30 easy camping meals to fuel your adventures

Camping is all about exploring the outdoors and experiencing the adventure, but let's be honest, there's no adventure without food.

Whether you're a seasoned touring caravan owner or new to motorhome living, easy camping meals are key to enjoying your trip without spending all your time cooking. When you're on the road, meal prep should be quick, hassle-free, and require minimal ingredients. After all, you're there to enjoy nature, not toil over a hot stove.

Look no further if you're looking for simple and tasty meal ideas perfect for your touring adventures. In this guide, we share many easy camping meals perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert. These meal ideas will make your camping trip a breeze and keep you well-fed without any stress.

 

What makes a great camping meal?

When trying out new camping recipe ideas, the meal prep should be as easy and convenient as the rest of your camping experience. Here's what makes a great camping meal:

• Quick preparation, minimal ingredients—easy camping meals should be simple. The fewer ingredients, the better! You don't need fancy spices or complicated instructions, just delicious, easy-to-find ingredients that come together quickly.
• One-pot and no-cook options—when cooking space is limited, one-pot meals are a lifesaver. Think stews, pasta dishes, or anything cooked in a single pot or skillet. And, when you're short on time or resources, no-cook meals are the way to go. A wrap or sandwich requires zero heat.
• Lightweight and travel-friendly—the beauty of touring in a caravan or motorhome is having everything you need at your fingertips, but it also means you are limited for space. Opt for meals that don't need bulky ingredients and are easy to pack and store.

Let's get cooking with these easy camping meals perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.

 

Easy camping meals for breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, even when you're camping! Whether you want a quick, no-cook option or something more substantial, these breakfast ideas will surely hit the spot.

 

No-cook breakfast options

• Overnight oats—prep your oats the night before in a jar or container by combining oats, milk (or a dairy-free alternative), and your favourite toppings (berries, honey, or nuts). Let it sit overnight, and you'll wake up to a delicious, hassle-free breakfast.
• Greek yoghurt parfaits—layer Greek yoghurt with granola and fresh fruit like berries, banana slices, or even a drizzle of honey. It's fresh, nutritious, and requires zero cooking.
• Cereal & milk—sometimes, the easiest options are the best. A box of cereal and milk (or a dairy-free alternative) is a simple and quick breakfast that requires no prep at all.

 

Quick one-pan breakfasts

• Campfire scrambled eggs—heat a frying pan, crack in a few eggs, and scramble. Add some pre-chopped veggies like peppers, mushrooms, and spinach for a complete meal. You can even throw in some cheese for extra flavour.
• Camping French toast—beat some eggs with milk and cinnamon, dip slices of bread into the mixture, and cook them in a pan over your campfire or stove. Top with syrup, berries, or powdered sugar for a delicious treat.
• Breakfast burritos—scramble eggs, add some pre-cooked bacon or sausage, cheese, and veggies, and roll them up in a tortilla. Wrap them in foil and have a tasty and easy breakfast.
• One-pan veggie frittata—sauté some veggies in a skillet, then pour in whisked eggs and cook until set. It's a satisfying meal that can be customised with whatever veggies you have.

 

Meal prep breakfast options                                                    

• Muffins—bake a batch before your trip and store it in an airtight container. Choose hearty options with oats, nuts, and fruits to keep you energised throughout the morning. These are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast.
• Chia seed pudding—mix chia seeds with your favourite milk and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Let it sit overnight in the fridge to thicken, then top with fruit in the morning.
• Granola bars—homemade granola bars are easy to make ahead and pack for camping. Use oats, honey, nuts, and dried fruits to create a nutritious snack or breakfast option.

Related: How much does it cost to own a caravan?

 

Simple and tasty camping lunch ideas

Lunch should be quick and light and fuel you for more outdoor adventures. These simple camping lunches can be made with minimal effort and clean-up.

 

Wraps, sandwiches, and salads

• Hummus & veggie wraps—spread hummus on a tortilla and fill with fresh veggies like cucumber, spinach, and bell peppers. Add some feta cheese or grilled chicken for a more filling lunch.
• Tuna salad wraps—mix canned tuna with mayo or Greek yoghurt, add a squeeze of lemon juice, and wrap it up in a tortilla. Add some lettuce and tomatoes for extra crunch.
• Caprese salad—layer fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It's simple, refreshing, and perfect for a light lunch.
• Chicken caesar salad wrap—use leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken, romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, and Parmesan cheese for an easy and satisfying wrap.

 

Minimal-cook and no-cook lunch options

• Cold pasta salad—cook pasta the night before if you're short on time, and once it's cooled, mix it with veggies, olives, and a simple vinaigrette. This is a great make-ahead lunch that's easy to eat on the go.
• Cheese & charcuterie board—pack some cheese, deli meats, crackers, and fresh fruit for an easy, no-cook lunch. It's perfect for grazing throughout the day.
• Avocado toast—smash avocado on a slice of toasted bread, and top with salt, pepper, and any other toppings you like (think cherry tomatoes, poached eggs, or chilli flakes). It's quick, healthy, and filling.
• Pitta bread with dips—take some pitta bread and pair it with hummus, guacamole, or tzatziki for an easy and satisfying meal. Add some chicken or a side of veggie sticks for a more filling lunch.

