Champagne Tastes®

  • About
  • Travel
    • Food Travel
    • Outdoor Adventure
  • Recipe Index
    • Garden To Table
    • Seafood
    • Camping Recipes
    • Ferment
    • Backyard Foraging + Wild Game
    • Cooking Basics
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Garden To Table
  • Seafood
  • Ferment
  • Foraging + Wild Game
  • Cooking Basics
  • Camping Recipes
  • Outdoor Adventure
  • Food Travel
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Camping Recipes

    Camping Recipes for a Happy Glamper

    Published: Jun 13, 2018 · Modified: Nov 15, 2024 · 16 Comments

    This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Love camping, but want to kick it up a notch?  These Camping Recipes for a Happy Glamper will help you camp with style, and eat well while you're enjoying nature!

    West Yellowstone KOA- Campground cooking for two days in Yellowstone
    Campground Cooking

    What is Glamping?

    Do you glamp instead of camp?

    Glamping-- or "glamour camping"-- is a perfect way to "be one with nature," but still feel fancy-schmancy.

    That's right-- it's how you can sleep in a tent, feel rugged and wild, but still not feel deprived or miserable.

    Some people-- like my friend Jaline-- glamp by setting up giant tents.  They bring along bed-like air mattresses, gorgeous rugs, and high-end lanterns.

    Others-- like me-- stick with a simpler tent set-up, but refuse to compromise on the food.

    How to Glamp

    If you, fellow camper, want to step things up with a high-end camping experience-- start by picking what's most important to you!  Do you want to wake up in the woods, but feel like you're in a 5-star hotel?

    Try upgrading your equipment, or invest in some battery-powered twinkle lights.  If you, like me, know that you will be positively grumpy without a hot breakfast and a savory, flavorful dinner-- keep reading!!!

    These Camping Recipes for a Happy Glamper take a bit of planning and prep-work, but mean that you can dine in style while you lounge in the wild!

    What Equipment Do I Need to Cook While Camping?

    Sometimes, the answer is "nothing." 

    Maybe all you'll need is a butter knife and a jar of peanut butter. 

    A few well-chosen items, however, can make your campground cooking experience a lot more enjoyable.  Here are a few items to consider:

    A Camp Stove:  We use a Coleman 2-burner propane stove for car camping, and an ultra-light backpacking stove for backpacking trips.  (These stoves will need propane or butane to work!  Some stoves also require a lighter to start the fire.)

    Cast-Iron Skillet:  I typically use a Lodge 10" skillet, but also love the Lodge 12″ skillet for a bigger group (or for pizza).

    Cast Iron Dutch Oven: I use a standard Cast Iron Dutch Oven, but you can also buy special Campfire Cast Iron Dutch Ovens.  These are designed for campfire cooking, and will have flat lids for adding coals to the top, and feet to hold them up off the fire.

    Percolator: We use a stainless steel percolator when we car camp.  You can use it to make coffee AND to boil water for tea or cooking.

    A Cooler: We typically camp without a cooler, but if you're packing any type of raw meat, eggs, or dairy product, a high-end cooler that will keep your food cold for days and days can definitely make life easier.

    Basics: For car camping, I typically always bring along a metal spatula, a wooden spoon, metal tongs, and oven mitts.  You'll probably also want plates, silverware, and glasses.  (I also bring plastic wine glasses!)

    How to Make Campground Cooking Easier

    If you're reading this thinking, "this all seems like a lot of work,"-- here are a few tips to make campground cooking EASIER.

    1. Plan Ahead: 
      Even if you're not a fan of meal planning-- I suggest planning out most of your camping meals ahead of time. 

      Write down what meals you're planning, what equipment and ingredients you'll need, and mark meals off the list as you cook them.
    2. Stay Organized: 
      Keep your spices, oils, and kitchen equipment together, and then separate produce, breakfast, lunch, and dinner foods into different reusable grocery bags or containers. 

      That way, you'll know where everything is, and won't have to pull everything out at once.
    3. Clean Up Immediately:
      As tempting as it will be to sit around the campfire and clean-up later, go ahead and wash your dishes and put away the kitchen equipment as soon as you're done eating. 

      You'll be less likely to leave things out and attract animals, and the dishes will be easier to clean.
    4. Use Available Resources to Add to Your Meal: 
      For example, this KOA in Durango, CO had free fresh veggies and herbs available for campers when we stayed there one summer, and Mather Campground at the Grand Canyon has an especially nice, camper-friendly market.

    Camping Recipes for a Happy Glamper

    Most of these recipes give you a heads-up about any special equipment you need to have (like access to a campfire or a camping stove), and others are simply travel-friendly-- using ingredients that don't require refrigeration or cooking.

    All of these drinks and meals will leave you full, satisfied, and ready for another day of adventures!

