50+ Easy Camping Meals for Kids

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Camping season is here, and that means outdoor adventures, packed coolers, and kids who are suddenly starving all the time.

When we’re on our yearly camping trips, the last thing I want is to stand over a campfire cooking nonstop or listen to complaints about what’s for dinner. I want meals that are easy, familiar, and still feel fun for everyone.

That’s why I pulled together 50+ easy and healthy camping meals for kids that are stress free, flexible, and genuinely family approved. One’s kids will actually eat.

You’ll find simple breakfasts, no cook lunches, one pot dinners, snacks, and campfire treats that go beyond hot dogs and marshmallows. Plus some must bring essentials and tips for planning kid-friendly camping food.

These ideas will help you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying your camping trip, without skipping real food every meal.

Young girl eating breakfast sandwich camping. 50 Best camping meals & snacks + recipes, for families.

Table of Contents

Easy Make Ahead Camping Snacks for Kids

Snack time! I swear my kids spend 3/4 of their time asking for and eating camping snacks. We like to bring a mix of premade and homemade healthy snacks out on our camping adventures so we have ideas for both here.

Here are some of our tried & true favorite pre-made kids snack ideas:

Crackers and cheese

Pepperoni Sticks and beef jerky

Cheese Strings

Veggies & Dip

Fruit Pouches – Not just for toddlers. Make an easy snack or breakfast

Trail Mix – choose your favorite combo of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Add in some gummy bears and/or smarties for the kids.

Cheese Whisps – dried cheesy, crunchy salty goodness

Fruit Kabobs (for older kids)- Cut up your fruit into larger chunks, push through a skewer.

If you’re wanting snacks you can make over a campfire, check out our favorite kid-friendly campfire snacks recipes.

1. Healthy Banana Carrot Muffins

Golden brown banana carrot muffins arranged on a white surface, with one muffin in sharp focus and several stacked softly in the background. The muffins have a slightly domed top and visible flecks of shredded carrot, highlighting their moist texture and wholesome ingredients. — Photo & recipe by Garlic, Salt & Lime

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.

Muffins of all sorts are versatile, hand sized, and can be eaten for snacks or breakfast. Add in nut or seed butters for more protein.

Get the recipe: Banana Carrot Muffins

2. Apricot Coconut Cashew Bars

Homemade apricot cashew bars cut into rectangles and arranged on a light marble surface, packed with rolled oats, chopped dried apricots, cashews, and pumpkin seeds. — Photo & recipe by Britney Breaks Bread

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!

Get the recipe: Apricot Coconut Cashew Bars

3. Kids Charcuterie Board

Colorful kids charcuterie board arranged in a compartmentalized snack box with sliced cucumbers, carrot sticks, celery, and red bell pepper strips. The box also includes round crackers, cheese cubes, hummus dip, cherry tomatoes, strawberries, almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts, creating a balanced mix of fresh produce and crunchy snacks. — Photo & recipe by Aussie Home Cooks

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.

Get the recipe: Kids Charcuterie Board

🏕️ Check out more fun snack recipes like these make ahead camping snacks for families, and these campfire snacks kids love to help make and eat!

Toddler sitting in camp chair eating vegetables and meatballs — Camping is fun for all ages

4. No Bake Energy Bites

Close up of no bake energy bites stacked together, showing a rich chocolate brown color with visible oats, seeds, and small nut pieces throughout. — Photo & recipe by Love From The Oven

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.

Get the recipe: No Bake Energy Bites

5. 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.

Get the recipe: Healthy Homemade Graham Crackers

6. Best Cheddar Cheese Crackers

Bowl of best high protein cheddar crackers stacked high, baked to a deep golden orange color with a crisp square shape and small center hole. The crackers have a slightly rough texture with visible seasoning and a few green herb flecks on top. — Photo & recipe by Low Carb Spark

Cheesy, crispy keto crackers are the perfect camp snack. Made with just a few ingredients, these crunchy & flavorful crackers are the perfect protein filled make-ahead snack.

