Camping Food List by Registered Dietitian (Free Printable PDF)
If you’re in a hurry to get a camping food recommendation, just check the list on our PDF below.
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Being unprepared when it comes to camping foods is the worst.
One weekend in April, my college friends and I decided to go camping. After preparing everything from A to Z, we left happily for our chosen location.
When we arrived at the location, I prepared all the food ingredients we brought for supplies for the next day. But I was being stupid and put all the food outside the tent without preparing any proper storage!
Guess what…
A heavy rain suddenly poured on our camping night. And yes, the food we had prepared was washed away with the rainwater! We woke up in the morning confused, as there was no food to cook for breakfast.
After bickering for a while and realizing what had happened, we found the only food left over: A bag of potato chips in one of my friends’ bags. We were all hungry and ended up fighting (again) to eat the only sustenance we had.
It was the camping experience that I had that made me give up on carelessly doing food preparation for camping. At that time, I didn’t know what kind of food and preparation tips for camping.
You certainly don’t want an awful camping experience like me, right?
Don’t let it happen to you! It’s better to start preparing the food ingredients you will bring and look at the tips about camping food preparation that Gizigo has prepared especially for you in this article.
A Registered Dietitian’s Take on Food Consumption While Camping
Food cooked while camping is often high in fat (using lots of butter and oil), full of processed food, or processed at high temperatures, such as grilling meat and vegetables. So, it doesn’t feel “healthy” (in the strictest sense).
There are some tricks to make the food you consume healthier and more balanced:
- Substitute the animal protein for lower fat sources such as lean meat, chicken, or salmon (although it’s not always necessary).
- Wrap your ingredients in aluminum foil when baking at high temperatures and remove burnt parts.
- Remember vegetables and fruits! You can add these food ingredients as accompaniments to grilled meat or as a snack with dipping sauce.
- Recognize your hunger and fullness signals to maintain calorie intake according to your needs.
- Suppose you want to go camping at lower temperatures (e.g., a rather cold place). In that case, it is necessary to add extra calories to increase energy and maintain body temperature.
- While camping, people often do outdoor activities like hiking, running, climbing, mountain biking, swimming, or canoeing. These activities require a lot of energy, so you’ll expend more energy than your normal activities. Therefore, it becomes crucial for them to consume enough energy to maximize the activities you can do. [1]
It’s also good to know the types of food ingredients that suit your body’s needs:
- Carbohydrates are used as the primary source of energy in the body. It is quickly metabolized for use and can restore the body’s condition more quickly. With the presence of carbohydrates, blood sugar levels can be controlled. They can provide a source of fuel for muscles when used for heavy activities. Some examples of carbohydrates that can be consumed while camping are complex carbohydrates (grains, vegetables, and fruit).
- Protein is needed when you do heavy activity due to increased protein oxidation. Therefore, consumption must be increased to maintain nitrogen balance, replace lost protein, and help the body recover after activity. Protein also keeps the body full longer and builds and repairs cell or muscle tissue. Examples of protein that can be consumed are chicken, milk, or fish.
- Fat is used as a long-term energy contribution, as some will be stored for energy utilization. It also makes you full longer. Fat consumption does not need to be increased like carbohydrates and protein. Choose healthy types of fat (unsaturated fat).
- Water needs to be consumed at least 2.7 – 3.6 Liters per day. When you have heavy activity, your need for water will increase. During activities, water from the body will come out through the pores and breathing. Not to mention when the environmental temperature is hot and humid. During this strenuous activity, the body can also lose body salt. Although it does not directly impact physical performance, replacing lost body salts can help promote fluid intake, protect plasma volume, and reduce urine production. Ultimately, sufficient water consumption is needed to maintain body hydration, maintain the body’s physiological functions, and improve physical performance.
Camping Food List to Generally Consider
As a registered dietitian, I’ve put together a list of foods (mostly) based on their macronutrients. It’d be much easier to plan around your meals that way, trust me.
In the deeper section of this article, I also provide several tips that need to be considered when you prepare and consume food at a camping event. But first, take a peek at this list of food ingredients that you can use as a reference:
| CATEGORY | INGREDIENTS (Regular) |
|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Potatoes, bread, tortillas, wraps, pasta, rice, noodles, oats |
| Grain, Nuts, Seeds | Whole grain cereal, oatmeals, granola, chia seeds, flax seeds, nuts |
| Proteins | Eggs, tofu, sausage, pork, beef, bacon, hot dogs, chicken |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, asparagus, carrots, cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, avocados |
| Fats | Butter, oil |
| Fruits | Apples, bananas, oranges (mandarins or tangerines), grapes, melons, dried fruits |
| Dairy products | Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream, creamer |
| Herbs and Spices | Salt, pepper, cinnamon, seasoning salt, mixed seasoning, garlic powder, sugar |
| Sauce, Dipping, and Condiments | Hot sauce, salsa, hummus, pesto, creamy dip, salad dressing, mayonnaise, mustard, pesto |
| Spread | Peanut butter, jam, honey, syrup |
| Snacks | Crackers, marshmallows, biscuits, cookies, popcorn, dried fruits, granola bar, trail mix, chips, pretzels, nachos |
| Drink | Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, long life milk, juice, cocktails, water |
| Canned Goods | Tuna, beans, soups, vegetables, fruits |
| Ready to cook meal | Pancake mix, macaroni and cheese, stew |
Easy & Popular Camping Foods
There are ingredients that we consider essential. We’ve included these foods and their storing tips so you can use them as a cheat sheet when preparing your camping.
