You’ve packed your tent, your sleeping bag and all your clothes, but what are you going to eat? Here’s the best easy camping food list to make sure you have everything you need to keep your energy levels high.
Planning a camping trip? One thing that can make or break a successful outdoor adventure is having the right food on hand. No one wants a hangry camper!
It’s nice to find cute country pubs to eat out at when camping, but if you’re in the middle of nowhere or just want to really embrace the spirit of camping, then you’ll want to prepare your own meals.
I’ve put together suggestions for meals that are easy to pack and even easier to prepare. From quick breakfasts to convenient snacks and hot dinners, this camping food list is designed to make your camping experience fun and fuss-free!
Your ultimate list of camping food
From what to have for breakfast to random things you don’t want to forget, here’s the best camping food list to ensure you don’t go hungry.
Breakfast: camping food list
When camping, a hearty breakfast is essential to kickstart your day outdoors. Whether I’m at a festival or on a family camping trip, waking up in a tent seems to make me hungrier than usual!
Below, I’ve compiled easy and scrumptious breakfast ideas to add to your camping food list. From quick no-bake options to dishes cooked over the campfire, these suggestions cater to all different tastes and preferences. For simple starts or even a gourmet campsite feast, these easy camping breakfast ideas promise to kickstart your day in the great outdoors
1. Porridge oats
Ideal for camping due to their quick preparation and versatility, requiring only hot water to become a filling and warming breakfast staple. You could even buy the instant pots of porridge for even easier creation.
2. Cereal bars
Convenient and mess-free, cereal bars are a portable breakfast option, providing a quick energy boost for campers on the move. Maybe add a few of number 5s to make it a fuller meal.
3. Bagels or English muffins
These bread options are easy to pack and versatile for creating a variety of breakfast sandwiches with different toppings. When you’re on the go, see if you can get hold of the little one portion plastic sachets of marmite of jam to lube them up a bit.
4. Peanut butter or almond butter
Nut butters are high in protein and healthy fats, offering a nutritious and energy-dense addition to breakfast, easily spread on bread or fruit. They’re also pretty long lasting in the sun, rain and cold too.
5. Fresh fruit
Simple and refreshing, fresh fruits like apples and bananas provide essential vitamins and a hydrating start to the day, requiring minimal preparation. Put them in a sturdy tupperware box to make them last for longer – no one likes bruised fruit!
Thinking bigger… add these food items to your camping food list to cook over a fire or portable stove.
6. Bacon, egg, and avocado sandwich
Enjoy a hearty combination of crispy bacon, fried eggs, and creamy avocado sandwiched between slices of bread or a bagel for a more indulgent breakfast on the go. If you’re camping, this might have to be a day one indulgence. Or, as the time goes on you can always forego the bacon – eggs and avocado will still be delicious!
7. Blueberry pancakes
Fluffy pancakes studded with juicy blueberries, cooked over a portable stove or campfire, creating a delicious and classic camping breakfast. You could even make the pancake mix before you go so it’s ready to pour in your camping pan on the first morning.
8. Granola
A quick and nutritious option, granola can be enjoyed with milk or yoghurt, providing a crunchy and energy-packed start to the day. I actually really like it just on it’s own, as a snack – so does my son!
9. Halloumi breakfast sandwich
How about some grilled halloumi cheese paired with eggs and perhaps some veggies, served in a sandwich or wrap for a tasty and protein-rich hearty camping breakfast. Oh, yes, sounds YUM.
10. French toast
Slices of bread soaked in a mixture of eggs and milk, then cooked until golden brown. Top with syrup or fresh fruits for a delightful camping morning treat. Here’s a great recipe for French toast while you’re camping.
11. Breakfast burrito
A portable and customisable option, breakfast burritos typically include scrambled eggs, meat (like bacon or sausage), cheese, and optional veggies, all wrapped in a tortilla. These take a little more effort to make but you may love the thrill of campsite cooking.
Another bonus is that you could also have leftovers for lunch!
You might need one of these cool boxes for camping for this option though.
12. Scrambled eggs
A classic and versatile camping breakfast, scrambled eggs can be prepared with various additions like cheese, herbs, or veggies for added flavour. Quick and easy to prepare yet warming and filling after a night camping under the stars!
These are super easy to make, and super easy to store too (as long as it’s not too hot!)
