50+ Stress-Free & Easy Camping Meals for Kids (+Recipes)
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It’s camping season! Get ready to pull out your gear and start planning your epic family camping adventures. I don’t know about you, but when I camp the last thing I want is to be stuck over a campfire or stove cooking the whole time. Or to listen to kids complain about food. Which is why I have gathered over 50 tried and true ideas and recipes for stress-free & fun camping meals for kids.
That are also adult approved.
While to be honest we eat a lot of “typical” easy camping meals when we go camping each year (smokies / hot dogs, canned chili, s’mores), we also like to switch it up.
Variety is the spice of life after all.
And really there are only so many hotdogs and marshmallows one eat without feeling like you need a vegetable or two. Do ya feel me?!?
Now you don’t have to miss out on all the fun.
Are you hungry? Grab some excellent ideas for easy camping meals for kids, and camp meal tips for your next family trip. Perfect for all your tent camping, rv camping or glamping adventures.
What You Need To Bring
You’ll want to bring a few camp cooking supplies to make things easier.
Campfire cooking kits are a must have for successful meals. Everything you need for your camp kitchen in one convenient set, ready to go.
Here are a few more camping essentials you’ll want to bring:
- Coleman Stove – This is the type we have had for 15 years and counting. A grill + burner = flexibility. Especially if you aren’t too keen on always cooking over the campfire.
- Long Handled Tongs – Avoid burning your fingers in the campfire or grill. Perfect for turning and grabbing your foil packet campfire meals.
- Camp Cooking Utensil Set – Versatile utensils for all your flipping, cutting, scooping, grabbing, opening needs.
- Heavy Duty Tin Foil – For making foil packet meals & cooking over the campfire or grill.
- Cast Iron Frying Pan – A cast iron pan set is a camping staple. Perfect for cooking over camp stove, grill or campfire. Add in Silicone Handle Holders to make it easier to grab your pan.
What are the “Ingredients” to Successful Camping Meals for Families?
1. Make Meals Simple – While meals made to order may be ok for a restaurant, when camping try to only make one meal for the whole family.
It can be hard….but try to plan meals you know the young ‘uns can enjoy. Camping is not the time to roll out kale salad with a side of tempeh (unless that’s a family favorite already).
2. Make meals memorable – Have a special meal / dessert or two that you cook every time you go camping. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just something everyone likes.
One time we ate canned chili for breakfast, and now every camping trip our daughter requests it.
3. Make meals and snacks fun – Don’t you just love the sense of awe and wonderment kids get when roasting marshmallows or making s’mores? Have a couple of fun recipes kids can help make ahead, or make all on their own.
Try out different ways of cooking – solar ovens, campfires, foil packet recipes. Not only is it fun, kids are learning valuable life skills. Easy parenting win!
4. Make meals with a variety of nutrients – Hot Dogs & chips have all the food groups one needs right? Try to pack a variety of foods, especially protein rich snacks.
This will help avoid the cranky, too much sugar highs-lows with kids (and adults).
5. Make meals adults will love too! – Plan for meals that can be elevated to adult friendly meals as well. Just because your kids are picky eaters, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your meals (without a lot of extra work).
SIMPLE MAKE AHEAD CAMPING MEALS & SNACKS
Make ahead camping meals are the perfect way to spend more time having fun with your family, and less time prepping, & cooking. This kid-friendly pre-made camping meals are quick, easy, and mess-free.
Having some non-refrigerated camping foods on hand can be a lifesaver too. For a quick meal / snack.
⭐️ Planning for your camping meals is essential, so using camping meal planner sheets are super helpful. Add these camping meal plan ideas to your list.
EASY CAMPING SNACKS FOR KIDS
Snack time! I swear my kids spend 3/4 of their time asking for and eating camping snacks.
Some of our fun, easy and yummy favorite camping snacks include:
- Crackers and cheese
- Pepperoni Sticks
- Cheese Strings
- Veggies & Dip
- Applesauce Fruit Pouches – Not just for toddlers. Make an easy snack or breakfast
- Trail Mix – mix up your favorite combo of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Add in some gummy bears and/or smarties for the kids. Or buy ready-made variety trail mix packets.
- Muffins (see recipes below) – muffins are versatile, hand sized, and can be eaten for snacks or breakfast. Add peanut butter for more protein.
