Car camping meals don’t have to be boring or complicated! There are plenty of delicious and easy camp meals that go beyond the basics. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, figuring out what to eat while car camping should be simple and stress-free.
From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners and fun campfire treats, these car camping meals are easy to make, require minimal gear, and are perfect for fueling your outdoor adventures.
So grab your camp stove and get ready to enjoy quick and easy meals for camping. Cooking while car camping doesn’t have to be stressful—you just need the right easy camping meal ideas to get started!
This post provides a variety of easy and delicious car camp meal ideas that require minimal gear, making outdoor cooking simple, stress-free, and enjoyable.
Easy Camping Meal Ideas
- 1. Easy Camping Meal Ideas
- 4. Camping Lunch Ideas
- 5. Camping Dinner Ideas
- 6. Camping Dessert Ideas
- 7. Car Camping Kitchen Gear you Need
- 7.1. The Best Camp Stove – Cascade Classic Camp Stove by Coleman
- 7.2. Best small Camp Stove – Coleman Butane Single Burner
- 7.3. Single Burner Camp Stove – Camping Must Have
- Budget friendly single burner that every camper should have
- 7.4. Best camping Cast Iron Pan
- 7.5. Cast Iron Dutch oven
- 7.6. Camping Cookware Set – mess kit
- 7.7. Camp Sink – Not necessary but divinely pleasant to have
- Like these recipe ideas? Great! SAVE THIS PIN so you can try these recipes out on your next camping trip!
Easy Camping Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast is essential on any camping trip, giving you the energy to take on the day’s camping adventures. Whether you’re waking up in a tent or in a cozy car camper, there’s nothing like starting the morning with a delicious meal and a freshly brewed cup of coffee. In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite car camping breakfast ideas and the best ways to make coffee on the road.
Car Camping Breakfast Ideas
- Oats + Jam | My go-to easy camping meal for breakfast! Oats are lightweight, inexpensive, and quick to prepare. Just add your desired amount of oats to a bowl and pour in boiling water. For extra flavor, mix in a scoop of jam, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, honey, or fresh fruit.
- Pancakes | A perfect car camping meal that requires no refrigeration! Just bring pancake mix and water. Stir them together and cook your pancakes in a pan over the fire or camp stove. Need extra fuel for a big adventure? Add a scoop of protein powder to the mix!
- Breakfast Burritos | Fully customizable! Cook your choice of onions, peppers, ground beef, beans, or eggs in a frying pan. If you’re car camping without refrigeration, beans and eggs are great options. Once your filling is ready, wrap it in a tortilla with shredded cheese and salsa, and enjoy!
- Scrambled Eggs | A timeless classic. All you need is butter or oil, eggs, and a frying pan. Whether you’re cooking them in a cast iron pan over an open fire, or on a camp stove, scrambled eggs are a quick and easy meal for camping. Customize them with cheese, veggies, or your favorite seasonings for extra flavour.
- French Toast | For those who prefer a sweeter start to the day, French toast is an easy camping meal. Mix eggs, milk (or water if you don’t have refrigeration), sugar, and vanilla extract. Dip thick slices of bread into the mixture for about 20 seconds. Cook on a preheated cast iron pan or grill over hot coals. You can also fry them up on a portable camp stove if you prefer.
- Breakfast Skillet/Hash | This one-pan meal is a hearty easy camping meal for family trips. Start with cubed potatoes (1-2cm), onions, and your choice of meat. Cook everything in a frying pan, adding fresh garlic for extra flavour. Keep in mind that smaller potatoes cook faster. Once the potatoes are nearly done, move them to one side of the pan and add oil or butter to the empty side. Scramble a few eggs, and mix them into the potatoes along with some shredded cheese. And there you have it, the heartiest camp breakfast you can make!
- Breakfast Quesadillas | The breakfast burrito’s cousin! Make scrambled eggs with tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, and your favorite seasonings. Once cooked, remove the eggs and place a tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle shredded cheese on half, then layer on the eggs followed by more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and fry it until crispy, pressing down on both sides. Slice up your quesadilla and serve with salsa or ketchup.
How to make coffee while car camping:
Here are the best ways to make coffee while car camping, along with the ideal scenarios for each method. I’ve also linked my favourite version of each coffee maker below.
