Camping with kids is a special kind of adventure. Our two boys are always excited to pack up the car and head out into the great outdoors. Over the years, we’ve learned that our boys love to be involved in meal preparation, but sometimes their enthusiasm can result in disaster. Overcooked hot dogs, burnt bacon, and soggy sandwiches are just a few of the culinary catastrophes we’ve experienced. That’s why we’ve put together this list of our favorite easy camping meals for kids.
We know that figuring out what to eat can be a challenge, especially if you have kids. Luckily, there are plenty of easy camping meals that are perfect for kids. These recipes are quick, easy, and designed to get the kids involved in the cooking process without resulting in any disasters.
We’ll share some of our favorite recipes and tips for making easy and delicious meals on your next camping trip.
What Qualifies as Easy Camping Meals for Kids?
Before we get into the recipes, it’s important to define what we mean by “easy camping meals for kids.” Essentially, these are meals that are:
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Made with minimal ingredients and equipment
- Kid-friendly in terms of taste and presentation
With these criteria in mind, let’s dive into our favorite easy camping meals for kids.
Tips for Easy Camping Meals for Kids
Before we get into the recipes, here are a few tips for making easy camping meals with kids:
- Prep as much as you can before you leave home. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and pre-mix ingredients for things like pancake batter or trail mix.
- Bring along a portable stove or camping grill. While foil packets and fire-roasted meals are fun, you’ll want the option to cook on a heat source that’s a bit more controlled.
- Don’t forget the basics. Make sure you bring along plenty of water, cooking utensils, plates/bowls, cups, and cutlery. It’s also a good idea to bring along reusable containers for storing leftovers.
- Get the kids involved. Have your kids help with meal prep, whether it’s chopping veggies, stirring ingredients together, or setting the table. This will make them more excited about the camping trip and also teach them valuable cooking skills.
Looking for a summer bucket list? Check out our list of things to do to make this summer the best one yet! Related: Summer Bucket List for Kids: The Ultimate Guide
Equipment Required
Here are some of the basic equipment that you might need for making easy camping meals for kids:
- Portable camping stove
- Cast iron skillet
- Aluminum foil
- Cooking utensils (spatula, tongs, ladle, etc.)
- Paper towels
- Cutting board and knife
- Reusable plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery
- Water bottles
- Cooler
Breakfast Recipes
Here are ten breakfast recipes that are perfect for camping with kids:
- Pancakes: Mix up your favorite pancake mix at home and bring it to your campsite in a sealable container. Cook on a portable stove or camping grill.
- Breakfast Burritos: Fill flour or corn tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked sausage or bacon. Top with salsa or hot sauce.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt, fresh fruit, and granola in cups or bowls.
- French Toast: Dip bread in an egg and milk mixture, then cook on a skillet until golden brown.
- Breakfast Sandwich: Top a toasted English muffin with scrambled eggs and cheese. Add cooked sausage or bacon if desired.
- Oatmeal: Bring instant oatmeal packets or pre-made oats in a container. Just add hot water and your favorite toppings.
- Bagels and Cream Cheese: Toast bagels on the portable stove and top with cream cheese or your favorite toppings.
- Frittata: Cook eggs, cheese, and veggies in a skillet until set.
- Biscuits and Gravy: Cook biscuits on the portable stove and top with sausage gravy.
- Breakfast Tacos: Fill soft or hard taco shells with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Lunch Recipes
Here are ten lunch recipes that are perfect for camping with kids:
- Turkey and Cheese Wraps: Fill tortillas with turkey, cheese, and veggies.
- Grilled Cheese: Cook sliced bread and cheese in a cast iron skillet until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Pita Pockets: Fill pita pockets with hummus, veggies, and grilled chicken.
- Veggie Quesadillas: Cook veggies and cheese in a tortilla until golden brown.
- Tuna Salad: Mix canned tuna with mayo, celery, and onion. Serve on crackers or bread.
- PB&J Sandwiches: Classic and easy to make, perfect for a quick lunch.
- Ham and Cheese Croissants: Fill croissants with ham and cheese, then warm them up on the portable stove.
- Caprese Skewers: Alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves on skewers.
- Chicken Caesar Wraps: Fill tortillas with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, and Caesar dressing.
- BLT Sandwich: Classic BLT sandwich, always a favorite.
Dinner Recipes
Here are ten dinner recipes that are perfect for camping with kids:
- Foil Packet Dinner: Wrap chicken or fish, veggies, and seasonings in foil and cook on the fire or grill.
- Campfire Chili: Cook ground beef, tomatoes, and beans in a cast iron pot over the fire.
- Grilled Chicken Breasts: Grill chicken breasts on the portable stove or camping grill.
- Beef Kabobs: Alternate beef, mushrooms, onions, and peppers on skewers.
- Baked Potatoes: Wrap potatoes in foil and cook on the fire or grill, serve with butter and sour cream.
- Barbecue Ribs: Cook ribs on a portable stove or camping grill with your favorite bbq sauce.
- Pasta with Red Sauce: Cook pasta on the portable stove and top with your favorite red sauce.
- Jambalaya: Cook sausage, veggies, and rice in a cast iron pot over the fire.
- Grilled Fish: Grill fish with your favorite seasoning and a bit of lemon.
- Beef Stew: Cook beef, veggies, and broth in a cast iron pot over the fire.
Dessert Recipes
Here are ten dessert recipes that are perfect for camping with kids:
- S’mores: Classic s’mores with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate.
- Campfire Cones: Fill waffle cones with chocolate, marshmallows, and toppings like fruit or nuts.
- Banana Boats: Slice a banana and fill with chocolate, marshmallows, and toppings.
- Grilled Fruit: Grill sliced peaches, pineapple, or apples with a bit of butter and cinnamon.
- Campfire Brownies: Put brownie mix in a cast iron skillet and cook over the fire until done.
- Trail Mix: Mix together nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips for a quick and easy snack.
- Apple Crisp: Cook sliced apples with butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a cast iron pot over the fire.
- Campfire Cinnamon Rolls: Wrap cinnamon roll dough around a stick and cook over the fire.
- Campfire Pies: Fill pie crusts with canned pie filling and cook over the fire in a pie iron.
- Dutch Oven Cobbler: Mix canned fruit and cake mix in a Dutch oven and cook over the fire until done.
Happy Camping and Delicious Dining: Easy Meals for Kids Make for an Unforgettable Adventure
With our favorite easy camping meals for kids, we hope to inspire you to create unforgettable memories with your family on your next camping trip. Remember to plan ahead, get creative, and involve your kids in the cooking process to make it an adventure for everyone. Prep ahead, keep it simple, get the kids involved, and make the most of the equipment you have.
As long as you have some basic equipment and a bit of imagination, you can create delicious and kid-friendly meals that will make your camping trip even more special.
So, embrace the great outdoors, have fun, and enjoy some delicious meals together. Happy camping!
Before you go... Preparing for your next camping trip? Check out our list of camping favorites here! Related: Camping Movies for Kids: The Perfect Addition to Your Movie Night The Best Camping Books for Kids to Ignite Their Imagination The Best Camping Jokes for Kids