Summer camping doesn’t have to mean hot dogs for dinner every night. We’ll help you select a list of new favorite recipes to prepare and cook, whether you’re glamping in an RV or roughing it in a tent.
Here are 11 easy camping recipes to try this summer:
1. One-Pot Pasta Bolognese
So, you don’t like to do a lot of prep work or clean up? This recipe is perfect for you. First, brown the meat in a deep pot, pour some sauce and water in, bring it to a boil, and then add the noodles. Then, cover with a lid and cook until the noodles are al dente, stirring to keep the mix from sticking. Lastly, remove the lid and simmer to boil off any excess water. Add additional sauce to the pot and stir it all together.
2. Shish Kebabs
If you’ve got access to a grill, kebabs are a simple and healthy camp meal that everyone will enjoy. First, cut the marinated meat, fruit (like pineapple), and vegetables into large chunks. Then, for a summertime meal, zucchini, red onion, red pepper, and cherry tomatoes are good. Skewer them onto bamboo sticks and lay them on the grill to cook. The best part about this meal is that you can eat them straight off the skewer and cut back on paper plate waste.
3. Fajitas
This is our favorite camping recipe. Cut thin strips of beef or chicken, onion, and pepper and cook them in a cast-iron skillet (if you have one – if not, a normal pan will work) with a little bit of olive oil. Add a fajita or taco seasoning packet to the mix, and toss a little beer in if you’ve got one open. Simmer until the meat is cooked, the onions are translucent, and the peppers are soft. Then scoop into tortillas for a delicious southwestern meal.
4. Lemon and Pepper Foil-Wrapped Chicken Breast
Lay a chicken breast on a large piece of aluminum foil and coat it with black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil. Then, cut a round slice of lemon and lay on top of the chicken. If you want to include a vegetable, like asparagus, tiny potatoes, or green beans, you can add it to the pouch. Finally, seal the pouch and put it on the grill or fire for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear when you cut into it.
5. Quesadillas
Put a tortilla on a square piece of aluminum foil, and cover half of the tortilla with cheese. You can include other fixings if you have them, such as jalapeno peppers, green chiles, or diced onion. First, fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filled half. Then fold the aluminum foil over the quesadilla, sealing the edges before putting it on the grill. Then, cook it for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Finally, remove it from the grill and cut it into slices for a cheesy treat.
6. Make-Ahead Burritos
This recipe is kind of a cheat because you’re not technically cooking it at the campsite. With a little prep work, however, you can enjoy a delicious and hearty Tex-Mex meal no matter where you’re staked out for the night. Just prepare the burritos in advance (with rice, meat, beans, and cheese), wrap them in aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze them. When you’re ready to cook them, put them on the grill or fire for about 20 minutes until they’re warmed all the way through, then enjoy.
7. Corned Beef Hash and Eggs
This is a hearty and easy option for breakfast or dinner. First, open a can of corned beef hash and cook it in a pan for about 10 minutes until it starts to get crispy. Then, break eggs over the mixture and cover with a lid to let them poach. Next, cook the eggs for three to five minutes until they’re cooked and the whites are solid, then take it off the fire and dish out this savory meal.
8. Cinnamon Rolls
This is our favorite breakfast recipes. For a break from the typical boring camp breakfast, cook cinnamon rolls. Make them in a dutch oven on a grill if you have one available, or on a stick, if you don’t have a lot of cookware. Open the cinnamon roll package, take the dough and wrap it around the stick in a cyclone shape. Hold it over the fire like you would if you were roasting hotdogs or marshmallows, and wait about five minutes for the dough to puff up and cook all the way through. Then slather with frosting, and they’re ready to eat.
9. Tex-Mex Bean Salad
Pouch recipes are great for campfire cooking. This is an easy vegetarian recipe to add to your camping mix. Create an aluminum foil pouch for each person, and add beans (black, pinto, or kidney). Add canned corn, diced tomato, diced red pepper, diced red onion, fajita seasoning, and lime juice. Seal the pouch and cook it on the grill or fire for about eight minutes, then top with cheese or sour cream and dig in.
10. Philly Cheesesteak Foil Packets
Another quick and tasty meal is Philly cheesesteak foil packets. Place steak strips and thinly sliced onion, and green pepper. Add garlic cloves and Italian spices in the aluminum foil pouch. Seal it up and put it on the grill for about 10 minutes. Then, take them off the fire, open them up, and lay a slice of provolone cheese over the top. For easy cleanup, you can eat right out of the pouch. You can also consider transferring the ingredients to a bun for the real deal.
11. Campfire Pizza
This is one of my favorite recipes! Pizza is an easily customizable dish for a large group. Going on a camping trip doesn’t have to mean you miss out on your favorite recipe. An easy way to make pizza while camping, is by using a dutch oven. Line the bottom with pre-made pizza dough (place it on parchment paper for easier removal). Top with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings. Put the lid on your dutch oven. Cook in the fire with a couple of coals on top to ensure even baking.
As you can see, there are many ways to shake up your camp meals that will have them asking for s’more (without requiring too much prep work or cleanup). So, get out there this summer and surprise your crew with your new favorite recipes!
Summer Camping at RVC Outdoor Destinations
RVC Outdoor Destinations develops, owns, and operates vacation resorts set within naturally beautiful environments and in close proximity to local attractions and activities. We offer RV Sites, Cottages, Yurts, and Tent camping at our 8 locations across the country! Visit our rvcoutdoors.com for more information or to speak with a reservation specialist through our Live Chat!
