25 Easy Camping Meals for Family Adventures
When you think of camping meals, what do you picture? You might imagine heating bland canned food and grainy coffee on a dull campfire, but it doesn’t have to be this way!
If you’re heading off on a family adventure, glamping allows you to indulge in some delicious and nutritious meals. Whether you’re staying at an all-inclusive glampsite or using your own yurt, modern amenities allow you to enjoy the outdoors without hungry tummies.
In this blog, we’ll take you through our favourite easy camping meals that all the family will love.
Looking for the perfect glamping gear? Cook up a storm in our premium bell tents at Boutique Camping.
What Do You Need to Make Easy Glamping Meals?
Before we dive into our delicious recipes, you need to make sure you’ve got all the equipment to whip up your tasty treats.
Unlike traditional camping, where you’re usually restricted to campfires and limited resources, glamping offers a wide range of modern amenities. You’ll be able to use proper ovens and stovetops to create a variety of culinary delights.
If you’re camping at a fully furnished site, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got everything you need. If, however, you’re bringing your own glamping equipment, make sure you’ve got these tools for cooking:
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Portable stove - To cook your meals. A wood-burning stove is a brilliant option for more eco-friendly cooking and can also provide warmth in your tent.
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Frying pan, saucepan or cast iron skillet - For frying, sauteing or boiling.
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Tin foil - For easy bake options or packing meals away.
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A mini fridge or cooler - To store fresh ingredients and perishables.
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Cutlery and dinnerware - Things like knives, forks and plates.
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Dining table and chairs - So you can enjoy your meal comfortably.
While you can pick and choose what to bring on your trip, these are the basic essentials needed to create easy camping meals for the family. To ensure you’ve got everything you need for your adventure, check out our family glamping checklist before you set off.
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Pancakes
A perfect family favourite treat, pancakes are an easy camping meal for early mornings. This meal will keep you and your kids fuelled for a day of walking or hiking and can be personalised to everyone's taste. Choose from a range of toppings, from fresh berries to chocolate chips. You can even opt for savoury pancakes with bacon, maple syrup and scrambled eggs. Using only one pan and a stovetop, this hearty breakfast can be cooked up in no time and with minimal equipment.
If you’re vegan, allergic to eggs, or you’ve simply run out, don’t worry! You can actually make pancakes without eggs. You can use oil, butter, or bananas. The latter is not only a healthier alternative, but also saves the hassle of protecting fragile eggs when travelling.
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Full English Breakfast
If there’s one thing we all enjoy on holiday, it’s a fry-up. You might only imagine this at hotels or B&Bs, but you can enjoy your very own full English on any glamping trip. In a pan, fry a few eggs, sausages, bacon and black pudding (if you like it). In a saucepan, heat some beans and stick a few slices of bread on to toast.
Our classic wood-burning stove comes with side grills so you won’t have to worry about bringing a toaster.
You can also add fried mushrooms and tomatoes, and anything else you love with your fry-up. Every family has their own full English breakfast traditions, so you’re free to add whatever you like.
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Omelette
An omelette is an effortless evening meal that can be ready to serve in less than 15 minutes. All you need is a few eggs and your choice of veggies. Preheat your pan and whisk up a few eggs with salt and pepper for seasoning. Pour your mixture into the pan and then add your filling. Choose from a wide range of options from ham and cheese to bacon, mushrooms and peppers. Once your filling is in the middle of your pan, fold over the egg and you’ll have a perfect parcel of savoury goodness to tuck into after a full day of fun.
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Soup
Soup is a classic camping meal, but we’re not talking about the dull canned stuff. With a glamping kitchen, you can make a rich and flavoursome soup with fresh ingredients. Choose any type of soup from butternut to tomato and even chicken. Once you’ve gathered the right ingredients, chop, dice or blend everything in a big pot and let it simmer. What makes this soup an extra special campfire dish is the use of fresh herbs like basil, parsley and garlic. Serve with some homemade crusty bread, and you’ve got a delicious meal that puts Heinz to shame!
