pair smokies with sauerkraut, which is great for gut health and absolutely delicious. It's actually really easy to make your own, as well! Here is a very simple recipe.

You can pan fry the smokies or roast them over the fire, eat in a bun (ideally sourdough or sprouted wheat) with some sauerkraut, homemade BBQ sauce , ketchup, mustard, onions, relish or whatever toppings you enjoy. Serve with fresh vegetables, such as cucumber sticks, carrots sticks, pepper slices, snap peas or celery sticks!

Dinner: Sausage & Veggie Foil Packet Dinner

sausage and veggie foil packet dinner on plate

This is a meal you'll need to cook over the open fire and I've got the full instructions in this post. If desired you can cut the carrots, broccoli, garlic and sausage before your trip to get the meal going faster. I wouldn't recommend peeling or cutting the potatoes ahead of time. Simply combine the sausage and veggies on a sheet of heavy duty aluminum foil, add salt, pepper and butter or olive oil, wrap up tightly in 2 layers of foil, then cook on the hot coals for 20-30 minutes, turning and flipping occasionally. Such a hearty and comforting meal, full of good foods.

As with the smokies, look for sausages (preferably fresh ones for this meal) without nitrates or nitrites and with simple, real ingredients. Grass-fed butter is ideal as well.

See the recipe post for variations!

Don't forget to soak the oats!

Camping Menu 3rd Day

Breakfast: soaked oats w/ berries + eggs + bacon.

Why would I do the same breakfast again? Because it makes me feel good, guys. A lot of people like pancakes, but they're usually just fluff filled with sugar and leave me feeling drained and hungry after an hour or so. That's why I love my eggs, bacon and whole grain oats with fruit. It's filling and gives me energy, which I want when I'm camping. Even though on day 3 I'm going home, I need the energy to pack up and deal with travelling home (If you have kids, you know travelling can be the most stressful part!). Plus we're often squeezing in a couple more outdoor activities on our way home.

If you don't want the same breakfast two days in a row, that's okay! Make something else or even just switch up part of the meal.

Lunch: Pita Sandwiches

pita sandwiches in a container

We love this meal on our last day of camping because we find that most campsites require checkout around 11 am, which means we have to leave before lunch! So, it's either prepare ourselves a lunch to take on the road or buy fast food. You can definitely guess which one I'd rather do!

If you need to checkout at or before 11 am, just prepare these right after breakfast, and obviously if you checkout after lunch, you could just make them and eat at your campsite at lunchtime.

I like pitas for sandwiches because it's a sandwich but it's not super "bready". I like the bread to topping ratio. We like to make ours with salami or ham, cheese, lettuce, spinach, tomato, pickles, etc. Oh yeah, and if there's any leftover bacon from breakfast (HA!). Bring a couple of ziploc bags or sandwich containers to store your sandwiches in until lunch.

If a sandwich isn't enough, you can eat whatever snacks you have leftover, especially fresh fruit and veggies.

Variations:

  • Use tortilla wraps instead of pitas
  • Include any leftover fresh veggies on your sandwich, such as cucumber, cherry tomatoes or peppers

Camping Snacks & Treats

Fresh fruits and vegetables - Sweet treats are great, but sometimes you just want a fresh, crisp fruit or vegetable to snack on. Some of my favorites to bring are peaches, grapes, cherries, cucumbers and carrots but you can really bring any.

Granola bars - This is the best naturally sweetened granola bar recipe I've ever found. It is AMAZING. The batter is only sweetened with bananas, but it doesn't taste a lot like bananas, which is often what turns me off of recipes like this. It does have chocolate chips and craisins in it for some added sweetness. Use soaked nuts and seeds as well as sprouted oats for max nutrition, if you can. I use ⅓ cup dried cranberries and ⅓ cup chocolate chips in her recipe.

hand holding granola bar

Muffins - A great between meals snacks or addition to breakfast. This recipe is made with sprouted wheat, minimal sweetener and lots of juicy blueberries. It's really a muffin you can feel good about eating!

Trail mix - A great one to bring, especially if you do a fair bit of hiking. Making your own trail mix is the best option ( here is a great guide) but there are some decent packaged ones out there as well. Just make sure you read the ingredients and nutrition facts before buying! They can somehow sneak a ton of sugar, salt and preservatives into these things!

Dark chocolate - Need I say more? I just love to have a piece or two after dinner.

Chips - This made it on the list to show you that we're not total health nuts. Definitely health nuts, but it's not like we NEVER eat fast food, or cake, or chips. My husband LOVES Old Dutch Ripple Potato Chips, so he requests them for camping trips and that is literally the only time he ever eats them. Anyways, you can buy healthier chips, regular chips, or no chips at all!

Sprouted Oat Chocolate Chunk Cookies - I'm so in love with this recipe. I just can't feel guilty about it and it's a great treat when camping! It's made of sprouted oats, sprouted wheat, applesauce, coconut oil, a little bit of coconut sugar and of course... dark chocolate chunks!

hand holding half of oatmeal cookie

Weekend Camping Meal Plan Printable

Printing off the full menu and food packing list won't take much time and will take the thinking out of meal planning for you! When making your grocery list, go over this food packing list and write down what you don't already have. Then go through the food packing list when you are putting the food in your cooler. (Make sure you have a good cooler and ice packs that will actually keep your food cold. There's nothing worse than half your meal plan getting spoiled!!)

More Weekend Camping Meal Plan Ideas

In case you don't like a few of my ideas and want some more:

  • Breakfast burritos are SO good in the morning, but do require some prep work before your trip. Cook some scrambled eggs , sliced breakfast sausage and green onions (optional). Wrap in a tortilla with some shredded cheese and salsa. Wrap your burrito in aluminum foil and freeze. Cook it on the hot coals until thawed and warmed through (about 20 minutes).
  • French toast, made with that delicious sourdough bread.
  • Hashbrowns in a cast-iron pan over the fire!
  • Taco salad - the only thing to cook is the ground beef with taco seasoning! Use tortilla chips, lettuce, tomato, avocado, salsa, cheese, sour cream, etc.

Snacks/Treats

  • Bring peanut butter to dip your fresh fruit in for a more filling snack. It can also go on your oatmeal as a topping!
  • Tortilla chips and salsa
  • Healthy hot chocolate
  • Herbal teas
  • Obviously, if you're a s'mores fan, bring the graham crackers and marshmallows along with the chocolate!

Did you try this meal plan and love it? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Weekend Camping Meal Plan Recipes

  • SAUSAGE AND VEGGIE FOIL PACKET DINNER
  • CHINESE VEGETABLE SOUP WITH PORK
  • DAIRY FREE BLUEBERRY MUFFINS WITH SPROUTED WHEAT
  • HEALTHY SPROUTED OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHUNK COOKIES
  • LOW SUGAR BBQ SAUCE

More Food Prep & Preservation

pieces of bacon on a white plate

Reader Interactions

August 12, 2021 at 6:48 pm

All of these meals look so delicious! Especially the Chinese veggi soup. Yum! Even if you don't plan on camping. These are all so good looking. I will have to make soon.

August 12, 2021 at 7:23 pm

Thanks so much, Sarah! I hope you enjoy them!

Kelley Chance

August 12, 2021 at 11:25 pm

Definitely saving this. We're always looking for more delicious (and healthy) camp food!!

August 13, 2021 at 12:58 am

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Authority Camper

4 Day Camping Meal Plan: Nutritious and Easy-to-Prepare Ideas

camping trip meal plan

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Four days out in the great outdoors. Just you, the whispering trees, the rhythmic ripple of a nearby stream, and the inevitable question: “What on Earth are we going to eat?” As idyllic as camping sounds, those unprepared for their culinary journey might find themselves stuck with repetitive, uninspiring meals. But what if I told you that with a dash of preparation and a sprinkle of creativity, you could savor gourmet delights miles away from the nearest diner?

Enter the 4-day camping meal plan—a flavorful roadmap to elevate your outdoor dining experience. And no, we’re not talking instant noodles and canned beans for four straight days. We’re venturing into a world of campfire quesadillas, al-fresco risottos, and stargazing snacks that’d make any five-star chef nod in approval.

So, grab your camp cookware and that adventurous spirit, as we embark on a culinary journey to transform your camping eats from mundane to mouthwatering.

Essentials For Planning a Four Day Camping Meal Plan

When planning a 4-day camping meal plan, it’s important to keep a few key points in mind. First off, you want meals that are easy and quick to prepare while still being nutritious and delicious . Next, focus on meals that require minimal ingredients and consider ingredients that are easy to store and transport for your outdoor adventure.

Make a Meal Plan

Start by creating a daily meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Consider incorporating some familiar family favorite recipes that could be easily made at the campsite. Don’t forget to plan for any dietary restrictions or preferences your camping crew may have. It helps to create a list of options for each meal while taking into account cooking gear, utensils, and the availability of cooking sources like a camp stove or a campfire.

Grocery List and Meal Prep

Once you’ve settled on your meal plan, make a detailed grocery list to ensure you have everything you need. Try to buy ingredients in bulk, if possible, to save on packaging and cost. Before heading out, do some meal prepping by washing and chopping fresh produce, marinating proteins, and prepping any make-ahead or cook-ahead meal components.

When it comes to packing your food, think about what is shelf-stable, especially if you don’t have access to a cooler or refrigerator. Opt for canned goods, vacuum-sealed options, and pre-packaged dry mixes. Pack perishable items carefully in a well-insulated cooler with ice packs or blocks of ice. Place items you’ll use first on top, and pack according to the meal schedule to minimize opening the cooler and exposing items to warm air.

Camp Kitchen Checklist

Always have a packing list for your camp kitchen, including cookware, utensils, and cleaning supplies. Don’t overlook essentials like a can opener, cutting board, and sharp knife. Additionally, bring a supply of resealable bags or portable containers for leftovers and storage.

Camping Cooking Equipment Essentials

Let’s dive into the essentials you need for a smooth camping experience.

First things first: a reliable camping stove . You’ll want something compact and efficient. There are two types of stoves to consider: propane/butane and liquid fuel stoves. Propane/butane stoves are easy to use and lightweight while liquid fuel stoves are more fuel-efficient and work better in cold temperatures. Choose the one that best suits your camping needs and preference.

Next up on your camp kitchen packing list: cookware . Opt for lightweight, durable materials like aluminum or stainless steel for pots and pans. A good set should include a frying pan, a pot with a lid, and a kettle or small pot for boiling water. Make sure they have foldable handles for easy storage and packing.

Don’t forget your cooking utensils ! You’ll need a spatula, a large spoon, and tongs for flipping and stirring food. A collapsible colander and cutting board are also handy for food prep tasks. Bonus points for multi-use utensils like a spork that can serve as both a spoon and fork.

When organizing your camp kitchen, it’s all about packing smart. Here are some essentials for your camp kitchen packing list :

  • Cooler or insulated food storage bag
  • Biodegradable soap, sponge, and towel for clean-up
  • Reusable water bottles or hydration system
  • Portable coffee maker or French press
  • Food storage containers or zip-top bags
  • Trash bags for easy waste management

Camping meals don’t have to be extravagant, but having the right cooking equipment makes it easy to whip up delicious, satisfying meals. 

