Incredibly Easy Make-Ahead Camping Meals for Family

Jessie Bongolo
March 25, 2024

Photo credit: Tom King / unsplash

Heading out for a camping adventure? No need to stress over meal prep! With simple make-ahead camping meals, you can spend less time cooking and more time soaking up nature’s beauty.

Prep your food in advance to skip the hassle of complex cooking setups and tedious chopping at the campsite. Keep reading so you’ll know what to pack and prepare for your next camping trip with family.

Camping food ideas for make ahead meals

Whether you’re a fan of classic campfire cooking or prefer a more modern approach, there are endless possibilities for make ahead camping meals. Here are a few camping food ideas to get you started:

Mason jar salads: Layer your favorite salad ingredients in a mason jar for a refreshing and portable meal. Just mix the dressing when you’re ready to eat.
Foil packet meals: Prep your protein, veggies, and seasonings in foil packets before you leave. When it’s time to eat, simply cook them over the campfire or on a grill.
Overnight oats: Combine oats, milk, and your favorite toppings in a jar. Let it sit overnight, and you’ll wake up to a delicious and energizing breakfast.
Sandwiches and wraps: Prepare and package your favorite sandwiches or wraps with condiments on the side for a quick and easy lunch option.

By using these meal prep tips while camping, you can have yummy meals without the hassle of cooking from scratch. Just pack your cooler and prepare ahead to make outdoor cooking easier during your camping trip.

Easy Make Ahead Breakfast Ideas for Camping Mornings

Get your camping mornings sorted with our fuss-free make-ahead breakfasts. Whether you’re into a hearty feast or a light bite, we’ve got you covered. Whip up these easy recipes ahead of time so you can savor a tasty breakfast without cutting into your adventure time during your camping escapade.

1. Overnight Oats

Prepare a jar of overnight oats the night before your camping adventure. Simply combine rolled oats, your choice of milk (dairy or plant-based), your favorite sweetener, and toppings like fresh fruits, nuts, or seeds. Seal the jar and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, give it a quick stir, and breakfast is served! It’s a nutritious, hassle-free meal that will keep you energized throughout the day.

2. Breakfast Burritos

Prepare a batch of breakfast burritos in advance and wrap them in foil. Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, cooked bacon or sausage, cheese, and any desired veggies like bell peppers and onions. Roll them up tightly and freeze.

In the morning, place the wrapped burritos on the grill or over the campfire until heated through. Serve with salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

3. Homemade Granola Bars

Make a batch of homemade granola bars for a quick and satisfying breakfast on-the-go. Combine oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Press the mixture firmly into a baking dish and bake until golden brown. Once cooled, cut them into individual bars and store in an airtight container.

These flavorful bars are packed with nutrients and will keep you fueled during your camping adventures.

4. Campfire Pancakes

Prepare the dry ingredients for your favorite pancake recipe in advance. In a resealable bag, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and any desired flavorings like cinnamon or chocolate chips.

When it’s time for breakfast, add the wet ingredients (milk, eggs, and oil) to the bag and shake well. Pour the batter onto a greased griddle or skillet over the campfire, cooking until golden brown on both sides. Serve with your favorite toppings like syrup or fresh berries.

5. Yogurt Parfait Jars

Create portable and refreshing yogurt parfait jars for an easy breakfast. Layer yogurt, granola, and your choice of fresh or dried fruits in small mason jars. Seal the jars and refrigerate until ready to eat. In the morning, simply grab a jar, give it a gentle shake or stir, and enjoy a creamy and nutritious breakfast packed with protein and fiber.

Convenient Make Ahead Lunches for Sustained Energy

When you’re out camping, it’s important to have meals that are not only convenient but also provide you with the energy you need to power through your outdoor activities. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of delicious make ahead lunch options that will keep you fueled throughout the day.

Burrito Bowls

One of the easiest and most versatile make ahead lunch ideas is the burrito bowl. Prepare a big batch of cooked rice, seasoned beans, grilled chicken or tofu, and your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, and cheese.

Pack individual servings in containers, and when it’s time for lunch, simply heat them up and enjoy a satisfying and filling meal.

Mason Jar Salads

For a refreshing and healthy lunch on the go, try making mason jar salads. Layer your favorite greens, vegetables, and protein such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa in a mason jar. Pack the dressing separately to avoid soggy greens.

When you’re ready to eat, just shake the jar to mix everything together and enjoy a crisp and flavorful salad.

Wrap Sandwiches

Wrap sandwiches are another great option for make ahead camping lunches. Choose your favorite tortilla or flatbread and fill it with a variety of ingredients like deli meats, cheese, veggies, and condiments. Roll them up tightly and wrap them individually in foil or plastic wrap.

These portable sandwiches are easy to grab and provide a satisfying and mess-free lunch.

Trail Mix and Energy Bars

Trail Mix: Create your own custom blend of dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and chocolate chips. Pack them in resealable bags to have a quick and energizing snack on hand during your camping trip.
Energy Bars: Make your own homemade energy bars using oats, nuts, dried fruits, and honey. Cut them into individual servings and wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. These bars are packed with nutrients and are perfect for a quick lunch or a midday snack.

Campfire Cooking Ideas: Delicious Make Ahead Dinners

Photo credit: Pixabay

Imagine sitting around the crackling campfire, surrounded by the sounds of nature, as you indulge in a mouthwatering meal. Here are some campfire cooking ideas to inspire your next camping trip:

Packet Meals: Create individual foil packets filled with seasoned protein, vegetables, and sauces. These packets can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and then cooked over the campfire for a delicious and hassle-free dinner.
Skewers: Thread marinated meats, vegetables, and even fruit onto skewers for a flavorful and convenient campfire dinner. Marinate the ingredients before your camping trip, and then simply cook them over the fire for a satisfying meal.
Campfire Chili: Prepare a hearty chili ahead of time and store it in a sealed container. When it’s time for dinner, heat up the chili over the campfire, allowing the flavors to meld together and creating a comforting meal.
Campfire Pizza: Make pizza dough ahead of time and divide it into individual portions. Pack your favorite toppings and cook the pizzas over the fire using a cast iron skillet or a pizza stone. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza in the great outdoors.

We hope that these make-ahead camping meals offer a convenient and enjoyable solution for your next camping trip with family.

By following our simple camping recipes and meal planning tips, you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying nature’s beauty.

New to camping?

Make sure to read our blog post about tips and guides for beginner campers. It will help a lot. Happy camping!

Hi there! I’m Jessie Bongolo, an online freelancer who loves to roam around rather than slouching in a chair all day. You can usually find me wandering in the Philippines, taking pictures of nature and writing about all my adventures.