Great food has a way of bringing people together, especially on a camping trip. There’s nothing like sitting around a campfire, surrounded by nature while enjoying delicious meals, fresh air, and the laughter of friends and family. But if you’re tired of overplayed hot dogs and trail mix, you’re not alone — and we’ve got ideas!
Browns Valley Market is proud to be Napa’s one-stop shop for gourmet food and premium, local ingredients. Our shelves are stocked with everything you need to meal prep for your next camping trip. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting out, this guide lists easy camping meals and food ideas that are sure to win you over. Read on to find a complete camping grocery checklist and easy meal ideas for your next adventure!
Skip ahead for easy camping meals and recipes:
- Foil Packet Garlic Butter Chicken
- One-Pot Camping Burrito Bowls
- Campfire Buffalo Chicken Wings
- Camping Charcuterie Board
- Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler
- Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookies
What Cooking Gear Should You Bring Camping?
First, let’s talk camping gear. It doesn’t take much to get started with camp cooking, but the right supplies can save you a lot of time and effort on your trip.
Essential cooking gear checklist for camping:
Having the right campsite cooking equipment can make meal prep safer, faster, and far more enjoyable. Before you leave, double-check that all of your cooking gear is packed and in good working order. Test your camp stove, make sure your gas/propane tanks are full, and confirm all the cookware and utensils are clean and ready to go!
What Foods Should You Bring Camping?
The key to great camping meals is packing foods that are easy to transport, simple to store, and versatile enough to use in a variety of recipes. Stocking up on non-perishable essentials and preparing a few meals ahead of time ensures you have plenty of delicious meal options throughout your trip.
Best Non-Perishable Foods for Camping
Shelf-stable foods are perfect for camping because they don’t require refrigeration and have a long shelf life. Having non-perishable and ready-to-eat snacks on hand is perfect for hikes, quick bites between meals, and an easy and quick way to keep everyone energized throughout the day.
Popular non-perishable camping foods include:
These pantry staples are easy to pack, require very little cooking, and can be used in a variety of ways while camping.
Easy Make-Ahead Camping Meals
Preparing meals before your trip means less cooking and cleanup at the campsite. Many dishes can be made several days in advance and simply reheated over a campfire, grill, or portable stove.
Some great make-ahead options include:
Preparing meals ahead of time lets you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your camping adventure.
6 Easy Recipe Ideas for Camping
With the right ingredients and a little planning, you can make easy, nutritious meals and mouthwatering desserts in the great outdoors. Let’s dive into some recipes and meal ideas to inspire your next Browns Valley Market shopping list:
1. Foil Packet Garlic Butter Chicken
Foil packet garlic butter chicken is easy to prep and requires minimal cleanup. You can prepare them ahead of time and cook them right over the campfire.
Shopping list:
Directions:
- Divide ingredients between foil sheets and top with butter and seasonings.
- Double-wrap and seal each packet tightly, then store in a cooler.
- When you’re ready to eat, place the packets directly over hot coals or on a grill grate. Cook for about 30–40 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Serve once the chicken is fully cooked and the veggies are tender.
Raw chicken should be kept frozen or chilled (below 35°F) until you are ready to cook it and must reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.
2. One-Pot Camping Burrito Bowls
Burrito bowls are a quick and filling meal that’s packed with fiber and protein. You can make it in minutes with one pot and very little cleanup. All you need is a skillet or Dutch oven, a campfire, and your ingredients.
Shopping list:
Directions:
- Strain your beans and corn, then add them to a skillet or Dutch oven placed over a campfire. Add in sliced peppers and your protein of choice.
- Stir in the rice and season it with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for about 3–5 minutes until it’s heated all the way through.
- Divide into bowls and enjoy with sliced avocado, sour cream, tomatoes, cheese, lime wedges, and hot sauce.
3. Campfire Buffalo Chicken Wings
Campfire buffalo wings are smoky, crispy, and surprisingly easy to make over the fire as a meal or appetizer. All you need is some tin foil, a campfire grill grate, tongs, and a cooler to keep your ingredients fresh.
Shopping list:
Directions:
- Cover a campfire grate with tin foil and grease with butter.
- Arrange chicken wings over the foil and season to taste.
- Flip and rotate the wings as needed to ensure they cook evenly for about 40 minutes.
- Once cooked, toss them with melted butter and Buffalo sauce and serve.
Always remember to keep raw chicken wings frozen or well-chilled (below 35°F) until you are ready to cook them. Chicken wings must reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the wing and make sure it doesn’t touch the bone to get an accurate reading.
4. Camping Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is one of the easiest meals you can make on a camping trip. As long as you have a cooler to keep everything fresh, a knife, and a wooden cutting board, the possibilities are endless.
Camping charcuterie board essentials:
Grazing boards are super easy to put together. All you need to do is slice your items and arrange them right on the cutting board for serving. And that’s it!
5. Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler
A warm peach cobbler is one of the easiest and most satisfying camping desserts you can make. With just a few simple ingredients and a cast iron Dutch oven, you’ll have a classic treat that’s perfect for sharing around the campfire. Plus, you can easily make it gluten-free with a GF cake mix. Here’s what you’ll need.
Shopping list:
Directions:
- Pour peaches and juice into your Dutch oven and scatter the cake mix over them.
- Cut butter into slices and arrange them on top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Cover and bake until the topping is golden-brown and the filling is bubbling, about 45–60 minutes.
- Serve warm or with a dollop of whipped cream (optional).
6. Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookies
Chocolate chip skillet cookies are warm, gooey, and perfect for sharing around the campfire. All you need is a cast iron skillet and some cookie dough, which you can buy premade or make yourself ahead of time. Be sure to store it in a cooler until you’re ready to use it.
Shopping list:
How to cook chocolate chip cookies in a skillet:
- Lightly grease a cast iron skillet with butter and press the (thawed) cookie dough inside.
- Place the skillet over indirect campfire heat or on a grill grate, then cover with foil or a lid if you have one.
- Cook for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden-brown and the center is just set.
- Let the cookie cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Top with whipped cream or ice cream, grab some spoons, and enjoy!
Stock Up Before Your Next Camping Trip at Browns Valley Market
Whether you’re spending a weekend in the redwoods at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, hiking around Skyline Wilderness Park, relaxing on the shores of Lake Berryessa, or camping along the coast, planning your meals ahead of time can make your trip even more enjoyable.
Before heading out, stop by Browns Valley Market to stock up on everything you need to make your next camping trip the best one yet. From fresh ingredients and gourmet premade meals to shelf-stable essentials, our Napa Valley store is fully stocked and ready to explore.
Ready to browse our selection in person? Stop by our Napa Valley Market today!