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Jacket Potatoes
If you’ve been out exploring the wilderness all day, sometimes the last thing you want to do is cook a full meal. Jacket potatoes are an easy, filling meal that leaves you satisfied after an exhausting day out. Simply wrap your potatoes in tin foil and leave them in the oven or even on the open fire while you go about your evening routine. Check your potatoes after about an hour or so, and once the inside is fluffy and the skin is crispy, they're ready.
A plain potato isn’t exactly our idea of luxury dining, though, so be sure to spruce things up with a range of toppings. You can choose anything from cheese, ham and beans, to sour cream and chives. Serve with a side salad to get your greens in, and you’ve got a delicious, easy camping meal with no effort.
If you’re cooking inside your tent, check out our tutorial on how to install a stove correctly.
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Barbeque Meats and Skewers
Mankind and open flames are as inseparable as BBQ tongs, and grilling meats amongst a backdrop of the great outdoors is irresistible to any camper. You can enjoy all your classics like beef burgers, hot dogs and chicken skewer kebabs. You’ll also have free rein to add what you like as head chef, mixing in grilled vegetables like peppers, onions and tomatoes to create a truly tasty spread.
When grilling on an open flame, it’s always important to remember safety measures and use the correct stove accessories. Never use an open flame inside any tent, and place a stove mat or stand on the ground to prevent scorched grass.
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Porridge
Porridge is a bit like Marmite for many people; you either love or hate it. If you’re on the loving side, then you’ll know how quick, easy and filling a bowl of porridge is in the morning. When you’re camping, this is the perfect low-effort morning meal that can be made to anyone's taste. Simply bring a pan of milk and water to the boil and add your oats until they’re cooked and the mixture is thick and creamy.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you can add anything from honey to wild berries to your mix. For the unusual individuals who prefer salted porridge, this can also be a savoury morning meal with added salt and even an egg.
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One Pot Tomato Pasta
Although glamping allows you the luxury of a small kitchen or cooking quarters, space is still limited and making meals with multiple pots and pans isn’t optimal. You’ll be happy to know there are many one-pot camping meals like this pasta recipe that save you space and washing up.
You have full freedom to add whatever sauce and vegetables you like to this dish. Rather than boiling your pasta first, add all of your ingredients into a pot, including your dried pasta, veg and sauce, plus some water. Bring to a boil and serve after 20 minutes or when the pasta is cooked.
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Grilled Chicken Salad
If you’re enjoying a summer escape or beach break, a refreshing grilled chicken salad is a quick meal that hits the spot without being too heavy. The only cooking involved in this meal is grilling your chicken. Remember, you don’t have to choose chicken either, you can dive into a succulent steak or skip the meat altogether.
With a cooler or fridge, all of your salad bases like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, etc, will stay fresh on your trip. You can add your choice of dressing and spruce things up with some croutons, seeds or nuts.
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Hearty Stews
If you’re out camping in cold weather, a hearty stew is an easy one-pot camping meal that helps warm the soul. In a cast iron pot, add potatoes, carrots, onions, seasoning and your desired meat. You can skip the meat or replace it with lentils or legumes as an alternative. Let everything simmer for a few hours while you relax and enjoy some downtime with the kids.
If you’re using a fire-retardant bell tent, you can cook your stew inside and utilise the heat to keep you warm and cosy.
If you want to know more tips on how to stay warm when camping in winter, check out our blog.
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Mac and Cheese
A hardy evening meal and a favourite amongst picky kids, mac and cheese is bound to go down a treat after a fun day of exploring. Begin by boiling your macaroni in a pot, and in a separate pan, whip up a roux from melted butter and flour. Gradually add in your milk and cheese and stir until it becomes a thick sauce. Combine your pasta and sauce in the same pan, and you’re ready to dig in.
