Cooking while camping doesn’t have to be a hassle or boring! So I’ve rounded up 31 delicious camping dinner ideas.
Discovering delicious meals to cook in the great outdoors makes camping even more enjoyable. After a day of hiking and adventure, nothing beats gathering around a crackling fire to enjoy a satisfying dinner under the stars.
Planning your meals might seem challenging, especially if it’s your first time organizing a camping trip. The good news is that campfire cooking doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.
These easy prep dinner ideas work whether you’re using a propane stove or cooking directly over flames. Many can be prepared with ingredients from your local grocery store without any additional cost for special equipment.
From simple one-pot wonders to foil packet meals that cook while you relax, these camping dinner ideas will become your favorite easy camping meals. A hearty chili or pasta dish can even provide leftovers for the next day’s lunch.
Remember, the first things to consider are simplicity and satisfaction. Even something as basic as a grilled sandwich with a slice of cheese tastes amazing when enjoyed in the small world of your campsite.
31 Easy Camping Dinner Ideas
1. Smoky BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Slow-cooked BBQ beef sandwiches are perfect for a filling campfire meal. Place a boneless chuck roast in a cast-iron Dutch oven over medium-hot embers. Add BBQ sauce, sliced onions, ½ cup broth, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, turning every 45 minutes and adding liquid if needed. Once fork-tender, shred and mix with sauce. Toast sandwich buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side and serve with coleslaw or pickles.
(For a quicker meal, use pre-cooked shredded BBQ beef and warm it in a skillet for 10 minutes.)
2. Savory Dutch Oven Chicken and Rice
A warm, one-pot chicken and rice meal is great after a long day outdoors. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven over hot embers. Sear bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for 5 minutes per side, then remove.
Add 1 cup uncooked rice, 2 cups broth, diced bell peppers, salt, and pepper. Return the chicken, cover, and cook over low embers for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove when the rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
3. Vegetarian Foil Pack Fajitas
These foil-pack fajitas are flavorful and easy to prepare over a fire. Slice bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, then toss with olive oil, lime juice, fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Divide into foil packets and seal tightly. Cook directly over hot embers, flipping every 5 minutes. Cook for 10-15 minutes total, until vegetables are tender.
Open carefully and serve in warm tortillas with salsa, cheese, or guacamole.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa
These stuffed bell peppers are a hearty and protein-packed campfire meal. Pre-cook quinoa at home or cook in a small pot over low coals with broth for 15 minutes. Cut the tops off bell peppers and remove seeds.
Fill each pepper with quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salt, and pepper. Wrap in foil and place on the grill grate over medium-hot coals. Cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the peppers soften.
5. Campfire Chili with Cornbread
A thick, hearty chili paired with golden cornbread is a satisfying camping meal.
Set a cast-iron pot over hot embers away from direct flames. Brown 1 pound ground beef with salt and pepper for 5 minutes, then add canned black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and chili seasoning.
Stir well and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. For cornbread, mix cornmeal, eggs, milk, and sugar. Pour into a foil-lined skillet and place on the grate near the fire’s edge. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, rotating halfway.
6. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers
Grilled lemon herb chicken skewers are a tasty choice for your next camping trip. With minimal ingredients, they come together quickly, whether you’re using a portable grill or cooking over an open fire. Pair them with some fresh fruit or refried beans for an easy campfire meal that the whole family will enjoy!
7. Campfire Pizza
A crispy, melty pizza is an easy campfire favorite with minimal prep. Place a pre-made pizza crust on a grill grate over low-burning embers. Heat for 2 minutes, then flip.
Spread pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and toppings on the grilled side. Cover loosely with foil and cook for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts. Serve hot with a side of ranch or hot sauce.
8. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
One-Pot Pasta Primavera is a simple and tasty choice for your next camping dinner. Just toss your favorite raw, chopped or diced veggies, 8 oz. uncooked pasta, and 4 cups water or broth into a big pot on your camp stove or portable grill, and let it simmer until the pasta and veggies are al dente; about 7 minutes.
When done, most of the water or broth should be cooked off. Add 1/4 cup cream and a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese and continue simmering 2 more minutes, stirring often.
This easy meal means less time cooking and more time enjoying the fresh air with the whole family!
