Camping is one of those timeless American traditions that brings families together and helps us reconnect with nature.
Whether you're a seasoned camper or just getting started, there's one thing we can all agree on:
Food tastes better in the woods.
In this article, you'll find 4 simple camping recipes that are perfect for any outdoor getaway — whether you're cooking over a fire pit, grill, or camp stove. These crowd-pleasers are easy to prep, full of flavor, and guaranteed to keep your whole crew happy.
🔗 Helpful Resource: Your Camping Survival Guide Checklist
Breakfast – Apple Cinnamon French Toast
Start your camping day right with this warm, gooey French toast bake. Perfect for chilly mornings.
Ingredients:
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup maple syrup
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. table salt
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
12 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups whole milk
1 French bread loaf (15-16 ounces), cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup roughly chopped Braeburn apple
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Directions:
- Line a 9-inch springform pan with heavy foil and grease.
- Mix cream cheese + syrup until smooth. Add vanilla, spices, eggs, and milk.
- Stir in bread, apples, and pecans. Let sit at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a camping stove or fire grate. Preheat a Dutch oven with foil balls at the bottom for 10 minutes.
- Place pan inside Dutch oven, cover tightly with foil + lid.
- Bake ~2 hours, until set. Rest 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with syrup.
Lunch – Foil Pack French Dip Sandwiches
Hearty, cheesy, and no-mess. Perfect for an easy camping lunch.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 packet au jus gravy mix (divided)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3/4 tsp. dried minced garlic
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 baguette (cut into 6–10" sections)
1 lb deli roast beef
1 pkg provolone cheese
Directions:
- Mix butter, 1 tbsp. au jus, Worcestershire, garlic, and onion powder.
- Slice baguette sections 3/4 through in 1/2-inch slices.
- Spread butter mix inside slices. Add roast beef + provolone.
- Wrap tightly in foil. Grill 6–9 min or bake at 400°F for 10 min.
- Meanwhile, prepare au jus with remaining mix and 2 cups water.
- Serve sandwiches hot with au jus for dipping.
Dinner – Marinated Chicken & Onion Kebabs
Juicy marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection.
Ingredients:
2 cups plain yogurt
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 tbsp. grated fresh ginger
1 tsp. garam masala
1 tsp. ground turmeric
2 tsp. lemon zest + 2 tbsp. lemon juice
Salt & pepper
1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken (cubed)
1 red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
Canola oil (for grill)
4 naan or flatbreads
Directions:
- Mix yogurt, garlic, ginger, spices, zest, juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken, marinate at least 15 minutes.
- Oil grill grates, heat to medium.
- Skewer chicken + onion, grill 8–10 min, turning.
- Grill naan ~1 min per side.
- Serve kebabs with naan and cucumber-yogurt sauce if desired.
Dessert – S’mores Cookie Cake
A gooey campfire twist on the classic s’more — big enough to share.
Ingredients:
6 graham cracker sheets, divided
1 pkg sugar cookie mix (17.5 oz)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 large egg
12 oz milk chocolate chips
3 cups mini marshmallows
Directions:
- Preheat a Dutch oven with foil balls at the bottom.
- Line a 9-inch cake pan with foil and coat with spray.
- Crush 4 grahams, mix with cookie dough (butter + egg).
- Press into pan. Bake ~1 hour.
- Top with chocolate chips + marshmallows, cover, let melt.
- Crush remaining grahams on top. Cool slightly, cut into wedges.
🏕️ Final Tips for Camp Cooking
- ✅ Prep ahead: Chop and marinate at home.
- ✅ Pack smart: Use durable containers like 4Patriots survival totes.
- ✅ Cook low & slow: Control your fire for even cooking.