Nope, we’re not talking about cold cereal and boring sandwiches. You can have no-cook camping meals that are tasty, healthy and fun to eat. Here’s a list of camp food ideas you can make without a stove—or campfire!
Tips for Your Camp Kitchen
The key to cooking less while camping is to plan and prepare ahead of time. I like to have camp kitchen stocked with all of the ingredients, tools and storage that I need.
- Use large reusable silicone storage bags to label meals by days or store cold salads flat.
- Mason jars make it easy to fill up with quick, grab-and-go salads or breakfast and can be a space saver, too.
- I use collapsible silicone bowls and cups that take up less space and decrease trash.
It doesn’t hurt to know a couple of vintage camp kitchen hacks, either!
Breakfast
Jump-start the day with foods that will keep you full. Doughnuts may seem like fun camp food, but you are bound to get hungry an hour later. We like to pair proteins (like boiled eggs, yogurt, beans or milk) with complex carbohydrates (like oats, whole grain breads or beans) to fuel our morning adventures.
- Yogurt Parfaits. Plain or flavored yogurt layered with chopped nuts, chia seeds, muesli or fresh fruit can make for a hearty and quick breakfast.
- Granola With Milk. If you’re running low on cold storage, opt for boxed milk.
- Boiled Egg Breakfast Sandwich. Yes, a fried egg sandwich tastes great, but so does a boiled egg sandwich. Grab a croissant and fill with premade sliced hard-boiled eggs, sliced cheese and ham.
- Overnight Oatmeal. Grab a mason jar and create a bunch of these before you leave home!
- Bean Toast Bites. The Brits have long been putting cold beans on toast. Open up a can of baked beans and serve with a piece of crusty French bread.
Lunch
Whether you’re out fishing, hiking on a trail or just hanging close to camp, everyone needs to break for lunch. Serve each recipe up on its own or combine together for a memorable meal.
- Peanut Butter and Honey or Jelly Sandwiches. Here are 15 genius ways to upgrade your PB&J.
- Stacked Crackers. Pair your crackers with sliced salami and cheese or creamy peanut butter for a quick lunch bite.
- Hummus and Veggie Sticks. Store-bought hummus works, but making your own definitely is worth the effort. Try this popular Lemon Garlic Hummus recipe.
- Nutty Berry Trail Mix or Granola Trail Mix. The mix recipes make for a fun lunch add-on or snack between meals.
- Jerky. Store-bought works, but for those prefer to make their own, try this recipe for easy beef jerky.
- Sandwich Wraps. Grab a cold tortilla, spread with hummus and your favorite sandwich toppings, like shredded lettuce, cucumber slices and cold cuts.
- Tuna, Chicken or Egg Salad Sandwiches. Mayo combined with protein, like tuna or chicken, can spoil quickly, so be sure to keep these sandwiches cold until it’s lunchtime.
- Apple Peanut Butter Sandwiches. Thick slices of apples topped with creamy peanut butter and chocolate chips can be served up as a snack or a tasty treat after lunch. Here’s the recipe for our peanut butter stackers.
- Layered Fresh Fruit Salad.
- Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches. Cold bacon still makes for a delicious BLT!
For those who love to cook around the campfire, check out this article that’s packed with easy camp cooking ideas.
Dinner
For most dinners, you can opt to make-ahead or tap into convenience foods like rotisserie chicken, salads-in-a-bag or canned foods. Our family favorites include bowls (like you’d have at Chipotle), spiralized veggie salads or pasta salads.
- Chicken Bowls. Canned beans (rinsed), shredded lettuce or cabbage, chopped tomatoes and cucumbers, shredded cheese and dressing of choice (ranch, Italian or honey mustard).
- Taco Bowls. Make taco meat ahead of time or make it meatless with canned beans. You can opt for a layered salad or let the family make their own with corn chips, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, shredded cheese, beans, olives and salsa. Top the salad off with a dressing, like a simple squeeze of lime and olive oil or stir taco seasoning into ranch dressing for a creamy topping.
- Antipasto Salad Platter. Italian cold cuts, canned artichoke hearts, quartered mushrooms, sliced cucumbers, sliced tomatoes, kidney or garbanzo beans, feta squares and sliced red onion, all topped with Italian dressing and served with crusty French bread.
- Sesame Almond Slaw. Serve this slaw recipe with cold rotisserie chicken for a super-satisfying meal.