Recommended Breakfast Options

Easy breakfast ideas.

Starting your day with a yummy and easy breakfast is crucial while camping. Here are a few amazing options:

  • Oatmeal: Prepare a hearty bowl of oatmeal and top it with your favorite nuts, fruits, and drizzle of honey. Quick and fuss-free!
  • Cereal: No cooking required! Just bring your go-to cereal and enjoy it with milk or a milk alternative and some sliced fruit on the side.
  • Yogurt with granola: Fuel up with some protein-packed yogurt and crunchy granola. Top it off with fresh fruit for added flavor and nutrients.
  • Bagels: Toast some bagels on the campfire and pair them with cream cheese, avocado, or peanut butter for a satisfying meal.

Make-ahead Breakfast Ideas

It’s a smart idea to have make-ahead breakfasts on hand to ease your mornings in the great outdoors. Check these out:

  • Pancakes: Whip up a batch of pancakes at home, freeze them, and simply reheat them on your camp stove or over the campfire. Serve up with maple syrup, butter, and berries.
  • Sausage and eggs: Cook up your sausage and scrambled eggs ahead of time, freeze them in a Ziploc bag, and reheat in a skillet on your camp stove. Easy-peasy!
  • French toast: Prepare French toast in advance by soaking bread in the eggy mixture and cooking until golden brown. Freeze, and then reheat on a skillet for a delightful campsite breakfast.
  • Muffins: Bake your favorite muffins at home and pack them in a container for a grab-and-go breakfast. Perfect for those who wish to get an early start on hiking or fishing.

Lunch Planning for Camping Trip

Simple campfire lunches.

There’s nothing better than gathering around a campfire with your favorite folks and enjoying a delicious meal in the great outdoors . But let’s not overcomplicate things! Simple lunch recipes are your best bet for a carefree camping trip.

For starters, you can’t go wrong with the classics, like ham and cheese sandwiches. You’ll just need bread, ham, cheese, and maybe some mustard for extra zing. And if you prefer a slightly fancier option, try including olives and pepper for a Mediterranean twist.

Another great idea is to bring some pre-cooked sausages and toss them on the campfire grill. Just don’t forget the grill or an iron skillet for cooking! Pair your sausages with a simple salad or some grilled veggies, and you’re all set.

Make-ahead Lunch Options

Sometimes, we want to prep our meals ahead of time to save on hassle and cleanup when we’re out in the wild. Make-ahead lunches are perfect for that! These options allow you to do most of the prep work ahead of time and enjoy your meals hassle-free.

One of my favorite make-ahead recipes is BBQ chicken tortilla wraps. Before your trip, cook up some BBQ chicken, shred it, and mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Simply pack your tortillas and prepped chicken in separate containers, and when lunchtime rolls around, just assemble the wraps on the go.

Alternatively, prep and pack a variety of deli meats, cheeses, and condiments, and let everyone create their own custom sandwiches. That way, everyone gets what they want, and it’s super easy!

Don’t forget to pack some fresh fruits like apples to munch on. A little natural sweetness can really hit the spot and provide an energy boost for your afternoon adventures.

Dinner Recipes Perfect for Camping

Campfire dinner classics.

When it comes to campfire dinners, some classics never go out of style. These recipes are loved by campers and are sure to satisfy your cravings after a long day of outdoor fun.

BBQ Cheeseburgers : Nothing beats a juicy, delicious beef burger cooked over the campfire. Season your beef patties with your favorite BBQ sauce, grill them to perfection, and top them with some melty cheese. Serve on a bun with all your favorite fixings.

Roasted BBQ Potato Foil Packets : These easy-to-make foil packets are filled with potatoes, vegetables, and your choice of sausage. Season them with your go-to BBQ sauce, wrap them up tight, and cook them on the campfire until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded together.

Pineapple BBQ Chicken Hobo Packets : These hobo packets combine chicken breasts, pineapple, and vegetables in a tasty and tropical combination. Drizzle with some BBQ sauce, seal them in foil, and let them cook away on the grill until the chicken is cooked through and the flavors have fused.

Quick and Easy Dinner Choices

Sometimes, you just want a quick and easy meal that will fill you up but not take up too much time to prepare. These simple yet satisfying dinner options are perfect for those moments.

Grilled Cheese : Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese sandwich? Grab some bread, cheese, and butter and cook those bad boys over the campfire until the bread is golden and the cheese is nice and gooey. If you want to jazz it up a bit, you can add some ham or sliced tomatoes.

Meat and Veggie Skewers : This is a great way to incorporate both your protein and vegetables in one tasty, campfire-cooked meal. Simply thread pieces of beef, sausage, or your choice of meat onto skewers with your favorite veggies (think: peppers, onions, zucchini, etc). Brush with a marinade like teriyaki sauce or olive oil, and grill until everything is cooked to your liking.

Delightful Camping Snacks and Desserts

We’ve got you covered with tasty treats that are perfect for your next camping after-dinner treats and daily snacks.

Satisfying Snacks for the Trail

When you’re out on the trail, you need fuel to keep you going. Here are some easy-to-carry, satisfying snacks that you’ll love:

  • Trail mix : Get creative with your trail mix by combining your favorite nuts, dried fruits, and some sweet surprises like chocolate chips or mini marshmallows. Store it in ziplock bags for an easy grab-and-go treat.
  • Corn chips : Crunchy, salty, and oh-so-addictive, corn chips are perfect for a quick energy boost on the trail. Keep a bag handy for snacking during breaks or around the campfire.
  • Fresh fruits and veggies : Bring along sliced apples, oranges, or carrots for a refreshing, healthy snack. Remember to stay hydrated while on the trail!

Desserts under the Stars

Gathering around the campfire is the perfect time to indulge in some mouthwatering desserts. Check out these simple and scrumptious campfire recipes:

  • S’mores : This classic campfire dessert doesn’t disappoint. Roast marshmallows over the fire until they’re gooey and golden, then sandwich them between graham crackers with a piece of chocolate for the ultimate sweet treat.
  • Banana boats : Split a banana lengthwise, but don’t peel it. Stuff the slit with chocolate chips, marshmallows, and other toppings like peanut butter or nuts. Wrap the stuffed banana in foil and place it on the campfire’s hot coals for about 10 minutes. Carefully open the foil and enjoy your warm banana boat with a spoon.
  • Chocolate cake in oranges : Cut the top off an orange and scoop out the fruit, leaving the peel intact like a small bowl. Prepare your favorite single-serve chocolate cake mix, pour it into the orange peel, and cover with the orange top. Wrap the filled oranges in foil and bake them in the campfire’s coals for about 20 minutes. Carefully unwrap and enjoy your cake cooked in a fruity container!

Shopping and Packing Tips for Camping Meals

Packing list for camp cooking.

When you’re planning a 4-day camping trip, it’s essential to pack the right cookware and supplies to make your camp cooking experience easy and enjoyable. Here’s a quick packing list to help you prepare:

  • Stove or cooking appliance : A portable gas stove or camping-friendly cooking device is a must.
  • Pots and pans : Bring a few different sizes to accommodate various meal types.
  • Cooking utensils : Spatula, tongs, and a ladle should cover your basic needs.
  • Cutting board and knife : You’ll need these for meal prep.
  • Food storage containers : Stay organized and keep your food fresh with reusable containers.
  • Cooler or cooler bag : To keep your perishable ingredients chilled and fresh.
  • Biodegradable dish soap and sponge : Clean up after cooking to maintain hygiene in the camp.

Keep the weight and bulk of your cookware in mind when packing, as you’ll need to transport it to and from your campsite.

Grocery Shopping Guide

When you’re shopping for your 4-day camping menu, follow these tips to make your grocery store trip stress-free and cost-effective:

  • Shop at discount stores : Stores like Aldi offer quality food at affordable prices, which can save you money on your camping menu plan.
  • Buy in bulk : Purchasing staple ingredients, like rice, pasta, and canned goods, in bulk can help cut costs. Divvy up portions into food storage containers or Ziploc bags for easy packing.
  • Choose non-perishable items : Opt for foods that are less likely to go bad during your trip, like canned vegetables, shelf-stable milk, and dried fruits.
  • Go for lightweight options : Stick to food items that are low-weight and easy to pack, like tortilla shells and dehydrated meals.
  • Prepare some meals in advance : If possible, prepare a few meals ahead of time and freeze or store in a cooler. This can save time and effort at the campsite.

Family-Friendly 4-Day Meal Plan Suggestions

Plan a 4-day family camping trip by incorporating the following family-friendly meal ideas. These meals will keep your family satisfied and energized while enjoying the great outdoors. This daily meal planner covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a few snack suggestions.

  • Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast cooked on a camp stove.
  • Lunch: Make-ahead chicken salad wraps with a side of carrot and celery sticks.
  • Dinner: Grilled BBQ cheeseburgers, roasted BBQ potato foil packets, and coleslaw.
  • Snacks: Trail mix, fresh fruit, and granola bars.
  • Breakfast: Pancakes with syrup, cooked on a griddle over your campfire.
  • Lunch: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, make-ahead pasta salad, and apple slices.
  • Dinner: Pineapple BBQ chicken hobo packets with your favorite vegetables.
  • Snacks: Pretzels, cheese sticks, and sliced cucumber.
  • Breakfast: Campfire oatmeal with dried fruit, nuts, and brown sugar.
  • Lunch: Tuna salad on wheat bread, a side of cherry tomatoes, and crackers.
  • Dinner: Bacon-wrapped hot dogs with semi-homemade BBQ beans and cornbread.
  • Snacks: Popcorn, yogurt cups, and fresh berries.
  • Breakfast: Loaded breakfast burritos with eggs, sausage, cheese, and veggies.
  • Lunch: Deli meat and cheese sandwiches on whole-grain bread, with pickles and olives.
  • Dinner: Lloyds BBQ ribs, corn on the cob, coleslaw, and potato salad.
  • Snacks: Rice crispy treats, sliced bell peppers, and hummus.

These meal suggestions are designed to be easy, delicious, and perfect for family camping. Don’t forget to pack along some favorite campfire treats like s’mores and roasted marshmallows! 

John and Nathan

We’re passionate about getting the most from your car when it comes to going on adventures and road trips. When you take one of these trips you often need more room in your car than you usually would. This is when we come in, to help you find the best roof tent for your car and needs.

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All Natural Adventures

4 Day Camping Meal Planner

Looking for a complete camping meal planner with daily menus, a grocery list and a task list for make ahead recipes? Below you will find a 4 day camping meal planner full of healthy, simple and kid-friendly recipes based on feeding a family of 4. Plus, free printable pdfs!

Let’s get planning! We’ll cover a few basics about meal planning before moving into the delicious details of this 4 day plan.

4 Day Camping Meal Planner

For your convenience, this post contains affiliate links for products I personally use and recommend. If you purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Meal Planning Basics

It may seem obvious but the best way to make your camping meal experience easy is to take time to plan ahead and prep some of your meals beforehand. Spending a few hours choosing daily menus and preparing your food will save you the mess and stress of prepping food at your campsite.