 

Quick hot meals for lunch

• Quesadillas—take some tortillas, fill them with cheese and beans (or leftover chicken), fold them, and dry fry them in a frying pan. Turn over to cook the other side. You can add salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for extra flavour.
• Noodles with veggies—noodles are a camping staple. Simply boil in some water and toss in fried veggies like spinach, carrots, or peas for a quick, filling lunch.

 

Easy camping dinners for families and groups

Dinners in the great outdoors should be hearty, satisfying, and easy to make. These one-pot meals and campfire dishes are perfect for feeding the whole family.

 

One-pot dishes

• One-pot chilli—brown some beef mince in a pan, then add beans, tomatoes, smoked paprika and chilli powder. Let it simmer, and you've got a warm, filling meal perfect for chilly evenings. Serve with rice, salad or a crusty baguette.
• Campfire curry—combine diced chicken, onions, chickpeas, and curry paste in a pot. Add in some coconut milk and let it simmer for 20 minutes. Either serve with crusty bread or dry fry some naans in a frying pan and serve.
• Pasta with pesto—cook pasta in one pot, then toss it with pre-made pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese for a quick and satisfying dinner.

 

Easy campfire and BBQ recipes

• Sausage and veggies—wrap sausages, potatoes, bell peppers, and onions in foil, add a little seasoning and cook on the BBQ. It's a no-fuss, flavour-packed dinner.
• BBQ chicken skewers—skewer chicken pieces, peppers, onions, and courgette.  Cook them over the BBQ and serve with a pasta salad or Greek salad.
• Burgers—cook some burgers on the BBQ and serve them with your favourite toppings. Pop them in a bun and serve with salad and tortilla chips.

 

Quick & easy desserts for camping

After a long day of exploring, a sweet treat is always appreciated. These desserts are simple, use minimal ingredients, and are perfect for camping.

 

Simple campfire desserts

• S'mores—you can't go camping without s'mores! Roast marshmallows over the fire and sandwich them between crackers, biscuits, and chocolate for the ultimate camping dessert.
• Campfire banana boats—slice a banana down the middle, fill it with chocolate chips and marshmallows, wrap it in foil, and cook over the fire for a warm, gooey treat.

 

No-Bake Treats and Sweet Snacks

• Trail mix—mix nuts, dried fruit, and a few squares of milk or dark chocolate for an easy, energising treat that doesn't need any cooking.
• No-bake energy balls—combine oats, peanut butter, honey, and chocolate chips in a bowl, roll them into balls, and refrigerate. These are perfect for a quick, healthy snack.

 

FAQs

What's the easiest meal to cook while camping?

Easy camping dishes would consist of something like foil-packet meals or one-pot pasta. These are easy to prepare, require minimal clean-up, and are delicious.

 

How can I make meals without a campfire or camping stove?

Opt for no-cook meals like wraps, sandwiches, or salads. You can also use an electric kettle for boiling water to make instant noodles dishes.

 

What are the best lightweight foods for camping?

Packets such as crackers and wraps, dried fruits, nuts, granola bars, and pasta are great lightweight options for camping. They don't require refrigeration and are easy to pack.

 

Can I make meals for a large group in a caravan?

Absolutely! You can prepare larger meals using a slow cooker or a big pot on your stove. One-pot meals like casseroles, stews, or curries work well for groups, as they're easy to make and can be scaled up for more servings. Keep storage containers handy for leftovers.

 

How do I store food safely in a caravan?

Use airtight containers to store fresh food, and keep perishables in a cool box or fridge. Airtight storage boxes work great for dry ingredients like pasta, rice, and snacks. Always keep raw meat separate from other foods to prevent cross-contamination, and check your caravan's fridge (if you have one) for adequate temperature settings.

 

Are there any meal prep tips for caravanning?

Meal prep before your trip by chopping vegetables, marinating meats, or assembling meals like salads or wraps. Store them in individual portions for easy access during your caravan stay. Make use of freezer-friendly bags or containers to keep things fresh.

 

What snacks are easy to pack for a caravan trip?

Opt for easy-to-carry snacks like trail mix, crackers, granola bars, fresh fruit, or nuts. You can even make your own snack packs with cheese and deli meats.

 

Can I cook with limited electricity in a caravan?

Yes. Many caravan kitchens are equipped with gas hobs or portable stoves, so you don't necessarily need electricity to cook. However, if you're relying on electricity, consider easy-to-use appliances like a small microwave, toaster, or kettle that don't consume too much power. 

Related: How to fit a solar panel to a caravan (step-by-step)

 

How do I deal with washing up in a caravan?

Keep washing up simple by using disposable plates and cutlery, or pack a small, portable washing-up kit with a basin, sponge, and dish soap. Make sure you have a good supply of paper towels and wipes to clean as you go. When done, dispose of any waste responsibly, especially if you're in a rural area.

 

Ready, steady, start cooking!

Preparing easy and delicious meals in a caravan doesn't have to be a hassle. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy a variety of simple yet satisfying dishes without sacrificing flavour. You can make the most of your limited space and time by choosing versatile ingredients, using efficient cooking tools, and embracing one-pot or no-cook recipes. Whether you're cooking for yourself or a group, these easy caravan meals will ensure you can focus on enjoying your adventure while keeping mealtime stress-free.

 

Specialist caravan insurance through Ripe

Whether you're touring in a caravan or a motorhome, you may want to protect your home on wheels with specialist insurance. Visit our touring caravan insurance page to learn more about cover for your tourer, or get an instant online quote today.