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19 Simple Camp Dinners That Keep the Focus on the Stars, Not the Stove

Camping isn’t the time for complicated meals that eat up the whole evening. These 19 dinners keep things easy so you can focus on the fire, the sky, and not burning your socks. They’re quick to make, easy to clean up, and still feel like real food. Less cooking, more stargazing—that’s the goal.

Three pieces of Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers on a white plate.
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

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.

Great for sharing, this simple option is ideal for outdoors. Grandma’s Three Bean Salad brings a mix of hearty and refreshing elements to the table, offering something light yet filling. Whether paired with another dish or served solo, it easily fits into camping vibes. Plus, its simplicity keeps the focus on nature.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Three Bean Salad

Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

A black bowl filled with Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon with a spoon on the side.
Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Looking for something warm and filling after a long day outdoors? Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon offers a hearty bite with a comforting texture. The smoky notes from the bacon pair seamlessly, creating a deeply fulfilling combo. It’s a solid option when camp dinner needs some substance.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

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Creamy Radish Salad

A bowl of Creamy Radish Salad garnished with dill, with a spoon lifting a portion above the bowl.
Creamy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When you’re craving something fresh but creamy, this one delivers an easy solution. Creamy Radish Salad brings together a smooth consistency with a bit of crunch for balance. It’s refreshing without requiring too many steps. Perfect for camping, it’s low-prep and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Radish Salad

Baked Bean Casserole

A wooden spoon holds a serving of Baked Bean Casserole above a pot filled with more bean casserole.
Baked Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Heartiness that warms you up is what Baked Bean Casserole brings to the meal. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be shared easily and makes outdoor dining fun. Its simplicity doesn’t take away from the enjoyment. A balance of flavor and practicality makes it a solid campfire classic choice.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re after something rich but simple to whip up, Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe is a winner. The comfort it provides after a long day outdoors is unmatched. Each bite balances satisfaction with practicality. This dish feels camp-made but hearty enough for a regular dinner vibe.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Grilled Ratatouille

Close-up shot of Grilled Ratatouille on a black plate.
Grilled Ratatouille. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A lighter yet flavorful option comes alive in Grilled Ratatouille, offering vibrant tastes with minimal effort. Perfect for those seeking a bit of flair while camping. It pairs well with action-packed evenings or quiet moments. Easy to share, it balances both the outdoors and eating experience.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes

The syrup is poured over a stack of Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes topped with butter on a white plate.
Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Some meals are perfect for dinner, even at a campsite. Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes can be a warm, comforting dish to wrap up your day with layers of soft texture and deeply fulfilling flavor. They’re simple to make and great for sharing with everyone. A pleasing way to recharge and end your evening after a day of exploring.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes

Leftover Steak Quesadilla

A hand holding wedges of a quesadilla.
Leftover Steak Quesadilla. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Need an inventive way to reuse leftovers? Leftover Steak Quesadilla transforms simple ingredients into a filling meal. Perfect for quick preparation without losing quality, it suits outdoor dining well. Each bite keeps things satisfying and functional, fitting the idea of making the most of what’s already available.
Get the Recipe: Leftover Steak Quesadilla

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

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

For a protein-focused option that’s light but still filling, grab this idea. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp brings a smoky touch with its grilled simplicity. It’s perfect when you want something easy but still memorable among camp meal choices. Easy on prep time and cleanup too.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Feta

A bowl of watermelon salad with feta cheese, arugula, and balsamic glaze, placed on a white plate with a fork and spoon on the side.
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A refreshing option to balance out heartier meals, Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Feta brings sweetness with a twist. It’s perfect for warmer evenings or as a lighter side. Easy to make, it’s great for sharing with the group or kept simple for yourself during quiet outdoor moments.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze and Feta

Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Hot Honey Butter

A plate with halves of Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Hot Honey Butter.
Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Hot Honey Butter. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Nothing says comfort in a quick meal like grilled cheese, and this twist takes it up a notch. Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Hot Honey Butter blends savory bites with some added heat for interest. Perfect with minimal prep and ideal for all-day snacking.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Hot Honey Butter

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.

Dessert takes on a smoky twist with Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream, creating a unique sweet treat you won’t forget. Perfect after a hearty meal or on its own, it’s a fun way to mix simple preparation with bold flavor. Next-level without being fussy, great for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Peaches with Spiced Rum Whipped Cream

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Few meals feel as fitting for outdoor nights as Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter, bringing bold flavors into the simplicity of camping setups. This isn’t just steak—it adds a boost that suits open-air dining without making things complicated. Make it the centerpiece of your camping meal for a deeply fulfilling close under the stars.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pairing crunch with indulgence, Bacon Fried Corn hits a balance between sweet and salty without being over the top. It’s great for hearty yet approachable meals. Share it easily with others or enjoy solo, fitting perfectly into camping meal setups. Makes outdoor eating fun while keeping things practical.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze

Four pieces of Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Adding something warm and fruity can round out any camp meal without extra work. Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze brings that subtle contrast of sweetness and brightness in a way that feels effortless. It works as a dessert or side, slipping easily into the evening lineup. No need for complicated prep to get a dish that holds its own at the fire.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Double halves of Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Hearty without overthinking, Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak brings campers a meal that feels both filling and indulgent. Perfect for evening meals, every bite feels like comfort after an active day out. It’s super approachable and works well for sharing or eating alone, fitting naturally into camping setups.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Four pieces of Ninja Woodfire Grill Lemon-Herb Chicken served on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

There’s something appealing about a meal that doesn’t overdo it, yet still delivers flavor. Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken brings that balance, keeping things light without feeling too plain. It works well with just about anything else on the table, making it a solid go-to for camp nights. It’s easy to prep, cook, and enjoy without interrupting the pace of a relaxed evening.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken

Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork

Cast iron skillet with sweet potato hash with pulled pork and garnished with chopped chives.
Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Combining hearty and lighter elements, Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork hits the spot for those wanting something warming in the evening without too much effort. Great for quick prep, group sharing, or solo meals. It keeps the focus where it’s meant to be—on the camping experience itself.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork

Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Three pieces of Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers on a white plate.
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Keeping dessert easy makes the whole evening smoother, and that’s where Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers shine. They’re uncomplicated yet bring just enough flair to feel special around the fire. Great for passing around or keeping all to yourself, depending on the mood. It’s a relaxed way to end the night on a sweet note without much cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

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