When summer rolls around, there’s nothing quite like packing up your gear, heading out to your favorite campsite, and enjoying great food under the stars. We like to mix it up by grilling up fresh kabobs, tossing together a quick one-pot dinner, or indulging in gooey campfire desserts. These summer camping meals offer the best of both worlds… simplicity and big flavor.
Nothing brings people together around the campfire quite like an easy, delicious meal made with fresh summer ingredients.
The best part is you don’t have to sacrifice taste (or spend hours cooking) to keep everyone happy and well-fed. With a little planning and a few clever recipes, you can serve up breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that feel special without creating a pile of dirty dishes.
This guide will help you make every meal at the campsite something to look forward to.
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Table of Contents
Foil Packet Favorites:
Perfect for variety and also there's no dishes.
Foil packet meals are a summer camping classic for good reason… minimal cleanup, endless combinations, and so easy to prep ahead. Just wrap everything up in heavy-duty foil, toss it over the fire or on the grill, and let the heat work its magic.
🍴 Shrimp Scampi Foil Packets
If you want something quick and a little bit fancy, these Shrimp Scampi packets are a must-try. Just combine fresh shrimp with garlic, butter, lemon slices, and your choice of summer vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. Seal it all up in foil and cook over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and tender. Serve with crusty bread or over cooked pasta for an easy campsite dinner.
Tip: Prep the packets at home and keep them chilled in your cooler until you’re ready to cook.
Ingredients (Serves 2-3):
1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups mixed summer vegetables (zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers)
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
1 lemon (half sliced, half juiced)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or fresh parsley
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Lay out 2 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
Divide shrimp and vegetables evenly between the foil sheets.
Sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Drizzle with lemon juice and top with butter pieces and lemon slices.
Fold the foil up around the ingredients to seal into packets.
Place packets over medium campfire coals or on a grill grate.
Cook for about 10–12 minutes, until shrimp are pink and veggies are tender.
Carefully open packets (watch the steam!) and serve immediately.
🍴 Kielbasa & Potato Packets
These hearty foil packs are perfect after a day of hiking or paddling. Slice up smoked kielbasa or your favorite sausage and mix it with cubed potatoes, onions, and colorful bell peppers. Drizzle with a little olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika, then wrap tightly in foil. Cook over hot coals for about 25–30 minutes, flipping once, until everything is tender and golden.
Ingredients:
12 oz kielbasa or smoked sausage, sliced into coins
2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, diced small
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Cut 2 large sheets of heavy-duty foil.
- In a bowl or directly on the foil, toss together sausage, potatoes, peppers, and onions.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Wrap tightly in foil, making sure it’s sealed.
- Place over medium-hot coals or a grill, cook 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Open carefully, add cheese if using, and let it melt before serving.
🍴 Lemon-Dill Salmon Packs
For a fresh, summery dinner, you can’t go wrong with Lemon-Dill Salmon. Lay a salmon fillet on a sheet of foil, top with a sprinkle of fresh dill, minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a couple of lemon slices. Add a few thin-cut veggies like asparagus or green beans for a full meal. Seal it up and cook for about 15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Tip: Line the foil with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup even easier.
Ingredients (Serves 2):
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, sliced
1 cup asparagus or green beans, trimmed
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Lay out 2 sheets of foil (or foil lined with parchment paper).
- Place salmon fillet in the center. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Top with lemon slices. Arrange veggies alongside the salmon.
- Seal the foil into a tight packet.
- Cook over medium heat (campfire grill or coals) for 12-15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily.
- Open carefully and serve warm.
One-Pot Wonders:
One pan = zero fuss, total flavor.
After a long day hiking, paddling, or just soaking up the summer sun, there’s nothing better than a hearty meal that comes together in a single pot. These recipes are quick to cook, easy to clean up, and guaranteed to keep everyone satisfied.
🍴 One‑Pot Pasta Primavera
Nothing says summer like a big pot of fresh veggies and pasta all cooked together until perfectly tender. This Pasta Primavera is colorful, creamy, and surprisingly simple. It’s the ideal meal when you want something comforting but still light enough for warm evenings. Plus, it comes together in about 20 minutes and doesn’t require a stack of dishes.
- Ingredients (Serves 4):
12 oz pasta (penne or rotini work well)
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth or water
4 oz goat cheese or cream cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: grated Parmesan, fresh basil
- Steps:
- In a large pot or deep skillet, combine pasta, zucchini, bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic, and broth.
- Bring to a boil over your camp stove or grill, then reduce to simmer. Stir occasionally.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed.
- Stir in spinach and goat cheese until creamy. Season to taste.
