As the cooler weather sinks in, it can be nice to gather around the fire to warm up after a long day of exploring. But one thing you don’t want to do is prep all of the food before you can start cooking — especially after a long hike.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, or Desert — these Make-Ahead Camping Recipes will hit the spot.
Tools You’ll Need for Most Campfire Meals
Whether you’ve rented an RV for a weekend getaway, or you’re an avid camper, there are a few essentials you’ll need to ensure you and your pack end up with a tasty meal. Although we’re sure you have most of these common-camping items, it’s best to check before you get started making a meal:
- Tongs
- Aluminum Foil
- Oven Mitt
- Collapsible Cooking Grate
- Cast Iron or Some Type of Camping Cookset
Make-Ahead Camping Recipes
Breakfast
Fruit and Yogurt Breakfast Parfaits
To make these simple breakfast parfaits, simply fill your mason jar with your favorite fruits and yogurts. Add a dash of granola or nuts, and maybe even a dollop of honey, then pack these protein-packed jars into the fridge. They’ll be ready for you when you wake up in the morning.
Cinnamon Rolls
Premix your biscuit dough, then roll the dough into the perfect round. Top them with cinnamon and whip up a sweet icing to top. While these family favorites may seem too good to be true when you’re camping, think again. After they are made, keep chilled in your cooler or freezer. Pop on the grill or campfire to bake. Follow along with the full recipe on the Adventures Of Mel blog.
Campfire French Toast
For another sweet and tasty treat, we turn to another breakfast classic — french toast. While you don’t need to make this ahead, it’s so quick and easy that your crew can whip up this treat in no time. Simply wrap your pre-cut loaf in foil, pour the mixed egg mixture on top of the loaf, and bake it until crispy. Topped with cinnamon, fruit, powdered sugar, and syrup, there is no way this meal can go wrong. Get the full recipe at this little piglet.
No-Bake Protein Bars
Leave the dry, overpriced protein bars for the birds. Upgrade your snake game with these no-bake protein bars. Perfect for camping or hiking, these simple bars will take your taste buds on a flavor exploration, while properly filling you up. Find the full recipe on Big Man’s World.
Lunch & Dinner
Make-Ahead Mac and Cheese
Whether you consider it a side of a full-blown meal, we tend to prefer the latter, this make-ahead mac and cheese is a carb-loaded feast for hungry cheese lovers. Simply preboil your noodles, mix up your sauce, then portion them into smaller tin pans. Refrigerate them until you’re ready for the flames, then get to roasting. You can find the full recipe over at Lauren’s Latest.
Hardy Steak and Potatoes
After a long hike, there is nothing more satisfying than a steak and baked potato. However, this meal may not feel practical while camping… Until now. By precooking your potatoes, you’ll have a quick and easy feast the whole family can enjoy. Find the full recipe here.
Hot Dogs and Baked Beans
Of course, you can’t go wrong with this campfire classic. Grilled hotdogs with fire-toasted buns and an iron skillet of baked beans. With little to no prep time, this meal will quickly fill your tank. Find the full recipe at Country Living.
For more savory lunch and dinner options, check out our recent blog post packed with make-ahead camping recipes.
Desert
Apple Crisp Foil Packets
Pre-prep these melty apple packs, then freeze them before your trip. Filled with sugar, butter, oats, and cinnamon, there is no way you can go wrong with these savory, sweet treats. When you’re ready to eat them, you’ll need to thaw for 12 hours before roasting them in the fire. Find the full recipe at Happy Money Saver.
Campfire Cones
Grab some ice cream cones and fill them with the works — consider letting everyone fill up their own cone to take the work off of you. Think marshmallows, chocolate, caramel, and more. Then, wrap them in foil until they are ready for the fire. Simply throw them in, and let them cook for an individualized dessert the whole family will enjoy. For the full recipe and filling suggestions, you can find more info here.
Cherry Pie
Premake these simple hand-held cherry pies, then pop them in the fire on an iron skillet when dinner is done. Using premade dough, and canned cherry filling, these easy-to-make cherry pies are a great alternative to your typical s’mores recipe. Find the full recipe at the Kitchen Magpie.
America’s Top RV Community
If you’re searching for more RV recipes and small-kitchen hacks, check out our forums packed with helpful tips from RVers like you. And if you’re looking for your next weekend get-away but don’t have an RV, we can help you rent or purchase the perfect RV for your lifestyle.