Make these in less than 30 minutes.

Get the recipe: Best Cheddar Cheese Crackers

7. S’mores Trail Mix

Glass jar filled with a s’mores snack mix made of graham cereal squares, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chocolate cookies. Extra marshmallows and chocolate chips are scattered on the white wooden table around the jar. — Photo & recipe by Camp Grill Eat

S’mores anything are always a hit with our kids, and this S’mores trail mix is no different.

It’s crispy, crunchy and combines everything you love about s’mores without any mess or need for a campfire.

Toss it together for a quick camping snack for the kids, put out a bowl for a party treat, or nosh on it during backyard camp outs.

Get the recipe: S’mores Trail Mix

8. Air Fryer Roasted Chickpeas

Close up of air fryer roasted chickpeas piled in a rustic wooden bowl, coated in golden brown seasoning with a crisp, slightly blistered texture. A few chickpeas are scattered on the wooden surface beside a fresh lime wedge and sprig of rosemary. — Photo & recipe by Cooking School Dropout

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.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Chickpeas

9. Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins

Stack of almond flour zucchini muffins with golden brown tops and a slightly crumbly texture, showing small green flecks of shredded zucchini throughout. The muffins sit in paper liners and are arranged in a tall stack, with a whole zucchini visible nearby. — Photo & recipe by iFoodReal

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, and my kids will actually eat them even though there’s veggies in them.

Get the recipe: Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins

10. Peanut Butter Maple Snack Mix

Bowl of sweet snack mix made with toasted oat cereal rings, chocolate candies, raisins, peanuts, and chocolate chunks. — Photo & recipe by Cooking With Carlee

This peanut butter maple snack mix is a perfect portable pick me up for those busy adventuring days.

It’s full of flavor, texture and plenty of crunch from the cereal, extra peanuts, raisins and candies that are coated with a peanut butter-maple syrup coating.

Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Maple Snack Mix

11. Air Fryer Spiced Pecans

Photo & recipe by Cooking School Drop Out

Air Fryer Spiced Pecans are not just for game days!

These pecans are the perfect balance of spicy, salty & sweet that both kids and adults will love.

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, as my kids devour these like they’re going outta style).

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Spiced Pecans

🏕️ Try some more fun camping snacks that are sweet, savory and salty treats to feed hungry campers.

Young girl with colorful hat pulled over eyes, smiling holding a roasted marshmallow on a camping trip. — Roasted Marshmallows are always a camping food group with kids!

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, savoury or a variety of blueberry muffins) & 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.

🏕️ You may also like these tasty camping breakfast ideas and recipes

12. Banana Pikelets

Plate of banana pikelets with golden brown tops and slightly crisp edges, showing one darker pancake alongside lighter fluffy ones. The pikelets sit on a white plate with a fork nearby and a whole banana in the background. — Photo & recipe by Aussie Home Cook

These delicious banana pikelets are super easy to make with just four ingredients.

Perfect for make ahead camping breakfasts as they freeze well or are quick to whip up at the campsite. We tend to just make up a batch at home and bring them so the kids can grab them as needed.

They also make a fun lunch or snack, plus baby pancakes are always a hit with kids.

Get the recipe: Banana Pikelets

13. Broccoli Sausage Egg Bake

Broccoli sausage egg bake sliced into squares and served on bright blue plates, with the remaining casserole visible in a clear glass baking dish. — Photo & recipe by Our Love Language Is Food

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.

Get the recipe: Broccoli Sausage Egg Bake

14. Cheese and Bacon Rolls (Gluten-Free)

Basket of gluten free cheese and bacon biscuits with golden tops and a slightly cracked, tender texture. The biscuits are nestled in a fabric lined wicker basket, showing bits of melted cheese and small pieces of bacon throughout the perfect camping breakfast. — Photo & recipe by Go Healthy With Bea

Full of flavour, these cheese and bacon rolls gluten-free gems are the perfect hand held camping breakfast, or snack for families on the go.

