For many families, summer means escaping to favorite camping spots—whether you're cozying up in a cabin or pitching a tent lakeside. These trips are all about unplugging, spending time with loved ones, and, of course, enjoying some great food outdoors.
But when it comes to cooking at a campground, your options can be pretty limited. Most public campgrounds offer small fire pits or park-style grills with just enough space to cook a few burgers at a time. While hot dogs and hamburgers are classic, they can get old fast—especially if you’re traveling with picky eaters or kids who crave a little more variety.
So, how do you level up your campfire meals without overcomplicating things? We’ve got just the inspiration you need to cook outside the box.
Campfire Cooking Tips to Simplify Your Meals
- Do the Pre-Prep at Home
- Chop and store veggies like onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms in airtight containers before leaving.
- Shred cheese, mix sauces, and prep marinades in advance for easy grab-and-go cooking.
- Pre-mix meats with your favorite spices and form patties, meatballs, or sausage rounds ahead of time.
- Precook grains like rice or quinoa. They're tough to manage over an open flame but reheat like a dream.
- Skip the dough drama. Premade biscuits or bread dough can be lifesavers at the campsite.
- Pack the Right Tools
A few essential tools can make all the difference:
- Dutch oven (perfect for stews, soups, and saucy dishes)
- Cast-iron skillet
- Aluminum foil
- Heat-safe tongs, spatula, and mixing spoon
- Skewers
- Fire starter and lighter
- Portable grill grate (just in case that campground grill isn’t up to snuff)
Breakfast Ideas Worth Waking Up For
- Maple Apple Sausage Muffins
Level up your morning with sweet and savory English muffin sandwiches. Pre-mix ground pork with maple syrup, grated apple (soaked in lemon juice), and warm spices like cinnamon, fennel, and sage. Form patties at home, then cook over the fire and serve on toasted, buttered muffins with cheese and an egg if you like. - Campfire Breakfast Skillet
Make mornings hearty with a customizable skillet dish. Use pre-boiled baby potatoes, chopped veggies, and your favorite breakfast meat. Sauté the meat and onions first, then add the potatoes and seasonings (think garlic, chili flakes, and oregano). Crack in a few eggs for a one-pan breakfast feast.
Lunch & Dinner Favorites
- Easy Grilled Kabobs
Kabobs are fun, flavor-packed, and easy to prepare ahead. Mix and match proteins and veggies on skewers and let the fire do the rest. Try:
- Pineapple Chicken Kabobs with honey, lime, and cilantro
- Mediterranean Lamb Skewers with cherry tomatoes and halloumi
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Skewers with a side of rice or crusty bread
- Foil Packet Meals
These are a camper’s best friend. Wrap everything in foil, toss it on the coals, and enjoy a no-mess meal. Some ideas:
- Shrimp boil packets with corn, sausage, and potatoes
- Lemon chicken and veggie foil wraps
- Pesto chicken with tomatoes and mozzarella
- Salmon with lemon and dill
- Andouille sausage with onions and potatoes
Check out our post on easy aluminum foil packet dinner recipes for more!
Adventure-Ready Meals Made Easy
Campfire cooking doesn’t have to be bland or boring. With a little planning, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful meals that satisfy the whole crew. Whether you're feeding a hungry group of hikers or just want to elevate your campsite cuisine, we have your back with the freshest meats and seafood to make every bite count.
Don’t forget to check out our other articles for more tips and tricks when it comes to cooking on the campsite. Our post on how to pack and store fresh meat and seafood while camping is a great resource!