Summer is here and for many parents in the UK, that means one thing – a camping holiday. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself and your family in nature, and let’s be honest, tire out the kids so they sleep soundly at night. But with all the excitement and preparations, one question always comes up – what do we eat while camping?
Of course, you can always go out to eat, but that kind of defeats the purpose of camping and can quickly become expensive. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for delicious and easy meals that will keep your family happy and well-fed during your camping trip.
Sandwiches are a classic camping food for a reason. They’re easy to pack and store, and if wrapped in tin foil, can last for a few days. Plus, there are endless options for fillings – from simple ham and cheese to more adventurous combinations like avocado and turkey. Sandwiches are perfect for a quick snack or a meal on-the-go while exploring the great outdoors.
Pasta is another great option for camping meals. It can be prepared ahead of time and reheated over the fire or eaten cold. Tuna pasta, tomato and cheese pasta, or even just pesto pasta are all delicious options. You can also make pasta salads by keeping the components separate until you’re ready to eat, to avoid anything getting soggy.
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast option, try making breakfast burritos. The experts at The Adventure Bite recommend filling them with sausage, eggs, crispy fried potatoes, and melted cheese. You can even prepare them at home and just heat them up over the fire in tin foil. It’s the ultimate lazy camping breakfast that will keep you energized for a day of adventures.
For a quick and easy breakfast, cereal is always a great option. Keep some milk in your cooler bag and pack a box of your family’s favorite cereal or muesli. It’s a simple and affordable option, and let’s be honest, kids never get tired of cereal.
Don’t forget about fruits for a healthy and refreshing snack. Tinned fruits are a great option for camping as they don’t require refrigeration and can be easily packed in your camping gear. BBC Good Food suggests mixing tinned fruit in a quick salad or adding a special touch by drizzling melted chocolate over tinned pears and sprinkling with hazelnuts. For a retro treat, try tinned peaches with cream.
If you want to add a touch of luxury to your camping meals, consider pre-seasoned meats. User RedJessa from the /r/camping community on Reddit recommends pre-seasoning steaks, chicken breasts, or pork chops and sealing them in vacuum-sealed bags. They can then be grilled over the fire for a delicious and hassle-free meal. You can also pre-chop potatoes and veggies, season them, and seal them for easy cooking in foil packs over the grill. This not only adds flavor to your meals but also reduces waste as you can reuse the bags.
Who says camping food has to be boring? For a more fancy option, consider finger foods like bread, olives, cured meats, cheeses, and hummus. These options are high in calories and good fats, and they travel well, making them perfect for a day of hiking or exploring. Eat Sleep Wild suggests creating a lunch mezze with these items for a tasty and satisfying meal.
With these delicious and easy food options, you and your family can enjoy a stress-free and budget-friendly camping trip. So pack your camping gear, grab some of these food suggestions, and get ready for a fun-filled and delicious adventure in the great outdoors. Happy camping!


