Planning a camping trip is fun, but let’s be honest: figuring out cheap and easy meals can be a headache. You want delicious food that doesn’t require a gourmet kitchen or a massive budget. Forget the expensive, pre-packaged freeze-dried meals—you can eat great outdoors without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ve compiled over 30 budget-friendly camping meal ideas that are simple, require minimal gear, and are perfect for your next adventure. Let’s get cooking!
Easy & Cheap Camping Breakfast Ideas 🍳
Start your day of adventure with a filling and affordable breakfast.
1. Make-Ahead Breakfast Burritos
These are a camping game-changer. At home, scramble some eggs, cook sausage or bacon, and mix with cheese. Roll it all up in tortillas, wrap them individually in foil, and freeze. At the campsite, just toss the foil packets on the campfire grate until they’re hot.
- Budget Tip: Use leftover beans or potatoes from another meal to bulk them up for cheap.
2. Upgraded Instant Oatmeal
Instant oatmeal is a classic for a reason. It’s cheap, light, and easy.
- Budget Tip: Instead of buying individual packets, buy a large container of quick oats. Portion it into Ziploc bags at home and add your own brown sugar, cinnamon, and dried fruit. It’s much cheaper and you control the ingredients.
3. Campfire French Toast Sticks
A fun twist on a classic. Cut slices of bread into thirds (sticks). At the campsite, dip them in a pre-mixed egg and milk batter and fry them in a pan over the fire.
- Budget Tip: Day-old bread works perfectly for French toast, so use up any loaf that’s about to go stale.
4. Yogurt Parfaits in a Jar
A simple, no-cook option. Layer yogurt, granola, and your favorite fruit in a mason jar. It’s a refreshing way to start the day.
- Budget Tip: Use seasonal fruit as it’s often the cheapest and most flavorful option.
5. “Just-Add-Water” Pancakes
You can’t go wrong with pancakes. Buy a “just-add-water” pancake mix to save space and hassle. Pour the mix into a sealable bottle at home, and at the campsite, just add water, shake, and pour.
No-Cook Camping Lunch Ideas (Perfect for the Trail) 🥪
These lunches require zero cooking, making them perfect for a quick midday meal or for packing on a hike.
6. Budget Charcuterie
It sounds fancy, but it’s just crackers, cheese, and cured meat. It’s filling, requires no prep, and feels like a treat.
- Budget Tip: Buy a block of hard cheese (like cheddar) and a summer sausage instead of pre-sliced varieties, which cost more.
7. Hummus and Veggie Wraps
A healthy and refreshing option. Spread hummus on a tortilla and load it up with pre-chopped veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
- Budget Tip: Making your own hummus from canned chickpeas is incredibly cheap and easy.
8. Classic Peanut Butter & Jelly
This sandwich is the undefeated champion of cheap and easy meals. It’s portable, needs no refrigeration, and provides a great energy boost.
9. Tuna or Chicken Salad Pouches
Forget the can opener. Buy tuna or chicken in foil pouches. Mix with a little mayo and spread it on crackers or bread for a quick protein-packed lunch.
10. Hearty Three-Bean Salad
Another great make-ahead option. Before you leave, mix canned black beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas with a simple vinaigrette dressing. It tastes even better after a day or two.
Simple Campfire Dinner Recipes 🔥
There’s nothing better than a hot meal by the fire after a long day of exploring.
11. Hobo Dinner Foil Packets
This is a camping essential. At home, chop up potatoes, carrots, onions, and smoked sausage. Toss with a little oil and seasoning, then wrap it all in a heavy-duty foil packet. At the campsite, just place the packets in the campfire coals to cook.
- Budget Tip: There’s zero cleanup! Just toss the foil when you’re done.
12. Campfire Quesadillas
All you need are tortillas and shredded cheese. Place a tortilla in a greased pan, sprinkle with cheese (add canned beans or corn to make it more filling), top with another tortilla, and heat until golden brown on both sides.
13. Walking Tacos
A fun meal with minimal cleanup. Cook taco meat at home and reheat it at the campsite. Open a single-serving bag of corn chips, crush them slightly, and spoon the warm taco meat inside. Add your favorite toppings like cheese and salsa right into the bag.
14. Dutch Oven Chili
Chili is a perfect one-pot wonder. It’s hearty, delicious, and easy to make in a dutch oven over the fire.
- Budget Tip: Use ground turkey instead of beef and add lots of beans to stretch the meat and make the meal go further.
15. Campfire Hot Dogs & Beans
It’s a classic for a reason. It’s one of the cheapest and easiest hot meals you can make. Roast the hot dogs over the fire and heat up a can of beans in a pot. Dinner is served in minutes.
Bonus: Budget-Friendly Snacks & Desserts 🍫
16. The Perfect S’mores
It wouldn’t be camping without s’mores. You just need graham crackers, marshmallows, and a chocolate bar.
- Budget Tip: Store-brand ingredients work just as well as the name brands for a fraction of the price.
17. Campfire Banana Boats
Slice a banana lengthwise (keeping it in the peel), stuff it with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows, wrap it in foil, and heat it in the campfire coals until everything is gooey and melted.
A Quick Note on Essential Gear
While many of these recipes are perfect for a classic campfire, the real secret to stress-free outdoor cooking is having a reliable portable stove. For those quick morning coffees, rainy-day lunches, or at campsites with fire restrictions, a simple propane camping stove is a lifesaver. It gives you control over the heat and makes cooking many of these simple meals, like pancakes and quesadillas, even faster.
If you’re looking to make your camp kitchen more efficient, a compact single-burner stove is one of the best investments you can make. There are many affordable and highly-rated options available on Amazon that are perfect for budget-conscious campers. It’s a piece of gear you’ll be thankful for on every single trip.
Tips for Saving Money on Camping Food
- Plan Every Meal: Make a detailed meal plan before you go. This prevents over-buying and impulse purchases.
- Prep at Home: Chop all your veggies, mix your spices, and portion out ingredients at home. This saves time at the campsite and prevents food waste.
- Avoid “Camping” Food: Items marketed specifically for camping are often overpriced. You can use ingredients from your regular grocery store.
- Freeze Your Water: Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs in your cooler. As they melt, you’ll have cold water to drink.
With a little planning, you can enjoy amazing food on your camping trip without stressing about your budget.
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Conclusion
We hope these ideas help you eat well and save money on your next adventure! What’s your go-to cheap camping meal? Share it in the comments below.
For more guides on smart saving, budgeting, and living an amazing life on a budget, be sure to explore more of our articles at https://eliteonabudget.com/.