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Going camping might involve the whole family in a long day of hiking for easy camping lunch ideas. This involves road trips that may only be pleasing to some as a great idea.
What Lunch Can Make Camping Fun?
There is a great way you can make this easy and fun. Take, for instance, preparing fresh fruit, a delicious meal, mozzarella cheese, and tortilla chips.
1. Black Bean and Corn Salad
Black Bean and Corn Salad is the best thing to take as a tremendous plant-based lunch idea. Drain a can of black beans and mix it with fresh grilled corn or thawed frozen corn, diced red bell pepper, quartered cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
Make a quick lime vinaigrette using olive oil, lime juice, and salt, and toss everything together. This is also excellent for easy camping meals like steak, tacos, or grilled fish.
2. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa is a healthy whole grain loaded with protein–an excellent base for a healthy and filling salad! Cook quinoa at home (here's a recipe if you're unfamiliar) and mix it with chopped veggies such as tomatoes, lightly sauteed zucchini, thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers, fresh parsley, or chopped kalamata olives, and toss with lemony vinaigrette.
This salad is cold and even better with crumbled feta or freshly grated parmesan cheese for a hot summer day!
3. Chicken Salad Wraps
Making chicken salad wraps is super easy! First, shred or dice cooked chicken and mix it with mayo, celery, and chopped onion. Add a touch of salt and pepper to taste, and if you like, toss in extras like grapes or nuts.
Then, spread your chicken salad onto tortillas or wraps and layer on lettuce or tomato. Roll them up, and there you have it–a delicious chicken salad wrap!
READ ALSO: Best Camping Outdoor Activities for Kids and Adults
4. Make Ahead Pasta Salad
This is a quick and zero-fuss lunch recipe since you can assemble this pasta salad at home before your trip. Boil & drain pasta and let it cool before tossing it in Italian dressing.
Add chopped bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, black olives, and fresh mozzarella balls. Add some cooked, chopped chicken, a can of tuna, or chopped salami for extra protein. For a kick, add sliced pepperoncini peppers.
5. Ramen Noodle Salad
To make a refreshing noodle salad, cook and cool a package of ramen noodles (skip the flavor packet). Chop veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and cabbage to add to the noodles, and dress it with a sesame dressing (make your own using toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of soy sauce). Top it off with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro!
6. Grilled Peaches
Nothing beats a ripe, sticky-sweet peach; while you can bite right in, cooking with peaches is a killer. One of our favorite ways for camp cooking?
Grilling them, thereafter drizzling them with honey, olive oil, as well as sea salt. Add freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to take them OTT.
7. Grilled Beer Brats
Getting perfectly charred brats topped with flavor-packed caramelized onions and ground beef with peppers takes almost zero cooking skills.
First, the brats get burnished on the grill, then finish in a simmering beer bath with the veg. Use beer you love drinking, but not IPAs (India Pale Ales), which are basically brewed to be hoppy (i.e., bitter).
8. Best Baked Beans
Regarding year-round American cuisine, baked beans could be considered one of the most classic side dishes for the taste buds. They are sweet, tangy, savory, and, the best part, surprisingly easy to make.
Not to mention, they're a one-pot wonder! Throw that one batch feeds a small crowd and that most cooking is done unattended in the oven. You have a winning dish that will be a staple for all your family gatherings for years to come.
9. Gnocchi Foil Packets
Gnocchi foil packets trap in steam from the wine and juices from the tomato as well as corn while everything grills, which turns out to cook the gnocchi to tender while infusing the pasta with all the available flavors of the dish.
Bonus: A few of the meal browns a bit on the bottom right before cooking is done, adding extra flavor.
10. Best-Ever S'mores
Ah, s'mores: three simple ingredients working hand in hand to make something more delicious than the sum of its parts. Irrespective if you keep it to the classic three ingredients, or experiment with fun toppings likes of caramel or sliced fruit, this straightforward dessert never disappoints.