Pour Over – Best for Solo Campers
A pour over is the perfect option for solo campers. Making one cup of high-quality coffee in minutes. Pour overs take minimal space and are easy to clean up.
French Press – Best for groups of two
A classic French press is ideal for groups of two. Add your coffee and water to the pot, wait 3 minutes and press down for two rich cups of coffee.
Aeropress coffee – pressed coffee for solo adventurers
Traveling solo but still want pressed coffee? Try an AeroPress, it follows a similar process but makes a single serving!
Cowboy coffee Percolator – Best for groups of three or more
If you are brewing coffee for three or more people, you need a camp fire percolator. A percolator is the only coffee maker designed for direct use over an open flame and comes in multiple sizes. This is the best coffee maker for larger groups.
Camping Lunch Ideas
When it comes to lunch while car camping, you have two options. You are either packing a meal for a hike or outdoor adventure, or you’re making it back at the car. Either way, the best car camping lunch ideas should be easy to prepare, require minimal effort, and avoid the need for refrigeration. To keep things stress-free and delicious, here are some easy meals for camping that are perfect for lunchtime.
Easy Camping Meals for Lunch
- Sandwiches and Wraps | The ultimate convenient camping lunch. Whether you’re packing them for a hike or making them at camp, sandwiches and wraps are quick to prepare and easy to eat. Stick with the trusted PB&J, or go for a ham and cheese. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating your perfect sandwich or wrap.
- Charcuterie (aka Adult Lunchables) | A fun and satisfying car camping meal idea. This is my personal favourite camping lunch. A few slices of salami (which is already cured so doesn’t really need refrigeration), some cheese, and a handful of crackers makes for a simple yet satisfying meal. Customize your spread with olives, pickles, hummus, or any other favourites based on your tastes and camp setup.
- PB&J Roll Ups | A simple yet delicious energy-packed easy camping meal. Take two tortilla’s —spread peanut butter on one and jam on the other. Stack them together, roll them up, and slice into PB&J pinwheels. You can add as many layers as you desire. Packed with carbs, protein, and healthy fats, this easy camping meal is both satisfying and vegetarian-friendly.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwhich | If you are traveling with a camp stove or are at camp, nothing beats the classic grilled cheese sandwich for lunch. Two slices of bread, some butter and a slice of processed cheese goes a long way. Don’t forget your ketchup dipper!
- Quinoa Salad | Quinoa makes a great base for a hearty lunch salad. Once cooked, you can mix in a variety of fresh ingredients. I love making a Mediterranean-inspired quinoa salad by adding chopped bell peppers, red onions, garlic, and cucumber. For a simple dressing, I use lemon juice, oil, salt, and pepper. If available, I also toss in feta for extra flavour. This nutrient-packed meal can be enjoyed hot or cold, making it perfect for camping.
- Chickpea Salad | Chickpeas are great option for a hearty no-cook easy camping meal. Simply open a can, rinse the chickpeas with fresh water and add them to a bowl. Toss them with oil, lemon, salt and pepper for a simple dressing. You can also add a splash of red wine vinegar for extra tang. Mix in your favourite fresh vegetables, top with feta, and enjoy a protein-packed, vegetarian-friendly car camping lunch.
Camping Dinner Ideas
After a day of adventure, nothing beats winding down with a hearty, easy camping meal. Whether you’re cooking over an open fire or using your car camping setup, a delicious dinner with a sunset view is the perfect way to end the day. The best car camping dinner ideas should be simple, satisfying, and easy to prepare. From campfire classics to one-pot meals, these easy camping dinners will leave you full, happy, and ready for a good night’s rest.
Easy Camping Meals for Dinner
- Foil Packet Meals | Foil packets make for easy camp meals. This versatile cooking method allows you to prepare a wide variety of recipes with minimal effort. Simply fold a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil over itself to create a pocket, then fill it with your ingredients. Foil packets work by steaming whatever you put inside them. They can be placed directly in the fire or on a grill.
