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Our Favorite Ideas for Camping

Camping is a great way to experience the joys of nature. Sleeping under the stars, disconnecting from electronics, exploring the wilderness, and cooking over an open fire are just some of the reasons we love to break out the sleeping bags and get outside. Packing and preparing the food situation properly can make or break your camping experience, and true camping enthusiasts know the value of having a couple of camping breakfast ideas or some tasty campfire recipes in their back pocket. Somehow, food just tastes better in the open air, whether it’s a crispy campfire pizza or a fluffy campfire potato. We’ve even rounded up some easy camping snacks that don’t need refrigeration or cooking once prepared, so you can get fueled up and back on the trail, like this simple muffuletta that gets better the longer it sits. Make this pressed sandwich layering provolone and cold cuts, topped with some tangy giardiniera and chopped olives.

Get the Recipe:Camping Muffuletta

Grilled Foil-Packet Chipotle Shrimp

One of the best camping hacks is to pre-build some foil packet meals. When mealtime comes, simply throw the packs on the fire and wait for hot and tasty food. This recipe by Marcela Valladolid combines smoky chipotle powder with fresh vegetables and shrimp for a tasty dinner that’s full of the protein you need to refuel after a busy day of hiking and exploring.

Get the Recipe:Grilled Foil-Packet Chipotle Shrimp

Campfire Lasagna

Cheesy, bubbly lasagna is a universal crowd-pleaser and sure to hit the spot after a long day. This recipe does require some layering, but with the help of pre-made sauce and no-boil lasagna noodles, it comes together in no time and bakes right in the coals of a roaring fire.

Get the Recipe:Campfire Lasagna

Camping Baked Potatoes with Herbed Sour Cream

Simple russet potatoes become incredibly fluffy and soft when baked in a foil packet over a wood-burning fire. Whip up a quick topping of sour cream, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced scallions while they cook, or make it ahead of time and pack it in the cooler.

Get the Recipe:Camping Baked Potatoes with Herbed Sour Cream

Sunny’s Cereal Trail Mix

A good trail mix is a vital item to bring camping to make sure you don’t end up hangry while away from your camp. This trail mix requires a little bit of preparation, but the payoff will be worth it when you taste this sweet-salty-crunchy snack made with pretzels and peanuts.

Get the Recipe:Sunny’s Cereal Trail Mix

Grilled Shrimp Scampi in a Foil Packet

Think you can only have shrimp scampi at a luxe Italian restaurant? Think again. This flavor-packed recipe uses a foil packet to corral the ingredients so they don’t fall into the fire. Pair it with some pasta, if you have the equipment, or just some simple slices of toasted bread.

Get the Recipe:Grilled Shrimp Scampi in a Foil Packet

Hot Sausage Cast-Iron Skillet Pan Pizza

A good cast iron pan is an essential tool for any camping trip because you can put it right in the coals or directly over the open flame. One of the best cast iron skillet recipes is this hot sausage pan pizza. Pack a ball of dough, then just press it into the pan, top with sauce, cheese, and crumbled sausage (or any other toppings you desire). In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a golden brown and bubbling pizza that’s sure to make everyone gather ‘round.

Get the Recipe:Hot Sausage Cast-Iron Skillet Pan Pizza

Zucchini Slaw

It can be hard to get your recommended daily dose of vegetables in while camping, especially when tender greens tend to get bruised up in a cooler. Your best bet is to go with a recipe like this zucchini slaw, which you can pre-cut and dress just before eating to minimize wilting. Pair it with grilled chicken or pile it on top of a burger.

Get the Recipe:Zucchini Slaw

Cast-Iron Berry Crisp

End the day on a sweet note with a simple cast iron berry crisp. The berries can be macerated ahead of time, and the crumble assembled in a plastic bag. After dinner, add it all into a cast iron pan and place near the fire. In no time, you’ll have a hot and delicious dessert.

Get the Recipe:Cast-Iron Berry Crisp

Breakfast Burrito

Breakfast can be one of the toughest meals of the day when camping because it usually requires building a full fire before you’ve even had a chance to have a sip of coffee. These flavorful breakfast burritos can be built before you go so when the time comes you can just place them by the edge of the fire to warm.