- Make Ahead Six-Layer Salad. Add in chopped ham or serve with sandwiches to complete the dinner.
- Southwest Shredded Pork Salad. Just a handful of chips and this meal is complete.
- Ham and Potato Salad Sandwiches. Hearty and easy to pull together when you need dinner on the table fast!
- Charcuterie Board. That’s just the fancy way of saying cheese and meat board. Pre-slice your meats and cheese in advance for convenience or stick a knife on the board and let folks cut their own. Grab a box of fancy crackers or make these Cheesy Sun Crisps.
- Cold Hot Dogs and Canned 3-Bean-Salad. Sounds fancy, right? This was definitely a family favorite in our home. Yes, hot dogs are pre-cooked or smoked, so they are safe to eat cold. But, should someone in your party have a weakened immune system or be pregnant, they should skip cold hot dogs and cold cuts.
- Caprese Salad Kebabs and Rotisserie Chicken.
Find More Camp Food Inspiration
If you love to cook and are great at planning, check out our collection of easy camping recipes for some fun food-spiration before you head outdoors. You can also find all of our camping food ideas in one spot, here.
Psst! You can check out my camping adventures by following #olafthecampervan on Instagram.
The Best Camping Food Ideas to Pack in Your Bag
1 / 75
Nuts and Seeds Trail Mix
A filling blend of nuts, seeds, chocolate chips and dried fruit keeps you healthy by the handful. —Kristin Rimkus, Snohomish, Washington
Ripe fruits are a great food to take camping without a fridge. Check out which fruits keep ripening after they're picked so you choose the right fruit to bring on your trip.
Teriyaki Beef Jerky
Jerky is a portable, chewy snack. You can make your own with our recipe. The meat has a savory flavor and a bit of heat. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Mustard Pretzel Nuggets
This quick and fun snack is similar to the mustard pretzels you can buy at the store, but you can make it for a fraction of the price. It's a killer recipe for all kinds of parties and football gatherings. —Sarah Mathews, Ava Missouri
Homemade Honey Grahams
The way that my boys gobble up graham crackers, it's a good thing I don't buy them at the store. My homemade version is less expensive, with the added bonus of using minimally processed ingredients. These are fantastic, but they don't last long! —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Are you asking yourself "what food should I bring camping?" If so, these no-bake recipes are always a good choice.
Granola Streusel Cranberry Muffin Mix
These are great for breakfast. Once the family gets a taste, these delicious muffins will disappear quickly! —Karen Moore, Jacksonville, Florida
Slow Cooker Coconut Granola
Here's a versatile treat with a taste of the tropics. Mix it up by subbing dried pineapple or tropical fruits for the cherries. —Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Parmesan-Ranch Snack Mix
This is a quick, easy and delicious snack, especially for kids. No one that I've made it for can have just one handful, they always come back for more...and more! So if you’re thinking about cutting the recipe in half to make less, I wouldn’t recommend it. —Tammy Landry, Saucier, Mississippi
Lemony Snack Mix
I'm on a gluten-restricted diet. I came up with this snack mix one day when I wanted something fast and easy that tasted like lemon bars. It makes a great gift, and folks love the light and fresh citrus flavor. —Patricia Sensenich, Olanthe, Kansas
Cheese Crispies
For years I’ve taken these crispy, crunchy snacks to work. They get high marks from everybody in the teachers lounge. —Eileen Ball, Cornelius, North Carolina
Roasted Cheddar Herb Almonds
I prepared these one Christmas for my son, who was on a low-carb diet. I was afraid he'd be disappointed because he couldn't eat holiday cookies, but these made up for it—he loved them! Save a handful to chop and sprinkle over a green salad or pasta. —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Tender Whole Wheat Muffins
Simple whole wheat muffins are wonderful paired with soup or spread with a little jam for breakfast. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, NY
Crunchy Granola Pretzel Sticks
I love this healthier, portable snack that's sweet, crunchy and fun to make. If you don't have granola, use other cereals or nuts. You can even do bacon bits.—Kelly Silvers, Edmond, Oklahoma
Sweet 'n' Salty Party Mix
These crunchy munchies are sure to rank high with your family and friends. The combination of flavors gets this sweet and salty chex mix recipe just right. —Candice Lumley, Charles City, Iowa
Homemade Bagels
I always wanted to make my own bagels, so I searched to find a recipe I could try. For variation and flavor, I sometimes add cinnamon and raisins or honey and sesame seeds to the dough.
