Some of my fondest camp memories involve food. Roasting marshmallows over a fire, chips and hot dogs around the picnic table, and eating dinner directly out of tinfoil packets.
Fond memories aside, just because we are “roughing it” on a camp site doesn’t mean that we have to compromise on providing delicious, nutritious, whole food meals for our families.
In preparation for this year’s camping season I have scoured the internet, and our own recipe archives, for creative, delicious, and easily-prepared camping meals for the health-conscious family.
These recipes contain nothing but real whole foods, or are easily adapted to do so. You can also put all of these items on your camp-out menu and won’t need to pack a single sheet of tinfoil! (See this post for reasons you might want to skip the foil this camping season.)
Breakfast
Everyone can make bacon and eggs, but cooking bacon and eggs in a paper bag over a fire? That’s something special! Best of all, there aren’t any pans to wash after breakfast! Via realfamilycamping.blogspot.ca.
If it’s just bacon you’re looking to cook, how about this skewer-cooking technique? Via zestuous.com.
Gluten-Free Pancakes (3 variations)
Pancakes are another camping trip staple. It’s easy to whip up a mix of your favorite pancake recipe and have it ready to go that first morning at camp. This gluten-free variation is brought to the campsite wet — baking soda, baking powder, and salt are added just before cooking. Via kitchenstewardship.com.
No need to buy packets of instant oatmeal — it is quick and easy to make your own. This recipe includes a great tip for making a creamy, dairy-free version. Make it even healthier by using large-flake oats and soaking them the evening before. Via thefirstmess.com.
Light Lunches & Snacks
I don’t know about you, but I like easy, fuss-free lunches when camping. Sandwiches, wraps, salads, veggies and dip, chips and salsa, crackers and cheese, hummus and pita all make quick lunches either at the campsite, or packed to take with you on an adventure. All of these items also make great snack foods on a busy day!
(No Rolling Required) Homemade Sourdough Tortillas
With no rolling required, these might just be the easiest tortillas you will ever make. Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.
Pair salsa with chips or toasted tortillas for an easy snack. Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.
Sourdough English Muffin Bread
This easy and versatile bread recipe will provide beautiful homemade bread for your camping trip in no time at all. I also love Erin’s sourdough English muffin recipe for a perfect accompaniment to breakfast, or even as burger buns! Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.
Lacto-Fermented Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Spread a little hummus on a tortilla, pile on the veggies, and roll up for a quick lunch on the campsite, or packed to go. Via TraditionalCookingSchool.com.
Jerky has long been a mainstay of camp food. This homemade version is incredibly easy, and can be made in your oven — no need for a dehydrator. Via deliciouslyorganic.com. Or use ground meat in this Not-So-Tough Beef Jerky.
Lunch/Dinner
Nothing works like aluminum foil for throwing a bunch of ingredients into the fire and ending up with a tasty dinner. Except maybe a Dutch oven. Although a Dutch oven might require a little more thought (see this amazing post for tips on how to cook with a Dutch oven using an open fire), the results are worth it.
A hearty dinner that cooks during the day, while you are busy with other things. Via seriouseats.com.
Dutch Oven Potato-Stuffed Sausage Boats
Cook and mash your potatoes at home, for a truly no-fuss meal at camp. Sweet potato would also be delicious. Via everydaydutchoven.com.
For a little something fancier, how about stuffed peppers? The recipe calls for vegetarian ground meat, but you could substitute an equal amount of any ground meat, or cooked lentils or beans. Via dirtygourmet.com.
Black Bean and Corn Salad Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Hearty Bean Salad over baked potatoes make for an easy vegetarian meal. Skip the foil and cook the potatoes in your Dutch oven instead. Via markingmyterritory.com.
A pie iron is another handy camping cooking tool. And they aren’t just for pies! Use tortillas instead of bread and be ready for some tasty tacos or quesadillas. Via twomaidsamilking.com.
Have a fresh catch of the day? Why not cook it over an open fire, then fold it into a tortilla with yummy taco toppings? Via dirtygourmet.com.
Dessert
Paleo S’More Bars (Egg-free, Grain-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free)
What would a camping trip be without s’mores? These make-ahead, paleo treats are a fun way to have s’mores that just about everyone can eat. Via megustamantequilla.com.
Special Diets
Planning a camping trip with a special diet in mind may not be as hard as you might think. Here are some great menu ideas for camping gluten-free, on the GAPS diet, and Paleo.
Have you planned a camping trip this summer? What are your must-make recipes?
Need more ideas? Check out Nutrient Dense Food for the Road and Real Food on the Road.
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