Family Friendly Camp Recipes

Let’s Get Cooking!

Tired of making the same old barbeque meals on the campfire? Ditch those burgers and hot dogs and try these easy make ahead meals instead! If your children are picky eaters then you may have to modify some of these recipes, however, all of these meals have been pre-approved by my 4-year-old son!

Breakfast

Easy make ahead pancakes

Prep the batter before you go to make this an easy go to family breakfast! If you’re like us, then you are tent campers. You do not need a stove for this recipe. A cast iron skillet, portable camp stove, or griddle pan will work for this recipe.

Make ahead breakfast burritos

A hearty and easy way to start the day. Prep at home and warm on campfire in the foil for 10-15 minutes.

Lunch or Dinner

Salad in a jar

One of my personal favorites for make ahead camping meals. Perfect as a side or meal.

What you’ll need: mason jar, protein, greens, toppings, and salad dressing.

*Size matters: large mason jars for adults or multiple portions and smaller jars for children.

I like to use chicken for this recipe. You can bake or grill your chicken breasts the night before. Then shred or cube your chicken. My go to greens are spinach and iceberg lettuce, they hold up well to the moisture of the dressing. You can use just about anything for toppings. My family and I love mini peppers, corn, red onions, and shredded cheese. I prefer a lower calorie dressing such as Panera poppyseed.

*Order matters: when assembling your salads in a jar make sure you put the dressing on the bottom of the jar. I like to put my chicken next so the dressing acts and a marinade. This also helps create a barrier between the dressing and the toppings and greens to prevent sogginess. Toppings go next, some prefer to put veggies before the cheese, I like it either way. Last is the greens. It is important to keep the dressing as far from the greens as possible to reduce the chance of sogginess and to keep the salads as fresh as possible. These salads in a jar are typically fresh for 3-4 days when assembled appropriately. Imagine having a fresh chopped salad without having to do any camping dishes or prep!

*Freshness tip: Keep cheese, croutons, or any crunchy topping separate and add just before eating

Make ahead campfire Mac & Cheese

Comfort food approved by most. Easy to reheat and even easier to serve in the individual pie dish servings. Add cooked bacon to make this even more delicious.

Tacos!

Chop your sides before you go to save time and clean up. Store in individual zip-block bags or sealed Tupperware. Toast the tortillas on the campfire to elevate the taste and embrace the campfire life. You can make the meat at home and simply heat up on a skillet for an even easier family dinner. If you’re camping with other families, this is a budget-friendly way to feed a large group. Have everyone bring a topping or side to create the ultimate taco bar camping experience!

Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packs

This is a family favorite made easy by using pre-cooked meats. Leave out the shrimp to make it more kid friendly. Substitute potatoes for the zucchini if you’re looking for a heartier meal, or you have veggie resistant kiddos. We like to use red baby potatoes, and we quarter them to ensure a proper cook.

*Tip: Place the foods on the bottom of the foil packet that will take the longest to cook (potato or zucchini), closest to the campfire, to ensure a proper cook. Chop your parsley and lemon slices before you go to save time! If I prep the packets before we go, I usually make this meal the first night to ensure freshness. This meal can be assembled rather easily at the campsite also. I would recommend cutting your corn before you go to save time and unnecessary stress!

Dessert

Campfire dessert cones

A twist on the smores classic! These are so easy, and the kiddos will have fun helping you assemble them. They can be made ahead, but personally I enjoy making them out in the woods with my son. Marshmallows are a must for this recipe, but otherwise you can really customize it to your families’ preferences. Use sugar free cones or fruit for a healthier, and just as enjoyable option.

Apple Crisp Foil Packets

This dessert isn’t quite a make ahead meal, but it is family and campfire friendly! Bring ice cream or whipped cream if you have a cold packed cooler to top it off right. If you don’t have a grill grate, make sure to place the packets on the outskirts of the fire, rotating halfway throughout the cook.