Whether you’re planning a weekend hike, an epic RV trip, or setting up camp in the woods, one thing you don’t want to stress about is food. That’s where these 15 make ahead camping meals come in clutch. You’ll save time, reduce cleanup, and eat like a trail-blazing pro — no hangry campers here!
From hearty breakfasts to fuss-free lunches and satisfying dinners, these recipes are designed for real-life outdoor eating. Prep them at home, pack smart, and spend more time roasting marshmallows instead of washing dishes.
Love early morning meals? Be sure to check out our Breakfast Recipes too!
1. Foil Packet BBQ Chicken & Veggies
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Foil Packet BBQ Chicken & Veggies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Camping Meal
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy and flavorful BBQ chicken and vegetables cooked in foil packets – perfect for make-ahead camping meals.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 cup baby potatoes (halved)
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced red onion
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
- Heavy-duty foil
Instructions
- Combine chicken, veggies, and seasonings in a large bowl.
- Spoon mixture into foil packets.
- Drizzle with BBQ sauce.
- Seal the foil packets tightly.
- Store in a cooler until ready to cook.
- At camp, place foil packets on grill or fire grate.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Notes
Use heavy-duty foil to prevent tearing and ensure even cooking over the fire or grill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 packet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless
- skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 cup baby potatoes (halved)
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- ½ cup sliced red onion
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- Salt
- pepper
- garlic powder to taste
- Heavy-duty foil
Instructions:
Combine chicken, veggies, and seasonings in a large bowl. Spoon mixture into foil, drizzle with BBQ sauce, and seal tightly. Store in a cooler. At camp, place on grill or fire grate for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Breakfast Burritos (Freeze & Reheat)
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup cooked breakfast sausage or bacon
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- ¼ cup diced bell peppers
- ¼ cup diced onions
- 4 large tortillas
Instructions:
Scramble eggs with veggies and meat. Let cool, then wrap mixture into tortillas. Wrap each burrito in foil, then freeze. Reheat over fire or stove for 10–15 minutes.
3. Campfire Mac & Cheese Cups
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 egg
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Spoon into a greased muffin tin. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Let cool, then freeze. Reheat in foil over fire.
4. Marinated Steak Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sirloin steak (cubed)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions:
Mix marinade ingredients and pour over steak in a Ziploc. Refrigerate overnight or freeze. Skewer meat at camp and grill over fire for 10–12 mins.
5. Make-Ahead Chili
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans (drained)
- 1 can black beans (drained)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
Cook meat and onion in a pan. Add remaining ingredients and simmer 20 mins. Cool and store in containers. Reheat over fire or camp stove.
6. Campfire Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- ½ cup black beans (optional)
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Fill half of each tortilla with ingredients. Fold and press gently. Wrap each in foil and refrigerate or freeze. At camp, heat over grill or fire for 5–7 minutes per side.
7. Baked Ziti Foil Packs
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked ziti pasta
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
- Italian seasoning
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Spoon into foil packets, seal tightly. Refrigerate or freeze. Heat on campfire grate for 15–20 minutes, rotating halfway.
8. Sausage & Veggie Grill Packs
Ingredients:
- 2 smoked sausages (sliced)
- 1 zucchini (chopped)
- 1 bell pepper (chopped)
- ½ onion (sliced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt
- pepper
- Italian seasoning
Instructions:
Toss everything in a large bowl with oil and seasonings. Divide between foil sheets and seal tightly. Store in cooler. Cook over campfire or grill for 15–18 minutes, flipping once.
9. Campfire Sloppy Joe Sliders
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- ½ cup diced onion
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Mini slider buns
Instructions:
Cook meat and onion, then stir in sauce ingredients. Let cool, then pack in a sealed container. At camp, reheat in foil or pot, then spoon onto buns.
10. Pre-Made Pancake Batter (in a Bottle!)
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups pancake mix
- 1¼ cups milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp oil or melted butter
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Pour into an empty condiment bottle or mason jar. Store in cooler. At camp, squeeze onto greased skillet or griddle and cook as usual.
11. Chicken Fajita Packets
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 1 red and 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper
- Tortillas (for serving)
Instructions:
Mix everything in a large Ziploc bag at home. At camp, divide mixture into foil packets and seal. Grill over fire for 15–20 minutes. Serve in warm tortillas.
12. Make-Ahead Pasta Salad Jars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup chopped cucumbers
- ¼ cup black olives
- ¼ cup crumbled feta
- 3 tbsp Italian dressing
Instructions:
Layer dressing on bottom, then pasta, then veggies and feta. Seal jars and refrigerate. At camp, shake and eat straight from the jar or pour into a bowl.
13. Campfire Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 bell peppers (tops cut and cleaned)
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup cooked ground turkey or beef
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
Mix filling ingredients in a bowl. Stuff peppers, top with cheese, and wrap each in foil. Store in cooler. Cook over fire for 20–25 minutes.
14. No-Cook Chicken Salad Wraps
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or mayo
- 1 celery stalk (diced)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper
- Large lettuce leaves or wraps
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients (except lettuce) and mix well. Store in a sealed container. Scoop into wraps or lettuce leaves at camp. Serve chilled straight from the cooler.
15. S’mores Trail Mix (Bonus Snack!)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup Golden Grahams cereal
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup pretzels (optional)
Instructions:
Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl. Portion into small Ziploc bags or containers. Store at room temp in a dry spot.
Camping Food FAQ
What food to premake for camping?
Anything that holds up well in a cooler or at room temp: burritos, pasta salad, foil packets, egg muffins, and chili are excellent choices. The key is choosing sturdy ingredients and pre-cooking when possible.
What are the best make ahead side dishes for camping?
Try mayo-free pasta salad, baked potato salad, hummus, roasted veggie medleys, and cornbread muffins. These dishes travel well and pair with any main course.
How to pack food for 7 days camping?
Label meals by day, freeze what you can, and use plastic bins to separate dry goods, fridge items, and snacks. Vacuum sealing or ziplocks help maximize cooler space. Don’t forget a food-safe thermometer!
What food to take camping without cooking and fridge?
Think shelf-stable: nut butters, canned tuna or beans, trail mix, tortillas, dried fruit, granola, and jerky. Add powdered milk, hard cheese, and instant oats for more variety.
Should I freeze my food before camping?
Yes — freezing meals extends freshness and acts as extra ice in your cooler. Flat-packed frozen dinners like chili or foil meals defrost slowly and stay cold longer.
How to package food for camping?
Use leak-proof containers for liquids, foil for reheatable meals, and vacuum seal bags for meats. Label everything. Keep heavy items at the bottom of your cooler, and bring separate bins for dry food and snacks.
Need help organizing your gear? Grab our free Lunch checklist.
Final Tips for Stress-Free Camp Cooking
- Freeze everything you can — it keeps the cooler colder longer.
- Pre-label meals by name and day — saves time and brainpower.
- Pack foil, heat-proof gloves, and wipes — always handy.
- Use frozen bottles of water to chill the cooler AND stay hydrated.
- Don’t forget your spice kit — it takes meals from “meh” to amazing.
These Make Ahead Camping Meals Make Life Easier
Camping should be all about the views, the stars, and the memories — not chopping onions on a cooler lid. These 15 make ahead camping meals take the stress out of outdoor cooking, whether you’re in the backcountry or glamping in style.
Prep them in advance, pack smart, and enjoy flavorful, low-effort meals that fuel your adventures. If you try any of these, tag us @empirecipes and share your campfire creations!
Happy camping, and happy eating!