You can mix-and-match most of the foods in this section with other ingredients effortlessly. At the very least, your camping session wouldn’t go wrong if you bring these items:
1. Eggs
Eggs are like a mandatory food for most people. Likewise, when camping, eggs are usually never missed to be taken with you.
Most people avoid bringing eggs when traveling for fear of breaking them. However, you can bring them easily and safely using our tips below.
Use for:
Eggs are a food that is very easy to process into many dishes and are liked by almost everyone, from children to adults. When camping, eggs can be processed into scrambled eggs, egg muffins, egg sandwiches, boiled, fried, and omelets.
Storage tips:
Besides being easy to process, eggs are also an easy and practical food ingredient to store. Eggs can be stored in a protective container during hot weather (68-72 F). Apart from that, you can bring more by breaking as many eggs as you want, adding spices, mixing them until homogeneous, pouring the eggs into a sealed bag (make it double-layer if you’re afraid of leaks), and then freezing them.
2. Sausages
Who doesn’t like a good sausage? This food is everyone’s favorite food, right?
Use for:
Not only delicious, sausage is also a very easy food to prepare. Its relatively small shape makes it easy to carry when camping. Sausages can add protein to breakfast menus, such as making it into sandwiches or grilled sausages.
Storage tips:
Sausages do not require a complicated storing method. You can store sausages by using a cooler with ice or cool packs. Another way to keep sausages is by wrapping them in foil or a watertight bag. Finally, you can also store them by using vacuum packaging.
3. Potatoes
Without any surprise, potatoes are convenient when you’re traveling. So it only makes sense to include them when camping.
Use for:
Potatoes can be processed into various dishes: baked, mashed, fried, boiled, sliced, chopped, and even diced potatoes.
Storage tips:
Potatoes are a food ingredient that is quite durable and does not require special treatment for storage. You can store potatoes in loose bags, plastic bags, paper containers with holes, or vacuum-packed.
4. Breads
Bread is one of the main choices when bringing food for camping. Apart from being practical, bread also fills your stomach and is a favorite of many people. As long as you remember to bring some breads, your carb intake is safe!
Use for:
You can process bread into sandwiches, toast, dipping into stew, hamburgers, and even hotdogs.
Storage tips:
Bread is a cooked food. You need to pay attention to how to store it, so that the bread you bring when camping doesn’t rot or get damaged. The storage methods that you can use include wrapping the bread in plastic wrap, using a reusable bread bag/ziplock bag/bread box/paper bag, or the last way is to wrap it in aluminum foil.
5. Tortillas
Its easy use with other ingredients makes tortilla a food you can’t miss when camping!
Use for:
Tortillas are easy to prepare and can be created into various foods: burritos, wrapping them with peanut butter and honey, toasting them with cheese, and pizza tortillas.
Storage tips:
Tortillas are a convenience when traveling. You can store tortillas in the original container (if you will eat them all while camping), use a plastic bag (ziplock or seal top), or use an airtight container. The most important thing in storing tortillas is to put this food ingredient in a cool and dry place.
6. Oats
Both rolled oats and instant oats are the right choices for you to bring when camping. The fast and practical processing will make it very easy to prepare breakfast when camping.
Use for:
You can process oats into breakfast oats or get creative by adding fresh fruit, syrup, nuts, or peanut butter.
Storage tips:
For storage, you can use its original packaging (if you are sure you want to use up all of the oats while camping), a plastic bag, or a ziplock bag.
7. Yogurt
Yogurt is a food that is surprisingly suitable for camping. Yogurt will make things easier for you because it doesn’t need to be cooked.
Use for:
Yogurt can be used as breakfast yogurt by adding fruits, honey, nuts, or granola.
Storage tips:
Yogurt can be stored in single-serve packaging or small container with a lid, then placed at the top of the cooler so it doesn’t get squeezed and leak easily.
8. Cheese
Cheese is one of the food ingredients that you must have when camping. You will be able to make delicious food and snacks just by bringing this one ingredient.
Use for:
Cheese can be used for various foods. Add grated cheese to tortillas, pasta, layered sandwiches, and nachos. That would undoubtedly be a very delicious meal!