Get the Recipe:Breakfast Burrito

Camping-Style Budae Jjigae

This hearty and warming soup works well for camping due to some simple tweaks to the classic Korean favorite. Most of the ingredients for the stew can be stored at room temperature, and when you’re ready to cook, simply layer them in a cast iron pot, cover with water, and simmer until done.

Get the Recipe:Camping-Style Budae Jjigae

Foil-Packet Shrimp Boil

Foil packets do more than just keep the ingredients contained; they also trap flavor and tasty juices that you can dunk bread in. This recipe for a foil-packet shrimp boil has all the flavor of a traditional low-country boil without the need for a big pot of water. Tender shrimp, sweet corn, and red potatoes combine with butter and Old Bay for a zesty meal that’s ready in a flash.

Get the Recipe:Foil-Packet Shrimp Boil

Southwestern Chicken Fajita Mason Jar Salad

Not every camping recipe has to be cooked over a fire. With the help of a handy mason jar, you can enjoy a crisp, healthy, and filling salad without having to so much as light a match. Choose your favorite dressing and pack it in a separate container. When you’re ready to eat, just pour it into the jar and shake!

Get the Recipe:Southwestern Chicken Fajita Mason Jar Salad

Cast Iron Skillet Corn Bread

A great cornbread can hit the spot for any meal of the day. This recipe uses coarsely ground cornmeal for texture and buttermilk for added flavor. Mix up the wet and dry ingredients (separately) in bags ahead of time, then when dinner time comes just preheat your cast iron pan, mix the two bags, and pour it in.

Get the Recipe:Cast Iron Skillet Corn Bread

Camping Toasted Marshmallow Cereal Treats

S’mores make a great camping snack, but they can get old after a while. These marshmallow treats are a perfect camping snack and are made with your favorite breakfast cereal, some butter, and a freshly toasted marshmallow. A reusable silicone bag helps mold this easy take on rice crispy squares.

Get the Recipe:Camping Toasted Marshmallow Cereal Treats

Chili-Ginger Grilled Chicken Skewers

Spice up your camping adventure with some chili-ginger marinated chicken skewers. Cutting the chicken and threading it onto skewers before your trip saves time and dishes at your camp spot. The soy marinade is packed with garlic, ginger, and a hint of brown sugar for added sweetness.

Get the Recipe:Chili-Ginger Grilled Chicken Skewers

Beer-Can Cauliflower

With a little creativity, this easy recipe for beer can cauliflower can be adapted for an open fire. Just place the can on a grill grate and tent the cauliflower with aluminum foil to harness the heat and smoky flavor. Prep the spicy sauce before you go and tuck it in your cooler to save time.

Get the Recipe:Beer-Can Cauliflower

Grilled Branzino with Basil, Lime and Ginger

It might seem hard, but with a little preparation whole grilled fish makes a great camping dinner. Marinate and stuff the fish at home, then wrap in butcher paper and pack well with ice. If you plan to do a little freshwater fishing on your camping trip, this recipe can easily be made with other kinds of fish, such as trout or bass.

Get the Recipe:Grilled Branzino with Basil, Lime and Ginger

Smoky Cola Jerky

Beef jerky is a great way to get some much-needed protein while doing outdoor activities. This recipe is loaded with flavor with some help from a special marinade that incorporates chipotle chiles in adobo, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cola. Use a dehydrator or your home oven to dry out the beef, then pack it away in bags for munching on the go.

Get the Recipe:Smoky Cola Jerky

Campfire Quesadillas

The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, shares a recipe for campfire quesadillas that her whole family enjoys. For the kids, there’s a simple cheddar and jack cheese option. For the adults, a more complex version with goat cheese, caramelized vegetables, and spicy pickled jalapeños. Both can be pre-assembled and stuffed into foil packets to be warmed over the campfire.

Get the Recipe:Campfire Quesadillas

Fire Pit Steak and Potatoes

Another simple meal you can take camping is this fire pit steak and potato recipe. Baby potatoes bake with rosemary, garlic, and white wine while your ribeye cooks on the grill. If you don’t like ribeye, feel free to experiment with other cuts, like strip, sirloin, or flank.

Get the Recipe:Fire Pit Steak and Potatoes

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