20 Ultra-Easy Camping Meals That Make Outdoor Cooking A Breeze
Camping should be about relaxing by the fire and enjoying nature, not stressing over complicated recipes.
When you’re miles from your kitchen, the last thing you want is a meal that requires tons of ingredients or fancy equipment.
These ultra-easy camping meals are designed to keep things simple, delicious, and fun, so you can spend less time cooking and more time making memories under the stars.
1. Campfire Nachos
Nothing says outdoor feast quite like a bubbling pot of cheesy goodness cooked right over the flames.
Layer tortilla chips, cheese, black beans, and salsa in a Dutch oven, then let the fire work its magic.
The beauty here is the customization—add jalapeños, sour cream, or even leftover grilled chicken.
No Dutch oven?
Foil packets work just as well and make cleanup a total breeze.
Everyone can build their own nacho masterpiece, making this a crowd-pleaser every single time.
2. Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Imagine all the flavors of a classic seafood boil without the giant pot or messy cleanup.
Toss shrimp, smoky sausage, corn, and lemon slices into foil packets, seal them up, and toss them on the grill or campfire.
The steam locks in all that buttery, zesty goodness.
Plus, everyone gets their own personal packet, so no fighting over the last piece of sausage.
When dinner’s done, just crumple up the foil and you’re good to go.
3. Easy Chickpea Curry
Who says camping food has to be all hot dogs and burgers?
This plant-based curry is packed with protein, flavor, and zero fuss.
Make the curry and rice at home, store them in containers, and simply reheat at camp.
The spices warm you up after a long hike, and the chickpeas keep you full without feeling heavy.
It’s proof that vegetarian camping meals can be just as satisfying and way more interesting than the usual suspects.
4. One-Pot Pesto Pasta
When you’re exhausted from a day of adventure, the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes.
Cook pasta, toss in fresh veggies, and stir in pesto—all in one pot.
Use store-bought pesto or make your own ahead of time and pack it in a jar.
The result is creamy, herbaceous, and ridiculously satisfying.
Cleanup takes about thirty seconds, leaving you more time to kick back and enjoy the sunset.
5. Walking Tacos
Why dirty plates when the chip bag can be your bowl?
Brown some ground beef or turkey, season it with taco spices, and let everyone build their taco right inside a single-serve chip bag.
Add cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream directly into the bag.
It’s messy in the best way possible, and kids think it’s the coolest thing ever.
Cleanup is literally just tossing the empty bags.
6. Breakfast Burritos in Foil
Rise and shine with a hearty breakfast that requires zero morning brain power.
Scramble eggs, cook some sausage or bacon, and load up tortillas with cheese, veggies, and your favorite breakfast fixings.
Wrap each burrito in foil and warm them over the fire.
You can even prep these at home and freeze them, then just heat and eat at camp.
Mornings have never been this easy or this delicious.
7. Campfire Quesadillas
Crispy, cheesy, and ready in minutes—quesadillas are the ultimate camping comfort food.
Layer cheese, beans, leftover chicken, or veggies between two tortillas and cook them in a skillet over the fire.
Flip once, and you’re done.
Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
They’re so quick and satisfying that you’ll probably end up making seconds before the first round is even gone.
8. Instant Ramen Upgrade
Instant ramen gets a gourmet makeover with just a few simple additions.
Cook your noodles as usual, then toss in a handful of spinach, sliced mushrooms, a soft-boiled egg, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Suddenly, that dollar pack of noodles tastes like something from a trendy noodle bar.
It’s warm, filling, and takes less than ten minutes.
Perfect for chilly nights when you need something cozy fast.
9. Campfire Pizza in a Cast Iron Skillet
Yes, you can absolutely have pizza in the wilderness.
Use pre-made pizza dough or flatbread, spread on some sauce, and pile on cheese and toppings.
Cook it in a cast iron skillet over the fire, covered with a lid to help the cheese melt.
The crust gets crispy, the cheese gets bubbly, and you get major bragging rights.
It’s a total showstopper that’s easier than it looks.
10. Chili in a Can (But Make It Better)
Canned chili is a camping staple, but a few tweaks turn it into something special.