Me and my kids absolutely love them and they’re quick to make, only 30 minutes from start to finish.

Get the recipe: Cheese and Bacon Rolls

15. Healthy Power Balls Recipe

Plate of 10 minute energy balls arranged on a dark blue dish, coated lightly in shredded coconut with a soft, textured surface. Nearby bowls of almonds, walnuts, raisins, and extra coconut. — Photo & recipe by Tips N’ Recipes

These super easy power balls can be made in only 10 minutes with dry fruits and desiccated coconut that will add a protein & fat boost to your kids camping breakfast.

A nutrient dense snack or breakfast that will provide a boost of energy for the days fun activities to come.

Get the recipe: Healthy Power Balls Recipe

16. Banana Date Muffins

Close up of banana date muffins cooling on a wire rack, with visible chunks of chopped dates baked into the moist crumb. The tops are golden brown and slightly domed, showing a hearty texture from ripe bananas and whole ingredients. — Photo & recipe by Balancing Bowls

These banana date muffins disappear so quickly in our family, I’m tempted to upgrade to a double-sized muffin pan just to keep up.

Made with plenty of ripe bananas and naturally sweet Medjool dates, they’re moist, flavorful, and perfectly sweet without any refined sugar.

Flaxseed adds a boost of fiber, making them a wholesome treat you can feel good about serving for breakfast or snacks.

Get the recipe: Banana Date Muffins

17. Potato Foil Packets

Foil packet opened to reveal roasted potatoes and melted cheese, topped with a generous dollop of sour cream and sprinkled with fresh herbs. — Photo & recipe by Small Town Woman

Deliciously cheesy potato chunks with fresh herbs are the best cooked in a foil packet over the grill or even a campfire. A savory delight for all ages.

Add in a little cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese for extra gooey goodness. A fabulous side dish or breakfast for all your summer grilling.

Get the recipe: Potato Foil Packets

18. Freezer Breakfast Burritos

Freezer breakfast burritos sliced in half to reveal fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and bits of ham wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. The burritos sit on a white plate with fresh cilantro sprinkled on top, and a bowl of salsa in the background for serving. — Photo & recipe by Princess Pinky Girl

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 kids will be happy ot scarf down at your campsite.

Get the recipe: Freezer Breakfast Burritos

19. Easy Berry Fruit Salad

Berry fruit salad in a white bowl filled with fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and halved cherries, lightly glistening with juice and topped with small mint leaves. A spoon lifts a colorful mix of berries. — Photo & recipe by Chef Savvy

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.

Get the recipe: Easy Berry Fruit Salad

20. Lemon Poppy Seed Granola

Close up of lemon poppy seed granola spilling from a glass jar, showing toasted oats, coconut flakes, chopped nuts, and tiny black poppy seeds throughout. — Photo & recipe by Moon and Spoon and Yum

Vegan Lemon Poppy Seed Granola is a fun breakfast for kids and adults, and you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy it!

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.

Get the recipe: Lemon Poppy Seed Granola (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

21. Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars

Oatmeal chocolate chip breakfast bars cut into neat rectangles, showing a dense texture packed with rolled oats and dotted with semi sweet chocolate chips. The bars are arranged closely together, highlighting their chewy consistency and lightly golden brown color. — Photo & recipe by Two Pink Peonies

Oatmeal in your hands… the perfect kid-friendly camping breakfast idea.

These delicious oatmeal chocolate chip breakfast bars are so easy to make, with pantry staples and they taste great. Plus I find any time I add chocolate chips, the kids will actually want to eat them.

Get the recipe: Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Breakfast Bars

22. 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.

Get the recipe: Cheese, Bacon and Potato Breakfast Casserole Recipe

⛺️ Make camping with kids easier, with our family tested camping hacks

Kid Approved No Cook Camping Lunch Ideas

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.

So here are a few quick and simple no cook ideas to enjoy, that are quick to prep and make.

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 – You can’t go wrong with a classic favorite. 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 & Pita or Wraps – wrap some hummus, cucumbers & lettuce in a tortilla . Or use whatever veggies your kids like. Or have pita you can dip in the yummy dip.