Granola Trail Mix
My family has always enjoyed this crunchy four-ingredient snack. When we go camping, each person includes one additional ingredient like mini marshmallows, corn chips or cookie pieces. The taste is never the same, and we're often surprised by the combinations. —Shelley Riddlespurger, Amarillo, Texas
Cheddar-Pecan Crisps
Lots of holiday treats are sweet. For a change of pace, I fill goodie bags with my cheese crackers. The recipe has a large yield, but you can freeze the dough logs to bake later. —Heather Necessary, Shamokin Dan, Pennsylvania
Sweet & Salty Party Mix
My husband doesn't like traditional party mixes because he thinks they’re too salty or sweet. He calls this one his favorite—it’s just right. —Jackie Burns, Kettle Falls, Washington
Chewy Honey Granola Bars
There's sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, a hint of chocolate and cinnamon, and a bit of crunch. These granola bars freeze beautifully, so you can snack anytime. —Tasha Lehman, Williston, Vermont
Sweet Chipotle Pretzels
Pretzels are a great snack food. I love this recipe because it is sweet as well as spicy, but not too spicy. It's a great combination for munching. —Geraldine Saucier, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Really Good Snack Mix
I grew tired of my family picking through a snack mix for their favorite ingredients and leaving the rest. So I experimented using only their most-loved mix-ins and came up with this recipe. Now there's never any left! —Lori Genske, Waldo, Wisconsin
Caramel Apple Muffins
Anyone who loves caramel apples will love these muffins. They are great served with breakfast or coffee. —Therese Puckett, Shreveport, Louisiana
Cajun Party Mix
I pack this mix in Christmas tins to give to friends and family. They can't seem to get enough-and it's so easy!
Snack Crackers
Our 13-year-old daughter, Dana, loves to make this crunchy and flavorful snack for us. Her four older brothers finish off a batch in no time. —Sue Manel, Milladore, Wisconsin
Taco Pumpkin Seeds
Here is a hot idea from our Test Kitchen—toast seeds from a freshly cut pumpkin in taco seasoning and a bit of garlic salt. The combination packs a tasty punch! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Blueberry-Orange Muffins
This recipe was given to me some time ago, and I've used it often since. In fact, it's so good that it won first prize at a county fair! Blueberries are plentiful here in the Midwest, and this is a delicious way to prepare them. —Irene Parry, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Kiddie Crunch Mix
This no-bake snack mix is a real treat for kids, and you can easily increase the amount to fit your needs. Place it in individual plastic bags or pour some into colored ice cream cones and cover with plastic wrap for a fun presentation. —Kara De la Vega, Santa Rosa, California.
Chesapeake Snack Mix
Plain pretzels pale in comparison to this jazzy concoction that microwaves in moments. Pack a pouch to go for an easy at-work or on-the-road snack. —JoAnne Geiger, Baltimore
Party Pretzels
Not only are these a perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack at work, they're perfect for hungry kids just home from school. Plus, they make for fantastic party food! —Carrie Shaub, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania
Honey Bagels
Who has time to make from-scratch bagels? You do, with this easy recipe! The chewy golden bagels offer a hint of honey and will win over even the pickiest eaters. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Light Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Try this zippy twist on a favorite Halloween tradition. These amped-up pumpkin seeds have just enough heat to take the chill off autumn afternoons! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Five-Spice Pecans
Talk about a sugar-and-spice treat! Just try to stop eating these toasty, roasty snack nuts. “They’re also great sprinkled on all kinds of salads.” Anne Leslie - Chandler, IN
Cinnamon Twists
These delightful golden twists are perfect for a spring brunch or lunch. The brown sugar and cinnamon give them a delicate spicy flavor. It's a good thing the recipe makes a big batch, because people can rarely eat just one. —Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois
Ranch Snack Mix
This is a wonderful fast-to-fix munchie. The recipe makes tons and doesn't involve any cooking. It's a cinch to package in individual snack bags, it keeps its crunch and it's a savory alternative to the cakes and pies usually offered at bake sales. —Linda Murphy, Pulaski, Wisconsin
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Roasting pumpkin seeds is easier than it seems. Just hollow a pumpkin out, spice 'em and bake 'em for a fun snack. —Dawn Fagerstrom, Warren, Minnesota
