15 Easy Camping Meals for Beginners

Campfire Nachos

Campfire Nachos are a fun and easy meal to prepare, perfect for satisfying your cheese cravings when you’re out in the wild.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag tortilla chips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Cooking method:

1. Create a flat layer of tortilla chips at the bottom of a cast-iron skillet.
2. Sprinkle cheese, black beans, and jalapeños evenly over the chips.
3. Place the skillet over the campfire, cover with foil, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
4. Remove from heat and top with salsa, sour cream, and green onions before serving.

Foil Packet Shrimp Boil

This easy shrimp boil recipe brings all the flavors of a Southern classic to your campsite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 1 ear corn, cut into 4 pieces
• 1 smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Cooking method:

1. Divide the shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage evenly among four foil sheets.
2. Drizzle each packet with olive oil and sprinkle with Old Bay seasoning.
3. Seal the packets tightly and cook over the campfire for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
4. Carefully open the packets and serve with lemon wedges.

One-Pan Breakfast Burritos

These make-ahead breakfast burritos are perfect for a hearty morning meal around the campfire.

Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked sausage
• 4 large tortillas
• 1/4 cup salsa

Cooking method:

1. Beat the eggs and milk together in a bowl.
2. Cook the egg mixture in a skillet over the campfire until scrambled and fully set.
3. Stir in cheese and sausage, then remove from heat.
4. Spoon the egg mixture onto tortillas, roll them up, and wrap in foil.
5. Warm the burritos over the fire for 5 minutes before serving with salsa.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Colorful and packed with nutrients, these grilled veggie skewers are a simple and healthy camping meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Thread the vegetables onto skewers, alternating for a colorful presentation.
2. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill over the campfire for 10-15 minutes, turning every few minutes until the veggies are tender.
4. Serve hot off the grill for a smokey, satisfying dish.

Campfire Quesadillas

These melted cheese delights are quick to assemble and sure to please everyone.

Ingredients:

• 4 large tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/2 cup salsa

Cooking method:

1. Place one tortilla on a piece of foil and sprinkle half with cheese, chicken, and black beans.
2. Fold the tortilla in half, cover with foil, and place on the campfire grill.
3. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until the cheese melts.
4. Serve with salsa on the side.

Dutch Oven Chili

Warm and hearty, this Dutch Oven Chili is perfect for chilly camping nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Brown the ground beef and onion in a Dutch oven over the campfire.
2. Add beans, tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir well, cover, and let simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheese or sour cream.

Campfire Pizza Rolls

These pizza rolls are a fun and interactive way to enjoy everyone’s favorite pie while camping.

Ingredients:

• 1 package pizza dough
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices

Cooking method:

1. Roll out the pizza dough and spread marinara sauce evenly over it.
2. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and layer pepperoni slices.
3. Roll the dough into a log and cut into 1-inch pieces.
4. Wrap each piece in foil and cook over the campfire for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.

Sausage and Potato Hash

A simple yet delicious meal to keep you satisfied and energized through your camping adventures.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sausage, sliced
• 2 large potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat a skillet over your campfire and add the sausage.
2. Once browned, add potatoes, onion, and bell pepper.
3. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve hot.

Foil Packet BBQ Chicken

Enjoy the smoky, tangy taste of barbecue chicken with minimal prep and cleanup time.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 red onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking method:

1. Place each chicken breast on a piece of foil.
2. Brush with barbecue sauce and top with onion slices.
3. Season with salt and pepper, seal the foil packets tightly, and place over the campfire.
4. Cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and serve hot.

Campfire Chili Cheese Fries

A comforting and indulgent meal that combines chili and fries, perfect for sharing around the fire.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag frozen fries
• 1 can chili
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Cooking method:

1. Cook the fries in a cast-iron skillet over the campfire until crispy.
2. Heat the chili in a separate pot until warmed through.
3. Pour the chili over the fries and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Cover with foil and heat until the cheese has melted, then top with green onions before serving.