65 Easy Camping Menu Tips! (Campout Favorites)

Make your next camping trip a smashing success with these Easy Camping Menu Tips!

Easy Camping Menu Tips

Planning a camping trip??  These Easy Camping Menu Tips are sure to fill your campout with delicious memories!

One of the best parts of camping is the food, right?

Oh I know, I know… the starry skies are amazing, the silly stories around the campfire will be remembered for years, and of course nothing compares to sleeping on the ground. (seriously, there’s nothing quite like that.)

Actually… to be honest, I’m not sure if I ever really sleep when we camp… my mind seems to drift off to thoughts of owls, and skunks, and nighttime critters, and… bears. 😉

Anyhoo, let’s get back to that FOOD!

The food is always a highlight of our camping trips, and I’m sure it is of yours, too!  Who can resist those fun campfire treats, and epic hot breakfasts and mornings with crisp fresh air and serenading birds.

I love it!

Now are you ready to load up on great Camping Food ideas with these Easy Camping Menu Tips before you head out??

Check out this HUGE list of kid-approved family camping menu ideas, shared by myself and your frugal friends right here…

Related: 201 Camping Tips and Tricks (Fun Camp Out Ideas)

Campfire Treats and Fire Pit Recipes

Start enjoying even more deliciously easy Campfire Treats around your backyard fire pit or on your next summer campout when you try some of these uniquely outrageous ideas!

From decadent S’mores to fabulous pudgy pies, these sweet and easy campfire treats have a way of creating huge smiles out of thin air!

These recipes are both kid and adult approved, and are ideal for creating an intimate time around the fire.

The best part of a summer camping trip is sitting around the fire at night and enjoying some guilty pleasures.  You know, the kind you would never let yourself eat at home!!  This is no time to hold back, only the very best camping dessert recipes will do!

This year, add some tasty fun to your time around the backyard fire pit and summer campfires with some brand new snacks and fire pit treats.

What Are Good Campfire Desserts?

There are so many AMAZING things you can make around a campfire! Some of the most epic campfire desserts include…

• Banana Boats
• Campfire Cones
• Cookies ‘n Cream S’mores
• Nutella S’mores
• Pudgy Pies
• Reese’s S’mores
• Strawberry S’mores

Sometimes by simply wrapping a treat in aluminum foil, or using a cast iron pie iron, you can create some truly memorable campfire treats!

Related: Sheet Pan S’mores Recipe

What Else Can You Roast On A Fire Besides Marshmallows?

In addition to roasting marshmallows on the fire, you can also wrap banana boats and goodie filled ice cream cones in aluminum foil and place these on your campfire or backyard fire pit.

What Are The Best Campfire Snacks?

In addition to preparing a creative variety of S’mores, you can also create some really tasty snacks, like pizza pudgy pies and grilled cheese using a cast iron pie iron.

Talk about a delicious way to stay fueled up in the woods!

Strawberry S’Mores Recipe

With this very fresh and fruity S’mores Recipe, you’re still going to use your traditional S’mores ingredients of Graham Crackers, Hershey’s Chocolate Bars and Marshmallows.

Then you’ll add in some sliced strawberries for simple perfection!

My hubby went crazy the first time he had these… the first bite is like a regular s’more, but then after a few seconds you get this incredible juicy strawberry burst inside of your mouth.  It’s kind of along the lines of chocolate covered strawberries, only better, because… hello… gooey marshmallows!

Noelle writes: “Genius!  It’s like a party in my mouth.  Big hit with the family”

Want to take them to the next level?  Frugal friend Stephanie recommends using sliced Bananas, Strawberries and even Pineapple rings.

Now how about that?  Your S’Mores just got a splash of sassy fruit flavor, YUM!

Reese’s S’mores Recipe

Reese’s S’Mores?  No joking, these are serious addiction material!  It was no laughing matter… these had to be added to the camping and summer dessert menus!

Having this S’more is like having a little pieces of heaven… ooey gooey peanut butter, chocolate, melted marshmallows and crackers, yum!!  Give them a try… soon!  (you’ll be SO glad you did!)

Nickie said: “For dessert we do s’mores, but we make them with Reese’s instead.”

After you roast a marshmallow, layer Graham Cracker halves with a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup and your cooked Marshmallow.  YUM!

Nutella S’Mores Recipe

Give your ordinary S’Mores a chocolate hazelnut makeover with this off-the-charts awesome Nutella S’mores Recipe!

After you roast a marshmallow, layer Graham Cracker halves with a scoop of Nutella and your cooked Marshmallow… YUM!

Cookies and Cream S’Mores Recipe

Looking for another fun twist to your traditional S’mores?  How about this Cookies and Cream Smores Recipe?!?  This Cookies and Cream S’mores Recipe will create brand new S’mores fantasies!

