18 Easy Make Ahead Camping Meals: Stress-Free Recipes for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Planning food for a camping trip doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with the right planning, you can enjoy delicious, hearty, make ahead camping meals that require little to no effort once you’re out in the wild. Whether you’re camping with friends, family, or on a solo getaway, having meals prepped ahead saves time, reduces cleanup, and ensures you get to focus on what matters most—relaxing, exploring, and enjoying nature.
In this guide, we’re sharing 18 Easy Make Ahead Camping Meals that are practical, flavorful, and perfect for eating outdoors. From protein-packed breakfasts to packable lunches and cozy campfire dinners, these meals are budget-friendly and designed for even the busiest campers.
Let’s dig in!
Why Make Ahead Camping Meals Are a Game Changer
Before we dive into our delicious list, here’s why pre-making your meals is one of the smartest camping hacks:
✔ Saves Time
No chopping vegetables or long cooking times at the campsite. Heat and eat!
✔ Reduces Supplies Needed
Less cookware, fewer utensils, and fewer ingredients to carry.
✔ Keeps Food Fresh Longer
Properly prepped meals stored in coolers stay safe and ready to enjoy.
✔ Minimizes Cleanup
The forest is for fun—not scrubbing pots.
✔ Easy Meal Planning
Plan servings for everyone without guessing or wasting food.
These benefits are exactly why people love preparing make ahead camping recipes.
18 Easy Make Ahead Camping Meals
Below is the full list broken into breakfast, lunch, and dinner sections so you can plan each day with ease.
Make Ahead Camping Breakfasts
1. Breakfast Burritos
A classic camp meal! Wrap scrambled eggs, cheese, potatoes, onions, and your choice of sausage or vegetables in a tortilla.
Make ahead tip: Roll tightly in foil and freeze. Reheat over the campfire or cooler stoves.
Why it’s great: They stay fresh for days and are super filling.
2. Overnight Oats Jars
Perfect for quick mornings before hiking. Add oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, berries, and honey to jars.
Make ahead tip: Prep them in airtight jars and keep them chilled.
Why it’s great: Zero cooking required at the campsite.
3. Campfire Banana Bread
Bake your banana bread at home and pack in slices.
Make ahead tip: Wrap slices individually for easy grab-and-go.
Why it’s great: Tastes amazing toasted over a campfire.
4. Homemade Granola Clusters
Crunchy, sweet, and energizing! Combine oats, nuts, honey, and cinnamon.
Make ahead tip: Bake and store in airtight bags.
Why it’s great: Works as breakfast or snack.
5. Veggie Egg Muffins
Whisk eggs with your favorite vegetables, cheese, and spices. Bake in muffin tins.
Make ahead tip: Refrigerate or freeze and reheat in foil.
Why it’s great: High protein and portable.
Make Ahead Camping Lunches
6. Chicken Salad Wraps
Mix shredded chicken with Greek yogurt or mayo, celery, onions, grapes, and seasoning.
Make ahead tip: Store filling separately; assemble wraps at the campsite.
Why it’s great: Light but satisfying.
7. Mason Jar Layered Salads
Put dressing at the bottom, then hard veggies, then greens on top.
Make ahead tip: They stay fresh for 3–4 days!
Why it’s great: No soggy lettuce.
8. Pasta Salad with Veggies + Cheese
Cooked pasta mixed with cherry tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, cheese cubes, and Italian dressing.
Make ahead tip: Tastes even better after chilling overnight.
Why it’s great: Filling and budget-friendly.
9. Tuna Pita Pockets
Pack tuna salad and pitas separately.
Make ahead tip: Tuna stays fresh in sealed containers.
Why it’s great: Zero reheating needed.
10. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Slow-cook chicken with BBQ sauce and shred.
Make ahead tip: Keep in sealed bags and reheat over fire.
Why it’s great: Easy to serve for a group.
Make Ahead Camping Dinners
11. Chili Con Carne
Rich, comforting, and perfect for chilly nights.
Make ahead tip: Prepare at home, freeze in bags, and heat in a pot.
Why it’s great: Feeds many people and reheats beautifully.
12. Foil Pack Potatoes & Veggies
Chop potatoes, onions, corn, peppers, and season. Wrap tightly in foil.
Make ahead tip: Keep in the cooler and cook directly over coals.
Why it’s great: Customizable and no dishes needed.
13. Marinated Chicken Skewers
Cut chicken into cubes and marinate in spices, yogurt, or lemon garlic mix.
Make ahead tip: Skewer at home and store in sealed containers.
Why it’s great: Quick to grill once you’re at camp.
14. Make Ahead Beef Tacos
Cook taco-seasoned beef with onions and peppers.
Make ahead tip: Store filling separately, warm, and assemble tacos with tortillas.
Why it’s great: Kids and adults both love them.
15. Dutch Oven Lasagna
Yes, you can have lasagna while camping!
Layer cooked noodles, sauce, cheese, and meat in a Dutch oven.
Make ahead tip: Assemble at home and bake later at camp.
Why it’s great: Warm, cheesy comfort food outdoors.
16. Pre-Made Stir-Fry Packs
Add chopped vegetables, precooked chicken or beef, and sauce into freezer bags.
Make ahead tip: Dump into a pan at the campsite.
Why it’s great: Healthy and fast.
17. Campfire Chili Dogs
Cook the chili at home and bring hotdogs ready to grill.
Make ahead tip: Warm the chili in a small pot over the fire.
Why it’s great: Classic camping meal with a flavorful upgrade.
18. Shepherd’s Pie
Prepare mashed potatoes and a savory meat filling.
Make ahead tip: Assemble in a foil pan and bake at camp.
Why it’s great: Ultra-comforting and great for cold nights.
Bonus Tips For Make Ahead Camping Meals
1. Use Freezer Bags Wisely
They save space and help keep the cooler cold longer.
2. Pre-Freeze Meats and Meals
They thaw slowly and stay fresh.
3. Label Everything
Include meal names and dates.
4. Carry Spices in Mini Containers
Salt, pepper, paprika, chili flakes—lightweight and useful.
5. Choose Ingredients That Store Well
Potatoes, carrots, pasta, rice, tortillas, and canned goods.
6. Bring Heavy-Duty Foil
Many of the best camping meals cook right in foil packs.
Final Thoughts
Planning delicious, make ahead camping meals doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, these 18 easy make ahead camping meals offer convenience, taste, and stress-free cooking. With the right recipes ready before you leave home, you can enjoy hot breakfasts, simple lunches, and hearty dinners—without spending your camping time preparing food.