Bagels – so many ways to dress up or down bagels, use tuna, cream cheese or peanut butter. Or make into a sandwich or add smoked salmon with cream cheese, 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 or pre-make and store in your cooler.

two roasted corn on the cob on a plate, beside a bag of vegetable chips and bowl

Easy One Pot Kid-Friendly 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 or pasta– grab a can of your favorite spaghetti sauce, and pack of noodles, and you have a super quick kids camping dinner you can make over the campfire, grill or camp stove. We like to pre-cook the noodles at home to save on time at the campsite.

Chili (Beef, Beans & Veggies, Chicken) – cook at home, freeze, reheat at camp, or use a can or two of Stagg’s chili, my youngest daughter’s favorite, and our camp tradition.

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)

Campfire 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. Or cook right on the campfire grill – toast one side of the naan, flip it and add pizza toppings to the toasted side. 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.

⛺️ Try our ultimate list of make ahead foil packet recipes, so easy for camping meals.

Camping Dinners Kids Will Love

Camping dinner recipes don’t have to be complicated to be delicious and kid approved. You’ll find a combo of make ahead meals, as well as one’s you can cook over a campfire or camp stove.

23. Campfire Foil Stew

Campfire foil pack stew cooked in crinkled aluminum foil and set on rocks beside a calm lake with a snow capped mountain in the background. The foil packet is opened to reveal tender chunks of meat, potatoes, and carrots coated in melted cheese and savory juices. — Photo & recipe by The Good Hearted Woman

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.

Get the recipe: Campfire Foil Stew

24. No-Fuss Quick Italian Pasta Salad

Colorful tri-color rotini pasta salad served in a white bowl, loaded with cherry tomatoes, cubed salami, mozzarella balls, black olives, red onion, and yellow bell pepper, all tossed in Italian dressing and topped with fresh parsley, perfect as a cookout side dish. — Photo & reipce by Packed for Life

Whip up this speedy summer favorite, easy, cold Italian Pasta Salad. Rotini noodles are covered in zesty Italian dressing, but the add-ins are what really make it.

Easy to adapt to your family’s likes, and perfect for camping and road trip meals.

Get the recipe: Easy Italian Cold Pasta Salad

25. Hoagie Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with creamy Italian pasta salad, featuring penne pasta tossed with sliced ham, pepperoni, provolone cheese, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and chopped parsley. The dish is richly coated in a herb-speckled dressing and set beside a red and white checkered towel on a light countertop. — Photo & reipce by Packed for Life

My kids will eat anything pasta, which is where this Hoagie pasta salad comes in.

A creamy mayo dressing, salty deli meats, sharp provolone, tangy pepperoncinis, and crisp lettuce bring all your favorite Italian sub sandwich flavors into salad form. And it is so darn good.

Get the recipe: Hoagie Pasta Salad

26. Easy Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Crispy air fryer chicken strips for kids served on a white plate, coated in a golden brown breadcrumb crust with a crunchy texture. One strip is sliced open to show the tender white chicken inside, with broccoli and a slice of squash in the background for a balanced meal. — Photo & reipce by Blackberry Babe

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 a few ingredients, and they can be made ahead and reheated.

Get the recipe: Easy Air Fryer Chicken Strips

27. Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Bacon

Bowl of Crockpot white chicken chili topped with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese melting into the creamy broth. The chili is filled with tender shredded chicken, beans, and diced vegetables, creating a thick and hearty texture. — Photo & recipe by Our Love Language is Food

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.

Get the recipe: Crockpot White Chicken Chili with Bacon

28. Tortellini Pasta Salad

talian tortellini pasta salad tossed in a wooden bowl with cheese filled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, red onion, olives, mozzarella pearls, and chopped salami. The pasta is lightly coated in dressing and sprinkled with fresh herbs, creating a colorful and hearty dish. An easy camping dinner idea for kids that is simple to prep ahead and serve cold at the campsite. — Photo & recipe by Small Town Woman

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, my family always inhales this pasta dinner no matter where we are.