Storage tips:
Cheese can be stored in a sealed or ziplock bag or in a waterproof bag to maintain the quality of your cheese during travel.
9. Butter
An essential in cooking, make sure you bring some butter when you go camping! Butter is very delicious for cooking most food.
Use for:
You can use butter to cook eggs, season pancakes, and bake bread. Butter will produce a very fragrant and tasty aroma!
Storage tips:
Butter should be stored in a container with a lid and placed at the top of the cooler. Make sure the container with a lid has a tight lid so the butter doesn’t fall out and contaminate your other ingredients!
10. Ketchup / Mayonnaise / Mustard / Salad Dressing
Complementary ingredients such as sauces and marinades are one of the must-have food ingredients when camping. These ingredients are very practical to carry and will make it very easy to whip some delicious meals. You don’t need to bring a lot of stuffs if you get these bad boys!
Use for:
You can instantly use sauce, mayonnaise, mustard, or salad dressing on your meals. You can add it to sandwiches, hamburgers, or hotdogs.
Storage tips:
To carry them, you need to store these foodstuffs in their original bottles (if travel-friendly), or in refillable squeeze tubes.
11. Carrots
You have your carbs and proteins? Don’t forget to add some vegetables to balance your meals. Vegetables such as carrots tend to be small and practical when taken camping.
Use for:
You can create carrots into many food menus, such as adding them to soup, dipping them in sauce, or serving them with other vegetables for salad. Carrots can also be used as a snack by eating them alone. No need to bother if you have brought carrots!
Storage tips:
Bring peeled carrots to make it more convenient. Afterward, carrots can be stored in a ziplock bag or lid container.
12. Beans
Other than carrots, beans are another vegetable to take camping. Its small shape will be perfect to carry around.
Use for:
Beans can be processed into filling for burritos, beans and sausages, curries, and grilled nachos.
Storage tips:
Bring canned beans and store them in the cooler to make packing easier.
13. Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are considered necessities to bring when camping. You certainly don’t want your food to taste bland, right? So don’t forget to bring these two crucial spices.
Use for:
Salt and pepper can improve the taste of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Be careful, as forgetting these boys can mess up your camping meals!
Storage tips:
You can carry salt and pepper in several container options, as long as they are airtight, portable, spill-free, and space-saving, such as salt and pepper shakers, spice racks, or ziplock bags.
14. Marshmallow
Everyone’s favorite sweet food for a campfire. Nuff said.
Use for:
You can toast marshmallows on sticks, s’mores, or put them in hot chocolate. It will be a delicious snack to accompany your camping trip!
Storage tips:
You can bring marshmallows in its original packaging, sealed or ziplock bag, or tight fitting container.
15. Coffee
“Today’s good mood is sponsored by coffee.”
Hmm, it’s definitely relatable for some people. Drinking coffee is as important as eating for those people. On the other hand, there’s no harm in drinking it when camping, even if you don’t love coffee. Your body will be more enthusiastic after some intake of this liquid hug.
Use for:
You can toast marshmallows on sticks, s’mores, or put them in hot chocolate. It will be a delicious snack to accompany your camping trip!
Storage tips:
You can bring marshmallows in its original packaging, sealed or ziplock bag, or tight fitting container.
16. Nuts
Nuts are also one food ingredient you shouldn’t miss while camping! There are lots of food ideas made from nuts.
Use for:
You can create several foods using this ingredient. For example, roasted nuts, topping for salads, or even for late-night snacks. It won’t be a hassle if you already bring nuts!
Storage tips:
Bringing and storing nuts is as simple as placing them inside any tight container (or even a plastic).
17. Fresh Fruits
Yup, it will be challenging to bring this food camping. Yet, your body definitely needs fresh fruits (well, I had to say it since I’m a Registered Dietitian).
It’s best to prepare the fruit you will bring while you’re still at home so that when you’re camping, you won’t have to worry too much about washing, peeling, and cutting it. Just make sure to eat it quickly before it gets soggy (yuck!).
Use for:
You can consume fruit as is, add it to breakfast oatmeal or yogurt, or even as a topping for pancakes.
Storage tips:
How to store fruit heavily depends on the type of fruit you’ll take. Bananas should be eaten before they are too ripe and stored in a cool place. Apples or oranges should be placed in sealed or paper bags as they are least likely to get damaged. Individually check how to store each kinds of fruits you want to take.
18. Peanut Butter
Besides being delicious, peanut butter is long-lasting and doesn’t spoil quickly when traveling. That makes it another must-have on my book (or camping bag).
Use for:
You can process peanut butter to make toast topping, sandwich filling, cracker dipping, or add it to breakfast oatmeal.
Storage tips:
You don’t need to worry about storing peanut butter because it is easy to carry in its original packaging (single-serve peanut butter). You can place it in a food container.