- Cheese Crisps – dried cheesy, crunchy salty goodness
- Fruit Kabob (for older kids) – Cut up your fruit into larger chunks, push through a skewer.
If you are looking to make some delicious camping snacks for kids recipes here are some fun ideas:
YUMMY CAMPING SNACKS KIDS ACTUALLY EAT
Healthy Banana Carrot Muffins
Banana Carrot Muffins are soft, moist and fluffy whole wheat flour muffins made with mashed ripe bananas, shredded carrots, cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom! The perfect make-ahead breakfast, snack or healthy dessert.
Apricot Coconut Cashew Bars
Healthy and delicious, these Apricot Coconut Cashew Butter Bars are packed with wholesome ingredients and tons of flavor. One you'll want to add to your camp meals list. They're crunchy, naturally sweet, and are a quick breakfast or on the go snack!
Kids Charcuterie Board
This easy kids charcuterie board is the ultimate snack hack. Fill it with your hungry horde's favourite finger foods for snacks on the go. Kids love having a choice of picking their own food, so ideal for even your pickiest eaters.
No Bake Energy Bites
No-bake energy bites are super easy to make and packed full of nutrition. With a nutty chocolatey flavor, they strike the perfect salty sweet balance. This great make ahead recipe is a perfect camping treat for kids and adults.
Pumpkin Banana Muffins
These pumpkin banana muffins are a great make ahead breakfast for camping. Full of pumpkin flavor and perfectly moist. Bring a little fall sweetness to your campsite.
Healthy Homemade Graham Crackers (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Up your s'mores game with Homemade Graham Crackers. These graham crackers are so simple and easy to make, not to mention a healthier alternative! They're free of refined sugar, gluten and dairy, making them perfect for those with dietary restrictions. They also travel well and make the perfect camping companion.
Best Low Carb Cheddar Cheese Crackers
Cheesy, crispy keto crackers are the perfect camp snack. Made with just a few ingredients, these crunchy & flavorful crackers are a perfect make-ahead snack. Make these in less than 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Roasted Chickpeas
Protein rich, & flavorful, this air fryer roasted chickpeas recipe will soon be everyone's favorite snack. Make some healthy, crispy, spicy snacks to serve up to your hungry campers.
Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins
If you are looking to up your protein snacks the Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins are for you. Such a satisfying snack made with almond flour, yogurt, cinnamon, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup. The flecks of fresh zucchini add so much moisture to these fluffy muffins!
Air Fryer Spiced Pecans
Air Fryer Spiced Pecans - not just for game days! These pecans are the perfect balance of spicy, salty & sweet. A nutritious, flavorful camping snack recipe you can make in only 10 minutes. Be sure to make extra (so you actually get to eat some).
Easy No Bake Energy Bites Recipe
Easy No Bake Energy Bites are nutritious snacks that taste like treats! A good pick me up for whenever you or your littles need an energy boost throughout the day.
Crispy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Twist
Mini Keto Corn Dog Muffins
These Mini Keto Corn Dog Muffins are a kid-friendly delight. Tastes just like a corn dog, but without those unpronounceable ingredients. Made with only 7 ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, these low carb muffins are completely grain-free and sugar-free.
⛺️ Check out all our camping with kids hacks, recipes & resources
EASY CAMPING MEALS FOR FAMILIES
Camping Breakfast Recipes & Ideas
Breakfast, my favorite meal of the day…..unless I am camping. Don’t talk to me before coffee kids!
We have a camping tradition where our youngest gets to buy those mini cereal packs that come with 4 different overly sugary cereals. Once a year it’s her camping treat.
For less sugar filled options, try some easy camping breakfast ideas. Many are our favorite meals:
- Instant Oatmeal
- Breakfast Muffins (Sweet or savoury) & Fruit Salad
- Breakfast Burritos – eggs, beans, sour cream & cheese in a tortilla
- Scrambled eggs & bacon
- Re-heated leftovers
- Fresh Fruit Salad (or canned if need a no fridge option)
- Yogurt Parfaits – layer yogurt, granola & berries in a mason jar or cup. Or just homemade granola & yogurt cups.
- Made Ahead Pancakes or Waffles – Just add nut or seed butter, nutella, fruit or whatever toppings are your favorite
- Boiled Eggs – Buy at the store, or make at home & keep in the cooler. They also can be made into Egg Sandwiches.