13. Full English breakfast
A traditional British breakfast featuring a combination of eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, tomatoes, and mushrooms could be just what you need to start your camping day. Definitely the biggest breakfast suggestion but a classic, tasty and filling breakfast if you bring your camping stove!
Remember though, all that cleaning up might have you just reaching for your cereal bars.
Lunch and snacks: camping food list
Thinking of lunch and snacks already? These on-the-go options can be easily packed up and taken with you while exploring to keep your energy levels up. Sweet or savoury, hot or cold – find the perfect fuel to add to your camping food list for your outdoor journey.
1. Trail mix
A convenient and energy-dense snack, trail mix combines nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, providing a quick source of protein and healthy fats for sustained energy during outdoor activities. Cadbury’s have just bought out a new trail mix, complete with orange choc Buttons – so good!
2. Jerky
Lightweight, non-perishable, and high in protein, jerky is an excellent on-the-go snack that doesn’t require refrigeration, making it a practical choice for camping. It usually comes as beef or turkey but you can now also get plant-based varieties too.
3. Mixed nuts
Packed with protein and healthy fats, mixed nuts offer a portable and filling snack option.
4. Crackers
Versatile and easy to pack, crackers are a staple for creating quick and mess-free snacks when paired with cheese, spreads, or toppings.
5. Cheese
Hard cheese doesn’t require refrigeration for short periods, making it an ideal addition to crackers or sandwiches.
6. Hummus
A versatile dip that pairs well with fresh vegetables or crackers, hummus provides a tasty and nutritious snack, offering a blend of protein and fibre.
7. Fresh vegetables
Nutrient-dense and hydrating, fresh vegetables are a healthy snack that add some crunch to your camping menu and helpfully they require very little preparation; for example carrots. If you’re only camping for a couple of days this will be ok, beyond that they need refrigeration so bear that in mind. Do you have a cooler box you can bring?
8. Tortillas or wraps
Convenient and versatile, tortillas or wraps are an excellent alternative to bread, allowing for easy and mess-free assembly of sandwiches or wraps with various fillings. They also last a bit longer too. Top tip: warm it up over your portable stove and sprinkle some grated cheese on the top. YUM.
9. Canned tuna
A portable and non-perishable option that can be easily incorporated into salads, wraps, or sandwiches is canned tuna which is also full of protein!
10. Energy bars
Energy bars are a convenient on-the-go snack, providing a mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fats during outdoor activities.
11. Dried fruit
Lightweight and portable, dried fruits are a sweet and energy-boosting snack, perfect for satisfying cravings during hikes or as a quick pick-me-up between meals.
Dinner: Camping food list
As the day winds down during your camping expedition, you need a hot and filling dinner. There’s literally nothing better than good food at the end of the camping day, you’ll need it to refuel and rest (or warm up if it’s typical UK weather!).
These are practical camping dinner ideas, ranging from quick and easy recipes to those you can cook over the campfire. Use this as your go-to for camper-friendly dinner options. Whether you prefer something simple or a bit more elaborate, these dinner ideas have something for everyone – including marshmallows.
Don’t forget to add them to your camping food list!
1. Instant noodles or pasta
Quick and easy to cook, instant noodles or pasta are convenient options for a simple camping dinner, especially when paired with simple sauces or meat/veggie protein.
2. Instant rice
With a shorter cooking time than traditional rice, instant rice is a practical and quick-to-prepare food that complements various camping-friendly dishes.
3. Canned beans
Who doesn’t love beans?! A versatile carb and protein source, canned beans are easy to incorporate into campfire chilli, wraps, or salads. Also, beans on toast anyone? A simple classic.
4. Instant mashed potatoes
Mash is like a big hug isn’t it? Quick to prepare and requiring only hot water, instant mashed potatoes are a convenient side dish (or main if you’re that way inclined) that pairs well with various main courses, adding a home comfort to camping meals.
5. Tofu
For vegetarian campers, tofu is an excellent protein source that can be easily integrated into a variety of camping dishes, from stir-fries to wraps.
6. Instant soup mixes
Providing a warm and comforting option for chilly evenings, instant soup mixes are a quick and easy way to enjoy a hot bowl of soup at the campsite.
7. Foil wrapped meals (pre-prepared at home)
If you’re only camping for a night you could always pre-prepare meals to take with you which just need a quick reheat on a campfire stove. Any longer than this and obviously the food would need refrigeration to prevent spoiling though.