Repeat Ingredients

The key to meal planning is choosing recipes that use the same ingredients for slightly different meals. That way you can save time making larger amounts of the same food to use for multiple meals. This meal planner repeats foods like chicken, deli turkey, tortilla shells, sliced veggies and avocados for various meals, but this principle can easily be applied for different menus.

4 Day Camping Meal Planner

Food Storage

One essential tool of meal planning is having quality food storage containers. I have used Snapware glass containers with airtight lids for years, which work great because they keep your food fresh and leak-free and can be used in the freezer, dishwasher and microwave. I like the peace of mind of using glass food storage, but they can be more expensive. With camping specifically, glass containers can also be heavy especially in a full cooler. The Snapware plastic containers with airtight lids are another good option and are a lot lighter for camping. Either way, definitely go for containers with airtight lids because they really make a difference with preventing leaks.

4 Day Camping Meal Planner: Daily Menus & Shopping List

Note: This meal plan includes 4 components that need to be prepped ahead of time – seasoned chicken, mixed roasted potatoes, baked oatmeal muffins and sliced veggies.

Below is a free pdf printable with daily menus and a shopping list of all the items you will need to make these meals.

Before you head to the grocery store with a massive list, check your pantry first as you will likely have some items already on hand already, especially for the muffin recipe. Also, the amounts listed are based on a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 young children), so feel free to make adjustments as needed.

4 Day Camping Meal Planner - All Natural Adventures

Note: This meal planner focuses on the main meals, but if your kids are anything like mine, you will also want to plan on extra snacks and desserts!

Want to make some meal substitutions for your own menu? Below is a free blank printable camping meal planner you can download instead.

For more ideas, check out Easy Kid Friendly Camping Meals .

Blank 4 Day Camping Meal Planner-All Natural Adventures

4 Day Camping Meal Planner: Make Ahead Task List

Ready? We are going to get this done! You will need approximately 1 1/2 hours of meal prep time. In that time you will:

  • Roast potatoes and chicken
  • Bake muffins
  • Chop veggies

4 Day Camping Meal Planner

You will need the following supplies for this prep work:

  • Cutting board, chef’s knife, meat thermometer, 2 baking dishes, muffin tins, baking cup, mixing bowl, cooking spray
  • 2 large containers (6 cup) – one for the muffins and one for sliced veggies
  • 2 medium containers (4 cup) – one for the roasted potatoes and one for the fajita peppers and onions
  • 2 small storage containers (2 cup) – split the seasoned chicken into 2 containers for the fajita meal and the chicken and potato meal

4 Day Camping Meal Planner

Mom Tip: If you have little ones around while you are trying to work, encourage them to help you with simple tasks. Washing and scrubbing potatoes are perfect tasks for little fingers. Using a step stool or a dining room chair, have your child rinse and scrub potatoes in the sink and then hand the potatoes for you to chop. You may need to do a little extra scrubbing first. Putting baking cups in the muffin tin is another great child task.

Bake roasted potatoes – about 10 minutes.

  • Preheat the oven to 425.
  • While the oven is heating up, wash and lightly scrub your red skin potatoes and sweet potatoes. No need to peel them.
  • Then chop into 1 inch pieces making the sweet potatoes slightly larger as they will cook faster.
  • Lightly coat with your favorite cooking oil (I use olive oil) and salt and pepper.

4 Day Camping Meal Planner

Bake seasoned chicken – about 20 minutes.

  • While the potatoes are cooking, start prepping your chicken. Cut 4 chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces.
  • Place in a lightly oiled glass cooking pan. Sprinkle with your favorite taco seasoning mix or use this homemade mix. I use 2 tablespoons of the homemade mix for a nice flavor that isn’t too spicy for little ones.

4 Day Camping Meal Planner

Bake oatmeal muffins – about 30 minutes.

  • While the chicken and potatoes are baking, mix together the batter for the muffins. Follow the recipe for Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Muffins .
  • About 1 minute. When done, remove the chicken and potato dishes from the oven and set aside to cool. Turn the heat down to 375.
  • About 10 minutes. While the oven is cooling down, take a little break. You’ve earned it! Then put the muffin tins in the oven for 30 minutes.

4 Day Camping Meal Planner

Slice veggies – about 15 minutes.

  • Slice 1 bell pepper and 1 small white onion for the fajitas. Place into a medium storage container and lightly oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Slice 1 bell pepper and enough celery and carrots sticks to fill a large storage container for snacking veggies.
  • Slice any extra veggies you may want for sausage or hot dog toppings.

Finish up – about 15 minutes.

  • The chicken and potatoes should be cooled. Divide the chicken into 2 equal portions with half for the fajita meal and half for the chicken and potato meal. Move the potatoes into a medium storage container .
  • Remove muffins from the oven. Once cooled, place in a large storage container .

Tips: Freezing your chicken and muffins beforehand can help keep your cooler colder and reduce the need for more ice.

Reheating Instructions

You did it! That extra effort you are putting in today will help make your camping experience a little more relaxing. At your campsite the chicken fajita meal and the seasoned chicken and mixed potato meal can easily be reheated over the campfire in aluminum foil or over a portable stove in a pan.

4 Day Camping Meal Planner

Happy Camping!

Any questions or comments about this 4 day camping meal planning process? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Need some ideas for camping activities with kids? Check out 16 Hiking & Camping Activities For Kids: Fun Times Ahead!

camping trip meal plan

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11 thoughts on “4 day camping meal planner”.

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Great article on 4 Day Camping Meals. I know many more people are going camping nowadays so this will be very very helpful! The blueberry muffin recipe sounds really good too. How long does it take to prep and complete the meal?

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Thanks for stopping by, Alyse! It can be so helpful to put in a little meal prep time before a camping trip so make the experience more enjoyable.

The blueberry muffins are really tasty! These muffins require about 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes to bake. You can find the full recipe here: Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Muffins . Enjoy!

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I am so pleased that I came across this article. I am going camping with the family in the summer when our restrictions here in the UK will have been eased. A meal planner will be so helpful to us, and a few friends who are going camping too. I am going to forward on your article to them and I will encourage them to comment too.

I will let you know how our camping trip goes and how we get on with your recommendations and advice. If we have any burning questions beforehand or issues that you could help us with then I will get in touch, if that is OK with you?

Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work.

All the best,

That’s great, I’m so glad you have some camping plans to look forward to this summer. After cancelling plans last summer, I’m excited to safely travel and camp a bit this summer as well.

I started doing these meal plans and prep work before trips a few years ago and have found it makes the experience so much smoother. Absolutely, if you or your friends have any questions along the way, I’d be happy to help!

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Excellent advice!

I take my girls camping a ton in the summer and this is always the challenge, trying to figure out what food to pack and what meals to make. Hot dogs over the fire is fun for one meal but gets old and kind of gross really quickly. lol

Love the idea of using the same ingredients for slightly different meals, very clever! 🙂

Thanks for the ideas!

So glad you found this post helpful! It can definitely be a challenge figuring out camping meals, especially finding easy meals that are mostly healthy. There are lots more ideas here you might find helpful: Easy Kid Friendly Camping Meals

Enjoy your summer camping trips!

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Singapore does not have much options for a true campfire in vast nature but I absolutely adore your meal planner! You went in detail on every piece. I will definitely follow your method for my future camp outings with my friends. It’ll be fun to try be super organised about it, I’m kinda excited. Hahaha.

Thanks for sharing!

Cheers. SAM

That’s great, I hope this meal planner helps make your next trip with your friends more enjoyable! I’ve used this method for indoor travel too, so it’s very versatile if the camping experience is different in your area – basically easy, healthy meals that travel well. 🙂

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Thanks for sharing this amazingly detailed 4 day camp meal planner, its truly a challenge to figure out camping meals. It’s always good to pre-plan meals for a camping trip this could give more time to enjoy the great outdoors. Well your article made us realize planning healthy food for camping need not be complicated, now that’s a fun and healthy camping experience!

Great recipes, appreciate you for sharing the ingredients list it makes a lot easier to prepare and the blueberry oatmeal muffins sound interesting and yummy! Definitely worth bookmarking the article for revisiting. Thanks Cheers!

Hi Samantha, I’m so glad you found this article helpful! This is my go-to meal planning process for camping trips. Personally, I’ve found it makes the experience a lot more enjoyable to have most of the food prepped ahead of time.

I hope you are able to enjoy some camping adventures this summer!

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Thank you! Such a great article! It’s wonderful people like you who make camping manageable for those of us who did not get brought up in camping families!!

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Easy Camping Menu for Your Weekend Getaway

Whether you're driving to a campsite or pitching a tent off the beaten path, with a little forethought you can create a simple and delicious weekend camping menu.

Summer is the ideal season for camping and escaping from the blue light of your computer screen into the sunlight of the great outdoors. To actually enjoy your camping trip, you'll need to do a little planning ahead of time. Sure, it's about packing warm socks and getting the right sleeping bag, but it's also about preparing your food and ingredients before you hit the road.

This guide will map out a few options for a two-night car-camping trip, with the assumption that you've arrived at your site mid-day on Day One and will leave for home after breakfast on Day Three. The key to creating an effective, but varied camping menu is in the overlap of ingredients and doing any prep-work you can before packing the cooler .

Lunch: Apple & prosciutto grilled cheese sandwiches .

Just because you're "roughing it" doesn't mean you should be stuck with boring grilled cheese. Prosciutto and thinly sliced apple create a salty sweet combination, while the apple also provides crunch. Pack your favorite bread and griddle this sandwich over indirect heat for a gooey cheese-pull moment by the fire. Consider packing some potato chips or celery sticks to enjoy with your sandwiches.

Dinner: Foil-wrapped sweet potatoes topped with Black Bean Chili .

Getting your sweet potatoes tender and fully roasted is ideal for this filling, protein-packed meal. Once they're roasted, you'll want to slice the potatoes down the middle and mash the insides a bit before pouring your warm chili over the top. Top with leftover cheese from the grilled cheese sandwiches you had for lunch.

Before you leave home :

  • Wrapping your sweet potatoes in aluminum foil before you leave home keeps you from having to bring a whole roll of foil when packing space is precious.
  • Cook your chili ahead of time and store in glass canning jars in your cooler.

More inspiration : Easy Campfire Meals to Make Campfire Cooking a Breeze

Breakfast: Bacon & Egg Tacos

While you cook your eggs and bacon, warm up your tortillas over indirect heat. Add a slice of cheese or two (from Day One's grilled cheeses) on the tortillas so it gets nice and melty before adding your eggs and bacon. This meal is packed with the protein, fats, and carbs you'll need to fuel you for the day. And while it's certainly not a necessity, no one will complain if you pack some hot sauce to spice up these tacos.

Lunch: Peach & Tomato Caprese Salad with prosciutto

After a long morning of hiking, nothing hits the spot quite like this refreshing take on the classic caprese salad. Adding the prosciutto from Day One's grilled cheese sandwiches packs the salty, protein-filled punch you need to recover after a day outdoors.