Get the recipe: Tortellini Pasta Salad

29. Cabbage and Sausage Foil Packets

Cabbage and sausage foil packets opened to reveal browned sausage slices, tender cabbage, and roasted baby potatoes seasoned and sprinkled with fresh parsley. An easy family camping meal cooked in foil for simple prep, flavorful results, and quick cleanup at the campsite. — Photo & recipe by Spend with Pennies

An effortless summer camping 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.

If your kids aren’t a fan of cabbage, just switch out another veggie like broccoli, peppers or green beans. Or just let them eat what they like. Hey it’s camping, we’re supposed to have more fun and less stress as parents.

Get the recipe: Cabbage and Sausage Foil Packets

30. Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Bowl of tuna pasta salad made with bowtie pasta, flaky tuna, green peas, diced celery, and red bell pepper tossed in a creamy dressing. — Photo & recipe by Mae’s Menu

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. Take it on picnics, eat ot for lunch or dinner, or even have leftovers for breakfast. It’s a super versatile kids camping food.

Get the recipe: Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

31. Best Beef and Cheese Burritos

Pasta salad is the quintessential summer food. Add a little tuna and you have a perfectly balanced tuna macaroni salad recipe.

Get the recipe: Best Beef and Cheese Burritos

32. Savory Chicken Muffins

Close up of savory chicken muffins baked to a deep golden brown with a slightly crisp exterior and tender, moist center. The muffin shape makes them easy to portion and serve, with visible herbs and bits of chicken throughout — Photo & recipe by Go Healthy with Bea

Chicken (or turkey) muffins is a fun hand held quick meal or the perfect compliment to stews, soups or chili. You can also serve them as a delicious side dish for salad with your next camping lunch or dinner.

These muffins are also a great way to use up any leftover chicken or turkey you have.

Get the recipe: Savory Chicken Muffins

33. Antipasto Pasta Salad

Bowtie pasta salad tossed with fresh spinach, diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chunks of salami in a light vinaigrette dressing. The colorful mix of vegetables and pasta creates a fresh and flavorful pasta salad. — Photo & recipe by Chef Savvy

These muffins are also a great way to use up any leftover chicken or turkey you have.

Get the recipe: Antipasto Pasta Salad

34. Chicken Marinades

Five raw chicken breasts sealed in zip-top bags, each marinating in different flavorful mixtures with visible herbs, garlic, citrus slices, and spices. — Photo & recipe by Amanda’s Cookin’

You can’t go wrong with some flavorful marinated chicken for dinner, roasted over the grill or camp stove.

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.

Or make up some marinated chicken cubes on skewers with veggies to cook over the campfire.

You can leave a bit of chicken plain for the kids if they are pickier eaters.

Get the recipe: Chicken Marinades

35. Chickpea Salad

Glass meal prep container filled with mashed chickpea salad mixed with diced red bell pepper, celery, and green onions. The chunky, creamy mixture makes a colorful and protein-packed plant-based option perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or easy lunches. — Photo & recipe by Plant Based on a Budget

Chickpea salad is one of those quick meals we bring or make every time we go camping. But this one is even more unique in that it’s mashed.

Mashed chickpea salad is a tasty, nutrient dense meal that takes just minutes to prepare. You can eat it as is, spread it on toast, or add it to your sandwiches.

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’s also completely oil-free for a lighter meal.

Get the recipe: Chickpea Salad

36. Easy Sausage Meatballs

Close-up of easy sausage meatballs baked until golden brown, with melted cheese visible throughout and fresh herbs sprinkled on top. One meatball is cut open to show the juicy, tender interior, served alongside a small dish of creamy dipping sauce. — Photo & recipe by Low Carb Spark

It’s a flavorful meatball made with breakfast sausage, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and eggs.

Easy to prepare ahead of time for camping.

Best part, they take only 15 minutes to make and they’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside for a super low carb and keto-friendly meal. We love dipping them in a super garlicky yogurt dip.

