5 Easy Summer Camping Recipes to Try This Season

As the summer season approaches, many of us are looking forward to enjoying the great outdoors, from the serene sights of nature to the crisp cool evenings by the campfire. One of the greatest joys of camping is preparing and enjoying delicious meals with your camping companions. Whether you're car camping with all the amenities or embracing the minimalism of backpacking, these five easy summer camping recipes are designed to enhance your outdoor culinary experience with minimal effort.

1. One-Pot Veggie Pasta Delight

When camping, simplicity is key, and this one-pot veggie pasta recipe is perfect for that. It requires only one pot, which means less cleanup, more time to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

• Ingredients:
  • 200g pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli)
  • Assorted vegetables (e.g., zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, cherry tomatoes)
  • 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • Parmesan cheese for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Directions:
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over the campfire or stove. Add the garlic and cook until aromatic.
  2. Add vegetables, starting with those that need more cooking time like zucchini. Stir occasionally.
  3. When vegetables are slightly tender, pour in the pasta and vegetable broth, adding water if needed to cover pasta. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer until the pasta is cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

2. Foil Packet Chicken Fajitas

Creating a flavorful dinner like fajitas in the wilderness has never been easier with these foil packet chicken fajitas. This recipe is perfect for those who love customizable meals where everyone can add their favorite toppings.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken breasts, sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (sliced)
  • 1 onion (sliced)
  • 1 packet of fajita seasoning mix
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, cheese, avocado
• Directions:
  1. Prepare your campfire or heat your portable grill. Cut four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  2. In a bowl, mix chicken, bell peppers, onions, fajita seasoning, lime juice, and olive oil.
  3. Divide the mixture evenly among the foil pieces. Fold the foil over the ingredients, sealing edges tightly to form packets.
  4. Place packets on the grill or in the coals of your campfire. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
  5. Open packets carefully and serve with your favorite toppings.

🔥 Note: Be cautious when opening the foil packets, as steam can burn. Use oven mitts or tongs.

3. Grilled Veggie and Feta Skewers

These skewers are a delightful side or main dish that’s easy to prep at home and grill onsite. The combination of charred vegetables with the saltiness of feta makes for a mouthwatering meal.

• Ingredients:
  • Variety of vegetables (e.g., cherry tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers)
  • Feta cheese, cubed
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh herbs (oregano, basil, or thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Directions:
  1. Preheat the grill or prepare the campfire for high heat.
  2. Thread vegetables and feta alternately onto the skewers.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper.
  4. Grill the skewers, turning frequently, until vegetables are tender and slightly charred (about 10-15 minutes).

4. Campfire S’mores Nachos

Who said s’mores have to be traditional? Transform this camping dessert classic into nachos, making it easier for groups and more fun for everyone involved.

• Ingredients:
  • Graham crackers, broken into pieces
  • Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Optional: crushed nuts, banana slices
• Directions:
  1. Layer graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows in a disposable pie tin or an aluminum foil tray.
  2. Place the tray near the fire (not directly in the flames) to let the chocolate melt and marshmallows toast. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  3. Once toasted to your liking, remove from heat and enjoy directly or with additional toppings.

5. Campfire Pies

Finish your day with a sweet treat that’s easy to assemble and cooks directly over the campfire. Campfire pies allow you to get creative with the filling, from fruit to chocolate.

• Ingredients:
  • Bread slices (white or cinnamon swirl)
  • Fillings of choice (e.g., fruit pie filling, Nutella, peanut butter, bananas)
  • Butter or cooking spray
• Directions:
  1. Prepare your campfire so you have hot coals. Butter one side of each bread slice or use cooking spray.
  2. Place one slice (butter side down) in a pie iron, add your filling, then top with the second slice (butter side up).
  3. Close the pie iron and cook over the coals, turning occasionally, until bread is toasted and filling is heated through (about 5-10 minutes).
  4. Carefully open the pie iron and cool slightly before serving.

In conclusion, these five easy summer camping recipes are perfect for any outdoor adventure, providing you with flavorful, simple meals that won’t detract from the natural beauty and relaxation of your camping trip. With minimal equipment and ingredients, you can impress your fellow campers with these delightful dishes. Remember, the key to successful camp cooking is preparation, simplicity, and embracing the rustic nature of the cuisine. Enjoy your time in the wilderness, savoring both the food and the memories created.

What are the best foods to bring on a camping trip?

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Ideal foods for camping include non-perishable items like dried fruits, nuts, pasta, canned goods, and snacks like jerky and granola bars. Fresh foods should be kept cold with ice packs.

How do you cook on a campfire?

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You can cook over a campfire by:

• Using a grill grate placed over the fire.
• Hanging pots over the fire on a tripod or grill.
• Burying food in coals for even heat distribution.
• Utilizing aluminum foil for indirect cooking.

Can I prepare these recipes ahead of time?

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Yes, many of these recipes can be prepped at home, like:

• Pre-cut vegetables and store them in containers or zip-lock bags.
• Mix marinades or seasonings and pack with ingredients.
• Assemble campfire pies or s’mores nachos before heading out, keeping marshmallows and chocolate cool.