  • Consider packing fragile peaches and tomatoes in a hard-sided plastic or glass container, or reuse an egg carton for safe transport.
  • Mix your oil and balsamic vinegar and store in a glass canning jar.

Dinner: Grilled Sausage with Potatoes and Green Beans

This meal is made entirely in an aluminum foil packet, making it an easy camping meal that doesn't require a pan or cooking utensils. Foil packet dinners are a tasty campsite classic and you could easily do all of the preparation at home, wrap in foil packets, and stash in your cooler to cook later.

  • Chop your onions, potatoes, and trim your green beans.
  • You could even slice your sausages into small pieces to cut down on campsite prep.

Breakfast: Eggs, toast, bacon, fruit

The ultimate end-of-trip meal using up the leftover ingredients from the days before. Eggs and bacon from Day Two's breakfast are the stars, while bread from Day One's lunch becomes toast and peaches from Day Two's caprese salad are the perfect accompaniment. Try this recipe for Campfire Skillet Breakfast if you have potatoes to use up, too.

More inspiration : Camping Breakfast Recipes for Your Next Adventure

Essential Gear for Your Camp Kitchen

While there are plenty of guides and handbooks focusing on what to pack for a camping trip, there are just a few essential pieces of cooking equipment that will make your life a whole lot easier while preparing meals on a picnic table.

  • A good cooler. Of course, a cooler may become cumbersome if you are backpacking, but a solid, insulated cooler that has the capacity to keep ice and food cold for at least three days is worth the investment.
  • A canvas bag. Great for packing all of your dry goods and snacks that don't need to be kept cold. Any old canvas bag will do, but something structured with compartments will help you stay organized.
  • Reusable plates and utensils . This 24-piece tableware set is great for the whole family.
  • Chef's knife or other sharp knife . Be sure to pack your knives safely so you don't accidentally cut yourself.
  • Cutting board . This affordable option on Amazon doubles as a portable colander.
  • Fire-started kit or small portable grill (like this $25 model ). Research your campsite to see what is available to you during your stay.
  • A cast-iron skillet . While most of these meals can be cooked directly over a fire, a skillet is great for cooking bacon and eggs or warming up chili.
  • Long tongs . A pair of super long tongs will help you transfer food from the campfire.
  • Camp soap and sponge . You'll want to be able to clean off your cookware and utensils between messier meals, so pack an eco-friendly soap . A small plastic tub with removable lid can double as a washing-up tub and a bin for storing camping tools.

If you are doing a lot of the prep work at home (recommended!), consider also placing items that could get soggy or damaged in plastic bags to avoid any leaks from water that may accumulate in your cooler.

This menu in particular does not include raw red meat, but if your own camping meal plan does then you'll want to be extra careful with your knife and cutting board, making sure to clean it thoroughly after preparing the meat.

As always, all food and trash should be stored in your car or otherwise secured at night or when you are away from your tent to avoid attracting animals to the area.

And of course, don't forget your marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate for s'mores !

More to Explore

  • Dutch Oven Recipes for Your Next Camping Adventure
  • In Defense of the Campfire Classics
  • Browse our Complete Collection of Camping Recipes

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Embracing the Wind

Favorite Camping Meal Plan Template + Free Printable

Share the Adventure!

One of the first things my family starts talking about once we have planned a camping trip is what we are going to eat! We agree on favorite camping meals and someone often tosses out a new camping meal idea. A camping meal plan template comes in handy for keeping track of our camping menu plus makes it easy to create a shopping list.

We all know meal planning is the way to simplify getting food on the table and it is no different for camping trips and picnic tables!

Table of Contents

Camping is supposed to be fun but sometimes the prep isn’t! Using a printable camping meal planner is a great way to make planning your next camping trip easier. 

I’ve got a few simple steps for planning your camping meals and a free camping meal plan template printable to help organize your camping menus.

Drop your email below and I’ll send you a free camping meal plan template and shopping list printable.

Camping Meal Plan & Shopping List

Download your free camping meal plan and shopping list forms to use over and over!

camping trip meal plan

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This post contains affiliate links. You can read the full disclosure here .

Camping Meal Planning Tips  

Here’s my one, two, three system for camping meal planning.

  • Decide on a cooking method or methods – grill, dutch oven, pie irons, foil packs, griddle, camp stove etc. I would choose only one, maybe two, cooking methods, especially if you are a newbie. It will be easier to choose recipes, and it will be less cooking equipment to juggle. 
  • Figure out how many meals you’ll need to prepare based on the length of your camping trip. Don’t forget lunch and snacks!
  • Choose your camping recipes . 

Want a done for you solution? You’ll love Dutch Oven Delish. It includes yummy, easy dutch oven recipes and meal plans complete with shopping lists.

camping trip meal plan

Check out the following tips to make it easier to choose your camping recipes and prepare for your trip.

One pan meals like those cooked in a dutch oven or meals cooked on a grill are usually easy for beginners.

Cooking hamburgers and hot dogs on a  grill camping

Related Post : 33 Camp Grilling Ideas

Dinner the night you arrive should be an easy, quick meal to prepare after you finish setting up camp.

Plan your meals around the kind of outdoor activities you will be doing each day. You don’t want to plan a meal that takes a couple hours to prepare and cook if you are going to be out hiking, fishing, swimming etc. Save meals that take longer to cook for a day you will be lounging at the campsite.

If you are planning a late start for your day’s activities one morning, that would be the best time for cooking a bigger breakfast. We love dutch oven breakfasts or pancakes and bacon.

Don’t plan on cooking every meal while camping. I would consider having a no cook breakfast or lunch every day. Things like cereal, fruit, bagels, sandwiches, and tuna pouches are quick and easy.

I also plan different meals when I’m car camping versus camping in the RV with access to my RV kitchen. Although during almost every camping trip, I cook at least one meal in the dutch oven,  regardless if we are car camping with a tent or camping in the RV.

Hint: Start a master list of your family’s favorite camping meals for quick reference later. 

Some of our favorite camping meals are:

  • Mountain Man Breakfast
  • Lemon Pepper Chicken
  • Pie Iron Pizzas
  • Cowboy Stew
  • Santa Fe Roast
  • Hot Dogs on a Stick

Complete Your Camping Meal Plan 

Now you can fill out your camping meal plan printable for your camping trip. The camping meal plan template I created for you works for both weekly meal plans and weekend camping trips.

Just fill out the days you’ll be camping – easy peasy!

Once you have picked your recipes and filled out your menu template, you will need to do a quick inventory of your freezer and pantry and make a shopping list of the necessary ingredients that you don’t already have. This is the same thing you do if you were grocery shopping for meals cooked at home.

I often do some of the meal prep at home – cutting up meat, slicing and dicing vegetables, and packaging dry ingredients for a recipe together. 

You can even pre cook some meats at home. Make ahead camping meals are another favorite. Things like sloppy joe and taco meat can be prepared at home.

Tip: Freeze any meat that you will not be cooking the first day of your camping trip. It will keep longer in the cooler.

Save your shopping list so you can use it as your camping food packing list. Just remember to jot down any ingredients you already had at home so you don’t forget those when it comes time to pack your food. Or use a separate camping food packing list like the ones in my Camp Kitchen Binder.

Also, don’t forget the actual camp cooking equipment you’ll need to prepare your camping meals. Some of the camp cooking essentials you’ll need are:

  • Cast Iron Skillet
  • Cooking Utensils
  • Fire Starter

  Tip: Store all your camp kitchen equipment in a tote so it is already packed and ready to go.

Related Post: The Campfire Cooking Equipment of Your Dreams

Don’t Miss the Free Camping Meal Planning Printables

Don’t leave without grabbing your free camping meal plan template and shopping list duo. I usually print several copies at a time so I have them ready for our camping trips.

Take your completed meal plan printable with you so your family can reference it on your trip. I think every mom is tired of hearing “What’s for dinner?” even on camping trips! Its also fun to know what yummy food you can look forward to after the day’s outdoor adventures.

I’d love to know what your favorite camping meals are and how you plan food for your trips. Let me know in the comments below. 

PLEASE PIN THIS ON PINTEREST TO SHARE THE FREEBIE!

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camping trip meal plan

Easy Weekend Camping Menus

By: Author Diana Hansen

Posted on Last updated: January 22, 2024

Categories Collections

Camping Recipes » Collections » Easy Weekend Camping Menus

Make your next camp out easy with this Simple Weekend Camping Menu. There are three easy meal plans with a total of 27 campsite recipes within this post with a download link to all the menus at the bottom of the post.

Simple Camping Recipes Collage

Easy Camping Menu Plans

We usually take off for a weekend trip on Friday afternoon, so we will either prepare something at home to eat at the campsite or prep the ingredients so that cooking can be done quickly after arriving.

Easy is also the name of the game for Sunday lunch. We are usually packing up, so a quick bite is a must. 

All the camping cookware we use at the campground and within the menus can be found here .

Food for Camping Weekend

Make your next camp trip easier with these three menu camping plans filled with easy camping recipes. Combine for a season full of happy camper tummies!

As you can see, there is a huge variety within these camping menus. With so many options, you can pick your favorite recipes. Add in Frugal Camping Meals and get even more options.

camping trip meal plan

Simple Weekend Camping Menu Plan #1

This first weekend trip menu includes campfire s’mores and cookies. To prepare all of these recipes, you will need a  Dutch oven ,  pie irons , and  foil pans .

Friday Dinner: Crab Salad

We make this refreshing Crab Salad ahead of time at home to take for our first night of camping. For a heartier meal, substitute spiral pasta for the coleslaw mix.

plate of crab salad

Friday Dessert: Nacho S’mores

If you are a fan of s’mores, you will love these S’more Nachos . They are baked over the campfire in a foil pan or on the grill in a cast-iron skillet. This must-make dessert is so yummy, so it is sure to be a hit with everyone!

foil pan filled with nacho s'mores

Saturday Breakfast: Mountain Man Breakfast

Make this hearty Mountain Man Breakfast Casserole in the Dutch oven with your choice of potatoes and meat. The easiest version is created with hash brown potatoes.

dutch oven filled with mountain man breakfast

Saturday Lunch: Campfire Pizza Sandwiches

Here is a unique way to get a pizza taste over the campfire. The kids will love making their own Pie Iron Pizza Sandwich .

plate with 2 campfire sandwiches

Saturday Snack: Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Sticks

These Bacon-Wrapped Mozzarella Sticks are AMAZING! You will want them for EVERY camping trip!!

camping trip meal plan

Saturday Dinner: Dutch Oven Chicken & Vegetables

This Camping Chicken & Veggies Recipe is one of our very favorite camping meals. There is a little bit of chopping of vegetables involved, but otherwise, you dump it all into the Dutch oven and cook! Seasoning salt adds so much flavor to this filling dish.

dutch oven chicken over veggies

Saturday Dessert: Easy Chocolate Cake

Check out this amazing Dutch Oven Chocolate Cake . It is easy to make using a cake mix and a few other fun ingredients.

dutch oven chocolate cake

Sunday Breakfast: Breakfast in a Bag

Here is a fun cooking trick that really works with bacon & eggs. Just make sure to follow the directions for this Breakfast in a Bag carefully!

eggs and bacon made in a paper bag

Saturday Lunch: Reuben Campfire Sandwich es

This yummy Reuben-Inspired Sandwich is toasted in a pie iron..

campfire reuben sandwich

Easy Camping Menu #2

This second menu plan features a fun spin on nachos and pizza. You will need a  Dutch oven ,  pie irons ,  roasting forks ,  heavy-duty foil , and  foil pans  for all of these recipes.