One of my favourite foil packet camping meals includes sliced potatoes, onions, garlic, and cauliflower, tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and my go-to seasonings. You can also add a protein like sausage or tofu for a heartier meal. Other great options include chicken and peppers for easy campfire fajitas, salmon with rice, or even gnocchi. If it can be steamed, it can be cooked in a foil packet! Plus, the cleanup is minimal, making this a perfect car camping meal. - Tacos | Tacos are one of the easiest camping meals to make since the only thing you need to cook is the meat—everything else is just fresh toppings. Start by heating oil in a frying pan and adding diced onions and ground beef. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess liquid and replace it with beer or tomato juice. Stir in your taco seasoning and let it simmer for at least 10 minutes, the longer, the better for flavour.
When it’s ready, assemble your tacos with shredded cheese, lettuce, tomato salsa, and sour cream. Serve on a tortilla or taco shell and enjoy a quick and easy camping meal! - Quesadillas | Quesadillas make for a quick and versatile camping meal. Start by choosing your protein—I prefer chicken, but steak, ground beef, or tofu are great options too. Heat oil in a pan, season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until done. Remove the chicken from the pan and add a fresh drizzle of oil.
Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle shredded cheese over one half. Layer on the cooked chicken, bell peppers, and onions, then add another layer of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half and press it down so it sticks together. Let it crisp for a few minutes before flipping to toast the other side. Once golden and crispy, remove from the pan, slice into four pieces, and serve with salsa and sour cream. This is a great option for an easy camping meal for family trips! - Fajitas | Fajitas are one of my go-to easy camping meals—quick, delicious, and made in just one pan. Start by heating oil in a frying pan, then add sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking until they soften. Remove the veggies and add a bit more oil to the pan, followed by bite-sized pieces of chicken. Once the chicken is fully cooked, return the veggies to the pan, sprinkle in your fajita seasoning, and mix everything together. That’s it!
Serve your flavourful fajita mix on warm flour tortillas and enjoy. This is an ideal option for easy meals to cook while camping, whether you’re with family or on a solo adventure.
- Dutch oven/Cast Iron Pan Nachos | This fun and easy camping meal takes very little time to prepare and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Since all you’re doing is melting cheese, it’s nearly impossible to mess up! To start, line your cast iron Dutch oven or skillet with foil for easy cleanup while camping.
Spread 1/3 of a bag of tortilla chips on the bottom, then layer with 1/3 of a jar of salsa, black beans, corn, shredded cheese, and green onions. Repeat this layering process twice more—layering is the secret to perfect campfire nachos! Once assembled, cover with the lid and place over the fire for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. Serve with extra salsa and sour cream for a delicious, easy camping meal for family or friends. - Ramen | I love ramen. When I was car camping for two months, it became my go-to meal—the one thing I could always rely on. Ramen is incredibly easy to make. If you’re feeling lazy, you can simply follow the package instructions: boil water, add the noodles, stir in the seasoning, and wait. But if you’re feeling fancy, you can easily upgrade it! Toss in fresh sliced carrots, a boiled egg, kimchi, green onions, or even sliced meat. There are endless ways to customize it, and all you need is hot water.
- Mac and Cheese | Mac and cheese is a classic North American comfort food. Perfect for refueling after a long day of adventuring. An easy car camping meal, all you need is equal parts elbow macaroni and water, plus a few tablespoons of butter.
Add everything to a Dutch oven and place it over a bed of hot coals with the lid on. You can add a few coals on top for even heating. Once the noodles are cooked and most (but not all) of the water has been absorbed, remove it from the heat. Stir in as much shredded cheese as you like—around four cups for two cups of noodles. Season with salt, pepper, hot sauce, mustard, or any other favourite mix-ins, then dig in.This is an easy camping meal for dinner that’s perfect for both kids and adults. - Butter Chicken | Sometimes, it’s nice to switch up your camping meals and try something new. There are plenty of pre-made sauces that don’t require refrigeration, making them perfect for camping. My favorite is the butter chicken sauce from KFI, but you can also find great options like tikka masala or coconut curry.
To make an easy campfire butter chicken, heat some oil in a pan and add cubed chicken, cooking it through. Once it’s fully cooked, stir in the butter chicken sauce and let it heat up. Meanwhile, prepare your rice—whether it’s an Uncle Ben’s flavored packet, minute rice, or traditional rice. Serve your butter chicken over rice with naan and enjoy a flavourful, no-fuss camping meal!