Heat it up and add extras like shredded cheese, diced onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream.
Serve it over rice, with cornbread, or straight from the pot with tortilla chips for scooping.
It’s hearty, warming, and requires almost zero effort.
Sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying ones around the campfire.
11. Sausage and Pepper Foil Packs
This classic combo is practically made for camping.
Slice up sausages, bell peppers, and onions, toss them with olive oil and seasoning, and wrap everything in foil.
Cook over the fire or on a grill until the sausages are browned and the veggies are tender.
It’s smoky, savory, and incredibly filling.
Plus, foil packs mean you can skip the dishes entirely and just enjoy your meal under the stars.
12. Campfire Grilled Cheese
Sometimes the simplest foods bring the most joy.
Butter two slices of bread, add your favorite cheese, and grill the sandwich over the campfire in a skillet or pie iron.
The bread gets perfectly crispy, and the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
Add tomato slices, bacon, or even apple slices for a twist.
It’s nostalgic, comforting, and a guaranteed hit with campers of all ages.
13. Trail Mix Pancakes
Pancakes meet trail mix in this genius breakfast mash-up.
Make pancake batter from a mix, then stir in handfuls of trail mix—nuts, dried fruit, chocolate chips, whatever you’ve got.
Cook them on a griddle or skillet over the fire.
Each bite is a little adventure of flavors and textures.
Top with syrup or peanut butter for extra deliciousness. Breakfast just got a whole lot more exciting.
14. Campfire Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese isn’t just for kids—it’s for anyone who loves creamy, cheesy carbs.
Boil pasta in a pot, drain most of the water, and stir in butter, milk, and shredded cheese until it’s melty and smooth.
You can also use the boxed stuff and jazz it up with bacon bits or hot sauce.
It’s comfort food at its finest and takes less than fifteen minutes to make.
15. Campfire Chili Dogs
Take your hot dog game to the next level with a hearty chili topping.
Roast hot dogs over the fire, place them in buns, and smother them with warm chili and shredded cheese.
Add onions, jalapeños, or mustard if you’re feeling fancy.
It’s messy, indulgent, and absolutely delicious. You’ll probably want two, so plan accordingly.
Napkins are highly recommended for this one.
16. Campfire Fajitas
Fajitas bring the sizzle to your campsite in the best way.
Cook sliced chicken or steak with bell peppers and onions in a cast iron skillet over the fire.
Season with fajita spices and a squeeze of lime.
Serve with warm tortillas and toppings like cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
The smoky flavor from the fire makes these taste even better than restaurant fajitas, no joke.
17. Campfire French Toast
Wake up to the smell of cinnamon and sweet, custardy bread.
Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and a little vanilla, then dip bread slices and cook them in a buttered skillet over the fire.
Flip once they’re golden and crispy.
Top with syrup, fresh berries, or powdered sugar.
It’s a breakfast that feels special without requiring much effort, perfect for slow mornings at camp.
18. Campfire Baked Potatoes
Few things are more satisfying than a perfectly baked potato fresh from the fire.
Wrap potatoes in foil and bury them in the hot coals for about an hour.
When they’re done, they’re fluffy, steamy, and ready for toppings like butter, cheese, bacon, or chili.
They’re filling, versatile, and require almost no effort.
Plus, they make a great side dish for just about any camping meal.
19. Campfire Egg Scramble
Start your day with a protein-packed scramble that’s endlessly customizable.
Crack eggs into a skillet, add diced veggies, cheese, and cooked sausage or bacon.
Scramble everything together over the fire until the eggs are fluffy and the cheese is melted.
Serve with toast or tortillas on the side.
It’s a hearty, satisfying breakfast that fuels you up for whatever adventure comes next.
20. S’mores Nachos
Why choose between s’mores and nachos when you can have both?
Break graham crackers into pieces, layer them in a skillet with chocolate chips and marshmallows, and heat over the fire until everything’s melty and gooey.
Everyone can dig in with a spoon or use extra graham crackers to scoop.
It’s a fun twist on a classic campfire treat that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.
