Two of the most important elements when camping are safety and convenience. Staying safe is important when you're out of your element in the great outdoors, and this pertains to your food as well. And if you can make your food both safe and easy to prepare, it will make your camping experience more enjoyable. The best camping foods are those that are easy to cook and reduce your risk of obtaining a food-borne illness.
Quick, Easy Fixes
Setting up your tent, going for a hike or other classic camping activities can leave you hungry and ready for a quick meal. Bringing food along that's easy to prepare quickly can help satisfy your hunger after a long day of camping. Hot dogs roasted on skewers are one of the most classic camping foods, and they cook up in just minutes. You can also try frying a hamburger in a pan over the campfire or using a cooking stove to do the same. Roasted marshmallows are another classic food that screams camping and cook faster than you think. Add graham crackers and a piece of chocolate and you've got the most celebrated camping dessert: s'mores.
Non-Perishables
One of the keys to keeping your camping food safe is to bring non-perishable foods. Anything in a sealed can will work and can be heated up quickly over a campfire or camp stove. Try a can of chili or some dried soup that requires only water and heat to prepare. Powdered pancake mix can make a great breakfast and travels well in a sealed bag. For drinks, try boxed juices or cans of soda and other similar individual servings you won't have to put on ice in order to keep fresh.
Pre-Prepared Food
Another efficient option when camping is to make your food at home, pop it in the cooler and heat it up over the campfire. Foil dinners are an excellent example of pre-prepared food that tastes great at the end of a long day on the lake or hiking and exploring. To prepare a foil dinner, put your favorite cut of meat, such as a chicken breast, pork chop or even ground beef patty, on a large sheet of aluminum foil. Add your favorite veggies, such as potatoes, carrots, onions and mushrooms, along with a small slab of butter to keep everything moist as it cooks. Put your foil dinner over hot coals for 20 minutes to 40 minutes, depending on the amount of food, and you're ready to eat.
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