Get the recipe: Easy Sausage Meatballs

37. Garlic Roasted Potato Salad Recipe

Garlic roasted potato salad made with crispy golden roasted potatoes tossed in a creamy dressing and sprinkled with fresh chopped herbs. The potatoes have caramelized edges and are mixed with green onions and parsley for a warm, savory side dish. — Photo & recipe by This Noshtalgic Life

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.

Get the recipe: Garlic Roasted Potato Salad

38. Irresistible Broccoli Salad

Broccoli salad made with fresh crisp broccoli florets tossed with chopped red onion, bacon pieces, shredded cheese, and sunflower seeds in a creamy dressing. — Photo & recipe by This Noshtalgic Life

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.

Get the recipe: Broccoli Salad with cheese and bacon

40. Meatloaf Pizza aka Meatza

Slice of low carb pizza with a browned meat crust topped with melted cheese, pepperoni slices, green bell peppers, and mushrooms on a blue plate. — Photo & recipe by Baking Beauty

Flavor meatloaf “crust” with all your favorite toppings. Your two favorite foods, in one great bite!

Perfect make ahead camping meal your kids will love.

Get the recipe: Meatloaf Pizza aka Meatza

41. Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad

Chicken salad sandwiches served on soft ciabatta rolls, filled with a creamy chicken salad mixed with diced celery, red onion, and dried cranberries. The sandwiches are topped with fresh greens and paired with lemon and herbs. — Photo & recipe by A Paige of Positivity

Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad is full of flavors and crunchy texture. I

t’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!

Get the recipe: Cucumber Dill Chicken Salad

42. Balsamic Pasta Salad

Mediterranean pasta salad made with rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and cubes of cheese tossed in a light vinaigrette. A colorful, flavorful dish perfect for potlucks, picnics, or easy meal prep. — Photo & recipe by Mae’s Menu

Balsamic pasta salad is 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.

Get the recipe: Balsamic Pasta Salad

Easy Camping Dessert Recipes & Ideas

What’s a great family camping trip without some easy camping desserts. I mean desserts and s’mores are the ultimate kids camping food. So of course there will be marshmallows, and chocolate and sticky fingers.

Tasty treat ideas to share:

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.

43. S’mores Cones

Young girl sitting at a picnic table inside a tent at a campsite, carefully spooning marshmallow topping into an ice cream cone. A bag of mini marshmallows and a small cup of chocolate or caramel sauce sit on the red floral tablecloth, with a wooded campground visible in the background. — Making S’mores Cones | Photo: Packed for Life

For S’mores Cones, just add mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and a drizzle of caramel sauce to ice cream cones (waffle cones or sugar cones are the best).

Then wrap the cone in tin foil and heat in the coals of a campfire for 5-10 minutes to melt everything into ooey gooey treat.

44. Campfire Banana Boats

Banana split open and filled with chocolate pieces, mini marshmallows, and sliced strawberries, wrapped in foil for cooking over a campfire. This easy campfire banana boat dessert is a fun and kid-friendly treat perfect for camping trips. — Photo & recipe by Fox Farm Home

Campfire Banana Boats are an old Girl Guide favorite, and so nostalgic for me. I loved making them as kids, and it’s fun to pass on traditions to my kidlets.

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.

Get the recipe: Campfire Banana Boats

45. Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

Stack of three peanut butter Rice Krispie treats topped with a smooth layer of chocolate and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The bars have a thick, chewy cereal base with a glossy chocolate coating on top. — Photo & recipe by Sweet Fix Baker

Rice Krispie treats are the ultimate camping dessert for kids, but when you add peanut butter and chocolate to them….oooh boy, extra decadent.

Simple ingredients, quick to make and always a crowd pleaser.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Treats

46. Homemade Baked Granola Bites

Mini baked granola cups in a muffin tin, made with oats and studded with colorful chocolate candies. A bowl of extra candy-coated chocolates sits nearby on the marble countertop. — Photo & recipe by Cooking Up Memories

These homemade baked granola bites are the best mix of bite sized breakfast / snack / dessert treats.

