Getting food ready at camp shouldn’t take longer than setting up a tent. That’s where 19 quick backpack-friendly meals come in handy, especially when hunger shows up before the fire’s even ready. They don’t rely on fancy ingredients or hours of prep, just good timing and a flame that cooperates. Everything somehow tastes better when your seat is a rock.

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimps on a white plate with lemon wedges. — Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

Sitting by a campfire makes everything taste better, especially when it comes to Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon. This dish combines a warm, hearty mix that packs easily and cooks up quickly. It works great for lunch or dinner and gives you that homemade feel, even when you’re miles from home. It’s a simple go-to for outdoor cooking that fills you up without weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

Barley Salad with Herbs & Lemon Vinaigrette

A bowl of barley salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley sits on a plate, with a spoonful of salad being held above the bowl. — Barley Salad with Herbs & Lemon Vinaigrette. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

If you’re looking for something light but still filling, Barley Salad with Herbs & Lemon Vinaigrette is a solid choice. It’s quick to whip up and doesn’t take up much space in your pack. This salad brings together fresh, simple ingredients perfect for eating outside. It’s refreshing and has just enough oomph to keep you refueled for your next outdoor adventure.
Get the Recipe: Barley Salad with Herbs & Lemon Vinaigrette

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a great option for a mid-day or evening campfire meal. Easy to pack, quick to make, and packed with flavor, it checks all the camping meal boxes. It’s the kind of dish that feels way more “fancy” than you’d expect from something this camp-friendly. Whether you’re solo or sharing, this one’s a crowd favorite every time.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Baked Bean Casserole

Warm and hearty meals are a camping must, and Baked Bean Casserole always delivers. It’s perfect for gathering around the fire after a long day and gives off comforting vibes we all crave outdoors. Super easy to throw together with pantry staples, it’s a straight-up classic for camp night meals. Don’t let its simplicity fool you, it absolutely hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta

A spoon drizzles balsamic glaze over a salad with watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and arugula in a white bowl on a light surface. — Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

When you want cool and fresh at a campsite, Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta is where it’s at. It’s simple to prep, packs up great, and adds a sweet-and-savory twist that’s refreshing in the great outdoors. Perfect for warm evenings or mid-day bites, it’s that hit of freshness you didn’t know you needed. Bonus points for being light on cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta

Honey Almond Granola

Honey Almond Granola is a lifesaver. It travels well, doesn’t need refrigeration, and goes perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or some yogurt. Sweet and crunchy, it’s a solid staple to fuel you for all-day hiking or chilling at the site. Whether you need speed or convenience, this option won’t let you down.
Get the Recipe: Honey Almond Granola

Creamy Radish Salad

If you don’t mind a little crunch, Creamy Radish Salad is a campfire meal worth trying. It’s light, clean, and comes together quickly for those nights where less fuss equals more fun. Easy to make ahead or whip up on the spot, it’s great for sharing or keeping small. Sometimes, less can feel like more when you’re hanging out in the wild.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Radish Salad

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Nothing beats a good grilled meal, and Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa fits right into campfire cooking plans. It’s a perfect mix of sweet and savory with a tropical hint that feels surprisingly fitting outdoors. Quick to prepare and hard to mess up, it’s ideal for both camping novices and pros. Fire up your grill and dig in, it’s worth it every time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad

A plate of bowtie pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, zucchini, black olives, and herbs, set on a blue plate with a bowl of tomatoes and utensils nearby. — Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Easy to pack and serve, Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad is camping-friendly and versatile. Whether it’s a side or main dish, it holds up perfectly for outdoor meals. Tasty yet simple, it’s a no-fuss option with minimal cleanup when you’re done. Perfectly suited for sharing, it’s always a hit on group trips.
Get the Recipe: Summer Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Creamed Corn

No hassle, all reward, you can’t go wrong here. For something smooth and hearty, Creamed Corn brings comfort food vibes to the campsite. It’s warm, easy to prep, and feels fulfilling without needing a ton of effort. It works great alongside grilled meals or even as a simple stand-alone dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Grandma’s Three Bean Salad

A bowl of three-bean salad with kidney beans, chickpeas, onions, and herbs sits on a table next to a blue striped napkin and fresh parsley. — Grandma’s Three Bean Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Handy to carry and easy to put together, Grandma’s Three Bean Salad is awesome for camping meals. It offers that nostalgic feel while being super practical for outdoor eating. Great as a side dish or standalone, it’s a convenient and tasty addition to any spread. Whether on a trail or at camp, this salad stays fresh and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Three Bean Salad

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers bring a solid balance of savory and smoky, perfect for campfire cooking. They’re quick to whip up and have that grill-ready factor everyone loves outdoors. Easy to make ahead or fire into action on-site, they’re always worth the time. Portable, filling, and fun to eat, these burgers are camping gold.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Texas Corn Succotash

Great for sharing and quick to cook, Texas Corn Succotash is the kind of meal that brings people together. It’s got a mix of textures and a fresh balance that fits perfectly into outdoor vibes. Easy to stash in your backpack and quick to prep at camp, it’s a crowd-pleaser with minimal cleanup. Whether it’s a side or a main event, this one’s a solid pick.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

A plate with grilled radishes, a bowl of creamy dipping sauce, lime halves, jalapeño, and a striped cloth on a white surface. — Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Grilling brings out a smoky char that pairs beautifully with a spicy sidekick sauce. Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce adds just the right bite for a campfire crowd looking for something unique. It’s light enough to snack on while sharing stories and heavy enough to fill you up for a bit. Toss it in your bag, grill it quick, and enjoy right there outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Radishes With Jalapeño Dipping Sauce

Ground Beef Fried Rice

This is quick, simple, and packs plenty into a single bite, making it a perfect choice for backpack camping. Ground Beef Fried Rice is a complete handheld, fork-free meal that gets even better in the fresh air. It’s carb-heavy enough for hiking recovery and makes everyone happy with its familiar texture and flavors. Throw it together fast and finish the whole thing while your gear cools off around the fire.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Fried Rice

Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Smoked peaches topped with spiced rum whipped cream on a platter. — Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Few things feel as rewarding as biting into something sweet by the campfire after a long day. Smoked Peaches With Spiced Rum Whipped Cream bring new depth to simple fruit, making dessert its own kind of casual comfort. Bold heat from the fire caramelizes the natural sugars, while the whipped topping takes it to a whole new dimension. Grab and prep fast for everyone to share or devour solo.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Texas BLT

Toasted bread, smoky stuff, and that burst of juicy crunch come together fast in this backpack-friendly meal. Texas BLT keeps everything simple while still being something to crave outdoors. It’s hearty enough to fill you up without slowing down conversations around the flames. Pack this combo neatly, and it can be stacked together without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT

Queso Blanco Rotel Dip

No one can resist the pull of warm, melty dip when you’re gathered after a day out. Queso Blanco Rotel Dip ensures you keep the group happy while keeping clean prep simple and fast. It’s made for scooping with chips and doesn’t take much room to carry or make. Sit back and snack while you let the fire do its thing.
Get the Recipe: Queso Blanco Rotel Dip

Pulled Pork & Sweet Potato Hash

A cast-iron skillet with pulled pork and sweet potato hash. — Pulled Pork & Sweet Potato Hash. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you’re ready for something hearty but still easy, this campfire meal checks all the boxes. Pulled Pork & Sweet Potato Hash is packed with bold contrast and heat that warms you up after a long trek. It’s the kind of simple meal that feels extra fulfilling after some hard-earned outdoors time. Dump, heat, and eat straight by the fire without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork & Sweet Potato Hash