11. Honey Mustard Chicken, Tomato & Zucchini Foil Packs
Smothered in sweet honey mustard sauce, these chicken breasts are perfectly grilled, remaining super-tender and juicy by cooking inside foil packets. Honey mustard sauce can be as easy as just two ingredients; however, we amped it up for flavor and cooked it small to thicken the sauce so it stays on top of the chicken, creating almost a glaze.
A duo of mustards is a must for the flavor—grainy mustard is milder with a pop of texture. At the same time, Dijon adds a burst of that signature mustard intensity.
12. Campfire Rice Krispies Treats
Rice Krispies Treats always stay in style, and this toasted version is one of our new favorite ways to eat them. They'll need a minute or two over the open fire to get your treats nice and charred.
Ensure they are tightly packed into the baking dish before cutting; this will help keep them secure on your skewer while roasting. Using a double-pronged skewer helps, too!
13. Grilled Pizza
Here's our #1 tip for success: Prep everything you need before grilling your pizzas. The grilling part goes fast. We're talking 4 minutes tops, so don't wait to slice your tomatoes until the pizza is on the grill.
Have everything ready and near you so that as soon as you flip the pizza crust, you can start topping and pull your pizza off the grill as soon as it's done.
14. Chicago-Style Hot Dogs 
Hot dogs are a classic car camping meal that is fun for kids and adults. Stick with the standard ketchup, mustard, and relish combo, or try one of these creative flavor combos:
Buffalo Style: Wing sauce mixed with mayo + blue cheese crumbles or bleu cheese dressing + sliced green onions with sour cream as your favorite toppings.
Nacho Dogs: Jalapenos + pickled red onions + cheddar cheese + salsa + jalapeno chips + cilantro
Chili Dog: Chili + cheddar cheese + diced white onions + sliced green onions
Reuben Dog: Sauerkraut + Swiss cheese + Thousand Island Dressing
Elote Dog: Grilled corn + mayo + cotija cheese + cilantro + lime + chile
Hawaiian Dog: Grilled pineapple + teriyaki sauce mixed with mayo + grilled red onions + Hawaiian roll
15. Grilled Veggies
Bring a variety of veggies like peppers, red onion, zucchini, olive oil, deli meat, and seasoning. To make this super easy, grill the veggies over your campfire the night before as great dinner ideas and store them in sealed containers in your cooler.
Then, everything is ready to go when lunchtime rolls around! Grilled veggies are great on their own or with hummus, used as a wrap or sandwich filling, chopped up and added to pasta, or served as a side dish with grilled meat.
16. Caesar Wrap
Whipping up a Caesar wrap is easy, while camping is simple and delicious! This recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover grilled chicken. Mix chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and cooked chicken in a bowl.
Lay out a tortilla, spoon the Caesar salad mix onto it, and wrap it up tightly, tucking in the sides. We like to serve this with extra Caesar dressing on the side for dipping.
17. BLT Sandwich
Making BLTs while camping is simple but can feel like a special treat! Cook bacon slices over your campfire or camp stove until crispy, then set them aside on a paper towel (do this at breakfast to save time at lunch!).
If you want, toast your bread lightly over the fire or stove using a grill grate, and spread some mayo on each slice. Next, stack on bacon, lettuce, and tomato, and finally, sandwich it all together. Add in some avocado to make it a BL(A)T.
18. Meatball Subs
This is a camping recipe that SEEMS more complicated than it is! Buy a bag of frozen pre-cooked meatballs and pack them in your cooler. Heat them in a saucepan at camp with your favorite jar of marinara sauce.
Line the inside of a hoagie roll with provolone cheese, then spoon in the hot meatballs and some spice. Optional toppings include olives, sliced onions, or fresh basil.
19 Grilled Baked Potatoes
Sure, a baked potato in the oven is great, but have you tried them on the grill? Use this method for your backyard grill or even when you're out camping. The potatoes cook up just as fluffy as they do in the oven but have the bonus of smoky flavor.
20. Frito Pie
Initially created in Mexico but popularized in the American Southwest, Frito pies (not actual pies) are comfort food perfection.
Picture this: a freshly opened bag of Fritos smothered in spicy beef chili, cheddar cheese, and some bright, crunchy onions and jalapeños. It's best eaten directly out of the bag.