After you roast a marshmallow, layer Graham Cracker halves with half of a Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Cream Bar (9.3 ounce bar) and your cooked Marshmallow.

Want to make this at home when you’re not camping?  Simply assemble your S’More then pop the whole thing in the microwave for 10-15 seconds!

Kit Kat S’Mores Recipe

You need to try this recipe idea shared by Stephanie here on The Frugal Girls.

After you roast your delicious marshmallow on the campfire, layer ½ Graham Cracker with a Kit Kat bar and 1 Marshmallow.  Kit Kat heaven is sure to follow.

Stephanie said: “We’ve tried the following: Kit Kat Bar S’Mores, and S’Mores using pretzel chips instead of graham crackers (provides a nice salty/sweet blend).  We’ve also added fruit slices into s’mores… banana wheels, strawberries, and pineapple are yummy with the traditional s’more ingredients!”

Justin said: “Try s’mores that have Keebler fudge stripe cookies instead of graham crackers and chocolate bars!”

Dawn said: “You can cook peeps over a fire like roasting marshmallows = creme brulee s’mores!  The sugar makes a crispy crust!”

Pretzel S’Mores Recipe

Add a satisfying salty crunch to your S’mores with these fun Pretzel S’Mores recipe idea.  Frugal Friend Stephanie recommends substituting Pretzel Chips for your traditional Graham Crackers.

After you roast your marshmallow to your liking over the campfire, layer a Pretzel Chip with Hershey’s Chocolate Bar square and 1 Marshmallow.  Pretzel love will surely follow.

Campfire Cones

Mindy writes: “We use a waffle cone and fill it with sliced banana, marshmallow, chocolate chips, and either peanut butter or peanut butter chips.  Wrap in foil and place over the fire until gooey!  DELICIOUS!!”

Campfire Banana Boats Recipe

Are you looking for that perfect dessert you can make on your upcoming camping trip?  This Campfire Banana Boats Recipe is crazy delicious and the ultimate summer dessert!

Banana Boats –> (cut a long V out of your banana and fill with yummies like peanut butter, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, etc. wrap it up in tin foil and set it by the coals. delicious dessert!)

Michelle said: “Banana smash: Leave banana peel on and cut lengthwise, but not all the way through. In the center of banana, put mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and peanut butter chips. Wrap in foil and put over the fire until nice and warm. One of our kids’ favorites…”

Campfire Pies Recipe

Take two slices of buttered bread, and fill with your favorite canned fruit pie filling, place in your cast iron pie maker, and roast over the fire until your ooey gooey toasty deliciousness is done!

You can even sprinkle with some powdered sugar just prior to serving.  These are one of my favorite camping desserts to make over the fire!

Robyn said: We make mountain pies, which is canned fruit filling put on buttered bread in a cast iron pie maker we throw in the fire.

Nickie said: “We do pie irons with bread & Nutella!!!”

Campfire Pies Recipe (Strawberry Cheesecake Pudgy Pie)

Caramel Apple Pudgy Pie Recipe

Krystal said: “Combine apple, marshmallow & cinnamon in foil, then cook over fire.  It comes out like apple pie filling!!!”

Campfire Cinnamon Roll Recipe

Frugal friend Katie shared this Campfire Cinnamon Roll Recipe: “Take the biscuits in a can, and wrap one around a stick.

Roast over the campfire until cooked, then roll in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar. Yum!”

Campfire Cones Recipe

You’ll thank yourself for trying this recipe shared by frugal friend Shawna: “Sugar cones, fill them with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and coconut. Wrap them completely in foil and throw on the fire to warm for just a few minutes.”

You can even make these Waffle Cone Campfire treats by simply substituting waffles cones for sugar cones.

Jessica said: “Homemade ice cream made in a ziploc bag.”

Kim said: “I take a huge Dutch oven and make chocolate lava cake, cobblers, and pineapple upside-down.”

Melissa said: “Biscuits fried to make “dad’s donuts” by dipping them in cinnamon & sugar or powdered sugar. S’MORES!!!!”

Becky said: “We do the biscuit donuts too, we call them camper donuts. We grill them, dip in melted butter, and then dip in cinnamon and sugar!”

Kathy said: “I camp for the summer but special treats are dobies! They are long 1″ dowels with the end wrapped in tinfoil & then tightly wrap a croissant around the tinfoiled end & cook over the fire till lightly browned. When done, carefully pull off the end of the dowel & in the hole you can put pudding, pie filling, taco fillings, etc… the possibilities are endless & so delicious!”

Katie said: “Take the biscuits in a can, and wrap one around a stick. Roast it over over the campfire until it’s cooked, then roll it in melted butter, then in cinnamon sugar. Yum! We call them Roly Poly’s!”