Nut-Topped Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins
A sweet, crispy topping highlights these tender muffins that are filled with two favorite spring foods, rhubarb and strawberries. They're perfect for a brunch or a grab-and-go breakfast. —Audrey Stallsmith, Hadley, Pennsylvania
Nut Butter Cups
My indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks great. At our house, we use all-natural ingredients for them. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Cranberry Dark Chocolate Trail Mix
A close friend once gave me a jar of trail mix that was absolutely delicious. My re-creation comes pretty close to the original and is truly one of my favorite snacks! —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma
Wholesome Wheat Bread
My sister and I were in 4-H, and Mom was our breads project leader for years. Because of that early training, fresh homemade bread like this is a staple in my own kitchen. -Karen Wingate, Coldwater, Kansas
Golden Granola
This crunchy granola—which may be eaten as cereal or used to top ice cream or fruit—makes a welcome gift. —Maxine Smith, Owanka, South Dakota
Chocolate Chip-Cranberry Scones
My daughter started making these as a "healthy" alternative to cookies since we seem to like cookies of any kind. I've never been able to eat just one, so this recipe seemed perfect for us. —Nichole Jones, Idaho Falls, Idaho
Zesty Snack Mix
Reveals Jeanette Grantstein of Wichita, Kansas, "This crisp snack mix is a mouthwatering combination of sweet and spicy. I've taken it to numerous gatherings. Make a bowlful when the munchies hit."—Jeanette Grantstein, Wichita, Kansas
Herbed Bread Twists
A blend of herbs and a special shape dress up ordinary frozen bread dough in the unbelievably easy recipe.—Deb Stapert, Comstock Park, Michigan
Spicy Mixed Nuts
Cumin and chili powder give extra oomph to the classic homemade nut mix. It's a smart solution for holiday snacking and gift giving. —Delores Hill, Helena, Montana
Chocolate Yeast Bread
Your family will love this tender loaf of chocolate bread. Slices are excellent when toasted and spread with butter, cream cheese or peanut butter. —Laura Cryts, Derry, New Hampshire
Roasted Fresh Pumpkin Seeds
I learned how to roast pumpkin seeds from my mother, who learned it from her mother. Keep an eye on the seeds so they don’t scorch. —Margaret Drye, Plainfield, New Hampshire
Soft Beer Pretzel Nuggets
What goes together better than beer and pretzels? Not much that I can think of. That’s why I put them together into one recipe. I’m always looking for new ways to combine fun flavors. I love the way this recipe turned out! —Alyssa Wilhite, Whitehouse, Texas
Pumpkin-Apple Muffins with Streusel Topping
My mother always made these tasty muffins whenever our family got together at her house. Now they’re a family favorite at my house, and my in-laws love them, too! —Carolyn Riley, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Spicy Almonds
We like to adventure out into the Selkirk mountain range surrounding our family cabin. These nuts never tasted better than when we enjoyed them together at the peak of an amazing hike. Almonds are extremely nutritious, and, when dressed up with a wonderful blend of spices, they go from ordinary to awesome! —Gina Myers, Spokane, Washington
Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina
Rosemary Walnuts
My Aunt Mary started making this recipe years ago, and each time we visited her she would have a batch ready for us. The use of cayenne adds an unexpected zing to the savory combo of rosemary and walnuts. When you need a good housewarming or hostess gift, double the batch and save one for yourself. —Renee Ciancio, New Bern, North Carolina
Best Ever Breadsticks
Present these long and thin breadsticks in a tall clear glass alongside an Italian favorite like lasagna or spaghetti.—Carol Wolfer, Lebanon, Oregon
Monster Munchies
Magically transform squash or pumpkin seeds into a spellbinding snack with ranch salad dressing mix. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Parmesan Scones
The addition of onions gives these scones a nice bite. You can even stir in some basil or oregano if you like. —Jolie Stinson, Marion, Indiana
Rosemary-Parmesan Popcorn
Fresh herbs and real cheese make this popcorn a homemade favorite that will make you forget about store-bought seasoning mixes. —Dan Kelmenson, West Bloomfield, Michigan
Quick Biscuits
Quick Biscuits from Diane Hixon of Niceville, Florida make a satisfying accompaniment to the meal. "I never made biscuits until I tried this two-ingredient recipe," Diane explains. "Now my husband wants biscuits all the time!"