Looking for Places to go camping? Here’s a few destinations you need to see in Ontario!
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Easy Camping Meals: Desserts
There’s no better way to end a day of adventure than with these easy camping dessert ideas. From classic s’mores to foil packet pies, these car camping desserts will satisfy your sweet tooth and wrap up your day on a tasty note.
Camping Dessert Ideas
- S’mores | Name a more iconic car camping dessert than s’mores. No easy camping meal is complete without finishing off the night with this classic treat. Roast a marshmallow over the fire, sandwich it between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate, and enjoy this timeless favourite.
- Foil Packet Pies | Easy to make and delicious to eat, foil packet pies are a perfect easy campfire dessert. Simply build a pouch out of aluminum foil and fill it with fresh fruit or store-bought pie filling. For the topping, add a scoop of oats, brown sugar, and butter. Seal the packet and cook it on a grill or camp stove for 7 to 10 minutes. Open it up and enjoy a warm, gooey treat! My personal favourites are blueberries or sliced apples.
- Campfire Baked Apples | A recipe passed down from my dad, this is one of the easiest and most delicious car camping desserts. All you need is an apple, butter, and brown sugar. Core the apple and fill the center with butter, brown sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in the coals for 5–10 minutes, or until softened. Unwrap, let it cool slightly, and enjoy!
- Banana Boats | When it comes to classic campfire desserts, banana boats are right up there with s’mores. Slice a banana lengthwise from top to bottom, leaving the ends intact and the peel on. Gently pull it apart and stuff it with marshmallows and chocolate chips. Wrap it in aluminum foil and place it in the fire for 10–15 minutes. Unwrap and enjoy!
Car Camping Kitchen Gear you Need
All of the car camping meal ideas on this list can be made with a simple yet efficient car camping kitchen setup. A well-organized camp kitchen makes cooking outdoors easier and more enjoyable. At a minimum, you’ll need a small camp stove, a cast iron pan, and a pot, along with essential utensils like spatulas, bowls, and plates. Aluminum foil is also a must-have for easy cleanup and versatile cooking!
To help you get started, I’ve put together a list of my favourite camp cooking gear and camping cookware essentials below. With the right camp kitchen setup, you’ll be whipping up delicious meals in no time!
The Best Camp Stove – Cascade Classic Camp Stove by Coleman
The Coleman two-burner propane camping stove has dual burners which make it easier to cook more intricate car camping meals. If you have the space, this is the stove for you.
Best small Camp Stove – Coleman Butane Single Burner
Featuring a single burner, this stove runs on butane. Small yet functional burner.
This is the best Single Burner Camp Stove on the market
A single burner that twists directly onto a butane canister. Compact, lightweight, and easy to set up. Fits one pot/pan. Every camper should have one and this is the best one on the market used by the best thru-hikers.
Budget friendly single burner that every camper should have
A compact, lightweight, and easy to set up single burner that attaches to the top of a butane canister. Fits one pot/pan. This one is budget friendly and works as good as the expensive ones.
Best camping Cast Iron Pan
Built to withstand high heat, durable and easy to clean. Can use it on an open fire.
Cast Iron Dutch oven
A Dutch oven is built to withstand open-fire cooking. Great for making stews, soups, bread, or even mac and cheese while camping. You can place it directly in the fire or set it on a grill for controlled cooking.
camping cookware set – mess kit
Every camper needs a lightweight and functional mess kit. This kit includes various sizes of pots, pans, and a kettle, all designed to stack together for easy packing.
Camp Sink – Not necessary but divinely pleasant to have
Without running water to wash and rinse your items, I can only recommend you pick up a collapsible camp sink. It just makes dishes easier.
Easy Camping Meals for every Adventure
No matter where your car camping adventures take you, having quality food along the way makes the experience better. With these simple camping recipes, you can fuel your outdoor adventures with good food. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners and sweet campfire treats, cooking in the great outdoors has never been easier. So pack up your camp kitchen, hit the road, and enjoy every bite under the open sky!
Like these recipe ideas? Great! SAVE THIS PIN so you can try these recipes out on your next camping trip!
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