Friday Dinner: Grilled Nachos

These Campfire Nachos can be prepared with different ingredients, so it is easy to personalize for each person. This is bound to be a favorite for every camping trip!

2 pans of campfire nachos

Friday Dessert: Grilled Peach Crisp

This tasty dessert is cooked over the campfire, so you can grill it at the same time as the nachos. The family is sure to love this Campfire Peach Crisp Recipe .

pan of grilled peach crisp

Saturday Breakfast: French Toast Casserole

This yummy Dutch Oven French Toast Recipe is tastiest if you prep it the night before. Do not forget to pack the syrup!

french toast casserole in foil

Saturday Lunch: Frozen Pizza over the Campfire

Yes, you can make Frozen Pizza while Camping ! This is sure to be another hit with the kids.

close up of a cheese pizza with onions

Saturday Snack: S’more Snack Mix

This simple S’mores Snack Mix can be made ahead of time or mixed up out at the campground. This post also contains some (free) camping-themed party decorations that you can download and print.

s'more snack mix

Saturday Dinner: Salisbury Steak

This hearty Dutch Oven Salisbury Steak is baked in a delicious mushroom gravy. Serve it with Campfire Rolls on a Stick .

camping salisbury steak

Saturday Dessert: Dutch Oven Brownies

Stack Dutch ovens and bake these Camping Brownies at the same time as the Salisbury Steak. If you have one Dutch oven, use liners (buy  here  or  make your own ) for easy clean-up between bakes.

Brownie Mix made in a Dutch oven

Sunday Breakfast: Campfire Breakfast Sandwiches

Make a Knock-off Sausage Egg McMuffin over the campfire.

camping egg mcmuffin sandwich

Sunday Lunch: Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches

This huge Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich is made over the campfire. Look at all that cheese!

campfire philly cheesesteak sandwich

Weekend Camping Food #3

Variety is the name of the game with this third camping menu list. To prepare all these recipes, you will need a  Dutch oven ,  pie irons ,  cast-iron skillet ,  roasting forks , and  foil .

Friday Dinner: Kielbasa & Cabbage

This Kielbasa and Cabbage Recipe cooks quickly in a cast-iron skillet on a camp stove or over the campfire.

kielbasa and cabbage in a skillet over a campfire

Friday Dessert: Frosting S’mores

S’mores with Frosting is Diana’s favorite way to make a s’more. Pile the chocoloate on thick with this handheld treat.

hand holding a s'more made with chocolate frosting

Saturday Breakfast: Giant Cinnamon Roll

This HUGE Cinnamon Roll is so much fun to make in a Dutch oven!

giant cinnamon roll

Saturday Lunch: Bacon-Wrapped Cheese Dogs

This Camping Hot Dog Recipe is a tasty way to dress up a plain old hot dog!

cheese stuffed bacon wrapped hot dog with condiments

Saturday Snack: Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites

Make these tasty Protein Balls at home before you go to the campground.

Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites

Saturday Dinner: Roasted Chicken

This finger-licking Whole Chicken Cooked in the Campfire does NOT look pretty, but it tastes amazing!

whole chicken roasted in a campfire

Saturday Dessert: Classic Dump Cake

This Dutch Oven Dump Cake is just like the classic recipe, only better! Pineapple and pecans are optional.

Dump Cake with pecans

Sunday Breakfast: Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Get the taste of a favorite dessert in this healthy camping breakfast recipe .

carrot cake oatmeal

Sunday Lunch: Charcuterie Board

Build an epic Charcuterie Board using prepared ingredients. This is particularly good for feeding a big group.

overhead view of a charcuterie board on a picnic table

As you can see, there is a huge variety within these camping menus. With so many options, you will not be wondering what to cook any longer. These are the top camping recipes .

More Camping Recipe Collections

  • Blackstone Camping Recipes
  • Camping Lunch Ideas
  • Fire Ban Camping Recipes
  • Camping Recipes That Don’t Need a Cooler
  • Easy Dutch Oven Recipes
  • Dutch Oven Desserts

Sign up below to get the menu list. The download has links to each recipe and necessary cookware.

camping trip meal plan

Monday 5th of September 2022

Fun ideas. I'm also looking for ideas that don't require a fire to cook. We usually only have a fire after dinner and most of these meals require coals for the Dutch oven and or fire. Thanks!

Diana Hansen

Friday 9th of September 2022

Happy camping!

Tina Harris

Monday 26th of October 2020

Love all your ideas. We r brand new to the RV. Life. Very excited to get traveling.

Let's Camp S'more

Wednesday 28th of October 2020

Welcome to RVing!

Mowgli Adventures

9 RV Meal Planning Tips for a Stress-Free Trip

Follow these simple RV meal planning tips and you’ll have delicious, nutritious meals all week long. No more eating out at expensive restaurants or fast food joints – with our help, you can stay well fed all trip long.

Do you love to travel? Do you enjoy taking your RV out and exploring the country? Some people may think that traveling means eating at restaurants or fast-food chains.

But one of the benefits of RV travel is having the ability to cook your own meals.

And if you are a true road warrior, then you know just how important it is to have a plan when it comes to meal planning on the go.

You want to make sure that you have all of the necessary ingredients and tools on hand so that you can conjure up a delicious meal while on the road.

It’s also important to have various recipes in your arsenal so that you won’t get bored with your food options. Planning will make your life a lot easier and help you enjoy your time on the road.

Here are a few of our top tips to help you get started.

RV Meal Planning Tips

1. plan ahead.

RV meal planning plan ahead

There are a few reasons why it’s important to plan ahead for RV meal planning. One of the biggest benefits is saving money by cooking your meals. You’ll also know exactly what you’re eating, and you’ll have control over the ingredients.

But most importantly, planning ahead will help make your RV camping trip a lot less stressful. You’ll know what you need to bring with you, and you’ll be able to map out your meals for the week.

This way, you won’t have to worry about scrambling to find a place to eat last minute.

2. Batch Prep For The Week Ahead

batch preparing food for RV trip

One of the best ways to ensure that you have a stress-free trip is to batch prep for the week ahead. This means that you’ll prepare some or all of the ingredients needed for the week in one go.

Perhaps several of your recipes need chopped garlic. If so, chop all of the garlic you’ll need for the week in one go.

Or maybe your travel plans mean you’ll be out sightseeing all day, and you’ll have no time (or inclination) to prepare dinner.

In this case, consider batch prepping a few freezer-friendly meals that you can just reheat when you’re ready to eat.

3. Food Storage Tips

RV food storage containers

If you’re a seasoned RV traveler, you know that space is at a premium. And when it comes to food storage, every inch of space counts.

But don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to keep food in an RV without taking up too much space. In fact, with a little bit of creativity and planning, you can easily find a place for everything.

  • Make a list of all the food you’ll need and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you avoid bringing along unnecessary items and save you some space.
  • Invest in some good-quality storage containers. This will help keep your food fresh and prevent it from spoiling. 
  • Zip lock bags make great storage too, using less space than containers.
  • Utilize all the available space in your RV. This includes cabinets, shelves, drawers, and the fridge and freezer.
  • Get creative with your food storage. For example, you can use over-the-door shoe organizers to stash snacks or spices.

You can easily create enough space for all your food storage needs by following these simple tips.

And with a bit of organization, you’ll be able to find everything you need without having to search through every nook and cranny of your RV.

4. Keep it Simple

Keep it Simple

When it comes to RV meal planning, simplicity is key. When you’re on the road, you don’t have the luxury of a spacious kitchen like you do at home.

Even the largest Class As don’t have enormous kitchens. So it’s important to choose simple and easy recipes to prepare.

This doesn’t mean that you have to stick to boring or mundane meals. There are plenty of delicious and easy recipes that will fit the bill.

Also, try to avoid recipes that require a lot of ingredients and lots of fiddly steps. These can be time-consuming and cumbersome in a small kitchen. 

5. Use Ingredients In More Than One Meal  & Plan For Leftovers

Include leftovers in your RB meal plan

When it comes to RV meal planning, using ingredients in more than one meal is a must. When you’re on the road, space is limited, and every inch of storage counts.

But this doesn’t mean that you have to eat the same thing every day. There are plenty of ways to use the same ingredients in different meals.

For example, if you’re cooking chicken for dinner one night, you can use the leftovers in a salad or sandwich the next day. Or, if you have some leftover rice, you can turn it into a quick and easy stir-fry.

By using ingredients in more than one meal, you’ll not only save space, but you’ll also save time. And who doesn’t love that?

One of the benefits of RV meal planning is that you can easily plan for leftovers. When you’re cooking for a small group, it’s easy to make a little extra, so there will be some leftovers for later.

And leftovers are a great thing to have when you’re on the road. They’re a quick and easy meal that doesn’t require any preparation. Plus, they help reduce food waste, which is always a good thing.

So try to plan for leftovers whenever you can.

6. Stock Up Before Your RV Trip

Stock Up Before Your RV Trip

One of the most important tips is to stock up on groceries. This will ensure that you have everything you need to create a delicious meal without running to the store every time you’re hungry.

And it’s not just about having enough food – it’s also important to have the right food. So take some time to figure out what you’ll need for each meal, and then make a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to buy.

Try to do your grocery shopping a few days before your trip. This will give you time to stock up on everything you need without worrying about it at the last minute.

And if you’re organized, you can even pack some of your groceries ahead of time. This will save you even more time and hassle when you’re finally on the road.

7. Familiarize Yourself With Your RV’s Kitchen

Familiarize Yourself With Your RV’s Kitchen

Have you just bought an RV and are about to set out on your first RV adventure? Or maybe you’re renting a camper for your trip. Either way, you probably won’t be familiar with the kitchen. 

It’s a good idea to take some time to check out the layout and see what appliances and cooking utensils you have at your disposal.

This is especially important if you’re renting an RV, as you may not get to check it out beforehand.

Take a look around and see what you have to work with. Familiarize yourself with the stove, oven, and fridge. And if you’re not sure how something works, don’t be afraid to ask.

The last thing you want is to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without being able to make a simple meal.

8. Pack The RV Kitchen Equipment & Tools Needed

Pack The RV Kitchen Equipment & Tools Needed

Another essential tip is to ensure that you pack the kitchen equipment and tools you’ll need. This will ensure that you have everything you need to cook up a delicious meal without running to the store or adapting your recipe on the fly.