If you’re trying to sneak some 5 a day into your child’s diet, you can also add small florets of broccoli or mushrooms. It’ll be so tasty they won’t even notice!
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Pizza
You might think a pizza is an impossible choice when camping, but with your own glamping pizza oven, anything is possible! We’re not talking about soggy pre-made pizzas either, we mean the real deal made from fresh dough! Select all your favourite toppings from mozzarella to pepperoni and whack your pizza in the oven for a delicious, easy treat that’s much healthier than a takeaway.
You can even make mini pizzas for your little ones so they can enjoy personalising their meal with all their favourite toppings.
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Toasties
Sometimes, simple is better, and although a toastie isn’t a hearty meal, it certainly makes a satisfying lunch. The best thing about this meal is that you can personalise it how you want. Stick to the classic cheese toastie or enjoy a full meat feast with pepperoni, sausage and bacon, the choice is yours.
All you need to do for this easy camping meal is add a little butter to a pan and stick your sandwich on to brown for a few minutes on each side.
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Stir Fry
If you’re looking for easy camping meals for 2, a stir fry is a fast option that’s packed with flavour. You can buy fresh or pre-made noodles and add your choice of veg, from mushrooms and carrots to peppers, broccoli and bean sprouts. You can choose to add meat or keep it vegetarian, but the most important step is a good serving of soy sauce and seasoning.
This beef stir fry recipe takes only 25 minutes from prep to plate, and you can mix and match any ingredients you want.
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Foil Fish Fillets
This is a brilliant one-pot meal that’s so easy you don’t even need a pot! Choose your favourite fish (we’d recommend salmon to suit the glamping vibes) and add some asparagus and baby potatoes all to one piece of tinfoil. Season as desired, add some butter to the potatoes, and place the parcel in your camping oven or directly on the campfire. Check your fish every so often, and once it’s cooked all the way through and the potatoes are fluffy, this dish is ready to enjoy.
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Risotto
If you’re looking for a fancy meal more suited to your luxurious surroundings, you can’t go wrong with risotto. This is an easy camping meal for 2 that still gives you a hint of gourmet in one pot.
The essential base of risotto is, of course, risotto rice, alongside vegetable or meat stock. You’re free to add any veg or meat you’d like from here. We’d recommend a classic mushroom risotto, or for meat lovers, beef.
In a large pan, add your risotto rice and stock and bring to a boil. Cook on a low heat until tender and creamy, and then add your other ingredients.
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Fruit Crumble
Although not technically a meal, this classic British dessert is an irresistible treat nonetheless. This is a great recipe to prepare with the kids, and if you’re out glamping in the forest or fruitful woodland areas, you can forage for fresh berries and fruit to add to your crumble. Whether you want to bring your own fruit or find some on your adventures, make sure you’ve got some flour, oats and sugar. Heat your fruit in a skillet and then layer a mix of oats, butter and sugar on top. Cook until you get that golden crumble glow and enjoy!
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Seafood Platter
If you’re on a seaside getaway, fresh seafood is a brilliant gourmet option for your evening glamping meal. From prawn cocktail to delicious scollops and fresh fish fillets, seafood is quick and easy to cook and only needs minimal seasoning. A squeeze of lemon, fresh garlic and a sprinkle of salt are enough to bring out the mouth-watering flavours in any fish dish. Pair your main with grilled vegetables, a salad or some buttery potatoes for a fresh dinner that’s ideal for enjoying by the sea.
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Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a brilliant option if you’re looking for a healthy but equally delicious campfire meal. This is one of the many easy camping meals that can be prepared fire side and placed in a single dish or tin foil. Simply carve out your peppers and then stuff them with anything you want. Rice, beans, cheese and meat are the most common ingredients, but you can customise your peppers with any stuffing you love. Leave your peppers until the filling is cooked and your peppers are soft, then you’re ready to dig in.