Easy Camping Menu Tips – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Fun Camping Breakfast Ideas

Bacon & Eggs

You can’t go wrong with the classic bacon and eggs breakfast.  I’ve never known anyone to complain about sizzling hot bacon and fresh scrambled eggs on a chilly morning out in the woods.

It just doesn’t get much better than that!

Overnight Oatmeal

Here’s another fun campout breakfast idea: Overnight Oatmeal!  Take along some mason jars, and assemble your overnight oats in the evening before you go to bed.

Store in the cooler, and you’ll wake up to the most delicious breakfast.

No work required!

More Camping Breakfast Ideas

Lori said: “Breakfast Mess is a must! I scramble eggs ahead and freeze in a ziploc, do the same with sausage, and then make gravy. In the morning we throw the eggs and sausage in a dutch oven with frozen hash browns and cheddar cheese, and heat it all up. Serve with gravy on top!”

Nancy said: “Liquid eggs (in a carton) are great for breakfast (scrambled, omelet, or for french toast) and they are really easy to travel with!!”

Robbi said: “We pack Bisquick Pancake Mix (the one in the yellow jug that you just add water to)!”

Angie said: “I cook all of our breakfast meats ahead of time. Bacon, sausage, etc. Then I precook all of our chicken (like BBQ Chicken). That way we can just heat it up and not worry about it being under-cooked. I bake biscuits before we go, because I haven’t had the best of luck backing them in a dutch oven. Then I pre-cut all of the veggies for stew in the dutch oven.”

Jenni said: “Pre-make breakfast burritos with bacon, cheese, potatoes, and whatever: wrap them in foil and keep in a plastic bag and throw them on the grill to heat. Delicious.”

Marilyn said: “Make ahead breakfast burritos, freeze individually wrapped in foil. Then put on grill over camp fire. Yummy!”

Janet said: “We do bag omelettes. Put one or two eggs in a plastic freezer bag. You can put any cooked meat (do ahead), veggies, and cheese. Mash together in the bag, take out as much air as you can, and drop bag in boiling water. We write our name on the bag since we all like different stuff.”

Casey said: “We love to make omelets in a bag! Every gets their own ziploc bag to make their own personalized omelet. Put a couple eggs, some shredded cheese and whatever else you want (ham, olives, green onions, etc) into the ziploc bag. Seal, squish everything together to mix and put whole bag in a pot of boiling water. Wait a minute or 2, use tongs to pull out of water, re-squish and put back into the water for another couple of minutes. Remove, open bag and dump onto your plate to enjoy!”

Julie said:  “I don’t have a name for my favorite campfire breakfast, but here’s how you make it: Cut off the top 1/3 of an orange and save it. Scrape out the pulp from both sections, being careful not to break the peel. Stick a piece of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough inside, put the orange peel sections back together and wrap the whole thing in foil. Stick it in the coals for 10-15 minutes or until the dough has completely cooked. So yummy!”

Jennifer said: “My hubby always makes Gunk for breakfast in a cast iron pot on the fire. It’s eggs, diced potatoes, ham, sausage, bacon, onions, peppers and cheese. We eat them in tortillas with salsa, guacamole and sour cream. Everyone loves it. We also make mountain pies on the campfire.”

Kim said: “For breakfast we have french toast casseroles pecan praline or blueberry cream cheese with berry syrup.  Feeds everyone, up to 16 people. Sometimes even camping neighbors get some.  They smell it and make nice comments. It’s a hit !”

Dee said: “We make sausage and eggs in a cast iron skillet over the campfire. Breakfast is the best!”

Camping Dinner Ideas for Large Groups & Small

Jeremy said: “Pizza pocket sandwiches (using a pie iron), and early morning peanut butter and jelly ones. Plus there’s nothing better than coffee from a percolator.”

Kim said: “We use the square campfire irons to make pizza sandwiches. Just like grilled cheese except with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese!”

Jenni said: “Take a can of chili (don’t forget the opener) and tortilla chips with whatever else you want to make nachos on the grill.”

Deanna said: “I like to make chili ahead of time, then you can heat it over the campfire.  It goes good on hot dogs, too!”

Jordyn said: “A big thing of homemade chili is a must!  Pre-cut easy-to-eat fruits.  Anything pre-made at home is good, then all you have to do is warm it up!”

Miranda said: “Chicken foil packets with potatoes, asparagus, onions, bell peppers, etc. So yummy!!”

Julie said: “We love to make hobo packs! We line up a bunch of pieces of aluminum foil add chicken (or steak), bell peppers (or any veggies you like), onions, potatoes, salt and pepper, and then close the packs up. When sealing you have to make sure to fold tight on the ends several times.
I am too frugal to spend extra money on aluminum foil bags at the store. It’s much cheaper to make at home. Make sure to leave one end open. You then pour your favorite dressing inside (that’s your marinade). So yummy and super neat to make with your kids. Ours love to open them and see what they made. My husband taught me this camping meal, yum!”