- Egg Breakfast Sandwiches – Use English Muffins, cheese, a fried egg & ham or bacon. We’ve also used mashed boiled eggs.
Check out some more tasty camping breakfast ideas and recipes
The best camping food is one you don’t have to spend hours making and cleaning up.
Some more fun & quick camping breakfast recipes to try:
CAMPING BREAKFAST RECIPES
Banana Pikelets
These delicious banana pikelets are super easy to make with just four ingredients. Perfect for make ahead camping breakfasts as they freeze well. They also make a fun lunch or snack, plus baby pancakes are always a hit with kids.
Broccoli, Cheese, & Chicken Sausage Egg Bake
This easy egg bake recipe is perfect for those who love to prep & bake camp meals ahead of time! Enjoy slices of this tasty broccoli, cheese, and chicken sausage egg bake throughout the week for a healthy and hearty breakfast! Just cut into squares and store in the cooler until needed.
Cheese and Bacon Rolls (no yeast, gluten free)
Full of flavour, these cheese and bacon rolls are the perfect hand held camping breakfast, or snack for families on the go. Adults and kids will love them.
Healthy Power Balls Recipe
Super easy power balls made with dry fruits and desiccated coconut that will add a protein & fat boost to your kids camping breakfast. A nutrient dense snack that will provide a boost of energy for the days fun activities to come.
Potato Foil Packets
Deliciously cheesy potato chunks with fresh herbs cooked in a foil packet over the grill or even a campfire. A delight for all ages. Add a little cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese in for extra gooey goodness. A fabulous side dish or breakfast for all your summer grilling.
Freezer Breakfast Burritos
Camp mornings just got a whole lot easier with these Freezer Breakfast Burritos! A delicious combo of scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, veggies, and melted cheese, wrapped in a tortilla. Perfect for a make-ahead camping breakfast.
Easy Berry Fruit Salad
This Easy Fruit Salad is berry delicious, and something the whole family will love. Using heartier berries makes this an ideal choice for camping. It's loaded with fresh fruit and tossed in a tart, but sweet, honey-lime dressing. It’s the perfect breakfast, dessert or side dish for summer! Serve as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt.
Lemon Poppy Seed Granola (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Fun, vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Granola is a fun breakfast for kids and adults. Add some fruit, and yogurt or milk and your morning meal will be complete. Or pack as an easy hiking snack on your outdoor adventures.
Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars {easy, kid friendly recipe}
Oatmeal in your hands - perfect kid-friendly camping breakfast idea. These delicious oatmeal chocolate chip breakfast bars are so easy to make. They're an easy peasy camping breakfast or snack!
Cheese, Bacon and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Feed your hordes of hangry campers with this hearty Cheese, Bacon and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe. Prepare ahead of time and cook it up at your campsite for a delicious breakfast, brunch or dinner.
Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding
Chocolate Banana Chia Pudding is rich chocolatey goodness, packed with plenty of nutrients to make this an easy guilt-free dessert, healthy breakfast or snack. Sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup it tastes even better than it looks! And so easy to make ahead, or put together the night before.
Cheesy Bacon Mini Egg Muffins Recipe
Cheesy Bacon Mini Egg Muffins are the perfect make-ahead breakfast! Full of protein, they are super easy to adjust add-ins to suit your families taste. Pop them in the freezer and reheat in a few seconds for breakfast on the go.
Banana Oatmeal Muffins
These warm and moist Banana Oatmeal Muffins will be your new favorite on the go breakfast! With hints of cinnamon combined with sweet banana the whole family will love these healthy muffins.
⛺️ Make camping with kids easier, with our family tested camping hacks
Camping Lunches – No Cook
Trying to get everyone to sit down and eat a complicated meal mid-day is almost impossible. Between beach visits, playground activities, biking and more, quick no cook camping lunches are our go-tos most days.
This can make lunch planning on your family camping trip a bit tricky.
Here are a few quick and simple no cook ideas to enjoy in the great outdoors:
- Hummus and Veggie sticks – Make your own hummus, or buy a good brand, then add pita bread or corn chips to your dipping options.
- Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato Sandwiches – Use leftover bacon from breakfast, or deli meat in a pinch.
- Cracker Stackers – take crackers, salami, cheese and cucumbers and make mini craker sandwiches.
