When Thomas asked if I wanted to go camping, my very first thought was not where or with who, it was what food can I bring. So here are 10 easy make-ahead camping recipes you can prep at home and pack along: loaded BBQ potatoes, shish kabobs, grilled flank steak, skillet nachos, breakfast burritos, and s'mores bars to close it out. Everything travels well and most of it comes together before you leave. For more outdoor cooking, my 20 Easy Weeknight Grilling Recipes and 50 Best BBQ Sides are made for the cooler, and my 19 No Cook Summer Meals are perfect when you want zero fuss at the campsite.
Loaded BBQ Potatoes. Obviously.
Make a batch of this addictive roasted onion dip before you leave the house and grab some chips and snack time is gonna be perfect!
Everything Hummus is also a perfect snack for every hour of every day!
Chicken Shish Kebabs can be entirely prepped and marinated ahead of time and then just grill them on site!
Or if you're feeling a little more meaty - this Grilled Flank Steak is for you! You can bring the rub, prep the salsa ahead of time and then just grill on site!
I don't know about you, but eating skillet nachos around the campfire sounds like an ideal evening to me!
For a little dessert action you def need these S'mores Bars!
Or some Blueberry Skillet Cobbler that can be made 100% ahead of time - just forgo the ice cream and instead dollop some whipped cream or creme fraiche on top if you don't have a freezer at your campsite! 🙂
Start your day with Coconut Granola!! Just bring some yogurt and breakfast is handled!
Or if you want more a savory breakfast - BREAKFAST BURRITOS!
There ya have it!! Camping here we come.
FAQs
What makes a good make-ahead camping recipe?
A good make-ahead camping recipe is one you can fully prep at home, pack in a cooler, and finish with minimal tools at the campsite. The best options travel well, hold up in a cooler, and reheat over a fire or camp stove. Think marinated proteins, sturdy dips, and dessert bars.
How do I keep food cold while camping?
Pack a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice or frozen gel packs, and freeze proteins ahead so they thaw slowly. Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods in separate coolers to avoid cross-contamination. Store the cooler in the shade and keep the lid closed.
What camping meals can I prep at home in advance?
Marinate proteins like shish kabobs and flank steak, pre-chop vegetables, and fully make dips, hummus, granola, and dessert bars before you leave. Breakfast burritos can be assembled and frozen, then reheated over the fire. Doing the prep at home means easy assembly at camp.
What are easy no-cook camping foods?
Hummus and dips with vegetables, granola, sandwiches, and overnight oats need no cooking at all. They are perfect for the first day or for low-effort lunches. Pair them with sturdy produce that survives a cooler.
How far ahead can I prep camping food?
Most components can be made 1 to 2 days ahead and kept cold, while dips, granola, and bars can be made several days out. Marinate proteins up to 24 hours before for the best texture. Freeze anything you are prepping earlier than that.
My favorite thing to make while camping is a jambalaya. If you prep everything out at home all you basically have to do is boil things together and you have a good hearty meal.
hey gaby! what kind of tortilla chips do you use??
-k
I think I will just 'camp' with all of these out in my backyard!