21. Chili
Chili is one of those classic camping lunch recipes that can be as simple or elaborate as you'd like. Need something fast? Please bring along a can of your favorite chili and heat it! Or, make your own from scratch by sautéeing diced onions, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
Add your choice of ground meat or meat substitute to brown, and then mix in chili powder, cumin, and paprika for that classic chili flavor. Toss in a can of diced tomatoes and drained cans of beans (like kidney and black beans), and stir it all together, simmering for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Grab a spoon and dig into your delicious campfire chili, maybe with a side of cornbread or a sprinkle of cheese!
22. Tuna Salad
Making tuna salad in a mason jar while camping is easy and oh-so-tasty! First, open a can or pouch of tuna, drain it, and put it into a bowl. Mix it with some mayo or Greek yogurt for a healthy twist.
Toss in diced celery and onion for a nice crunch, and season with salt and pepper. Are you feeling adventurous? Add fun extras like chopped pickles or relish, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of hot sauce. Mix it up and enjoy it as a sandwich on bread, in pita pockets, on top of crackers, or a bed of lettuce for breakfast salad.
23. Buffalo Cauliflower Kebabs
These Buffalo cauliflower kebabs put all your favorite flavors from classic Buffalo wings onto skewers—and they're vegetarian to boot! Glaze the kebabs with more buffalo sauce, grill until the cauliflower is tender, then drizzle with blue cheese dressing for less time cooking.
24. Turkey And Avocado Wraps
Turkey and avocado wraps are a healthy and easy meal option! Start by laying out a tortilla and spreading a thin layer of mayo or mustard. Layer on slices of turkey, then add a few slices of avocado (or pre-made guacamole).
Add lettuce, tomato, and sliced cheese, and sprinkle on some salt and pepper. Roll up the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go, and cut it in half.
25. Oreo Cookie Skillet
This beyond-simple campfire cooking is like survival food, but make it Delish. Don't wait until the center turns golden—the rest will burn before it does! Plus, the top will continue to firm up as it cools. Serve it warm, scooped into bowls, and topped with your ice cream of choice.
READ ALSO: Albion River Campground - Ideal for Camping in California
26. Apple And Cheddar Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese with apple slices is excellent for various flavors and adds a fun twist! Butter one side of each bread slice, layer cheddar cheese, and thin apple slices in between, with buttered sides facing out.
Heat a skillet or griddle over your campfire or stove on medium-low heat. Gently place the sandwich in the pan, cooking until the bread is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.
When the cheese is melted and both sides are crispy, your sweet and savory sandwich is ready to savor!
No - Cook Camping Lunch Ideas
If you need lunch FAST, here are some simple camping meal ideas that don't require prep or cooking!
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- Cold cuts and cheese with crackers
- Trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Sliced apple and nut butter sandwiches
- Bagels with cream cheese and sliced tomatoes
- Crossoints with sliced ham and cheese
- Hummus and veggies or pita chips
- English muffin "pizzas" with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni
- Canned tuna mixed with mayo on crackers
- Peanut butter, banana, and honey sandwiches
- Avocado halves stuffed with tuna salad
- Apple slices with peanut butter
- Veggies and dip
Bottom Line
Packing a delicious and satisfying lunch for your next camping trip doesn't have to be a daunting task. With some planning and creativity, you can whip up easy camping recipes to keep you fueled for all your outdoor activities.
There are many options, from sandwiches and wraps to foil packet meals, kebabs, and pie iron treats. Remember the convenience of pre-cooked meals and snacks for those days you're on the go. With these best camping recipes in your arsenal, you'll be ready for your next adventure.
Remember to cook meals that will last a little bit. Hearty breakfasts. Remember, a healthy lunch; make a delicious lunch. Visit any nearest local grocery store for a great option of family favorites. In addition, you can get a cast iron skillet, a Dutch oven, slices of bread, a camping stove, a sleeping bag (or sleeping pad), a plastic bag, and some feta cheese!
So what are you waiting for? Start planning your menu and get set to enjoy some delicious food on your next camping trip!