But what exactly should you pack? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Crockpot: A slow cooker is a great option for cooking meals while you’re on the road. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require much attention so that you can focus on other things.
  • Instant pot: An Instant Pot is another great option for cooking while on the road. It’s quick and easy to use and can be used for various dishes.
  • Cast Iron Skillet: A must-have for campfire meals
  • Stovetop pots and pans: You’ll need a variety of pots and pans to cook meals. Bring at least one big pot for pasta or soup and one or two smaller pots for frying or scrambling eggs.
  • Cooking utensils: spatulas, spoons, tongs, etc.
  • Knives: You’ll need a few different knives for preparation. A chef’s knife is a good all-purpose option, but you may also want to bring a paring knife and a serrated knife.
  • Cutting board: You’ll need a cutting board for chopping and dicing.
  • Bowls and plates: You’ll need bowls to serve and plates to eat it. Make sure to bring a variety of different sizes to have enough options.
  • Mugs and glasses: Bring a few mugs or glasses for drinking your coffee, tea, or water.

These are just a few things you’ll need to pack in your RV kitchen. Take an inventory of what you have before hitting the road and stock up on anything you might need.

9. Meal Planning For Group Camping Tips

Meal Planning For Group Camping Tips

If you’re an RV traveler, you know that meal planning is a must. It can be difficult to cook in a small space, and it’s even harder to cook for a large group. Here are a few tips that will make your next large group trip easier than ever!

  • Find a great location where you can find fresh produce to cook with what’s available
  • Bring enough water for everyone. Cooking and cleaning up can take up a lot of your supply.
  • Plan at least three days of meals ahead of time if possible, if not more,
  • Be sure that each meal will feed the whole group. You don’t want to cook multiple meals at once
  • Utilize your campfire! Roasting marshmallows, cooking hot dogs, and making s’mores are classic camping activities that the whole group will love.
  • Prepack snacks and drinks for the group. This will help minimize the amount of time you spend cooking and cleaning up.
  • Have fun! RVing is a great time to bond with friends and family, so make the most of it!

What RV Camping Foods To Pack

When you go on a road trip, there are a few things you have to take with you – your clothes, your toiletries, and of course, your food. But when it comes to RV foods, what should you bring?

Here are a few quick ideas to add to your grocery list:

  • Breakfast foods: oatmeal, pancakes mix, French toast, eggs, bacon, sausage
  • Lunch foods: sandwiches, wraps, chips, fruit, vegetables, peanut butter and jelly
  • Dinner foods: hamburger meat, hot dogs, steak, chicken breasts, pasta, rice
  • Snacks: granola bars, trail mix, candy bars, pop tarts, chips, fruit snacks, pretzels
  • Drinks: water, Gatorade, soda, coffee, tea, juice
  • Dessert: s’mores fixings, cookies, brownies, ice cream

If your RV isn’t equipped with a cooler or refrigerator, you should plan to visit the grocery store a little more often. Perishable goods, fish, chicken meat, and dairy products won’t last long without refrigeration.

Of course, this is just a quick list of ideas. Be sure to tailor it to your personal needs and preferences. 

What RV Camping Foods Not To Pack

If your RV is equipped with a cooler or refrigerator, you only need to consider the space available. But without a way of keeping your food fresh, you should plan to buy groceries a little more often.

There are also a few foods that you’ll want to avoid packing when you go camping without a cooler. Here are a few of the most common ones:

  • Raw meat & chicken: if you don’t have a refrigerator or a reliable source of power to run it, meat can spoil quickly in hot weather
  • Dairy products: they can spoil quickly too without refrigeration, and they’re not always easy to store in a small space
  • Canned goods: if you’re short on space, canned foods can be heavy and take up a lot of space. They can be ultra-convenient, though, so you may need to make a trade-off.

These are just a few foods that you’ll want to avoid if you don’t have a cooler or refrigerator. 

Download Your Free 2 Week RV Meal Planner

Click the image below to download and print our free 2 Week RV Meal Planner and use it to fill in your meal plan.

Free RV Meal Planner

In Conclusion

Planning ahead is essential for RV camping meals. Not only will this help you stay organized, but it’ll also help you save money and time while you’re on vacation.

Prepping your ingredients in batches and sticking to simple recipes will make cooking on the road a breeze. And don’t forget – s’mores are always a good idea!

You’ll be able to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals even while on the go with these easy-to-follow RV meal planning tips.

No more eating out at expensive restaurants or fast food joints – with our help, you can stay well fed all trip long.

Do you have any favorite RV camping foods or recipes? Share them with us in the comments below! 

Angela Devaney

camping trip meal plan

Angela Devaney, a former IT project management professional, embarked on an adventurous journey of full-time travel, which included touring West Africa in a converted overland truck and converting an ex-military 4×4 Sprinter van into a camper for a five-year South American expedition. She now utilizes her hands-on experience to create practical RV living and van life advice as a full-time digital media producer, reaching over a million users annually through her YouTube channel , blog, and newsletter. Angela also lends her expertise as the editor-in-chief of the Campervan Electrics Handbook .

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Canoe Camping Meals: 10 Easy Canoe Trip Recipes

Dutch oven for campfire

After a long day of paddling and portaging, there are few things better than starting a fire and cooking up a nice warm meal. Backcountry cooking is one of my favourite parts of a canoe trip, so I love any opportunity to experience backcountry-adapted gourmet canoe trip meals.

In this post, you’ll find 10 canoe camping recipes to try on your next trip.

For more canoe trip recipes (and a comprehensive guide on how to build the perfect canoe trip menu) check out my eCookbook: The Voyageur’s Backcountry Cookbook .

Canoe Trip Breakfast Ideas

1. breakfast sandwiches.

Another great choice is breakfast sandwiches. If it’s early in the trip, you can bring English muffins. If you want to have this meal later into the trip, you can use wraps, powdered egg and bacon bits or sausage.

Ingredients : wraps or English muffins, powdered eggs, powdered milk, bacon or sausage, ketchup packets, cheese optional: avocado, tomato

Instructions :

  • Mix powdered eggs and powdered milk at a 6-to-1 ratio and mix with water until thick and runny. Scramble the eggs.
  • If needed, cook the bacon and toast the english muffins.
  • Add scrambled eggs, bacon and cheese to english muffin or wrap. Add toppings and ketchup and close.
  • Optional: Wrap in tin fold and heat over the fire to keep them warm and toasty while you wait for your coffee to brew.

camping trip meal plan

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2. Cinnamon Buns

Another classic for a rest day is cinnamon buns. They require a Dutch oven and some prep work, and you’ll want to make sure you pack some butter dedicated for this meal because it needs a lot of butter.

Ingredients : baking mix*, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, optional: nuts, raisins, powdered sugar

  • Add equal parts flour and baking mix into a bowl with a little cinnamon; gradually add water and stir. You want a ball of dough that holds, but you don’t want it too sticky.
  • On a cutting board with a little flour, roll out the dough so it’s flat and in an oval.
  • Spread butter over the surface of the dough, then add a generous amount of brown sugar. Sprinkle cinnamon and nuts / raisins.
  • Roll it lengthwise so it looks like a tube. Then, slice the tube so you have a bunch of little cylinders.
  • Butter the inside of the Dutch oven. Be generous! Then put your cinnamon rolls (cylinders) into the Dutch oven. Place on the embers of the fire and wait. They will probably need ~20 minutes, but check regularly.
  • Once crispy brown, remove and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top.

Tip : To make baking mix, combine 4 cups of flour, 2.5 tbsp of baking powder, 1/4 cup milk powder and 2 tsp of salt in a bag.

camping trip meal plan

Bonus: Oatmeal

Oatmeal is my go-to backcountry camping meal because it’s so easy to make and clean up. Plus, there are a ton of ways to make oatmeal more interesting.

Here are two of my favourite recipes for oatmeal, and I have six other recipes in this blog post.

Sweet & Savoury Oatmeal

This recipe is met with mixed reviews. Cut leftover  bacon  into small pieces (or you could try packaged bacon bits) and top the oatmeal with  shredded cheddar cheese  and  diced apples . A little  nutmeg  and  brown sugar  bring this bowl to life. As I said, this sweet & savoury bowl gets varied feedback – bacon in oatmeal?!? But hey, don’t knock it til you try it. I’m a huge fan now, myself.

Maple Oatmeal

Maple syrup in oatmeal – a Canadian classic, eh? Instead of brown sugar, sweeten this bowl with  maple syrup , adding toppings like  craisins  and  coconut  to create texture. If you’ve got a fresh  banana , a few slices go great with the maple.

Read More : 8 Recipes to Make ~Not Boring~ Oatmeal on Camping Trips

Tip : Don’t make the oatmeal in the pot! Instead, boil water in the pot and put quick oats in everyone’s bowl. Let each person add the amount of hot water they need to get their oatmeal to the desired consistency. I personally, like my oatmeal very dry and hate it when someone makes a single batch. This also makes cleaning up easier because you don’t have to wash a pot.

Canoe Trip Meal: Oatmeal with Strawberries in a green bowl.

Canoe Trip Lunch Ideas

I typically eat a lot of wraps for lunch on canoe trips. They’re easy to pack, quick to make and there’s a decent amount of variety you can get with fillings.

3. Burrito Wraps

Burritos are a crowd-pleaser. They require some work the night before but are worth the effort. You can also cook rice and add it to the burrito to make it even more filling. This is also a great opportunity to use sriracha or other hot sauce.

Ingredients : wraps, cheese, onion, peppers, tomato sauce, refried beans

  • The night before: If needed, rehydrate refried beans, tomato sauce and veggies by adding them to a saucepan or pot with a small amount of clean water. Stir regularly, adding more water as it is absorbed.
  • Once everything is rehydrated, let it cool and then store it in a Nalgene or bag.
  • Day of: Spread bean mixture in the centre of the wrap and add cheese. (Don’t use cheese if vegan).
  • Fold into a burrito. You can heat the burrito over a stove if you’d like.

camping trip meal plan

4. Hummus Buddha Bowls

This is a high-protein, high-nutrient lunch that you can make reasonably quickly. The only downside is that it does require a dish and utensil. But other than that, this is an easy canoe trip lunch idea!

Ingredients : Cooked quinoa, dehydrated hummus (you can purchase dried hummus or dehydrate your own ), nuts / seeds (I like pine nuts or crushed walnuts), spices, Flax Crackers and / or Vegetable Chips (see below for making your own).

DIY Veggie Chips : Thinly slice easily chip-able vegetables (i.e. sweet potatoes, zucchini, beet, carrot). Toss vegetables in a tiny bit of olive oil and salt. Place on parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cook on low heat (max 200 F) for at least 45 minutes.

  • Pack the dehydrated hummus with the spices and nuts / seeds.
  • Cook the quinoa the night before and store it in a plastic bag or sealed container.
  • Rehydrate hummus in a bowl by slowly adding water and stirring. You’ll probably need about 1/4 cup of water, but you’ll know you’ve added enough when it’s reached your desired consistency. You can also add a small splash of olive oil, which will give the hummus a nicer texture, but I’m usually too lazy for that.
  • Mix the quinoa with the hummus and nuts / seeds.
  • Scoop the hummus mixture with your crackers and veggie chips and enjoy!