They’re packed with hearty oats, dried fruit, and crunchy nuts for a perfectly balanced sweetness.

Instead of the usual no-bake energy ball, they’re oven-baked and ready in less than 30 minutes.

Kids will love the M&Ms and you’ll appreciate how simple and quick they are to make.

Get the recipe: Homemade Baked Granola Bites

47. Strawberry Bread (With Sweet Cream Glaze)

Loaf of strawberry bread topped with a thick white glaze and sliced to reveal juicy pieces of fresh strawberries baked into the soft crumb. The moist strawberry bread has a tender texture and sweet icing that drips slightly over the edges. — Photo & recipe by On My Kid’s Plate

Strawberries are summertime to me.

What better way to celebrate both the strawberry and camping season with these delicious and gorgeous looking strawberry bread.

Soft, sweet and incredibly moist bread is topped with a creamy vanilla glaze for an extra sweet touch.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Bread (With Sweet Cream Glaze)

48. S’mores Rice Krispies Treats

Stack of gooey S’mores Rice Krispies treats topped with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, graham cereal pieces, and chunks of chocolate bars. The no bake bars are layered with marshmallow cereal and finished with classic s’mores toppings for an easy campout dessert. — Photo & recipe by On My Kids Plate

S’mores + Rice Krispie Treats = happy kids (and parents)!

This is the ultimate combo for a sweet after dinner treat as these Krispies treats are rich, gooey, and full of so much melted chocolate and buttery marshmallow flavor, all in an easy no bake bar.

They capture everything you love about the classic campfire dessert without needing a fire, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, camping trips, or a simple sweet treat at home.

Even better, they’re simple enough for kids to help make, turning dessert into a fun family activity.

Get the recipe: S’mores Rice Krispies Treats

49. Campfire Apple Crisp

Foil packet filled with cinnamon-sugar apples and crumb topping cooking on a grill grate over a campfire. The tender apple slices are coated in a buttery oat crumble, creating a rustic outdoor apple crisp dessert. — Photo & recipe by XOXO Bella

Fresh, tender apples take center stage in this easy campfire apple crisp, bringing out all their natural sweetness and cozy flavor.

Tossed with sugar and cinnamon, then finished with a buttery, crunchy topping, these foil packet crisps are a delicious change from the usual s’mores.

With just a bowl and some foil, you can prep this simple yet irresistible dessert right at the campsite—or enjoy it at home with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Get the recipe: Campfire Apple Crisp

50. Chocolate Date Balls

Plate of chocolate date balls rolled in finely chopped nuts, with a rich dark chocolate center and a textured nut coating. The no bake chocolate date balls look dense and fudgy, making them a wholesome sweet treat or easy energy snack. — Photo & recipe by An Edible Mosaic

If you’re looking for something a little healthier, these no-bake chocolate date balls taste just like a gooey brownie bite. And they’re full of all natural healthy ingredients.

Whip up these 5 ingredient gems in just 15 minute.

Get the recipe: Chocolate Date Balls

51. Dutch Oven Blueberry Cobbler

Blue bowl filled with warm campfire berry cobbler topped with a scoop of whipped cream, served outdoors beside a cast iron pot. The dessert shows bubbling purple berries and soft biscuit topping, making it a cozy camping treat. — Photo & recipe by Camping For Foodies

Fresh blueberries are the star of the show in this easy dutch oven blueberry cobbler.

Juicy berries are topped with a sweet cobbler topping then baked over the campfire, coals, or camp stove.

If there’s any leftover, it makes a great breakfast the next day too.

Get the recipe: Dutch Oven Blueberry Cobbler

What You Need To Bring

You’ll want to bring a few camp cooking supplies and essentials 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.

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

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.

Fifteen make ahead camping meals for families in rows, stress free. Pancakes, pasta salad, rosted pecans, granola bars, muffins, foil stew, kids charcueterie board, granola, egg bites

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