Camping Meal Prep Tips
Camping will be more fun if you have delicious food to eat. Yet, many people find it a hassle to cook while camping.
With some meal prep beforehand, cooking during camping can be easy and fun. However, don’t do it carelessly! Here are some tips for adjusting camp food preparation according to your needs.
1. Plan Every Meal
The first thing you have to do is plan all the food you will make for each meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks).
Writing notes in a small book that is easy to carry anywhere or simply using the notes application on your cellphone is excellent.
Don’t forget to estimate the duration of the trip needed to get to the camping site and how long your camping will last.
A simple examples of meal plan that you can try:
- Eggs, sausage, oatmeal, and pancakes for breakfast,
- Sandwiches and wraps for lunch,
- Grilled meat for dinner.
2. Acknowledge Your Cooking Skill
Don’t make things difficult for yourself. Choose the foods you can prepare and process according to your cooking abilities.
Look for simple recipes. Ones that only take 15-30 minutes to cook without forgetting personal eating preferences would be perfect. Camping is not a cooking competition!
Camping is about you, your family, and your friends enjoying your free time without putting in more effort to produce five-star foods. Make it as fast as you can and tasty as it should.
3. Prep Meal as Much as You Can at Home
Make sure to bring enough material, not too much or too little.
Peel, wash, and dry vegetables and fruit before putting them in containers. If you want to cook steak, chicken, or grilled vegetables, cut them into pieces and marinate them, then store them first in the freezer at home. To make it easier, mix all the spices so that when you cook, you no longer need to take them one by one from the container.
The original packaging for each food can take up a lot of space, not to mention when not all of it will be used. Therefore, store enough in a ziplock, then leave the rest at home.
Grate the cheese at home, then put it in a ziplock; this will be easier to use. You don’t need to carry a cheese grater everywhere and waste time just grating it at the campsite.
4. Prepare the Snacks
You can eat snacks while waiting for the main food to be ready. That way, you won’t have to worry about going hungry, especially when something unpredictable delays your cooking.
Here are some ideas of snacks that you can take camping:
- Prepare some granola bars, trail mix, or nuts. Remember to put it in a container to keep it clean.
- You can make some vegetables for the snack. First, cut carrots, celery, or other vegetables to eat with dipping sauce.
- Cookies and muffins are also suitable to bring as snacks when camping. To make it easier, you can make frozen cookies or muffins before leaving for camping.
5. Label Everything
After completing all the preparations, remember to label the packaging or container used. It will be easier to recognize what food ingredients are in it.
6. Don’t Forget Standard Kitchen Essentials
Some cooking utensils you can bring when camping are non-stick iron pans, wooden spoons, cutting boards, knives, portable stoves, portable gas, fire starters, and long tongs.
It’s okay to use paper plates and disposable plastic utensils. However, if it’s not environmentally friendly enough for you, consider using melamine plates, stacking cups, and aluminum utensils.
You can check more recommendations for utensils in the last section of this article.
7. Plan Your Cooler
In no way should you forget to bring a cooler. It’s a significant foundation when camping.
Arrange food ingredients from those you’ll use earliest in order from top to bottom. Ingredients cooked first after arriving at the camping site are placed at the top. Those that are planned to be cooked later are at the bottom.
Remember to bring a trash bag to avoid trash piling up.
8. Outdoor Cooking Based on Nutritional Science
As a Registered Dietitian, I’ll give some last tips according to nutritional science:
- Add some spices or even marinate some food before going camping. You can make the food taste delicious without much effort that way.
- Do your meal plan around the primary nutrients in each ingredient (check our PDF). By doing meal planning that way, your body will remain well nourished during the whole camping trip.
- Do meal preparation! You don’t have to waste time just for cooking. Choose simple recipes that don’t require a lot of cooking equipment. The point of camping is to relax and enjoy the moments with your family, so why go through the hassle of cooking a time-consuming meal?
Cooking Tools Required When Camping
The food ingredients you’ve painstakingly prepared from home will go to waste if you have nothing to cook them with! So, don’t forget these essential cooking utensils when you go camping:
- Portable stove
- Portable gas
- Fire lighter
- Reusable dinnerware
- Non-stick pans
- Iron skillset
- Stainless steel pot
- Collapsible water container
- Camping kettles
- Spatula
- Ladle
- Slotted spoon
- Kegs
- Scissors
- Knife
- Grater
- Bottle opener
- Can opener
- Colander
- Hot pads
- Foil
- Food containers
- Cool box
- Reusable tablecloth
- Bin bags
- Washing-up kit (sponges, towels, liquid, and washing-up bowl)
References
- Ranchordas, M. K. (2012). Nutrition for adventure racing. Sports medicine, 42, 915-927.
- Murray, B. (2007). Hydration and physical performance. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 26(sup5), 542S-548S.
