15 Camping Dinner Ideas

Craving Delicious Campfire Feasts? Conquer Camping Cuisine with Easy Recipes!

Dreaming of sizzling steaks, smoky veggies, and hearty stews under a starlit sky? Let’s ditch the burnt hot dogs and questionable burgers! This guide unlocks a treasure trove of delectable camping dinner ideas that are both flavorful and fuss-free.

We’ve got campfire classics with a twist, one-pot wonders for effortless cleanup, and even creative vegetarian options to tantalize every taste bud.

So fire up the grill, grab your Dutch oven, and get ready to whip up unforgettable meals that will make your next camping trip a culinary adventure!

1. Campfire Chili

Warm and hearty, campfire chili is a classic camping dinner. Start by browning ground beef or turkey in a pot over the fire. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic, then stir in kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and chili powder.

Let it simmer over the flames until the flavors meld together perfectly. Serve with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream for a comforting meal under the stars.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over the campfire.
2. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic, cooking until the beef is browned.
3. Stir in bell pepper, beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add water and bring to a simmer.
5. Cook for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Cornbread or tortilla chips
• Drink: Cold beer or a refreshing iced tea

2. Foil Packet Fajitas

Foil Packet Fajitas are the ultimate camping meal—simple, flavorful, and fun to eat. These fajitas are filled with juicy chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and onions, all seasoned with a perfect blend of spices. They cook up beautifully in foil packets right over the campfire, making cleanup a breeze.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas

Instructions:

1. Preheat the campfire.
2. In a bowl, combine chicken, bell peppers, onion, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Divide the mixture among foil sheets and seal them tightly.
4. Place the foil packets on the campfire and cook for 25 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Serve with tortillas.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Mexican rice or beans
• Drink: Margarita or a cold cerveza

3. One-Pot Pasta Primavera

One-Pot Pasta Primavera is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s perfect for a quick campfire dinner. It’s loaded with colorful vegetables and cooked in a creamy sauce right in one pot. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this pasta will bring a touch of gourmet to your camping trip.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the pot over the campfire.
2. Add pasta, vegetables, and garlic, then cover with water and bring to a boil.
3. Cook until pasta is al dente and vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Drain excess water, then stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.
5. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the sauce thickens.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Garlic bread
• Drink: Light white wine or sparkling water

4. Grilled Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter

Grilled Salmon with Lemon Herb Butter is a delicious and elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at the campsite. The salmon is perfectly grilled, and the lemon herb butter melts into the fish, creating a wonderfully flavorful and moist meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill.
2. Mix butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
3. Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill salmon for about 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
5. Top each fillet with lemon herb butter before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Grilled asparagus or a fresh green salad
• Drink: Chardonnay or a crisp beer

5. Campfire Tacos

Campfire tacos are a fun and customizable camping dinner that everyone will love. Brown ground beef or turkey in a skillet over the fire, then season with taco seasoning. Warm up tortillas on the grill grate or directly over the flames.

Fill the tortillas with the cooked meat and your choice of toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and salsa. Don’t forget to pack some hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 8 taco shells
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup salsa
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the skillet over the campfire.
2. Add a little olive oil and brown the ground beef.
3. Stir in taco seasoning and water, simmering until thickened.
4. Warm taco shells over the fire.
5. Assemble tacos with beef, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Corn on the cob or chips and guacamole
• Drink: Sangria or a cold soda

6. Veggie and Sausage Foil Packets

Veggie and Sausage Foil Packets are a simple and nutritious meal perfect for campfire cooking. These packets are filled with savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, all cooked to perfection in individual foil packets. They’re easy to customize and require minimal cleanup.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 sausages (your choice)
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Preheat the campfire.
2. In a bowl, toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Cut sausages into bite-sized pieces.
4. Divide the sausage and vegetable mixture among foil sheets and seal them tightly.
5. Place the foil packets on the campfire and cook for 30 minutes, turning occasionally.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Crusty bread
• Drink: Lemonade or iced tea

7. BBQ Chicken Skewers

BBQ Chicken Skewers are a classic favorite, perfect for grilling over a campfire. Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce and threaded onto skewers with colorful bell peppers and onions make for a delicious and visually appealing meal.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
• 1 red onion, cut into chunks
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill.
2. Toss chicken cubes with BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper.
3. Thread chicken, bell peppers, and onion onto skewers.
4. Brush with olive oil.
5. Grill skewers for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Coleslaw or potato salad
• Drink: Cold beer or iced tea

