There’s something magical about cooking and eating in the great outdoors—fresh air, crackling fires, and the simplicity of it all. But planning meals for a camping trip can feel daunting if you’re unsure where to start. The key is to keep it simple, pack ingredients that are easy to store, and choose meals that are satisfying after a long day of exploring. Here’s a guide to good things to cook while camping, including a spotlight on the often-overlooked hero of outdoor meals: tinned seafood.
1. One-Pot Meals: Easy and Efficient
One-pot meals are a camper’s best friend. They require minimal cleanup, are easy to cook over a campfire or stove, and can be endlessly versatile.
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Chili: Pack pre-chopped vegetables, beans, and ground meat or plant-based alternatives. Add everything to a pot with canned tomatoes and spices for a hearty dinner.
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Curry: Bring along coconut milk, pre-cooked lentils or chickpeas, and your favorite curry paste. Toss in vegetables or tofu for a warming meal.
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Pasta: A classic option—boil pasta, then mix in jarred sauce, olive oil, or pesto with your favorite toppings like sun-dried tomatoes or Parmesan.
One-pot meals keep you fueled without requiring a gourmet kitchen setup, making them a staple for any camping menu.
2. Tinned Seafood: A Camping Essential
Tinned seafood is a versatile, lightweight, and nutrient-dense option for outdoor cooking. Whether it’s sardines, smoked mackerel, or tuna, these pantry staples can elevate your meals and require no refrigeration. Here are some ways to use tinned seafood while camping:
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Seafood Tacos: Warm up tortillas on your camp stove or fire, then top with tinned tuna or mackerel, shredded cabbage, and a squeeze of lime. Add hot sauce for a little kick.
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Mediterranean Salad: Combine tinned sardines with cooked quinoa, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick and satisfying meal.
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Seafood Toast: Toast slices of bread over the fire, then spread with butter or cream cheese and top with smoked salmon or sardines. A pinch of salt and pepper ties it all together.
Not only is tinned seafood incredibly convenient, but it’s also packed with protein, healthy fats, and omega-3s—perfect for fueling your adventures.
3. Foil Packets: Simple and Flavorful
Foil packet meals are a camping classic. They’re customizable, easy to prep ahead of time, and cook beautifully over a fire.
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Vegetable Medley: Toss chopped veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, onions, and sweet potatoes with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Wrap them in foil and place them over hot coals.
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Fish and Veggies: Add a fillet of fish (or your favorite tinned option) to your veggie medley for a complete, flavorful meal.
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Breakfast Hash: Layer pre-cooked potatoes, diced sausage, and scrambled eggs in a foil packet. Cook over the fire for a hearty morning meal.
Foil packets allow for endless combinations, making them a go-to option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
4. Snacks and Quick Bites
Camping meals don’t have to be elaborate. Some of the best moments are fueled by quick, satisfying bites that keep you going between adventures.
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Trail Mix: Create your own mix with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a touch of dark chocolate for an energy-packed snack.
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Wraps: Use tortillas to make easy sandwiches with peanut butter and honey, hummus and veggies, or tinned seafood and greens.
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Granola Bars: Pack your favorite bars for no-cook, portable fuel.
These easy snacks are perfect for keeping hunger at bay while you hike or relax by the campfire.
5. Sweet Treats by the Fire
No camping trip is complete without a little something sweet. Desserts cooked over the campfire add a touch of nostalgia and fun to your evenings.
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S’mores: The classic treat of toasted marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers never gets old.
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Campfire Bananas: Slice a banana lengthwise (but not all the way through) and stuff it with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows. Wrap it in foil and cook over the fire until gooey.
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Apple Crisp Packets: Combine sliced apples, cinnamon, oats, and a bit of brown sugar in a foil packet. Cook over the fire for a warm, comforting dessert.
6. Plan Ahead for Success
When it comes to camping meals, preparation is key. Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and pre-cook grains or pasta at home to save time and minimize cleanup at your campsite. Store your food in reusable containers to cut down on waste, and bring a cooler with ice packs to keep perishables fresh.
Don’t forget essential tools like a good camping stove, reusable utensils, and a lightweight pot or pan. With a little planning, you can enjoy delicious, stress-free meals under the stars.
Cooking outdoors is as much about the experience as it is about the food. From one-pot wonders to tinned seafood tacos, the best camping meals are simple, satisfying, and infused with the joy of being in nature. At Evergreen Outpost Co., we believe that every outdoor moment is an opportunity to connect—with the land, with each other, and with a good meal. Here’s to making those moments unforgettable, one bite at a time.