Camping and RV Meals: How to Eat Well in the Great Outdoors
When camping and RVing, it’s important to choose meals that are easy to prepare and that don’t require a lot of ingredients or special equipment. Before leaving home it’s essential to know your plans and have everything already purchased or a plan in place to shop later. Many people like to have a meal plan on repeat, but that gets too boring for us. So we try to have a basic list of ideas to pull from and elaborate from there. In our area, we also have to pay attention to burn bans, which means we can’t always be cooking over a campfire.
What is the best way to cook when camping or RVing?
Here are a few different ways to cook while camping - from classic to contemporary.
Grill: Grilling is a classic way to cook while camping. You can use a campfire, a portable propane grill, or a portable stove to grill meats, vegetables, and even fruits like pineapple.
Blackstone: We love using our Blackstone while camping! We find it extremely convenient to make prepare nearly anything and clean-up is a breeze. Here are a few of our favorite meals when we bring our Blackstone along.
Dutch oven: A Dutch oven is a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid that can be used to cook over a campfire or on a portable stove. You can use a Dutch oven to make a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, casseroles, and bread.
Foil packets: Foil packets are an easy and convenient way to cook while camping. Simply place your ingredients on a piece of foil, wrap it up to create a packet, and cook over the campfire or in your RV oven.
Camp stove: A camp stove is a portable stove that runs on propane or other fuel sources. It can be used to cook a variety of dishes, including boiling water for coffee or hot chocolate, frying eggs, and making soup. I’ve had my eye on this Camp Chef for a while now - I’ve only heard great things about it.
Fire pit: A fire pit is a great way to cook while camping, especially if you're in a rustic campsite without a grill or stove. You can use a fire pit to roast marshmallows, cook hot dogs or sausages, and even make pizzas using a pie iron.
Instant Pot: An Instant Pot is a multi-cooker that can be used to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, and more. It's a convenient and time-saving appliance that can be used to make a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, grains, beans, and even desserts. The Instant Pot is also very easy to use – you simply add your ingredients, set the cooking time and temperature, and let it do the work. Some of our favorite Instant Pot recipes include pulled pork, Zuppa Toscana, and chicken curry. There are a few things to be aware of when using your IP at high altitudes.
Meals ideas for camping and RVing
Sandwiches: Sandwiches are a simple and convenient option for camping and RVing, as they can be made with a variety of fillings and don’t require any cooking. We like to recreate sandwiches from our favorite restaurants to make things a little more interesting.
Grilled meats and vegetables: Grilled meats and vegetables can be cooked over a campfire or on a portable grill. Pack items such as chicken, steak, and vegetables to grill for a tasty and easy meal. Our favorite is chicken or steak over the campfire and served with grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
Foil packet meals: Foil packet meals are easy to prepare and can be cooked over a campfire or on a grill. Simply place your ingredients in a foil packet and cook until everything is heated through. For example, Salmon and sweet potato foil packets - place salmon fillets and sweet potato wedges on a piece of foil, and top with your choice of vegetables and seasonings
One-pot meals: One-pot meals such as chili, stew, or pasta can be cooked in a single pot and are easy to clean up. These meals can be cooked on a portable stove or over a campfire. This simple white chicken chili is a crowd-pleaser.
Breakfast burritos: Breakfast burritos are a convenient and filling option for breakfast on the go. Simply pack scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, and any other desired fillings in a tortilla for a quick and easy meal. Serve them up like we do here in Colorado - smothered in green chili sauce and cheese!
Salads and pasta salads: As simple as macaroni salad or potato salad. If you want to try something new, I love this quinoa and black bean salad - Cook quinoa in a pot on the camp stove and mix it with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and your choice of vegetables. Add a homemade vinaigrette dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, and spices.
Campfire stir-fry: Cook rice or noodles on the camp stove, and stir-fry with your choice of vegetables, protein (such as tofu or shrimp), and sauces. Trader Joe’s has an excellent selection for your stir fry!
Greek yogurt with granola and fruit: Pack Greek yogurt, granola, and a variety of fresh or dried fruit for a healthy breakfast or snack. I always have a plate of muffins available if anyone is extra hungry.
Wraps: Like this hummus and veggie wrap - spread hummus on a whole wheat tortilla, and fill it with your choice of vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. Roll up the tortilla to create a wrap. We pack these in parchment paper for food on the go while hiking.
By choosing meals that are family favorites, easy to prepare, and clean up, you can have a hassle-free and enjoyable camping or RVing experience. I hope these ideas give you some inspiration for healthy meals to eat while camping!
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