9. Hearty Beef Stew in a Cast Iron Pot
This rich, comforting stew is ideal for a chilly camping evening. Place a cast-iron pot near the fire’s edge and brown 1 pound cubed beef in olive oil. Stir in potatoes, carrots, onions, 3 cups broth, salt, and pepper.
Cover and simmer over low embers for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally. If liquid reduces too much, move to a cooler spot and add water.
10. Campfire Nachos with Melted Cheese
These cheesy, crunchy nachos make for a quick and satisfying meal. Layer tortilla chips, black beans, cooked ground beef, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese in a cast-iron skillet. Cover with foil.
Place the skillet over indirect heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese melts. Top with sour cream, jalapeños, or guacamole before serving.
11. Baked Sweet Potatoes with Toppings
Baked sweet potatoes are a simple yet satisfying camping meal. You can top them with anything from cheddar cheese and sour cream to black beans and ground beef for a hearty main dish. They’re an easy camping recipe that the whole family can customize while enjoying the fresh air on your next camping trip.
12. Mushroom and Spinach Quesadillas
Mushroom and spinach quesadillas are an easy camping dinner idea that everyone will love. Just grab some tortillas, your favorite cheese, and sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a simple meal over the campfire.
Place a tortilla in a clean, dry skillet over the medium part of the fire. Place cooked veggies on the tortilla and cover generously with shredded cheese. Place another tortilla on top. Flip after 3 minutes until nicely browned on both sides and gooey on the inside.
Serve them with a side of sour cream for a great touch!
13. Taco Bar with All the Fixings
Set a cast-iron skillet over hot embers and cook ground beef or shredded chicken with taco seasoning. Stir occasionally.
Wrap tortillas in foil and place near the coals for 5 minutes before serving. Set up a toppings bar with lettuce, salsa, cheese, and sour cream so everyone can build their own tacos.
14. Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Grilled vegetable kabobs are an easy and fun camping dinner option. Just skewer your favorite veggies like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, and cook them over medium heat on your portable grill or campfire. They cook quickly, letting you enjoy more time with the whole family under the stars!
15. Chili Lime Fish Tacos
Rub tilapia, cod, or snapper with lime juice, chili powder, and garlic. Place fillets in a foil packet and place in a cast-iron skillet halfway away from the hottest part of the fire.
Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until the fish flakes easily. Warm tortillas briefly over the fire and serve with any combination of cabbage slaw, diced avocado, diced mango, and/or sour cream.
16. Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skillet
If you’re looking for easy dinner ideas for your next camping trip, try this Cajun shrimp and sausage skillet. It’s a simple meal that packs flavor using just a few ingredients like shrimp, sausage, and your favorite veggies. Cook it over an open fire or on a camping stove for a tasty dish that the whole family will love!
17. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
To make Buffalo Cauliflower over a campfire, cut a head of cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
In a bowl, mix ½ cup flour, ½ cup water, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper into a batter. Toss florets in the batter, then cook in a cast-iron skillet with oil over medium-hot embers, stirring until crispy (10-15 minutes).
Remove from heat, toss in Buffalo sauce, and cook 2 more minutes. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
18. Campfire Burritos
These hearty burritos are easy to customize and cook over the fire. Saute ground beef, or shredded chicken and diced onion in a cast-iron skillet over hot embers. Add black beans, cheese, salt, and pepper.
Spoon onto tortillas and wrap tightly in foil. Place the foil-wrapped burritos on the grate away from direct flames for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until heated through. Serve with hot sauce or salsa.
19. Spicy Sausage and Peppers
Slice sausages, bell peppers, and onions. Cook in a cast-iron skillet over medium-hot coals, stirring occasionally.
After 15 minutes, when the sausage is browned and peppers are soft, remove from heat. Serve with bread or rice.
20. Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Grilled corn on the cob with herb butter is such a fun treat for your family camping trip. It’s super easy to prepare and makes a great addition to any meal, whether paired with chicken skewers or enjoyed alone. Next time you’re out in the great outdoors, don’t forget to pack this simple yet tasty dish!
21. Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple
Reheat pre-cooked pulled pork in a foil packet near the fire’s edge, flipping occasionally for 10 minutes.
