40 Camping meals for kids that even picky eaters will enjoy. Camping is a great way to get kids outside, away from screens, and engaged in nature. But preparing meals outdoors can be a challenge. Make-ahead camping meals can be a lifesaver, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the great outdoors and less time cooking over a campfire.
In this article, we will explore some easy and delicious make-ahead camping meals that kids will love. These meals are not only tasty but also simple to prepare and can be adapted to fit any dietary restrictions. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, we’ve got you covered with tasty and kid-approved recipes that will make your camping trip a success.
Simple Camping Meals For Kids
Make-ahead camping meals are the way to go whether you are heading to a campsite with a tent or RV. We were a bit hesitant at first, fearing that we wouldn’t have enough time or storage space. However, make ahead meals have changed the way we camp and there is no looking back!
If you are looking for ways to decrease food prep time and increase family time, then check out these camping meals for kids! They are delicious and nutritious. These pre-made camping meals for kids are quick, easy, and mess-free!
We encourage you to take a look at all the camping meal options, tips, and tricks to find what will work best for you. Let us know the recipes that you try on your next camping trip!
Our Dairy Free Deviled Eggs are the BEST deviled egg recipe around. Featuring mayo flavored with Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, and bacon, you won’t be able to stop at just one! Easily pack in the cooler for camping.
Beef and Cheese Burritos will be a huge hit at your campsite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Planning is key to managing cooler space so only freeze the amount that is going to fit in your cooler. Typically between 6-8 burritos in the cooler is a good number.
In under 10 minutes with less than 5 ingredients, you can create a lunch meal for all the campers at your campsite by making canned chicken quesadillas. Plus, by using canned ingredients for this healthy quesadilla recipe, you will save room in the coolers.
Cheese curd burgers are the ultimate burger for any family that LOVES homemade burgers. The cheese-filled middle will have you wondering why you ever put cheese on the top of a burger! Burgers are a great camping meal choice because they are quick and easy to transport and grill.
Our gluten-free & dairy-free potato salad is super creamy and absolutely delicious featuring Yukon Gold potatoes, celery, eggs, and pickles. It’s a midwestern classic potato salad that will be the hit around the fire.
My homemade chili is great for those cool evening nights when everyone is sitting around the campfire and telling stories. Pouring your family a bowl of warm chili and topping it with shredded cheese will add the perfect touch.
Looking for a quick & easy sandwich idea for your camping adventure? Check out these delicious pulled pork sandwiches. This recipe is great because it makes a large batch of pulled pork in the Instant Pot in under 2 hours. Once cooked, you can easily transport to the campsite in a collapsible container. The best part is the leftovers that you are able to freeze at home for an easy dinner once you return from your trip.
Whether we are at home or camping, my kids love any recipe made with chicken. This summer, I decided my Shredded Chicken Tacos is the winning recipe to bring on our trip. For easy travel, make a large batch of the shredded chicken in the Instant Pot before you leave and pack the cooked chicken in a collapsible container in a cooler.
Naan Pizza is one of my top favorite recipes to bring camping because the meal is SUPER easy. When I am at home, I tend to get a little fancier on the toppings. However, keep it simple at the campsite by making the pepperoni style pizza because the sauce, pepperoni slices, and naan bread will not take up cooler space. This recipe cooks perfectly on top of a campfire grill and the flavors are amazing.
Spaghetti and meatball cups are a fun and creative way to enjoy a snack or simple dinner by the campfire. Bake the meatball cups before you leave and place either in a collapsible food container or Ziplock freezer bag for easy transport.
This Muffuletta Sandwich is perfect in so many ways but most importantly you are supposed to squish it before eating. Um… pack the cooler and load everything on top. The perfect camping food! Individually wrap the sandwiches for grab & go meals while camping.
Tuna Sushi Rolls are a delicious and nutritious finger food option. This recipe is great as a snack in the car on the way to the campsite. Pack the ingredients and bring to the campsite to make as a family for lunch or dinner.
Peppers & onions cooked with steak, topped with cheese, placed on a hoagie & drizzled with the delicious juices. A Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich with all the flavor for your next camping trip. Create foil packs by piling the veggies and steak on the foil and carefully rolling until tight. Add these foil packs to your cooler and bring them to the campsite.
Burritos are definitely a go-to meal to bring camping. They are easy to transport, quick to reheat, and delicious. My Refried Bean Burrito is a huge hit because my kids, especially my daughter, LOVES refried beans. With only 3 ingredients, you can whip up burritos before leaving for your trip that will 100% be gone by the time you return home.
Our camping breakfast burrito is a great addition to add to your list for your next camping trip. If you have extra vegetables in the fridge before you leave for your trip, add to the burrito to limit food waste! The wrapped frozen burritos can be stored in the cooler with a frozen jug of water.
Campsite Prep Tips
- To heat at the campsite wrap burritos in heavy-duty tin foil. Heat on the campfire grate, campfire grill or use a pan from a portable camping cookware set for 2-4 minutes or until heated through. If you are traveling by RV or travel trailer, use parchment paper and reheat in the microwave oven.
- For homemade pinwheels, simply fill the tortilla, wrap, and slice. You can roll the pinwheels a couple of hours ahead of time and store in a piece of tin foil or parchment paper. When hungry they are ready for you!
- Place naan pizzas directly on the grill or lay a piece of tin foil on the grill then place the pizza on top. If you’re having trouble getting the cheese to melt, place a piece of tin foil tented over the top to help get that melty cheese!
- Eat muffaletta sandwiches as is or wrap in tin foil & heat them over the campfire to melt the cheese & warm the meat!
- Make shredded chicken at home then transport to campsite in a cooler. When your family is ready for taco night, reheat over the campfire on the grate or your camp stove. Set out toppings and dinner is ready. Reheating the taco meat in a pot from a portable cooking set is a mess-free way.
- We find it easy to spread out the ingredients on a camping table, and then have everyone roll their sushi – so much fun! For easy packing, bring veggies and cooked sushi rice in a container & the tuna in the can.
- Transport chili to a campsite by filling a pot from a portable cooking set. This is a mess-free way to travel. At the campsite, just place the pot on the fire & reheat within minutes – doesn’t get easier than that!
- Make ahead by making the burgers and wrapping in foil before placing them in the cooler. Then, pack your preferred toppings and condiments. At the campsite, turn on your campfire grill, or campfire grate & cook until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees – enjoy!
- Assemble the quesadillas on a camping table and add to a campfire griddle or cast iron pan when ready to cook.
More Easy Crockpot Dinner Ideas
Keep these slow cooker meals at the top of mind to make when you return home from camping. Simply dump the ingredients then leave to cook while you unpack and tackle the laundry!
- Crockpot Lasagna
- Chicken and Rice (Crockpot)
- Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops
- Slow Cooker Chunky Vegetable Soup
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
- Crockpot Stuffed Pepper Soup
- Irish Beef Stew (Slow Cooker)
Family Camping Resources
- Easy Camping Meals & RV Meal Planning
- Camping Breakfast Ideas
- How To Plan The BEST Yellowstone RV Vacation
- Camping Menu Ideas for RV Trips
- Camping In Wisconsin
If you enjoyed any of the recipes make sure to leave a comment below! Then follow me on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. I love seeing what you come up with!
Geneva Luz says
hello! thank you so much for sharing this blog.