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45 Easy Make Ahead Foil Packet Recipes For Camping: By Grill or Campfire

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Camping with family and friends can be so much fun, but it can also be a lot of work. Preparing and making meals can take up a lot of precious vacation time. Which is why we’ve put together & recently updated this list of easy, make ahead foil packet recipes for camping.

These all require minimal prep, are easy to cook or reheat on the grill or campfire and most importantly are YUMMY!

While cooking hotdogs and s’mores for a couple of days is fun, if you are out in nature longer, you’ll likely want a bit more variety.

My daughter & I go camping every year. We like to try out new (and super easy) recipes each time. As well as fit in our fav camping meals & desserts. As it’s just her & I, we like quick meals with little clean up. Which is why these foil packets are awesome.

If you are looking for some fun ideas, we’ve put together meals you can make for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Break all the rules and eat them any time of day. Hey you’re on vacation.

45+ FOIL PACKET & MAKE-AHEAD CAMPING MEALS

Recipes you cook in foil packets are easy make-ahead camping meals your family can enjoy, with less work. Many of your favorite grilling recipes can be adapted into foil packet meals for camping.

Shrimp boil foil packets are a quick favorite for seafood lovers.

Fajita chicken foil packets with a side of roasted sweet potatoes is an easy recipe our whole family enjoys.

NOTE: Any of these meals can be made ahead at home, and then reheated on site. Or freeze and then cook at your campsite on a grill or campfire.

We use this Coleman Camp stove that has a grill and a burner, which is super handy when you don’t want to cook over the campfire. Or there is a fire ban on. Ours is over 15 years old and still going strong.

If you are looking to spend more time exploring, playing and relaxing with your family, and less time prepping and cooking, these ideas are perfect for you. 

How to Make Foil Packet Meals

The reason grill and campfire foil packet meals are so popular are they are low-mess, and so easy to make. Foil packet dinners are the post popular, but you can even make-ahead foil packets for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks and desserts.

It’s as simple as:

  1. Laying out a sheet (or more) of aluminum foil
  2. Combine your favorite protein, veggies, herbs/spices and a bit of oil. 
  3. Roll up the edges into a packet and voila, your meal is ready to cook over a grill, a fire pit or campfire.

When cooking foil packet meals, keep an eye on your food, and check it every once and awhile. It is easy to burn one side, especially if cooking in a fire pit

🏕️ A printable camping planner is super helpful with planning & creating your camping menu for your next camping adventure.

General supplies you will need

  • Heavy duty aluminum foil – helps prevent the package breaking open
  • Long Metal Tongs– to help turn and grab your foil packets. Avoid burnt fingers.
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Oil – butter, olive & avocado are our favorites
  • Veggies & Protein
  • Herbs and/or spices

While any combo of protein & hardier veggies typically works for easy foil pack recipes for camping, some tried and true favorites are:

Proteins

  • Tofu
  • Steak
  • Fish or Shrimp
  • Sausage
  • Ground meat; pork & beef

Vegetables

  • Onions
  • Mushrooms
  • Bell Peppers
  • Asparagus
  • Carrots
  • Potatoes
  • Broccoli

STEPS FOR MAKING CAMPING MEALS

Step One: Chop Up Veggies & Meat 

Don’t chop too big (doesn’t cook fully) or too small (overcooks and gets mushy). I usually leave fish and asparagus whole, as they cook well that way. 

Step Two: Lay Out Foil

Rip off a piece of foil in a rectangle shape. Make sure the foil is large enough to be able to close the packet by rolling the longest edges of the  foil together. 

Lay out your piece of foil flat, and place ingredients in the middle. 

Step Three: Season Meal

Next you’ll need to season your meal. Add about a tbsp of butter, and / or olive oil to taste, depending on size of the meal. 

Add salt and pepper, herbs and spices to taste. 

Roll up the long edges then fold in the sides. Add another layer, placing the seam side down, repeat 2-3 times. Now you are ready to cook.