- Top with Parmesan and basil before serving.
🍴 Dutch Oven Mac & Cheese
This campfire Mac & Cheese is pure comfort food in a pot. Velvety, cheesy, and made right over the coals or on a camp stove, it’s guaranteed to please kids and adults alike. The best part is you can tweak it however you like. Add hot sauce for a little kick or sprinkle crunchy breadcrumbs over the top to finish it off.
- Ingredients:
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 cups water or milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz cream cheese or Velveeta, cubed
2 tbsp butter
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: breadcrumbs, hot sauce
- Instructions:
- Place macaroni and water (or milk) in a greased Dutch oven.
- Set over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring often so it doesn’t stick.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, until pasta is almost tender.
- Stir in butter, shredded cheese, and cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- For extra texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and cover for 2–3 more minutes.
🍴 Camp Stove Chilaquiles
Looking to switch up your breakfast or brunch routine? Chilaquiles are a fun, flavorful way to start the day. Crisped tortilla wedges simmered in salsa, topped with melty cheese and a perfectly cooked egg. It’s like campfire nachos, but even better. Don’t forget the avocado and a squeeze of lime to bring it all together.
- Ingredients (serves 2-3):
6 corn tortillas, cut into wedges
1 cup salsa (red or green)
2 eggs
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1 avocado, sliced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: chopped cilantro, lime wedges
- Instructions:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add tortilla wedges and cook until lightly crispy, about 3–5 minutes.
- Pour salsa over the chips and stir gently to coat.
- Make two small wells in the mixture and crack in eggs.
- Cover skillet and cook until eggs are set to your liking (5–7 minutes).
- Sprinkle with cheese, top with avocado, and serve with lime.
Make‑Ahead Grill & Skewer Fare:
Prep ahead, grill while you chill.
There’s something about cooking over an open flame that feels like summer in every bite. Skewers and grilled meals are perfect because you can marinate everything before you leave home, then just fire up the grill when you’re ready to eat.
🍴 Pineapple Chicken Kabobs
These sweet and savory kabobs are like summer on a stick. Juicy chicken pairs perfectly with fresh pineapple, colorful bell peppers, and a simple honey-soy marinade that caramelizes beautifully on the grill. You can prep everything at home, so all you have to do is fire them up and enjoy a tropical-inspired dinner by the campfire.
- Ingredients:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into chunks
2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into pieces
1 small red onion, cut into chunks
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp ground ginger
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl or resealable bag, combine soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in your cooler.
- Thread chicken, pineapple, bell pepper, and onion onto skewers.
- Grill over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve with rice or grilled veggies.
🍴 Chicken Tzatziki Skewers
Bring a little Mediterranean flavor to your campsite with these easy chicken skewers. A bright lemon and oregano marinade keeps the chicken tender and full of zesty flavor. Just grill them until golden brown and serve with warm pita and creamy tzatziki. It’s fresh, satisfying, and feels a little fancier than your average camp meal without any extra fuss.
- Ingredients:
1½ lbs boneless chicken breast, cut into chunks
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper to taste
1 cup prepared tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Instructions:
- In a bowl or bag, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces, coat well, and marinate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Grill over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
- Serve with warm pita bread and a generous dollop of tzatziki.
🍴 Carnitas Tacos (Make-Ahead Pulled Pork)
If you want to feed a hungry crowd with almost no work at camp, these carnitas are your secret weapon. Slow-cooked until fall-apart tender and packed with smoky spices, the pork can be made ahead of time and reheated in minutes. Load it into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings and you’ve got an effortless taco night under the stars.
- Ingredients:
3–4 lbs pork shoulder or pork butt
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orange juice
1 cup chicken broth
Corn or flour tortillas
Optional toppings: chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa
- Instructions:
- Rub pork with chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic.
- Place in a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
- Pour in orange juice and chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 8 hours (slow cooker) or pressure cook for about 60 minutes (Instant Pot), until very tender.
- Shred pork with two forks and let cool.
- Store in an airtight container in your cooler.
Quick & Crowd‑Pleasing Classics:
Perfect meals when you want to feed a group fast.
Sometimes you just need something that’s familiar, filling, and guaranteed to make everyone happy. These easy camping classics come together quickly and don’t require much prep, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying the summer nights.
🍴 Walking Tacos
Walking tacos are a total crowd-pleaser especially if you’re camping with kids or hosting a big group. All you need is a bag of chips and your favorite taco toppings, and everyone gets to build their own meal right in the bag. No plates, no problem, and cleanup couldn’t be easier.
- Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
½ cup water
4 single-serve bags of corn chips (Fritos or Doritos work great)
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup diced tomatoes
Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, avocado
- Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat until fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water, simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- To serve, gently crush chips in each bag. Open the bag, spoon taco meat inside, and top with your favorite fixings.
🍴 Campfire Nachos
Cheesy, gooey, and totally customizable, campfire nachos are the ultimate shareable snack or easy dinner. You can layer everything right in a Dutch oven or heavy-duty foil pan and cook them over the fire until the cheese melts and the chips get perfectly toasty.
- Ingredients:
1 large bag tortilla chips
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
1 cup salsa
½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
Sour cream and guacamole for serving
- Instructions:
- In a Dutch oven or foil pan, spread a layer of chips.
- Top with beans, salsa, cheese, jalapeños, and olives.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Cover with a lid or foil.
- Place over low campfire coals and heat for 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Serve warm with sour cream and guacamole.
🍴 Cheeseburgers & Brats
Sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying. Juicy cheeseburgers and smoky bratwursts are camping staples you can throw on the grill and have ready in no time. Add some buns, your favorite toppings, and a side of chips, and dinner is done.
- Ingredients:
4 burger patties
4 bratwursts
4 slices cheddar or American cheese
4 burger buns
4 brat buns
Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayo, relish
Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Place patties and brats on the grill.
- Cook burgers 4–5 minutes per side (or until desired doneness), adding cheese in the last minute.
- Cook brats, turning occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until heated through and lightly charred.
- Toast buns on the grill if you’d like.
- Serve with toppings and condiments.
Sweet & Simple Camp Desserts:
Because every great camping meal deserves a little something sweet.
After a day of adventure and a delicious dinner, there’s nothing better than gathering around the fire for a warm, comforting dessert. These easy recipes can be prepped ahead or assembled in minutes, so you can satisfy your sweet tooth without much effort.
🍴 Banana Bread Pancakes
These banana bread pancakes blur the line between breakfast and dessert, and nobody will complain about that. Soft, fluffy, and loaded with ripe bananas, they’re perfect drizzled with maple syrup or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
- Ingredients:
1 cup pancake mix
¾ cup water or milk
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Butter and maple syrup for serving
- Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix pancake mix, water (or milk), mashed bananas, and cinnamon until just combined.
- Fold in nuts if using.
- Heat a greased skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Pour batter into small pancakes.
- Cook 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve warm with butter and syrup.
🍴 Apple Crisp Foil Packets
This easy apple crisp cooks right in a foil packet, making it the ultimate no-mess dessert. Warm spiced apples topped with a buttery crumb are the perfect way to end a summer night.
- Ingredients:
2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp butter, divided
¼ cup granola or instant oatmeal (for topping)
- Instructions:
- Lay out two sheets of heavy-duty foil.
- Divide apples between the sheets.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Dot each with 1 tbsp butter.
- Fold foil into a tight packet.
- Place over medium coals for 15–20 minutes, until apples are tender.
- Open carefully and top with granola or oatmeal.
🍴 Ranger Cookies
Ranger cookies are a nostalgic treat that pack well for camping. They’re chewy, crunchy, and full of goodies like coconut, oats, and cornflakes, making them perfect for grabbing with your morning coffee or as a sweet snack around the fire.
- Ingredients (makes about 2 dozen):
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
2 cups rolled oats
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup crushed cornflakes
- Instructions:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients.
- Stir in oats, coconut, and cornflakes.
- Scoop onto baking sheets and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Let cool completely before packing into an airtight container for camp.
Tips for a Smooth Summer Meal Plan
Prep & Freeze Ahead
Chop veggies, marinate proteins, even par‑cook pasta so camp cooking is a breeze.Use Foil & One‑Pot Meals
Clean-up 101: line Dutch ovens with foil, and rely on skillet or foil favorites.Cooler Game
Keep proteins and dairy cold with ice packs, frozen water bottles (double as coolers!), rotate out supplies.Don’t Forget Snacks & Drinks
Trail mix, granola, fresh fruit, and summer salads keep energy up between meals.
Check out my article on the 10 Must-Have Camping Cookware for Outdoor Cooking. It's packed with essential gear recommendations to make your camping meals even more delicious and hassle-free!
3 Day Meal Plan
| Day | Breakfast | Lunch/Snacks | Dinner | Dessert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Banana Pancakes | Trail Mix & Fruit | Shrimp Foil Packs | Ranger Cookies |
| 2 | Camp Stove Chilaquiles | Granola Bars & Chill | Pineapple Kabobs + Nachos | Apple Crisp |
| 3 | One‑Pot Pasta | Walking Tacos | Dutch-oven Mac & Cheese | S'mores (classic!) |