8. Hot dogs
A more traditional BBQ type food, simple but tasty campfire hot dogs are a quick and fuss-free dinner option. Roast them to perfection, place them in buns, and customise with your favourite toppings!
9. Hamburgers
Elevate your camping dinner with juicy hamburgers, grilled to perfection and nestled in buns. Set up a toppings station with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and condiments if you’re feeling fancy or just opt for classic and simple burgers for an outdoor feast.
10. Tacos
Now this may be one for the campers that love to cook, as it requires more equipment and cooking time. However, you can add a touch of Mexican flair to your campsite with tacos. Prepare seasoned meat or beans, and let campers assemble their own with an array of toppings.
11. Marshmallows
Cap off your camping day with a sweet treat by roasting marshmallows over the fire. A perfect way to end your adventures! You could even have some fun trying to create the famous camping dessert of s’mores by squishing them between chocolate and graham crackers!
12. Soup
Whether canned or cuppa, soup provides a warm and comforting option for chilly evenings, and is a quick and easy way to enjoy a hot meal at the campsite.
Cooking essentials: Camping food list
When it comes to outdoor cooking, having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing a hassle-free camping meal. Whether you’re a regular camper or starting on your first outdoor cooking adventure, having the essential utensils and tools is key.
In addition to the camping food list, I’ve gathered together suggestions for the must-have cooking essentials for camping, from portable stoves to utensils and cookware. These practical items mean you can whip up a variety of meals at your campsite with (hopefully) no stress!
- 1. Portable camping stove or campfire cooking equipment (you can find great ones from Argos or Amazon)
- 2. Cooking utensils (pot, pan, spatula, cooking spoon)
- 3. Portable grill or barbecue
- 4. Cooking fuel or charcoal
- 5. Lighter or matches
- 6. Soap and sponge
- 7. Washing up bowl
- 8. Olive oil or cooking spray
- 9. Salt, pepper, and other favourite spices
- 10. Sauces (soy sauce, hot sauce, ketchup)
- 11. Cool box (check out my list of the best cool boxes to buy here).
Drinks for your camping food list
- 1. Water bottles
- 2. Electrolyte drinks
- 3. Instant coffee or coffee bags
- 4. Tea bags
- 5. Powdered milk
- 6. Squash
Few random items to add to your camping food list
While focusing on the main aspects of camping gear is crucial, it’s often the smaller, miscellaneous items that can make all the difference to your day-to-day experience. From home comforts to maximising convenience, these additional items luckily can help smoothing out the rough edges of outdoor living!
From clever storage solutions to handy tools, these items are the unsung heroes of any camping food list.
- 1. Cooler with ice packs
- 2. Ziplock bags and bin bags
- 3. Aluminium foil
- 4. Cutlery
- 5. Baby wipes / cleaning wipes
I hope you’ve found this camping food list helpful for providing ideas for all the different kinds of foods, drinks, meals and equipment you may need for an amazing camping experience. Below is a quicklist for you to scan and check off before you head off on your outdoor adventures!
For more advice, check out my top tips for prepare for your next camping trip.
Camping food quicklist
Breakfast
- 1. Porridge oats
- 2. Cereal bars
- 3. Bagels or English muffins
- 4. Peanut butter or almond butter
- 5. Fresh fruit
- 6. Bacon, egg, and avocado sandwich
- 7. Blueberry pancakes
- 8. Granola
- 9. Halloumi breakfast sandwich
- 10. French toast
- 11. Breakfast burrito
- 12. Scrambled eggs
- 13. Full English breakfast
Lunch and snacks
- 14. Trail mix
- 15. Jerky (beef, turkey, or plant-based)
- 16. Nut mixes
- 17. Crackers
- 18. Cheese
- 19. Hummus
- 20. Fresh vegetables (e.g., carrots, cherry tomatoes)
- 21. Tortillas or wraps
- 22. Canned tuna
- 23. Energy bars
- 24. Dried fruit
Dinner
- 25. Instant noodles or pasta
- 26. Instant rice
- 27. Canned beans
- 28. Instant mashed potatoes
- 29. Tofu
- 30. Instant soup mixes
- 31. Foil packet meals (pre-prepared at home)
- 32. Hot Dogs
- 33. Hamburgers
- 34. Tacos
- 35. Marshmallows