- Lunch Skewers – Push chunks of cheese, meat (or smoked tofu), grapes or strawberries on wooden skewers (for the older kids)
- Peanut Butter & Honey Sandwiches – Use the squeeze bottle honey for easy application
- Ants on a Log & Apple slices – Celery, peanut butter & raisins, plus a few apple slices are the perfect combo for a light lunch on the go.
- Hummus Wraps – wrap some hummus, cucumbers & lettuce in a tortilla . Or use whatever veggies your kids like.
- Bagels & Cream Cheese – add smoked slamon, for the discerning adults
- Charcueterie Boards – Put out a mix of crackers, deli meat (salami, ham, chicken), hard & soft cheeses, grapes, olives. You can make it as fancy or as simple as you like. For the kids, stick all the bits in a muffin, or on a tray.
- Bean Salad – So many types to choose from. Prep at home. We like a black bean salad, with corn, red peppers, cilantro with an apple cider vinegar, garlic, herb & oil dressing.
- Pasta Salad – precook the pasta at home.
Easy One Pot Camping Meals for Dinner
For easy prep, cook and clean up, one pot camping meals are the best, especially for dinner. Some fun ideas for camping recipes for kids for dinner:
- Spaghetti
- Chili (Beef, Beans & Veggies, Chicken) – cook at home, freeze, reheat at camp.
- Mac N’ Cheese – cook the noodles at home, add a little oil to prevent noodles from sticking. At camp, reheat noodles, add a bit of shredded cheese & Milk, cooked meat if desired (sausage is tasty) & seasonings (we like oregano, garlic powder & lots of pepper)
- Camp Nachos – In a pan layer corn chips, cheese, and favorite family toppings (ideas: ground beef, beans, green oniona, black olives, peppers etc.). Chop everything at home first to make things easier. Wrap foil over top, and heat on campfire grill until cheese is melted. You can also wrap it all in aluminum foil for quick easy clean up.
- Frittata – think quiche without the crust. Fry up garlic, onions & any veggies you want in your frittata in a cast iron pan. Mix up your eggs, pour over the veggies, cover with a lid or foil and cook until done.
- Sloppy Joes – Cook your sauce & protein before you leave (ground beef, chicken, pork or try lentils for a vegetarian version. Or buy sloppy joe sauce. Reheat in your pot onsite. Add to hamburger buns or hot dog buns. They’re also make a great quick summer dinner.
- Corn On The Cob – either boiled or roasted in the hot coals of an open fire
- Naan Pizzas – Chop / prepare ingredients at home. Add sauce & toppings to naan. Place in your pan over your camping stove or grill, cover pan with tinfoil or lid. Then cook low heat for about 10 minutes. Pizzas are easy camping meals for picky eaters.
- Make ahead casseroles are another great idea for easy camping meals. These family favorite chicken casserole recipes would be great to premake if you have the space.
⛺️ Check out our ultimate list of make ahead foil packet recipes, so easy for camping meals.
BEST CAMPING MEALS FOR FAMILIES
Foil Stew (aka Hobo Dinner, Campfire Stew, Tin Foil Dinner)
Easy to prep, and fun to make, the oh so yummy Campfire Stew is so good that you'll want to make it even when you aren't camping. Comfort food that will bring back memories of past camping trips, starry skies, and moments with family and friends.
No-Fuss Quick Italian Pasta Salad
Whip up this speedy summer favorite, easy, cold Italian Pasta Salad. Easy to adapt to your family's likes, and perfect for camping and road trip meals.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Strips
Are chicken strips one of the main food groups your kids will eat? Then this quick to prep, & make Easy Air Fryer Chicken Strips recipe will be a lifesaver. Just two ingredients, and they can be made ahead and reheated.
Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili with Bacon
Nothing beats the warmth of a bowl of chili on a cool summer night. Comforting, creamy and packed with flavour this White Chicken Chili with Bacon will have your kids asking for seconds.
Tortellini Pasta Salad
A delicious camping or picnic meal, perfect for those hot summer nights. This simple Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad combines cheese tortellini with seasonal vegetables, fresh herbs & mozzarella balls, plus pepperoncini and salami. Topped with a light vinagrette, your family will be asking for seconds.
Cabbage and Sausage Foil Packets
An effortless summer camp meal, cabbage and sausage are two ingredients that definitely go together! Tender potatoes, smoky sausage, onion and sweet cabbage seasoned with garlic butter, all cooked in a tidy little packet on the grill or campfire.
Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Pasta salad is the quintessential summer food. Add a little tuna and you have a perfectly balanced tuna macaroni salad recipe. One that is kid-friendly, easy to make, full of protein, and oh so creamy delicious.
The BEST Beef and Cheese Burritos
Beef and Cheese Burritos are a super easy recipe using ground beef, canned cheddar cheese soup, and salsa. Ready in minutes, delicious and perfect to prep ahead for a camping trip.
Savory Chicken Muffins (Gluten Free, Paleo, AIP)
Chicken (or turkey) muffins will be the perfect compliment to stews, soups or chili . Or serve as a delicious side dish for salad, with your next camping lunch or dinner.
Antipasto Pasta Salad
This colorful Antipasto Pasta Salad recipe is loaded with cold cut Italian meats, swiss cheese, and spinach, then tossed with fresh herbs and olive oil. This is the perfect recipe for a hot summer day at camp.
Chicken Marinades
Tantalize your taste buds with 5 different Chicken Marinades to choose from. Marinate the chicken in your favourite flavours, then freeze. For an easy make ahead camping meal. You can leave a bit of chicken plain for the kids if they are pickier eaters.
Oil-Free Chickpea Salad
Mashed chickpea salad is a tasty, nutrient dense meal that takes just minutes to prepare. Perfect for throwing together last minute after a long day playing in the sun. Plus, this one is a great budget friendly camp meal option, that is also completely oil-free for a lighter meal.
Easy Sausage Meatballs – Keto & Low Carb
It’s a flavorful meatball made with breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and eggs. Easy to prepare ahead of time for camping. Takes only 15 minutes to make, they are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside sausage balls that are super low carb and keto-friendly.
The Most Perfect Garlic Roasted Potato Salad Recipe: BBQ & Camping Side Dish
Are you a garlic lover? This garlic roasted potato salad has a flavor that screams “MORE WORK” but is actually super EASY to throw together ahead of time for a BBQ or camping.
Irresistible 15-Minute Broccoli Salad: Side Dish for Camping
Broccoli Salad, is a perfect camping side dish to add a little scrumptious veggies to your meals. This super easy salad adds pizazz to your camping, BBQs, and summery meals. Kids and adults alike devour it.
Meatloaf Pizza aka Meatza
Flavor meatloaf “crust” with all your favorite toppings. Your 2 favorite foods, in one great bite! Perfect make ahead camping meal your kids will love.
Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad
Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad is full of flavors and crunchy texture. It's perfect to make ahead of time before your camping trip. Then at meal time you can roll it into a wrap, sandwich it between your favorite bread, or enjoy with some crackers or potato chips!
Balsamic Pasta Salad
Balsamic pasta salad: the perfect summer salad! Your family will love eating this salad for light dinners, bbq side dishes, picnics, and more. Super versatile, just add in or take out your preferred ingredients.
Easy Camping Dessert Recipes & Ideas
What’s a great family camping trip without some easy camping desserts.
Dessert is kids camping food. Of course there will be marshmallows.
- S’mores Cones – Add mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, to ice cream cones (waffle cone or sugar cone are best). Then wrap in tin foil and heat in the coals of a campfire for 5-10 minutes to melt everything into ooey gooey treat.
- Pop Tarts – While some eat them for breakfast, we tend to eat them as a treat. Wrap in foil and heat in a pan, or over the coals of a fire. Keep an eye on them as they can burn easily.
- Fruit or Fruit skewers – Watermelon is always a family favorite. Or add cut up fruit & marshmallows to wooden skewers.
- Apple Nutella “Sandwiches” – Thinly slice apples (especially fun if you core the apple and cut slices in circles). Spread nutella between the two slices. Or try peanut butter & raisins in between. Apple slices dipped in caramel sauce are also my kids fav.
- Banana Boats (an old Girl Guide favorite) – Slice a banana with skin left on lengthwise. Open up, and place mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or any other ingredients you like (coconut, nuts, candy etc.) inside. Wrap the banana in tinfoil and heat over the coals, grill or pan.
Final Thoughts: Easy Camping Meals for Kids
Now you are ready to start meal planning for your next camping trip with family. With over 50 easy camping meals for families, you’ll find something even the pickiest eater will like.
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