Note : Most people prefer this without the cup of quinoa, but I just don’t find this meal filling enough without the added grain.

Bonus : Sprinkle some dried kale on top for extra nutrients and additional crunch!

Group of teenagers preparing wraps, a common canoe camping meal, on the shore.

Canoe Trip Dinner Ideas

5. chilli & garlic bread.

This is my favourite camp meal. This is a meal best prepared by two or more people (someone to do the garlic bread and another to do the chilli).

Ingredients :

dehydrated ground beef or textured vegetable protein (TVP), dehydrated beans, dehydrated veggies, dehydrated tomato sauce, spices and bread mixture

  • Make the garlic bread according to the instructions on page 42. Make chilli according to the instructions below:
  • Add a splash of clean water to the pot and some dehydrated tomato sauce. Stir regularly. As the sauce absorbs water, add a little more.
  • Once the sauce is almost rehydrated, add in the vegetables, and ground beef or TVP and big handfuls of dehydrated beans. Continue stirring and adding water if necessary. Add spices.
  • Stir regularly. If the chilli looks too thick, add water. If the chilli looks too watery, add either more TVP or put a small handful of potato pearls.
  • Let simmer on low heat.

camping trip meal plan

6. Thai Red Curry

This is a super easy but super delicious meal to make. It’s so easy because most of the flavour comes from the red curry paste. You don’t need to refrigerate the paste before you open it, so I’ll buy a few small jars.

Ingredients : rice, coconut milk, jar of red curry paste, cayenne pepper, onion, peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, chickpeas.

  • Boil water in a pot. Pour in rice and stir. Go with a water-to-rice ratio of 2:1.
  • In a frying pan, rehydrate veggies and chickpeas if necessary. Pour in a can of coconut milk. Add some red curry paste and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Once rice is cooked and the sauce is done, scoop rice into bowls and add a big spoonful of sauce onto the rice.
  • You can garnish with cilantro and peanuts if you’d like.

Serving Thai Red Curry on a canoe camping trip

Canoe Trips Snacks

7. protein-based snacks.

So much of the food on canoe trips – especially the snacks – is carb-based. This is great for quick energy, but sometimes you need something with more fat and protein to sustain you on those long days.

Dates + Cheese + Pepperoni

This may seem like a weird combo, but it works out to be the perfect salty-sweet snack. Stack a date on a small slice of cheese and wrap in pepperoni. It’s actually very tasty.

This is a tasty, yet filling snack option. You can buy beef jerky in bulk or make your own and eat it after a long portage. The salt will be good after a long period of sweating!

Pepperoni Sticks

Similar to the above, pepperoni sticks are a filling afternoon snack. And if you want to experiment, use those individual packets of cream cheese as a dip. Personally, I love it.

Tuna on Crackers

Another high protein option, you can bring tuna canned or in individual packets (you can even get different flavours). Scoop onto crackers and enjoy!

camping trip meal plan

8. Homemade Fruit Leather

Rather than buying (expensive) store-bought fruit leather, you can easily make your own at home in either a dehydrator or in your oven. Below I’ve outlined the steps that I take to create fruit leather at home.

If you don’t want to make your own, this is my favourite store-bought fruit leather. My only issue with it is that I need two to feel satisfied and they’re pricey – definitely buy in bulk rather than from the grocery store!

Note that I do all my dehydrating in an oven, rather than a dehydrator. If you have a proper dehydrator at home you can still follow this process but you may need to adapt a few steps for your specific dehydrator.

Ingredients : Apple sauce, optional: cinnamon, nutmeg, shredded coconut, chopped nuts.

  • Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting it has.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Do not use wax paper!
  • In a big bowl, pour in a can of apple sauce.
  • This is the creative part: mix in any additional toppings / fillings that when make your fruit leather more fun. I always add cinnamon and nutmeg; I’ve also experimented with shredded coconut. I think chopped nuts could also be really tasty, though I’ve never tried that myself.
  • Use a spatula to pour your mixture onto the parchment paper and spread until it’s a consistent thickness across the sheet, no more than 1/2 inch thick.
  • Place in the oven.
  • Cook time will depend on the thickness of your spread apple sauce and your oven’s lowest temperature, but I’ve found it to take about 6-7 hours in my oven.

camping trip meal plan

Canoe Trip Desserts

9. lazy cheesecake.

This is such a lazy dessert I’m almost embarrassed to include it, but it’s so tasty. And it’s an awesome dessert if you are camping somewhere that has wild blueberries!

Ingredients : cheesecake powder, graham crackers, chocolate chips or fresh or dried blueberries

  • In your bowl, add a few spoonfuls of cheesecake powder. Add clean water slowly, stirring until it is a thick liquid.
  • Crush graham crackers over your bowl and add either chocolate chips or fresh blueberries. Enjoy!

Note : You could also make this un-lazy, by making a graham cracker crust and cooking it in a Dutch oven (page 63 of my cookbook).

10. Chocolate Cake

This is what I try to prepare whenever there is a birthday on trip. I discovered it on MyCCR a while back and fell in love. I use a Dutch oven, but if you have Reflector Oven and cake pan you can use that instead.

Ingredients : chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding, milk powder, egg powder, water, butter, flour, chocolate chips, icing sugar.

  • Mix 1/2 box of cake mix with 1/2 package of instant pudding mix, 1/2 cup of milk powder and 1/4 cup egg powder (you can put this all in a plastic bag at home).
  • Grease a Dutch oven with butter. Sprinkle a little flour on the butter (this helps with sticking).
  • Pour the dry ingredients and 1 cup of water in the Dutch oven and stir. If the mixture is really thick, add a little more water.
  • Cover Dutch oven and place in the embers of the fire.
  • After 30 minutes, check on the cake. Stick a fork in the middle – fork should come out dry if the cake is done.
  • When done, use a knife to separate the cake from the oven along the edges. The cake may come out with the knife, or try flipping the oven upside down and over a plate or cutting board, and giving it a little shake. The cake should fall out (flip the cake over so it’s right side up).
  • Finally, sprinkle some icing sugar on top, cut and serve! You can also bring shelf-stable icing to spread on top.

camping trip meal plan

Canoe Trip Recipes – Final Thoughts

If you need more inspiration for creating excellent canoe trip meals, consider checking out The Voyageur’s Backcountry Cookbook . It has a ton of canoe trip food ideas, plus tips for meal planning, food preparation, dehydration and more.

camping trip meal plan

Mikaela | Voyageur Tripper

Mikaela has been canoeing, hiking and camping for over ten years. She previously worked as a canoeing guide in Canada, and spent a season guiding hiking and kayaking tours in the high Arctic. Mikaela is a Wilderness First Responder and Whitewater Rescue Technician.

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Where do you source your cheesecake powder. I am only able to see very large quantities for over $100. I can see a Jello no Bake cheesecake mix, but it doesn’t seem the same as the cheesecake powder.

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Easy No Cook Camping RV Meals For Your Next Trip

A ll 40 of these No Cook Camping RV Meals are easy meals that involve no cooking and are a great way to enjoy your next RV camping trip.

40 Easy RV Meals

We have compiled a list of no cook delicious meals that can easily made in your RV kitchen. 

As a full time RVer, I’ve learned it’s a good idea to make a camping menu before heading out to our next destination.

​All 40 of these recipes are easy meals that involve no cooking and are a great way to enjoy your next RV camping trip.

Because lets face it, who wants to spend a lot of time cooking while on an RV adventure?

I remember when we took our first RV trip. RV meal planning was not my strong suit on that trip.

I think I bought everything in the grocery store because I didn’t know what I need. I always overpack, lol.

But with a little bit of planning for our next RV trip, I came up with quite a few no cook easy recipes and some of them were actually pretty healthy meals.

In addition, all of these RV camping meals are made with simple ingredients and are easy meal prep.

We all know that RV refrigerators aren’t that big if you don’t have a residential fridge.

Save the hot dogs for next time and enjoy these great recipes on your next trip.

​However, if you are looking for more easy camping meals using the slow cooker or pressure cooker, we will be sharing our favorite meals in the next post.

So let’s head out on the road trip and enjoy the great outdoors with 40 easy no cook camping foods for your next camping trip.

10 No Cook Camping Breakfast Meals

  • Overnight oats:  Combine rolled oats with your choice of milk (dairy or non-dairy), yogurt, fruits, nuts, and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Let it sit in a sealed container overnight, and it’s ready to eat in the morning.
  • Nut butter and banana wraps:  Spread nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.) on a tortilla, add sliced bananas, and optionally drizzle honey or sprinkle cinnamon before rolling it up. It’s a filling and portable breakfast option.
  • Fruit and cheese platter:  Arrange slices of your favorite cheeses with fresh fruits like apples, grapes, and berries for a refreshing and satisfying breakfast.
  • Protein-packed smoothies:  Blend together frozen fruits, spinach or kale, protein powder, yogurt, and your choice of liquid (water, milk, or juice) for a quick and nutritious breakfast that you can drink on the go.
  • Bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon:  Spread cream cheese on a bagel and top it with smoked salmon slices, capers, and red onion for a savory breakfast option.
  • Avocado toast:  Mash avocado onto whole-grain bread slices and top with sliced tomatoes, salt, and pepper for a simple yet delicious breakfast.
  • Cold cereal with milk:  Pack your favorite cereal in a container and bring along individual containers of milk or non-dairy alternatives for a classic breakfast option.
  • Energy bars or granola bars:  Opt for nutritious and satisfying energy bars or granola bars that are easy to pack and provide a quick breakfast option when you’re on the go.
  • Breakfast burritos : Firstly, the breakfast burritos can be pre-made at home and frozen in heavy duty foil for the road trip . Fill flour tortillas with scrambled eggs, green onions, cheese, black beans, tomato sauce, and bacon or sausage. 
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs : Hard boiled eggs are another crowd pleaser that the whole family can grab-n-go when going on a hike.

No Cook Camping Lunch Meals

  • Turkey and Cheese Wraps : Pack tortillas, sliced turkey, cheese, lettuce, and any desired condiments. Roll them up for a quick and easy lunch.
  • Hummus and Veggie Pita Pockets : Bring along some whole wheat pita pockets, pre-made hummus, and an assortment of sliced veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots.
  • Tuna Salad : Mix canned tuna with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, add some chopped celery and onions, and season to taste. Serve on crackers or bread.
  • Cold Pasta Salad : Prepare pasta salad with cooked pasta, veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
  • Chicken Salad Sandwiches : Combine shredded rotisserie chicken with mayonnaise, diced apples, celery, and walnuts. Serve on whole grain bread or wraps.
  • Quinoa Salad : Cook quinoa beforehand and mix it with diced vegetables, beans, and a vinaigrette dressing. Add some nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
  • Cheese and Crackers : Pack a variety of cheeses, crackers, and some fresh fruit or nuts for a simple and satisfying lunch.
  • PB&J Wraps : Spread peanut butter and jelly on tortillas, add sliced bananas or strawberries and roll them up for a twist on the classic sandwich.
  • Greek Yogurt Parfaits : Layer Greek yogurt with granola, fresh berries, and honey for a nutritious and delicious camping lunch.
  • Couscous Salad : Prepare couscous according to package instructions and mix it with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing.

