Camp Exploring

Food can be enjoyed all kinds of ways. Camping food is great because it allows you to be creative and enjoying it in an outdoor setting is always great. Planning meals for a week-long camping trip may seem like a struggle as you dont have the luxuries of everything in your kitchen, but having a proper plan and layout makes it a lot easier.

Let’s explore what is takes to create the perfect camping trip with the tastiest meals. From quick breakfasts to start your day off right, to tasty dinners cooked over the fire, this guide provides everything you need – cookware, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions – to prepare delicious meals for a fun 7-day family camping trip.

Cooking Essentials Needed

Having the right cookware and tools is the most important part of having great meals. Without these necessities, you wont be able to enjoy your 7 day meal plan provided later on. Here are list of essential cookware tools to make your life that much easier

• • Camping Grill/Stove – Used for burgers, chicken sandwiches, and more.

• •  Cast Iron Skillet or Frying Pan – Used to cook over the fire for eggs and other meals. 

• • Medium Size Pot with Lid – For cooking large quantities of food to bring on your camping trip. Taco meat can be prepared ahead of time.

• • Kettle or Coffee Pot – Used to heat water for tea or coffee on mornings your tired. 

• • Roasting Sticks – Used for cooking hotdogs and marshmallows over the fire. 
  • Knife, Cutting Board, cooking utensils and serving essentials
  • 

Breakfast – The Most Important Meal of the Day

Day 1: Breakfast Burritos with hashbrown – These can either be prepared ahead of time and warmed up. You can also make from scratch while camping over the fire or in an oven.

Day 2: Pancakes/Waffles with fresh fruit – With a pancake or waffle maker you can make a delicious meal.

Day 3: Scrambled eggs and bacon with a side of fresh fruit – Eggs can be make over the fire and cooked to your liking. Cut up some fresh fruit to go with it! I found this article helpful Campfire Egg in a Ladle | Bush Cooking

Day 4: Premade muffins or cereal – For days when you want to start your adventures started early, a quick bowl of cereal or store bought muffins is a great choice.

Day 5: Egg sandwiches with fresh fruit – The egg sandwiches can also be premade. But you can cook the eggs over a fire and toast a bagel with cream cheese. Add a sausage patty or bacon to top it off!

Day 6: Bagels or Pop Parts/Toaster Strudle’s – Another day where you are either in a rush from oversleeping, or have early plans, this is a great option. These quick options make for a tasty, sweet treat in the morning. 

Day 7: Leftovers from the week – You may want to hit the road first thing in the morning and won’t have time to cook breakfast. If you arent in a rush you can prepare yourself some eggs with hashbrowns or leftover pancakes from earlier in the week. 

Lunch – Noon at The Campsite

Day 1: Hot Dogs over the fire with fries – This is one of my favorites as its a whole family activity. Dont forget buns and condiments.

Day 2: Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with chips – A more simple meal for when you’re on the road. You can’t beat a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Day 3: Tacos – You can prepare the taco meat ahead of time and bring lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, taco shells, etc… to enjoy this lunch.

Day 4: Grilled cheese or pizzas over the fire with tater tots – Use a Double Pie Campfire Cast Iron to cook over the fire. Butter 2 pieces of bread, put your toppings of choice such as cheese in the middle and enjoy cooking over the fire!

Day 5: Turkey and ham sandwiches with fruit – Another more simple meal for when you dont have time mid day to prepare a meal. All of these can be served with chips, snacks, or fruit.

Day 6: Chicken Wraps with mac & Cheese – These can be prepared ahead of time too. You can also grill chicken when your there too. Remember to bring lettuce, tomatoes, and whatever else you want in your lunch wraps. A side of mac & cheese prepared ahead of time goes perfectly with this. 

Day 7: Leftover Sandwiches and snacks from the week – If you dont want to cook again, this is always a great option. Sandwiches are smart here too if you’re on the road headed home. 

Dinner – Twilight Campfire Feasts

Day 1: Chicken Sandwiches with fries – Grilling the sandwiches is best as fresh is always better. You can cook the fries in the oven in your camper or ahead of time if you dont have one. Remember your buns, toppings, and seasoning for the sandwiches. 

Day 2: Hot Dogs and Brats served with corn – You can cook the hot dogs over the fire and grill the corn. Dont forget the essentials for hot dogs and butter and salt/pepper for the corn.

Day 3: Mexican fiesta night – Prepare fajitas or whatever Mexican dish you’d like ahead of time. Then warm up the dish in your camp oven.

Day 4: Hot Pockets – On days you dont feel like cooking, warm up some hot pocket or any frozen food to enjoy on a relaxing evening. 

Day 5: Chili Mac with Beef – This dish can be prepared ahead of time and can be warmed up over the fire in a pan or cast iron skillet. Here’s an article I found helpful on how to cook this dish – One Pot Chili Mac – Fresh Off The Grid

Day 6: Burgers on the grill – This classic American dish is perfect for camping. You can cook fries or tater tots ahead of time or in the campers oven. Dont forget all of the toppings you prefer for your burgers!

Day 7: Kebabs – This dish is creative as you can cook them on a stick over the fire or in the oven. Dont forget your meat of choice and any vegetables you prefer for your meal. 

With the right equipment and preparation, making delicious meals for a 7 day camping trip can be simple and enjoyable. You are now ready and stress-free for your week long family camping trip. Don’t forget the essential cookware and have a blast preparing these meals for your family!