Warm tortillas on the grill and fill with pork, diced pineapple, and BBQ sauce.
22. Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole
To make Cheesy Broccoli and Rice Casserole over a campfire, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a cast-iron Dutch oven over medium-hot embers.
Add 1 cup uncooked rice and stir for 1 minute. Pour in 2 cups broth, cover, and cook 15 minutes. Stir in 2 cups chopped broccoli, 1 cup shredded cheese, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook 5 more minutes, until the broccoli is tender and cheese is melted. Serve hot, straight from the pot.
23. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice
Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-hot coals. Add chopped bell peppers, onions, and carrots and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
Add pre-cooked rice and a splash of soy sauce and stir for another 5 minutes until heated through.
24. Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies
Pasta salad is a delightful addition to any family camping trip. It’s an easy meal that you can prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for those long days in the great outdoors. Just toss in your favorite veggies, and you’ve got a colorful dish that everyone will love!
25. Campfire Baked Beans
Set a cast-iron pot over hot embers and cook bacon or ground sausage until browned. Stir in canned canellini or kidney beans, BBQ sauce, and brown sugar.
Simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
26. Campfire Chicken Bacon Ranch Packets
For Campfire Chicken Bacon Ranch Packets, place 1 boneless chicken breast on a large sheet of heavy-duty foil.
Top with 2 slices cooked bacon, ½ cup shredded cheese, 1 tablespoon ranch dressing, salt, and pepper. Add ½ cup diced potatoes or broccoli. Seal tightly and place directly over hot embers, cooking for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Open carefully and check if the chicken reaches 165°F. Serve straight from the foil for easy cleanup!
27. Coconut Curry Chickpeas
This creamy, spiced dish is great for plant-based campers. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a cast-iron pot over low embers. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 3 minutes.
Stir in 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, 1 (15 oz) can coconut milk, 1 teaspoon curry powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with rice or flatbread.
28. Zucchini Boats with Ground Turkey
To make Zucchini Boats with Ground Turkey over a campfire, slice 2 zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers.
In a cast-iron skillet over medium-hot embers, cook ½ pound ground turkey with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 5-7 minutes.
Stir in ½ cup diced tomatoes and ¼ cup shredded cheese. Spoon mixture into zucchini halves, wrap in foil, and place on the grill grate. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until tender. Serve hot.
29. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
This Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a tasty and easy campfire meal that everyone will enjoy. Just boil water and mix in your favorite veggies for a fresh, healthy dish that’s perfect after a long day outdoors. The best part? You can prep it ahead of time and keep it in a Ziploc bag, making it a simple choice for your next camping trip!
30. Caprese Salad Skewers
Caprese salad skewers are a fun and easy meal idea for your next camping trip. Just thread your favorite veggies like cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil onto skewers for a quick bite. They make a colorful and refreshing addition to any camping dinner, and you can whip them up with minimal prep!
31. Roasted Garlic Herb Potatoes
Crispy garlic potatoes are a great side for any camping meal. Cut baby potatoes into halves and toss with olive oil, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Wrap tightly in foil.
Place directly over hot embers, turning occasionally, and cook for 20-25 minutes until soft and lightly charred. Serve with butter or sour cream.
Final Thoughts
Campfire cooking creates some of the most memorable meals you’ll ever enjoy. With these easy camping recipes, you can spend less time cooking and more time making memories under the stars.
Whether you’re using aluminum foil packets, a cast iron skillet, or simple pie irons, these camping meal ideas adapt to your equipment and experience level. Many can be prepared as make-ahead meals, letting you relax during your summer camping trip.
Remember that the best camp cooking balances convenience with satisfaction. Ground meat recipes and foil packs were a big hit on our last trip, requiring minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.
For tent camping, focus on meals with just a few main ingredients that can be prepared different ways. A simple potato salad made the day before travels well as a side dish for several dinners.
Keep these easy camping dinners in your outdoor cookbook, and don’t forget the hot chocolate to end your evening! With a little planning, even first-time campers can create outdoor feasts that everyone will remember long after the campfire fades.
Ready for breakfast?
I have another article of camping breakfast food ideas you won’t want to miss! I even cover my favorite which can be made in under 10 minutes but will always be on your meal planning list!
Just click that link to read it on my site.