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Curry
A curry is a fantastic option for family glamping, with so many different types of curry from Indian to Japanese and Thai, there’s something for everyone. The most important component of any curry from across the world is rice. Ensure you have brown or white rice ready to serve alongside your chosen curry.
If you want to stick to a traditional Indian curry, make sure you have all the right aromatic spices for a rich and tasty treat. Ingredients like chickpeas, spinach and chicken are all delicious options for an Indian curry. You can even use your pizza oven to make some fresh naan bread!
For a fresh tasting Thai curry, make sure you bring along garlic, coconut milk and lemon grass as base ingredients.
Whatever you choose, a curry can be made with limited space and effort and left to simmer whilst you unwind by the fire.
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Burritos
If you’ve had a busy day or had to skip out on lunch to fit in more fun, burritos are a substantial meal that can fill the whole family's hungry bellies. Bring along some pre-made tortillas for ease, and fill them with everything you want from Mexican rice and beans to cheese, grilled meat and any range of veggies your hungry heart desires.
Whether you cook up some pulled pork, grill some chicken or stay veggie, the most important step is the toppings. Bring your burrito together and make it customised with guacamole, sour cream or salsa. Finish off by lightly grilling your folded burrito in a cast iron skillet for that authentic toasted taste.
You can pre-make your fillings and assemble on site, or go all out and spend some quality time with your kids cooking up an irresistible glamping meal from scratch.
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Campfire Nachos
A super easy meal for all the family to enjoy, nachos are a satisfying, savoury snack with minimal cooking involved. In your cast iron skillet, layer tortilla chips, black beans, jalapenos and any other toppings and then grate a generous layer of cheese on top. Cover your pan with foil and allow the cheese to melt before adding healthy dollops of sour cream, salsa and guacamole.
Not only is this a quick meal if you’ve got more adventuring to enjoy, but it involves minimal clean up, so you won’t have to spend your valuable holiday hours washing up.
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French Toast
French toast is the definition of an indulgent breakfast that is perfect for glamping. You might not be in a boutique hotel in Paris, but you can certainly feel like it with this morning meal. You can enjoy both sweet and savoury French toast. Begin by whisking an egg and milk mixture and giving your bread a thorough dip in this mix on each side. Grease your pan and fry your toast until golden brown and top with fruit, golden syrup and a dusting of cinnamon. For a savoury option, add scrambled eggs and maple bacon.
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Campfire Chili
A hearty meal with a spicy kick, campfire chili will keep you warm when winter glamping. In a pot, simmer some ground beef or veggie alternative if you don’t eat meat. Add in some beans, onions, canned tomatoes and plenty of spices and a nice helping of chili if you can handle a kick. Leave everything to simmer until fully cooked. You can whip up some fresh bread using your glamping pizza oven, or boil some rice on the side.
Serve at your camping table and enjoy this warming meal together as a family.
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S’mores
Although this isn’t technically a meal, no camping trip is complete without this classic camping dessert. S’mores are a quick treat to whip up over the campfire and are something so simple even the kids can get involved. On a pair of tongs (or a stick if you’re doing things the old-fashioned way), toast some marshmallows until they go golden and gooey.
Sandwich the marshmallows between two graham crackers or digestives and some chocolate, and leave everything to melt. Pair your s’mores with a stovetop hot chocolate, and you’ll unwind for the evening feeling extra cosy.
Final Tips for Easy Family Camping Meals
In order to make all of these delicious camping meals, there are a few steps to take in advance. Always plan ahead and ensure you have all the ingredients ready to take on your trip. Pack smart and light, focusing on multi-use tools to maximise space and minimise clean-up.
One crucial tip is to choose a tent with enough space for cooking and dining, ensuring you can comfortably enjoy your meals inside. At Boutique Camping, we have a wide range of luxurious yurt tents to house all of your cooking and glamping gear.
To discover which tent is best for your culinary ventures, get in touch with our experts at Boutique Camping today!
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