40 Camping meals for kids

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!

French Toast Muffins

French Toast Muffins are glazed with powdered sugar icing. A quick, easy, and no-fail method for making french toast perfect for any campsite. Gluten-free.

Low-Sodium Ramen Noodles

If your family loves instant Top Ramen noodles but you're looking for a lower sodium option, you've got to try our homemade version. This 3 ingredient recipe is packed with veggies, is gluten-free, and super flavorful without all the extra salt.

Dairy Free Deviled Eggs

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.

Oatmeal to Go

Oatmeal to go is DIY instant oatmeal packets that are quick and easy to make. You get full control over the flavors (along with the sugar content), and only need hot water to turn into a hot breakfast perfect for adventures.

Avocado Toast For Kids

Our avocado toast is perfect for kids. We've included 3 different ideas that even toddlers love including avocado toast with scrambled eggs, fried eggs, avocado cheese toast, and the kid-favorite - avocado toast with bacon, lettuce, and tomato! Kids will have a blast making their customized toast in the mornings!

Camping Banana Boats

Camping Banana Boats are a fun dessert or snack recipe for kids of all ages that can be made in the oven or over the campfire.

Ground Beef and Bean Burrito

Our ground beef and bean burrito is a kid favorite! It's a simple to make dinner with ground beef, refried beans, and plenty of cheese that packs great for camping trips, frozen and reheated for lunchboxes or served as dinner. Gluten-free.

Beef and Cheese Burrito

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.

Canned Chicken Quesadilla

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 Burger

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.

Chicken Tostada Recipe

This delicious ground chicken tostada recipe is a fun and healthy dinner idea. These chicken tostadas take just minutes to make and are a delicious twist on classic tacos. Taco Tuesday is possible even at a campsite!

Gluten Free Potato Salad

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.

Brown Sugar Baked Beans

Brown sugar baked beans are a simple and delicious side dish that's cooked all day in the crockpot then can be transported to a campsite and reheated over the fire.

Make Ahead Roasted Potatoes

Simple make-ahead roasted potatoes are perfect for a quick side dish or take them on your next camping trip. Frozen roasted potatoes reheat easily and taste amazing!

Camping Chili Mac

Our Camping chili mac casserole is made with just a few ingredients that come together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for camping or for dinner any night of the week! Gluten-free.

Cast Iron Breakfast Skillet

Our cast iron breakfast skillet is a delicious camping meal. Made with dry hashbrowns, sausage links, and eggs it comes together quickly and can be made on the camp stove or campfire. Gluten-free.

Sausage Mac and Cheese

Sausage Mac & Cheese is a healthy kid-friendly dinner idea packed with veggies. Made with butternut squash, tomatoes, and loads of cheese, this is a family favorite!

Shrimp Ceviche Recipe

A shrimp ceviche recipe that requires no cooking. An easy Mexican ceviche that's marinated in lime and lemon juice with bright flavors of avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro is ready from start to finish in just 45 minutes. Gluten-free.

Williams Chili Recipe

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.

Sweet Potato Egg Cups

Sweet potato egg cups are an easy, fun breakfast idea perfect for kids. These kid-friendly egg frittatas are packed with sweet potatoes, spinach, and cheese - the perfect combo!

Pork Roast Instant Pot

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.

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos

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.

Cast Iron Shredded Chicken Nachos

Our cast iron shredded chicken nachos are loaded with cheese, shredded chicken, pinto beans, and lots of veggies! A great way to use leftover chicken and is ready in just 15 minutes. A great campfire dinner kids love. Gluten-free.

Naan Pizza

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.

Baked Spaghetti Cups

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.

Nacho Bowls

Nacho Bowls are a healthy dinner idea that's also a fun family recipe to make - and even more fun to eat! Packed with beans, veggies, cheese, and salsa this is a dinner everyone can individualize to their liking. Gluten-free.

Yogurt Parfait Cups

Our yogurt parfait cups is perfect for breakfast, packed in a lunchbox, or served as a snack when camping. Vanilla yogurt is layered with fresh fruit cut into adorable heart shapes that takes almost no time at all to prep.

Muffuletta Summer Sandwich

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.

Chicken Pinwheels

Chicken and cheese pinwheels are the perfect snack for the car ride to your campsite. You can quickly whip up this recipe before your family hops in the car. Don't roll them until serving or they will get soggy.

Dirt Pudding Recipe

Our dirt pudding recipe can be made in individual cups to serve as a grab-and-go dessert, perfect for entertaining. Packed with gluten-free Oreos, whipped cream, Greek yogurt, and vanilla pudding mix, they are sure to please any crowd!

How To Make Tuna Sushi Rolls

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.

Peanut Butter Overnight Oats

Peanut butter overnight oats are a deliciously amazing grab-and-go, protein-packed breakfast filled with fiber. A must-try recipe overnight oats for kids! Perfect for any adventure.

Hash Brown Egg Cups

Hash Brown Egg Cups are perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or keep forzen and reheat over the fire. Packed with ham and cheese they are kid favorites!

Shrimp Foil Packets in the Oven

Shrimp foil packets over the fire are great for a mess-free meal. Shrimp, andouille sausage, precooked rice, and vegetables are seasoned with cajun spices that are baked into a complete dinner meal in a foil packet. Gluten-Free.

Campfire Breakfast Foil Packets

Campfire Breakfast Foil Packets like this Ham and cheese breakfast bowl are a super fun camping idea. Foil packet meals are also a simple kid-friendly meal perfect any day of the week. Surprise your kids with breakfast for dinner - with no dishes to clean up!

Campfire Peaches

Campfire peaches are the BEST easy camping dessert. Fresh peaches cook with brown sugar and butter until tender and caramelized. Top with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat! Gluten-free.

Egg and Cheese McMuffin

Looking for easy RV meals this summer? These simple, no mess Egg and Cheese McMuffins make a great RV recipe or an easy camping breakfast. The eggs are baked in the oven on a gluten-free English muffin.

Philly Cheesesteak Foil Packs

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.

Bean and Cheese Burrito

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.

Camping Breakfast Burrito

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!

Family Camping Resources

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!