Robyn said: “When we camp, I have my ribs cooked and marinating in ziploc bags. Burgers are frozen patties in ziplocs. Same with hot dogs to roast with long forks. Mac and tater salad all in tupperware containers. Gallon jugs of water frozen to keep the coolers cold. Condiments in a small plastic shoe box with a lid. All meats pre-cooked and marinating like chicken, ribs, steaks. That’s one giant cooler.  Another cooler holds the drinks. Eggs and bacon. LOTS of food goes with us, and we enjoy every minute.”

Michelle said: “My family loves to camp! We also like to make campfire pies!  I usually prep everything in advance… such as chicken fajitas, marinade meats, make hamburger patties, etc. I then freeze it all, so we don’t have to buy as much ice.”

Sharleen said: “I freeze my meat before hand with a marinade and then cook over fire with potatoes baked in fire!”

Jenna said: “We have done a taco night. It was so good. Then when kids are in bed, our late night snack is leftovers turned into nachos!!!”

Melissa said: “Walking tacos: taco salad poured into a bag of sun chips!”

Nickie said: “We do several camping trip every summer, including a big 2 week camping trip every July. We pick a different state every year. Some of our favorite camping meals include walking tacos, we also do pizzas over the fire. I buy the tandoori crusts (I think that’s the name) in the deli section of our store, then out our favorite toppings on. We always cook bacon over the fire for breakfast, and we do the omelette’s in a bag for breakfast too.
I usually bring my crockpot along and do lasagna in there for a night too. Another easy meal is chicken kabobs, and we do chicken BLT wraps with ranch dressing too.”

Jennifer said: “We take Brown-n-Serve sausage and a can of refrigerated biscuit dough. Semi-heat the sausage on a stick, then wrap it in the biscuit, and continue cooking until the biscuit is baked. We also take a camping kettle to heat water over the fire and take along hot cocoa mix and instant coffee. Place some foil over the fireplace grate, then you can use pita bread with some canned pizza sauce and shredded cheese to make individual pizzas. We also make burritos at home, wrap them in foil and freeze. Then re-heat in the camp fire!”

Jody said: “Kabobs: assemble and put in a storage container at home with marinade.  So yummy cooked on a camp fire.”

Laura said: “We go camping with 3 other families, which turns out to be 13 people. About half of us are vegetarian, so we end up doing a lot of vegetarian meals while we’re camping. It makes prep work so much easier because we don’t have to worry about under cooking meats or having it go bad before we can fix it. We like to do a lot of “make your own” type things too, like gyros, quesadillas and campfire pizzas.”

Sarah said: “Corn on the cob, cooked on the grill. No picnic is complete without it!”

Elisa said: “I used to work at a Girl Scout camp and we were required to do several cook-outs a week. Some of our favorites were:

Pizza Sandwiches –>  (the cook stiffed us on french bread so we made-do with regular bread. just butter the bottom side and then add all your fav, pizza toppings. cook on foil on grill over the fire. use two pieces and smash them into a sandwich when they’re ready)

Soup & Dumplings –>  (a dutch oven with tomato soup in it. make the bisquik biscuits and drop them in the soup. delicious dumplings and soup. shred some cheese on top and YUM)

Two more easy camping menu tips:

(1) Wrap some potatoes in foil and let them cook at the coals. They’ll be perfect to dice up the next morning and add to any hearty omelet.

(2) If you have kids with you, there’s a great way to get them up in the morning!! Bring some string and tie bagels/doughnuts, fruit, juice boxes to branches, just within their reach. Tell them they’re monkeys in a jungle and they’ll have to go grab all their breakfast food themselves, just like monkeys!! Always a fun wake up and it lets them choose what they would like to eat.”

Cheryl said: “I cook potatoes in the microwave before and then put them in tin foil. Just throw them on a grill and warm them up. Or chop up in the morning for fried potatoes.”

More Easy Recipes for Camping Food

Camping Burger Recipes and Grilled Steak Recipes

Campouts and delicious burgers and steak are a match made in heaven!  You can make these Ranch Burger Patties at home, then simply freeze them in one stack, separated by wax paper and placed in a freezer gallon bag.

Take the frozen patties and place in your cooler before you head out!

In addition to Ranch Burgers, try using some of these easy camping menu tips and recipes to make sure your next camping food tastes even better than what you have at home!!!

Best Smokehouse BBQ Burger Recipe

Easy Burger Seasoning Recipe (Cheeseburger Paradise)

Smoked BBQ Rub Recipe

Best Steak Seasoning Recipe Ever (5 easy ingredients)

Easy Steak Marinade Recipe for Grilling

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Skillet Apple Crisp Recipe (Cast Iron Cobbler)

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So… what are some of your favorite easy camping menu tips or food prep tricks?

Leave a comment & share!