Cook meals within a day or so of wrapping. If you want to prep ahead of time, freeze the foil packet in a large freezer bag. 

Step Four: Cook Your Foil Packets

If campfire cooking, put your foil pack meal in the hot coals, or cook over a grill, not the flames. 

Cooking time will vary depending on the type and size of ingredients. Plan to cook for about 30-40 minutes, turning and flipping every 10 minutes or so. You should hear a low sizzle when the heat is just right. 

FOIL PACKET CAMPING RECIPES

Also check out our kid friendly Easy, Make Ahead Meals for Camping.

Tasty foil packet recipes of chicken fajitas and cherry chocolate cake.

CAMPING MAKE AHEAD MEALS

First we will start with breakfast, and my favourite breakfast of all time. Sweet, soft apples, a hint of cinnamon and ginger, and crunchy oats. Yum!

Quick Breakfast Camp Meals


More fun camping breakfast ideas, for enjoyable camping mornings.

15 Quick, east camp meals in foil packets for no mess cleanup. Cheesy potatoes, french toast, fajitas, roasted veggies, salmon.

EASY FOIL PACKET FISH & SHRIMP RECIPES

Grilling fish & shrimp in foil is so versatile, and relatively foolproof. The possibilities are endless. You can add any fresh herbs you like, garlic, onions, a bit of spice or whatever you like.

Easy Foil Packet Seafood Recipes

VEGETABLE FOIL PACKETS FOR FAMILIES

Fuss-free vegetable foil packets are perfect for the oven, grill or campfire. A great way to add some veggies to your family meals, without a lot of extra prep or time.

Grab your favourite hearty vegetables ( potatoes, carrots, broccoli, onions, mushrooms, zucchinis etc), add some oil or butter, herb, salt and pepper. Then wrap up and stick on the grill or campfire. Easy peasy.

Foil Packet Vegetables & Side Dishes for Camping

DINNER FOIL PACKET RECIPES FOR FAMILIES

So many foil packet dinners to make, so little time. You can even make “breakfast for dinner,” which is another family favorite thing to do.

Throw out the rules, and just go with what makes sense for your family. Tin foil dinners don’t have to be complicated to taste good

Our recent family camping trip it was wayyyyy too hot to have a campfire, or cook over a camp stove / grill for any length of time at traditional dinner time. So we ate pre-made pasta salads granola & yogurt for a snack, and then roasted hot dogs later in the evening, once it cooled down enough.

Check out more no cook, no fridge camp food ideas.

Dinner Camping Meal Ideas for Families

CAMP SNACKS & DESSERT

A few unique, and fun camping snacks and sweet desserts to try with the kidlets. Not only are they quick to prep and make-ahead, they cook up in no time, and are fun for the kids to get involved.

Young girl making a s'mores cone foil packet.
Making S’mores Cones
Photo: Donna | Packed for Life

Tasty Camp Snacks & Desserts to WOW your Kids

Final Thoughts: Campfire Foil Packets

With these easy make ahead foil packet recipes for camping you’ll have plenty of delicious meals to enjoy on your next camping adventure.

Whether you’re grilling or cooking over a campfire, these recipes are perfect for families looking to make their camping trips even more memorable and delicious. From hearty breakfasts to mouthwatering family dinners and scrumptious desserts, there’s something for even the most sceptical of your group.

Yummy meals for camping, quick foil packet favs. Cheesy potatoes, shrimp, asparagus, potatoes, smores bowl and chocolate cherry cake.

FAQs

What are foil packet meals? 

A foil packet meal is a popular camp food that is usually made up of vegetables and proteins rolled in aluminum foil. This creates a “packet” that seals in moisture, which steams the food as it is heated over a grill or campfire. 

If you make individual servings, the best part is you can open it up, and eat right out of the foil. Low-mess = less cleanup and happy campers. 

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