Grab your tent, pack your bags, and get ready to hit the great outdoors! Before you hit the trails, however, make sure you have your camping food list for 3 days all planned out.
With a little bit of prep work at home, you can create satisfying meals that’ll keep you energized during your adventures.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered from quick and simple breakfasts to hearty dinners! So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of weekend camping meals.
| Meal/Day | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| Breakfast | At home | Oatmeal and Pancakes with Bacon or Sausage | Yogurt with Granola
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich |
| Lunch | Easy Prep Sandwiches
Trail Mix Fruit |
Tuna on Crackers
Fresh Fruit |
Instant Ramen with Veggies
Beef Jerky Trail Mix |
| Dinner | Chicken, Tomatoes, and Corn Foil Packet Meal
S’mores |
Grilled Sausages and Chili with Cornbread | At home |
Day 1: Arrival and First Meals
As you arrive at your campsite, you breathe in the fresh air and feel the warmth of the sun on your skin. You set up your tent and start to work up an appetite.
After a long journey, preparing a meal can be a bit daunting. Luckily, with some preparation beforehand, you can find yourself enjoying your meals without any fuss!
Lunch: Easy Prep Sandwiches
You can prepare your lunch before leaving home to avoid the hassle of cooking after you arrive at the campsite.
Having this tasty meal ready to go is unbeatable and allows you to fully embrace the beauty of the outdoors.
What You’ll Need:
- Bread (whole wheat, brioche, or whatever you prefer)
- Ham and cheese slices (vegetarian option: tomato and cucumber slices, mashed avocado, and hummus)
- Peanut butter and jelly (optional)
- Trail mix
- Fresh fruit (your preferred fruits)
How to Prepare:
To make a quick and easy lunch for your first day of camping, start by laying out bread slices on a clean surface. Then, add some ham and cheese slices on one side of the bread. If you prefer, you can put peanut butter and jelly on the other side.
For the vegetarian option, spread mashed avocado on one side of the bread, and hummus on the other. Layer the vegetable slices on top and sprinkle with a dash of sea salt for a more intense flavor.
Once done, you can slice your sandwiches into triangles or quarters. Then, you can pack them into resealable bags or separate containers, along with some trail mix and fresh fruit.
Dinner: Foil Packet Meal
Foil packet dinners are a delicious and exciting way to enjoy a meal while stargazing on your camping trip.
What You’ll Need:
- Boneless chicken breasts (cut into cubes)
- Halved grape tomatoes
- Corn kernels
- Thinly sliced garlic.
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Butter
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
How to Prepare:
To prepare this dish, heat up the grill to high. Next, cut four sheets of foil, around 12 inches long.
On each foil, place a quarter of the chicken, along with tomatoes, corn, and garlic. Then, fold the foil crosswise over the chicken, and seal the packet by folding the top and bottom edges.
Place the packets on the grill until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Once done, serve with fresh basil for added flavor.
While waiting for the foil packet to cook, you can roast some marshmallows over the campfire. Place the marshmallow between two pieces of graham crackers and serve after dinner.
Day 2: Fueling Up for Adventure
As you gear up for a day full of adventures, fuel your body with some hearty, mouthwatering meals! Here are three meals that’ll satisfy your appetite on day two:
Breakfast: Oatmeal and Pancakes with Bacon or Sausage
Start your day right with a delicious breakfast!
What You’ll Need:
- Instant oatmeal packets
- Hot water
- Fresh fruit (berries or your preferred fruit)
- Nuts
- Instant pancake mix
- Pre-cooked bacon or sausage
How to Prepare:
Boil water over a campfire or camping stove. Then, add the hot water to the oatmeal packets and stir until the oatmeal thickens. Add fresh fruits and nuts according to your preference.
Then, prepare the pancake mix according to the instructions. After which, you can cook the bacon or sausage.
Lunch: Tuna Salad on Crackers and Fresh Fruit
After a morning of exploring, it’s time to refuel with a satisfying lunch while on the trail:
What You’ll Need:
- Tuna chunks in water (drained)
- Relish
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Mayonnaise
- Crackers
- Fruit slices
How to Prepare:
Mix tuna, mayonnaise, and relish in a bowl. Transfer it to an airtight container. To bring the tuna salad on your way out, prepare it ahead of time and pack it in an insulated bag with an ice pack to keep it cool.
When it’s time to eat, simply take it out of the bag and give it a quick stir. Serve with crackers and fresh fruit for a refreshing and satisfying trailside meal.
Dinner: Grilled Sausage With Chili and Cornbread
Get ready for a burst of flavors with this sumptuous meal!
What You’ll Need:
- Sausages
- Vegetables (zucchini, bell pepper, mushrooms, or your preferred veggies)
- Red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers
- Pre-made chili
- Cornbread mix
How to Prepare:
First, preheat the grill or campfire. Cut the vegetables into small pieces, and thread the sausage and veggies into the skewers. Season with salt and pepper and cook for 10-15 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Prepare the chili and the cornbread mix according to the instructions on their packaging.
Day 3: Last Day, Simple and Easy
As your camping trip comes to an end, there’s nothing like ending it with some comfort food.
Breakfast: Yogurt With Granola and Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich
Start your last day right with a breakfast that’s both delicious and energizing!
What You’ll Need:
- Greek yogurt
- Granola
- Fresh berries
- Bread
- Peanut butter
- Banana
How to Prepare:
Start by spooning Greek yogurt into a bowl. Sprinkle some granola and fresh berries for extra texture and flavor.
Then, spread peanut butter over a slice of bread, and top it with sliced bananas. Top it with the other slice of bread.
Lunch: Instant Ramen with Veggies
As you wrap up your camping trip, why not indulge in this filling ramen recipe?
What You’ll Need:
- Instant ramen
- Water
- Vegetables (carrots, spinach, potatoes, or veggies of your choice)
- Hard-boiled eggs (peeled)
- Beef jerky
- Trail mix
How to Prepare:
Boil water over the campfire or camping stove. Cook the vegetables until they’re tender, then add the ramen noodles and flavor packets. Once it’s cooked, serve it with sliced eggs.
For a protein-packed snack, enjoy some beef jerky and trail mix.
Conclusion
Going on a camping trip is a perfect way to unwind and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Planning and preparing meals for camping can be a fun and rewarding experience.
Remember to pack enough food and bring the necessary cooking equipment you’ll need. Happy camping!