8. Campfire Pizza

Campfire Pizza is a fun and delicious way to enjoy pizza while camping. Using pre-made dough, you can create a variety of toppings to suit everyone’s taste. Cooked on a grill or over a campfire, this pizza is crispy, cheesy, and sure to be a hit.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• Olive oil
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill and pizza stone.
2. Roll out pizza dough and brush with olive oil.
3. Spread pizza sauce over the dough.
4. Top with mozzarella, pepperoni, and mushrooms.
5. Transfer to the pizza stone and cook for about 15 minutes, until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
6. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Caesar salad
• Drink: Red wine or soda

9. Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas

Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas are a delicious and easy-to-make camping meal. Packed with grilled veggies and melted cheese, these quesadillas are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner by the campfire. They’re also a great way to enjoy a vegetarian meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large tortillas
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill.
2. Toss bell pepper and zucchini slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill vegetables until tender.
4. Place tortillas on the grill and sprinkle with cheese.
5. Add grilled vegetables on top of cheese and fold tortillas in half.
6. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the tortillas are crispy and cheese is melted.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Guacamole or salsa
• Drink: Margarita or a cold beer

10. Dutch Oven Beef Stew

Dutch Oven Beef Stew is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for camping. With tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and a rich broth, this stew is cooked to perfection in a Dutch oven over the campfire. It’s the ultimate comfort food to enjoy after a day of outdoor adventures.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef stew meat
• 4 cups beef broth
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over the campfire.
2. Add olive oil and brown the beef stew meat.
3. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir to coat.
5. Pour in beef broth, then add potatoes and carrots.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Crusty bread
• Drink: Red wine or a hearty ale

11. Grilled Shrimp Tacos

Grilled Shrimp Tacos are a delightful and light meal that’s perfect for a summer camping trip. These tacos are filled with juicy, seasoned shrimp, fresh veggies, and a zesty lime crema. They’re quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, making them an ideal choice for a quick and delicious campfire dinner.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 lime, juiced

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill.
2. Toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
4. Warm tortillas on the grill.
5. Fill tortillas with grilled shrimp, cabbage, and tomatoes.
6. Mix sour cream with lime juice and drizzle over tacos.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Black beans or corn salad
• Drink: Mojito or cold beer

12. Campfire Mac and Cheese

Campfire Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy delight that’s easy to make at the campsite. This comfort food favorite is cooked in a Dutch oven over the fire, making it a perfect meal to enjoy while camping. With a blend of gooey cheeses and tender pasta, it’s sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the Dutch oven over the campfire.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
3. In the Dutch oven, melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
5. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked macaroni and mix well.
7. Season with salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Grilled hot dogs or sausages
• Drink: Lemonade or iced tea

13. Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burgers are a fantastic vegetarian option for your campfire cookout. The portobello mushrooms are marinated and grilled to perfection, creating a juicy and flavorful burger that’s both satisfying and delicious. Topped with your favorite burger fixings, these are sure to be a hit.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large portobello mushrooms
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 burger buns
• Lettuce, tomato, and cheese for toppings

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill.
2. In a bowl, mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Marinate portobello mushrooms in the mixture for at least 15 minutes.
4. Grill mushrooms for about 5 minutes per side.
5. Serve on burger buns with lettuce, tomato, and cheese.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Sweet potato fries or a side salad
• Drink: Iced tea or a cold beer

14. Campfire Stir-Fry

Campfire Stir-Fry is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for camping. Loaded with fresh vegetables and your choice of protein, this stir-fry is cooked in a single skillet over the campfire. It’s a healthy and delicious option that can be customized to suit your tastes.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken or beef, sliced thin
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup snap peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the skillet over the campfire.
2. Add sesame oil and cook garlic until fragrant.
3. Add chicken or beef and cook until browned.
4. Add vegetables and soy sauce, stirring until tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Steamed rice
• Drink: Green tea or cold beer

15. Sausage and Potato Hobo Packets

Sausage and Potato Hobo Packets are a hearty and easy meal perfect for the campfire. These packets are filled with savory sausage, tender potatoes, and flavorful seasonings, all wrapped up in foil and cooked to perfection. They’re a no-fuss meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 sausages, sliced
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat the campfire.
2. In a bowl, toss potatoes, onion, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Divide the mixture among foil sheets and add sausage slices.
4. Seal the foil packets tightly.
5. Place the packets on the campfire and cook for 40 minutes, turning occasionally.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side: Green beans or a simple salad
• Drink: Lemonade or a cold beer

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