Nutty Berry Trail Mix
This recipe, my son’s favorite, earned me an “A” in my early childhood nutrition course. It lets you take control of what your children snack on! —Cheri Majors, Claremont, California
Homemade English Muffin Bread
Most of my cooking and baking is from scratch, and I think it's worth the time and effort. Everyone enjoys homemade goodies like this delicious bread. —Elsie Trippett, Jackson, Michigan
Spiced Nut Mix
One Christmas, my good friend gave me this recipe and a sack of ingredients. I think of her every time I stir up these pumpkin-spiced nuts. —Patti Holland, Parker, Colorado
Rhubarb Nut Muffins
Muffins are my weakness! When I make these to take to a gathering, I always come home with an empty plate. —Mary Kay Morris, Cokato, Minnesota
Bananas Foster Crunch Mix
Bananas Foster is one of my favorite desserts. So I thought that a crunchy, snackable version would be a hit. It's heated in the microwave and takes just a few minutes to make. —David Dahlman, Chatsworth, California
Roasted Cumin Cashews
Kick up parties and get-togethers with this well-seasoned snack. The cashews are sweet, salty, crunchy...and oh, so munchable. —Martha Fehl, Brookville, Indiana
Garlic Pumpkin Seeds
What to do with all those pumpkin seeds guests will be scooping out at your party? This yummy, microwave-easy recipe will have folks eating 'em up by crunchy handfuls! Save a few for yourself before they're gone, suggests Iola Egle of Bella Vista, Arkansas.
Walnut Zucchini Muffins
Shredded zucchini adds makes these walnutty muffins extra tender. If you have lots of zucchini in summer as many of us do, this is a good way to use some of it. —Harriet Stichter, Milford, Indiana
Wonderful English Muffins
When I was growing up on a farm, my mom always seemed to be making homemade bread...nothing tasted so good! Now I like to make these simple yet delicious muffins for my own family. —Linda Rasmussen, Twin Falls, Idaho
1-2-3 Snack Mix
Salty and satisfying, this colorful, kid-friendly trail mix provides quick protein and energy by the handful on action-packed summer days. It's great for long car trips, too! —Sue Sherman, Toledo, Ohio
Gluten-Free Chocolate Snack Mix
Being gluten-intolerant, I experiment with a lot of recipes. This sweet snack is fun for kids and adults alike! —Angela Buchanan, Longmont, Colorado
Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
The recipe for these four-ingredient biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina
Orange-Ancho Spiced Nuts
Get ready for a flavor adventure. These nuts offer a tasty combination of orange, ancho chili pepper and chocolate. The pepper gives a smoky taste. Increase it to add more warmth.—Leigh Doutt, Pueblo West, Colorado
Basic Banana Muffins
This banana muffin recipe goes over so well with kids. Not only are these banana bread muffins like cupcakes, but they’re ready, start to finish, in just half an hour! —Lorna Greene, Harrington, Maine
Crunchy Italian Snack Mix
Every time my son visits, he asks me to make "the snack mix." It has become a requirement when we all sit down to play board games. —Sheryl Little, Sherwood, Arkansas
Garlic & Onion Cashews
You'll be set for either a quick snack or an easy hostess gift when you use this recipe. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Your family will be impressed with the soft texture and appealing swirls of cinnamon in these lovely breakfast loaves. —Diane Armstrong, Elm Grove, Wisconsin.
Sugar-and-Spice Candied Nuts
Here’s a wonderful snack to have on hand for entertaining, gift-giving or just munching anytime. With a sweet-spicy coating, the crunchy mixed nuts are hard to resist.—Tonya Burkhard, David, Illinois
Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones
Cheese and sage go well with apples, so why not put them all in scones? These mini ones make a fall brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Chia Seed Protein Bites
I keep these little bites on hand in my refrigerator and grab them for breakfast or snack on when I'm in a hurry. We have a lot of food allergies in our family and I like to keep healthy snacks around that everyone can eat. This recipe has no gluten, eggs, dairy or corn, so it's the perfect go-to treat in our house. —Tanja Miller, Peoria, Arizona
Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The post 25 No-Cook Camping Meals for Your Next Outdoor Adventure appeared first on Taste of Home.
Wendy Jo Peterson