10 No Cook Camping Dinner Meals

  • Sandwiches : Prepare sandwiches with your favorite fillings like deli meats, cheese, lettuce, and spreads. In addition, wrap them in foil or store them in sandwich bags for easy transport.
  • Wraps : Similar to sandwiches, but using tortillas instead of bread. Fill them with ingredients like hummus, sliced veggies, avocado, and grilled chicken.
  • Salad Jars : Layer salad ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, chickpeas, and dressing in mason jars. Shake them up when you’re ready to eat for a fresh and portable meal.
  • Cold Pasta Salad : Cook pasta ahead of time and toss it with veggies, cheese, and dressing. Keep it chilled in a cooler until you’re ready to serve.
  • Charcuterie Board : Arrange a variety of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, olives, and nuts on a cutting board for a simple and satisfying meal.
  • Trail Mix : Create your own trail mix with a mix of nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, and pretzels for a quick and energy-boosting dinner.
  • Crudité Platter : Pack an assortment of raw vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes along with dips like hummus or ranch dressing.
  • Tuna or Chicken Salad : Mix canned tuna or chicken with mayo, mustard, and seasonings. Serve it on crackers or with bread for a protein-packed meal.
  • Quesadillas : Assemble quesadillas with cheese, beans, and salsa. Wrap them in foil and warm them over the campfire until the cheese is melted.
  • Greek Yogurt Parfaits : Layer Greek yogurt with granola, fresh fruit, and honey for a light and nutritious camping dinner.

No Cook Camping Dessert Recipes

  • Fruit Salad : Chop up a variety of your favorite fruits and mix them together for a refreshing and healthy dessert option.
  • Rice Krispie Treats : Melt marshmallows and butter over a camp stove or fire, then stir in Rice Krispies cereal. Press the mixture into a pan and let it cool before cutting into squares.
  • Nutella and Banana Wraps : Spread Nutella on a tortilla, add sliced bananas, and roll it up for a delicious sweet treat.
  • Greek Yogurt with Honey and Nuts : Top Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and some chopped nuts for a protein-packed dessert option.
  • Chocolate Covered Strawberries : Dip fresh strawberries into melted chocolate and let them harden for an elegant and indulgent camping dessert.
  • No-Bake Cheesecake : Mix together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, then spread the mixture onto graham crackers or cookies for a quick and easy cheesecake dessert.
  • Fruit S’mores : Swap out the traditional chocolate in s’mores for slices of your favorite fruit, like strawberries or bananas, for a fruity twist on this classic camping treat.
  • Peanut Butter Energy Balls : Mix together peanut butter, oats, honey, and any other add-ins you like such as chocolate chips or dried fruit, then roll the mixture into balls for a satisfying and portable dessert option.
  • Cereal Bars : Combine your favorite cereal with marshmallows and butter, press the mixture into a pan, and let it cool before cutting it into bars for a simple and tasty camping dessert.
  • Greek yogurt parfait:  Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas in a jar or container. It’s a delicious and nutritious option.

​Best Camping Meals Conclusion

Lastly, these meals are easy to prepare, require no cooking, and are perfect for enjoying outdoors while camping.

For the best way to whip up delicious, no-cook camping meals, consider these simple yet satisfying ideas. 

These delicious RV meals are not only family favorites but also ideal for day trips.

Follow us on  Pinterest  and PIN IT for later!

All 40 of these No Cook Camping RV Meals are easy meals that involve no cooking and are a great way to enjoy your next RV camping trip.

COMMENTS

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    Chicken Pad Thai. This chicken pad thai is easy to make on either a one or two-burner camping stove. Make the pad thai sauce at home before your trip, or use store-bought sauce to keep things simple! Get the Recipe. 7. Dutch oven mac & cheese. Using only 7 ingredients, this Mac & Cheese is a simple yet satisfying meal.

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    Need to plan camping food? This 7-Day Camping Meal Plan has everything you need for a week of eating at the campground. This camp menu includes a daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. ... How to Make a Camping Meal Plan. Planning a week-long camping trip is a lot of work! You must ensure you have all the necessary camping equipment ...

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    Five-Day Camping Food List. If you're planning a five-day camping trip, you'll need to make sure you have enough food to keep you energized and satisfied throughout your adventure. Here are some meal ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks to help you plan out your meals. Breakfast Ideas:

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    Easy Camping Meal Plan. As camping season approaches each year, every good camper knows: planning is everything. Picking your site, planning your activities, packing your gear, and of course, planning out what you'll eat! Whether you're going for a day hike or out for an extended trip, planning camping meals for two, or feeding a group, using a camping meal plan template and following ...

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    Printable Camping Meal Planner Template. We've created a printable camping meal planner that you can use to help you plan your meals. This includes a list of breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack ideas, as well as a packing list for all the food and equipment you'll need. Grab our free camping meal planner here:

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    7. Dutch Oven Pork Chops And Rice. You can't go wrong with one-pot camping dinners! These pork chops are cooked with rice and veggies. A bit of onion, garlic, oregano, bell pepper and tomatoes provide a mild Italian flavor to this yummy and easy dinner. 8. Dutch Oven Cowboy Stew.

  9. 5 Day Camping Meal Plan for Families

    Day 4: Camping Meal Plan. Breakfast: Breakfast burritos cooked on a cast iron skillet (add favorite fillings) Lunch: Favorite fruit, flat tortillas with lunch meat or peanut butter and jelly, and chips. Dinner: Salmon patties made from salmon pouches and buttered noodles (can add favorite vegetables to this meal.

  10. Camping Food List for 3 Days With Meal Plan & Grocery List

    Beat the eggs in a large bowl, then add a little milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg until thoroughly mixed. Heat a little butter in a skillet on your portable camp stove. Dip the bread in the egg and milk mix, then fry it in the skillet until golden on both sides. Repeat with the rest of the slices. Top with maple syrup.

  11. 3 Day Weekend Camping Meal Plan + Free Printable

    A healthy and simple weekend camping meal plan designed for a 3-day trip. Print out the free menu plan and food packing list, and you'll be set! This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure policy here. I love camping!! But it's not all sunshine and daisies.

  12. 4 Day Camping Meal Plan: Nutritious and Easy-to-Prepare Ideas

    Family-Friendly 4-Day Meal Plan Suggestions. Plan a 4-day family camping trip by incorporating the following family-friendly meal ideas. These meals will keep your family satisfied and energized while enjoying the great outdoors. This daily meal planner covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a few snack suggestions. Day 1:

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    4 Day Camping Meal Planner: Daily Menus & Shopping List. Note: This meal plan includes 4 components that need to be prepped ahead of time - seasoned chicken, mixed roasted potatoes, baked oatmeal muffins and sliced veggies. Below is a free pdf printable with daily menus and a shopping list of all the items you will need to make these meals.

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    We've picked out camping-friendly breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and dessert for three days of wilderness fun. Each recipe feeds 4-6 people but can be easily tweaked to fit your family's needs. For added convenience, we've created a printable checklist that makes meal planning for groups a cinch. FREE CHECKLIST FOR 3-DAY GROUP CAMPING ...

  15. Easy Weekend Camping Menu: A Two-Day Meal Plan

    Day Three. Breakfast: Eggs, toast, bacon, fruit. Mishal. The ultimate end-of-trip meal using up the leftover ingredients from the days before. Eggs and bacon from Day Two's breakfast are the stars, while bread from Day One's lunch becomes toast and peaches from Day Two's caprese salad are the perfect accompaniment.

  16. Favorite Camping Meal Plan Template + Free Printable

    Using a printable camping meal planner is a great way to make planning your next camping trip easier. I've got a few simple steps for planning your camping meals and a free camping meal plan template printable to help organize your camping menus. Drop your email below and I'll send you a free camping meal plan template and shopping list ...

  17. Budget Weekend Camping Meal Plan & Recipes: 4-5 People

    We earn from qualifying purchases. 3 Day Camping Meal Plan. We have a GREAT, family-friendly camping meal plan for you. It features: Simple to make recipes for a 3 day weekend campout. Feeds 4-5 people. Uses only a camp fire with an iron grill or barbecue grill to cook with. Includes a few make ahead recipes to save you time.

  18. Weekend Camping Menu Plans with Easy Recipes

    Food for Camping Weekend. Make your next camp trip easier with these three menu camping plans filled with easy camping recipes. Combine for a season full of happy camper tummies! As you can see, there is a huge variety within these camping menus. With so many options, you can pick your favorite recipes. Add in Frugal Camping Meals and get even ...

  19. Designing a Camping Meal Plan & List For a Quick Weekend Trip

    How to Create a Camping Menu Planner. Break down your weekend camping trip into the number of meals each day. Then list the necessary ingredients for each of those meals. Throw in the snacks you'll inevitably be craving in between, and in a flash, you've got your grocery list spelled out for you. Don't forget spices, condiments, and cooking ...

  20. Free Camping Meal Plan Printables » Homemade Heather

    By Heather Painchaud February 6, 2021 Updated April 27, 2022. These free camping meal plan printables are a huge time saver for your next camping trip. Simply print, pack and add to your meal planning! Whenever we go camping I like to plan out our meals ahead of time. I even go so far as to make many of our camping meals at home, freeze them ...

  21. 9 RV Meal Planning Tips for a Stress-Free Trip

    RV Meal Planning Tips. 1. Plan Ahead. There are a few reasons why it's important to plan ahead for RV meal planning. One of the biggest benefits is saving money by cooking your meals. You'll also know exactly what you're eating, and you'll have control over the ingredients.

  22. Canoe Camping Meals: 10 Easy Canoe Trip Recipes

    Instructions: Mix powdered eggs and powdered milk at a 6-to-1 ratio and mix with water until thick and runny. Scramble the eggs. If needed, cook the bacon and toast the english muffins. Add scrambled eggs, bacon and cheese to english muffin or wrap. Add toppings and ketchup and close.

  23. How To Plan A Camping Trip (that is all fun, and no stress!)

    If you're cooking for a small group or a bigger one, these easy camping meals for large groups are a great way to build your menu. Paper towels. Pots, pans, bowls, dishes and camp kitchen utensils for meal prep, cooking and eating. Grill with fuel including charcoal, propane, matches, lighters. Trash bags.

  24. Easy No Cook Camping RV Meals For Your Next Trip

    10 No Cook Camping Breakfast Meals. Overnight oats: Combine rolled oats with your choice of milk (dairy or non-dairy), yogurt, fruits, nuts, and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.Let it sit in ...

  25. The Complete List of Everything You Need to Bring Camping

    Pick and choose from this list to plan your perfect camping excursion. Glamping fans can probably cut a lot out of this list (like the toilet paper!), while National Park campers should check the "Know Before You Go" section on the park's website for additional items you might need, like bear spray or a bear-proof food container.