    Morning Camping Recipes:

    For your morning camping meals, you COULD simply eat a protein bar, but these delicious and inventive breakfast ideas are a much better way to start your day!

    Coffee: The most important part of breakfast, even on the go.  Even when you're backpacking.  This No-Cook Backpacking Coffee is brilliant. For more suggestions, see my post on how to make coffee while camping.

    Pancakes: Try these Blueberry Banana Pancakes and these Cornmeal Griddle Pancakes.

    French Toast: This Campfire French Toast.

    Oatmeal: Try these on-the-go Porridge Sachets.

    Featured Breakfast Recipe Ideas:

    This warm cereal is my personal go-to for early morning hikes.

    Toasted Oats Cereal (Camping Breakfast)
    This warm toasted oats cereal (muesli) is made with rolled oats, chopped nuts, and dried fruit, and is a delicious and hearty camping breakfast. Make it ahead-of-time at home or at the campground!
    Make It
    Toasted Oats Cereal (Camping Breakfast)

    For a somewhat richer flavor, try making this granola at home and packing it along:

    Peanut Butter Granola
    This easy peanut butter granola features rolled oats and is baked until golden. It's an indulgent breakfast option for home or for camping!
    Make It

    For a hearty, warm breakfast, you can prep this hash at home and then cook it over the campfire!

    Campfire Breakfast Hash with Chorizo
    This easy campfire breakfast hash with chorizo (or soy chorizo) is made with potatoes and eggs. It's a perfect start to a camping day!
    Make It
    Eggs in middle of skillet surrounded by potatoes and chorizo.

    No-Cook Camping Recipes

    It's always a good idea to have a few no-cook camping recipes planned for your trip.

    Even if you plan on cooking most of your meals, these recipes will help as you're driving to the campground, as you're hiking without a backpacking stove, or when you're simply too tired to cook.

    Want a no-cook option with lots of fresh veggies? Try this Mexican Chopped Salad.

    Sardine Fish Wraps
    These quick sardine fish wraps are an easy, healthy lunch on the go!  They're perfect as a packed lunch for work, and are ideal for road trips and camping.
    Make It
    Fish wraps with sardines, tomatoes, dressing, and spinach on a countertop
    Wasabi Tuna Salad
    This easy wasabi tuna salad is made with olive oil, capers, water chestnuts, ginger, red chili flakes, and wasabi. It's spicy, delicious, and perfect for lunch!
    Make It
    Wasabi tuna salad in a serving bowl
    Canned Green Bean Salad
    This easy canned green bean salad is a quick vegetable side dish that requires zero cooking, and is perfect for road trips, camping, and power outages.
    Make It
    canned green bean salad in a serving bowl

    Camp Stove Camping Recipes

    These recipes use either a traditional camp stove or a smaller backpacking stove.

    Refried Bean Burritos (Camp Stove Recipe)
    These refried bean burritos are made with beans, tomatoes, and onions for a quick and easy camp stove dinner. They're made with easy to pack, shelf-stable ingredients, and are perfect when you're camping without a cooler.
    Make It
    refried bean burritos on a plate
    Camp Stove Fish Curry
    This quick and easy camp stove fish curry is an Indian-inspired camping dinner!  Prepare this sardine curry on a camp stove in less than 30 minutes.
    Make It
    camping dinner: goan fish curry in bowls with lime wedges and cilantro
    Tuna Couscous Bowl (Backpacking Meal)
    Forget freeze-dried backpacking meals!  This quick and easy tuna couscous bowl is a delicious, flavorful meal for your next backpacking adventure!
    Make It
    Forget freeze-dried meals! This quick and easy Backpacking Tuna Couscous Bowl is a delicious, flavorful meal for your next backpacking adventure!

    Campfire Recipes

    And of course, camping just wouldn't be the same without campfire meals.

    Campfire Red Lentil Stew
    This easy campfire red lentil stew is a hearty vegan meal that's perfect for camping. This twist on Indian dal is made in a cast iron Dutch oven over a campfire.
    Make It
    This easy vegan CAMPING Palak Dal (Red Lentils with Spinach) is cooked in a Dutch oven right on the campfire!
    Campfire Pizza with Veggies
    This easy Campfire Pizza with Veggies is cooked in a cast iron pan over a fire, and is an easy and delicious vegetarian pizza that's perfect for camping, cookouts, and bonfires. 
    Make It
    Cook until the cheese melts + the veggies soften

    After a full day in the great outdoors, this campfire hot chocolate with peanut butter whiskey might be exactly what you need to sip on.

    Looking for a camping recipe to fix on the GRILL? Check out these grilled corn on the cob.

    What's your favorite way to glamp? Let me know in the comments!

