25 Camping Recipes You'll Be Excited to Eat

Camping is a great way to experience the joys of nature. Sleeping under the stars, disconnecting from electronics, exploring the wilderness, and cooking over an open fire are just some of the reasons we love to break out the sleeping bags and get outside. Packing and preparing the food situation properly can make or break your camping experience, and true camping enthusiasts know the value of having a couple of camping breakfast ideas or some tasty campfire recipes in their back pocket. Somehow, food just tastes better in the open air, whether it’s a crispy campfire pizza, a fluffy campfire potato or a super-simple, 5-ingredient camping dish. We’ve even rounded up some easy camping snacks that don’t need refrigeration or cooking once prepared, so you can get fueled up and back on the trail, like this simple muffuletta that gets better the longer it sits. Make this pressed sandwich layering provolone and cold cuts, topped with some tangy giardiniera and chopped olives.

Simple russet potatoes become incredibly fluffy and soft when baked in a foil packet over a wood-burning fire. Whip up a quick topping of sour cream, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced scallions while they cook, or make it ahead of time and pack it in the cooler.

Cheesy, bubbly lasagna is a universal crowd-pleaser and sure to hit the spot after a long day. This recipe does require some layering, but with the help of pre-made sauce and no-boil lasagna noodles, it comes together in no time and bakes right in the coals of a roaring fire.

We’ve cracked the code on how to make buttery, melty Reuben sandwiches when you're camping—no flipping required! The key is to start by making strategic slices in a whole loaf of rye bread, then stuffing the slots with all the fixings of a classic Reuben: corned beef, sauerkraut, Russian dressing and Swiss cheese. Wrap the whole loaf in foil, place it on a warm grill and in about an hour you’ll have toasty, meaty and cheesy sandwiches for everyone.

If you're a peanut lover, s'mores lover or simply a dessert fan, this easy campfire treat is for you. We dunk fresh strawberries into a tasty mix of peanut butter and marshmallow, then roll them in crushed honey-roasted peanuts before charring them over a fire. A quick dip in melted peanut butter, milk chocolate or both—why choose! —is the perfect ending. This dessert works equally well with thick wedges of apple. Go for sturdy wooden skewers since the fruit tends to slide around on metal ones.

This hearty American goulash—featuring ground beef, pasta, tomatoes and cheddar—simmers together in a single pot for a comforting, flavor-packed meal. Its one-pot simplicity and use of a Dutch oven make it ideal for camping, minimizing cleanup while delivering maximum satisfaction.

One of the best camping hacks is to pre-build some foil packet meals. When mealtime comes, simply throw the packs on the fire and wait for hot and tasty food. This recipe by Marcela Valladolid combines smoky chipotle powder with fresh vegetables and shrimp for a tasty dinner that’s full of the protein you need to refuel after a busy day of hiking and exploring.

A good cast iron pan is an essential tool for any camping trip because you can put it right in the coals or directly over the open flame. One of the best cast iron skillet recipes is this hot sausage pan pizza. Pack a ball of dough, then just press it into the pan, top with sauce, cheese, and crumbled sausage (or any other toppings you desire). In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a golden brown and bubbling pizza that’s sure to make everyone gather ‘round.

Think you can only have shrimp scampi at a luxe Italian restaurant? Think again. This flavor-packed recipe uses a foil packet to corral the ingredients so they don’t fall into the fire. Pair it with some pasta, if you have the equipment, or just some simple slices of toasted bread.

This refreshing Campfire Raspberry Lemonade Cocktail combines homemade basil-infused lemonade ice cubes, frozen raspberries and optional vodka for a bright, citrusy drink. Perfect for camping, the pre-frozen lemonade cubes double as cooler ice packs, making it easy to mix up a chilled beverage at your campsite with minimal effort.

A good trail mix is a vital item to bring camping to make sure you don’t end up hangry while away from your camp. This trail mix requires a little bit of preparation, but the payoff will be worth it when you taste this sweet-salty-crunchy snack made with pretzels and peanuts.

This hearty and warming soup works well for camping due to some simple tweaks to the classic Korean favorite. Most of the ingredients for the stew can be stored at room temperature, and when you’re ready to cook, simply layer them in a cast iron pot, cover with water, and simmer until done.

Breakfast can be one of the toughest meals of the day when camping because it usually requires building a full fire before you’ve even had a chance to have a sip of coffee. These flavorful breakfast burritos can be built before you go so when the time comes you can just place them by the edge of the fire to warm.

A great cornbread can hit the spot for any meal of the day. This recipe uses coarsely ground cornmeal for texture and buttermilk for added flavor. Mix up the wet and dry ingredients (separately) in bags ahead of time, then when dinner time comes just preheat your cast iron pan, mix the two bags, and pour it in.

It can be hard to get your recommended daily dose of vegetables in while camping, especially when tender greens tend to get bruised up in a cooler. Your best bet is to go with a recipe like this zucchini slaw, which you can pre-cut and dress just before eating to minimize wilting. Pair it with grilled chicken or pile it on top of a burger.

It might seem hard, but with a little preparation whole grilled fish makes a great camping dinner. Marinate and stuff the fish at home, then wrap in butcher paper and pack well with ice. If you plan to do a little freshwater fishing on your camping trip, this recipe can easily be made with other kinds of fish, such as trout or bass.

End the day on a sweet note with a simple cast iron berry crisp. The berries can be macerated ahead of time, and the crumble assembled in a plastic bag. After dinner, add it all into a cast iron pan and place near the fire. In no time, you’ll have a hot and delicious dessert.

Foil packets do more than just keep the ingredients contained; they also trap flavor and tasty juices that you can dunk bread in. This recipe for a foil-packet shrimp boil has all the flavor of a traditional low-country boil without the need for a big pot of water. Tender shrimp, sweet corn, and red potatoes combine with butter and Old Bay for a zesty meal that’s ready in a flash.

Not every camping recipe has to be cooked over a fire. With the help of a handy mason jar, you can enjoy a crisp, healthy, and filling salad without having to so much as light a match. Choose your favorite dressing and pack it in a separate container. When you’re ready to eat, just pour it into the jar and shake!

S’mores make a great camping snack, but they can get old after a while. These marshmallow treats are a perfect camping snack and are made with your favorite breakfast cereal, some butter, and a freshly toasted marshmallow. A reusable silicone bag helps mold this easy take on rice crispy squares.

Spice up your camping adventure with some chili-ginger marinated chicken skewers. Cutting the chicken and threading it onto skewers before your trip saves time and dishes at your camp spot. The soy marinade is packed with garlic, ginger, and a hint of brown sugar for added sweetness.

With a little creativity, this easy recipe for beer can cauliflower can be adapted for an open fire. Just place the can on a grill grate and tent the cauliflower with aluminum foil to harness the heat and smoky flavor. Prep the spicy sauce before you go and tuck it in your cooler to save time.

Beef jerky is a great way to get some much-needed protein while doing outdoor activities. This recipe is loaded with flavor with some help from a special marinade that incorporates chipotle chiles in adobo, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cola. Use a dehydrator or your home oven to dry out the beef, then pack it away in bags for munching on the go.

The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, shares a recipe for campfire quesadillas that her whole family enjoys. For the kids, there’s a simple cheddar and jack cheese option. For the adults, a more complex version with goat cheese, caramelized vegetables, and spicy pickled jalapeños. Both can be pre-assembled and stuffed into foil packets to be warmed over the campfire.