    More Camping Recipes

    • Two cups of mulled apple cider.
      Mulled Cider (Small Batch)
    • Two campfire hot dogs and sauerkraut inside brioche buns topped with swirls of mustard.
      Campfire Hot Dogs and Sauerkraut
    • Campfire chili in Dutch oven sitting on picnic table.
      Campfire Chili with Beer
    • Coffee at Charlies Bunion
      How to Make Coffee While Camping

    About Sarah Trenalone

    Sarah is the primary creator at Champagne Tastes. She's a photographer, food writer and traveler, and is certified in Backcountry Kitchen and Backcountry Navigation from the Colorado Outward Bound School and Identifying Wild Plants from Backpacker.

    Leave a Comment: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

    1. Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says

      April 23, 2017 at 5:50 am

      I think it is a wonderful idea to not compromise on food while camping. I’m all for getting down with the tent and discomforts of sleeping bags and the like, but I’d much rather have a decent meal than badly cooked sausages and a tin of baked beans! These ideas look delicious and perfect for outdoor dining.

      Reply
    2. Helene D'Souza says

      April 23, 2017 at 6:12 am

      We would just call it camping food. 🙂
      Great collection! I miss camping, it's not that common in Asia. Maybe it will come into fashion eventually. Right now I just feel like building my tent in the garden just to enjoy these dishes with a bbq. =D

      Reply
    3. Cricket Plunkett says

      April 23, 2017 at 8:49 am

      I'm not big into camping, but these recipes have my changing my mind!

      Reply
    4. Melissa @ Insider The Kitchen says

      April 23, 2017 at 1:21 pm

      These all look so delicious! My husband has wanted to take me camping this summer, which is not up my ally. But these recipes look like I'll at least be eating well!

      Reply
    5. Debra C. says

      April 23, 2017 at 10:43 pm

      How fun!! I'm happy if there is hot coffee - you seriously know how to glamp!!! The recipes look just amazing too.

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes says

        April 23, 2017 at 10:47 pm

        You're so easy to please! They'll totally be coffee too ????????????

        Reply
    6. Nancy | Plus Ate Six says

      April 23, 2017 at 11:29 pm

      I've never camped before - eeeeek. I'd be a much better glamper than camper - and if there was food like this campside I'd be a very happy glamper indeed.

      Reply
    7. Michelle | The Last Food Blog says

      April 24, 2017 at 6:34 am

      What a brilliant post! I'm trying to convince my husband and daughter to go camping this summer, this may just swing it 😉 Thank you!

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes says

        April 24, 2017 at 6:40 am

        Awesome!!! I hope it works ????

        Reply
    8. Luci's Morsels says

      April 24, 2017 at 9:26 pm

      What a great post; so many great ideas! Thank you for sharing this. I am definitely taking notes and saving this post for my next camping trip!

      Reply
    9. Gillian Thompson says

      April 24, 2017 at 10:39 pm

      Just got back from a camping trip, not tent but camper van. So much fun. Had all good intentions of cooking lovely camping recipes but the most I made was some delicious guacamoles. We enjoyed eating out most the time. 🙂

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes says

        April 24, 2017 at 10:52 pm

        Guacamole sounds delicious!!!

        Reply
    10. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

      April 28, 2017 at 7:25 am

      I haven't camped in AGES. However, if I were to camp, I would definitely do it 'glamping' style. I wouldn't want to comprise on the food either. No food tastes as good as when you cook it up outside, does it? Even something simple like baked beans tastes so much better than if you make 'em at home 🙂 Maybe I'll go out in the back yard and go 'glamping ;)' Have a great weekend, Sarah!

      Reply
      • champagne-tastes says

        April 28, 2017 at 7:26 am

        Backyard camping is an awesome idea! Or you could cook the food on a fire and then go sleep in your own bed lol

        Reply
    11. lyle Hodge says

      July 31, 2017 at 9:46 am

      Awesome recipes and good ones for all. I have been camping all of my life. I am a top of the line camp cook person for the last 65 years and still going strong. I also do not make bland meals and love to eat the good food

      Reply
    12. Anne says

      June 25, 2018 at 11:58 pm

      I'm probably the only person in the world who has never camped! It doesn't appeal to me - but GLAMPING, I can get behind! Love all of your ideas, recipes and tips. Maybe I'll try them in my backyard 😉

      Reply
    bio

    Hi, I'm Sarah! I'm a traveler who loves to eat.   Follow along to join me on my next adventure-- in food or on the road.

    Learn More →

    Currently Trending

    • langostino lobster rolls on a serving tray.
      Langostino Lobster Rolls
    • pan-seared rockfish on a plate
      Pan-Seared Rockfish
    • pan-seared red snapper on plates
      Pan-Seared Red Snapper
    • crab butter sauce on a platter with crab legs
      Crab Butter Sauce

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Supplemental Privacy Notice For California Residents
    • Supplemental Privacy Notice For Nevada Residents

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Recipe and Photo Reuse Terms + FAQ

    Copyright ©2015-2025 Champagne Tastes
    All Rights Reserved.